Birding February 28 - March 18, 2016 With Chris Leahy

A Paradise for Birders, Colombia contains the greatest number of of any country in the world with well over 1900 species. The diverse topography includes three Andean Cordilleras, two inter-Andean valleys, the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers, the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, and the Chocó biogeographical region. We will explore a rich diversity of habitats: high altitude paramo, cloud , dry scrubland, and tropical lowland forest. All of which add up to a magical birding experience in a safe, yet not overdeveloped country with friendly people and good accommodations.

The trip is divided into 2 parts, which may be taken separately or together for the full birding in Colombia experience!

Black-fronted Wood Quail. Photo: Pablo Florez

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY PART I:

EASTERN , SANTA MARTA MOUNTAINS, AND THE CARIBBEAN

Day 1, February 28: Arrive in Bogota at El Dorado International Airport After meeting our guides, we’ll transfer in our microbus to Hotel Casona del Patio. Depending on arrival times, we will either have an orientation dinner or orientation will occur the next day at breakfast. (D) Overnight at Hotel Casona del Patio (or similar).

Day 2, February 29: Chicaque Reserve and Jardin Encantado Feeders After an efficient continental breakfast at 5:00 am, we’ll depart at 5:30 for a 1 hour drive to Chicaque cloud forest reserve at 7,800 ft. where such as Glowing and Collared Inca will already be visiting the feeders. After birding around the Arboloco restaurant, we’ll enjoy a “real” breakfast before heading down the mountain for a full morning’s birding, looking for Flame-faced, Beryl- spangled, Rufus-crested , Scarlet-bellied and Grass-green Mountain as well as Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Black Inca (Endemic), , Moustached Brush-Finch, Pluscap Finch, Golden-fronted Whitestar, Rufus-browed, White capped, and Blue-backed Conebills, and Black-backed Grossbeak.

We will head to the excellent Chicaque Arboloco restaurant for lunch, after which we’ll head west to Jardin Encantado (the Enchanted Garden!) at San Francisco on the western slope of the eastern Andean range. The private home has more than 30 feeders, which attract a blizzard of 200-300 at a time. Out of the 23 recorded species of hummers, we will look for Ruby Topaz, Gorgeted Woodstar, Red-billed Emerald, Steely Vented , and Indigo-capped hummingbird (E).

We will return to Bogota for dinner. (B,L,D) Overnight at Hotel Casona del Patio (or similar).

Black Inca. Photo Pablo Florez Day 3, March 1: Florida Wetland and Birding at Flamencos Sanctuary We will start early this morning with a packed breakfast and head to the La Florida wetlands. This small reedy marsh near the Bogota airport is one of the few high altitude wetlands that have survived development.

Avian inhabitants of special interest here include: Apolinar´s Wren (E), Silver- throated Spinetail (E), Bogota Rail (E), Rufous-browed Conebill (NearE), and Subtropical Doradito. At mid-morning we’ll fly from the cool highlands of Bogota to the warm and humid Ríohacha at sea level. (Luggage Restrictions: Limit is 20Kg, plus a 5KG hand luggage.)

After check-in and lunch at the Hotel Barbacoa, we’ll head for the Flamencos Sanctuary and spend the rest of the afternoon birding the arid coastal scrub for species such as Vermillion Cardinal, Chestnut Piculet, White-whiskered Spinetail, American Flamingo, Scarlet Ibis, Tocuyo Sparrow, Rufous-vented

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org , Yellow Oriole, Orinocan Saltator, and many others. (B,L,D) Overnight at Hotel Barbacoa- Rio Hacha, a comfortable hotel in Ríohacha City.

Day 4, March 2: Guajira Península (Flamencos Sanctuary) & El Dorado Lodge We’ll take a picnic breakfast with us as we return for a full morning birding at the richly rewarding Flamencos Sanctuary. We will keep busy looking for Blue-crowned Parakeet, Green-rumped parrotlet, Bicoloured Wren, Buffy and Shining Green Hummingbird, Double-striped Thick-knee, Bare-eyed Pigeon, Crested Bobwhite, Russet-throated Puffbird, and Pale-legged Hornero.

Then we’ll begin the 4.5 hour afternoon drive along the coast toward Santa Marta/El Dorado. Along the way we will stop for lunch and bird the excellent habitat along this forested roads looking for species such as, Blossomcrown (E), Rusty-headed Spinetail (E), White-tailed Starfrontlet (E), Streak-capped Spinetail (NE), White-lored Warbler (E), Santa Marta Brush-finch (E),White-tipped Quetzal (NE), Yellow-billed Toucanet (NE), Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, (E), Gray-throated Leaftosser, Coopery Emerald, Golden- breasted Fruiteater (NE), Santa Marta Tapaculo (E), Band-tailed (NE), Black-hooded Thrush, Black-headed , and Rusty-breasted Antpitta. (B,L,D) Overnight at El Dorado Lodge.

Day 5, March 3: El Dorado Lodge We will have a relaxing day birding near our lodge and enjoying the fantastic feeders around our cabins.

Some special birds to keep us busy: Black-fronted Wood Quail, Santa Marta Antpitta (E), White-tailed Starfrontle (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), Santa Marta Woodstar (E), Lazuline Sabrewing, White-lored Warbler (E), Santa Marta and Sierra Nevada Brush Finchs (E), and Blue.naped Chlorophonia. (B,L,D) Overnight at El Dorado Lodge.

Day 6, March 4: Dorado San Lorenzo Ridge & El Dorado Bird Reserve (Santa Marta) After breakfast we’ll head for the highest part of El Dorado Bird Reserve dressed for the high altitude chill. In the morning we’ll focus on the endemics and other specialties that are found only at the top of the road (8300 ft). Then we’ll return to the lodge for lunch and bird the lower parts of the reserve in the afternoon.

Birds we may see today include Santa Marta Parakeet (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), Santa Marta (SM) Bush-Tyrant (E), Brown-rumped Tapaculo (E), SM Antpitta (E), the newly discovered Santa Marta Screech Owl (E), SM Rufous Antpitta (E), SM Mountain-tanager (E), Yellow-crowned Whitestart (E), SM Warbler (E) and many others of “high quality” such as Andean Condor and Solitary Eagle. (B,L,D). Overnight at El Dorado Lodge.

Day 7, March 5: Birding in Minca After an early breakfast at Dorado Lodge, we’ll spend the morning looking for bird species we may have missed, while on our way to the town of Minca.

Some birds to look for today include (E), SM Foliage-gleaner (E), Golden- winged Sparrow, Scaled Piculet, Keel-billed , Collared , Sooty-capped Hermit, Venezuelan Tyrannulet, Military Macaw, Royal Flycatcher, Black-chested Jay (NE), Rufous-breasted Wren, Rufous-and-white Wren, Golden-fronted Greenlet (NE), Rosy Thrush-tanager, and Thick-billed Seed Finch. (B,L,D) Overnight at Sierra Sound Lodge, Minca.

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org Day 8, March 6: Tayrona National Park and back to Bogota We will depart from Sierra Sound Lodge after breakfast and drive to Tayrona National Park with hopes of finding the likes of Blue-billed (E), White-bellied Antbird, White-necked Puffbird, Lance-tailed Manakin, Black-backed Antshrike, Common Black Hawk, and Military Macaws. We are also likely to encounter some special tropical mammals today, including Cotton-Top Tamarin, Capuchin Monkey, Red- howler Monkey, Agoutis, and Tamandua (anteater).

We will try to leave time for a swim at a beautiful beach with good snorkeling, and enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant. In the afternoon we will drive about 1 hour to the airport for our direct flight from Santa Marta to Bogota. Dinner at one of Bogota’s many excellent restaurants. (B,L,D) Overnight at Hotel Casona del Patio.

Day 9, March 7: Chingaza National Park (Paramo) and Guasca There will be an early start to the day (we will bring both a picnic breakfast and lunch) as we drive to Chingaza National Park and the high paramo zone above tree line at 10,500 ft. This is the home to many special birds and we will spend the whole morning seeking out Green-bearded Helmetcrest (E), Bronze-tailed Thornbill (NE), Coppery-bellied Puffleg (NE), Blue-throated Starfrontlet (NE), Mattoral Tapaculo (E) and Rufous-browed Conebill (NE). We’ll also hope to see several spectacular Mountain Tanagers such as Golden-crowned, Black-chested, Scarlet-bellied, White capped and Buff-breasted. Golden-crowned Tanager. Photo: Pablo Florez Other great highland birds are Brown-breasted Parakeet (E), Andean Pygmy Owl, Ocellated Tapaculo, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Black-collared Jay, Plush-capped Finch, Rufous Antpittta, and Black headed Hemispingus. In the afternoon we’ll descend and search for Bogota Rail (E), Spot-flanked Gallinule, and Noble Snipe near Guasca, and then return to Bogota.

We will have a group dinner and say farewell to those who will not continue on for Part II. They will be transferred to the airport for evening flights. Those who have chosen to continue will overnight at Hotel Casona del Patio. (B,L,D)

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY PART 2:

MAGDALENA AND CAUCA VALLEYS, CENTRAL AND WESTERN ANDES

Day 10, March 8: Part II Bogota to Medellin The remaining Part I group will catch a flight to the International Airport in Medellin after breakfast. There we’ll meet our driver and transfer to our hotel.

During the day we will meet new arrivals for Part II of our trip. As this is a travel / arrival / orientation day, we will have just one optional activity planned. The group will have the chance to spend 3 hours birding today in Reserva La Romera. This forest reserve is located in the town of Sabaneta (close to Medellin), which is situated in Valle de Aburra, a lush pre-montane/montane ecosystem. On this reserve our main avian objectives will be the Red-bellied Grackle (E) and the special Yellow-headed Manakin. Other cool birds may be Stiles Tapaculo (E), Colombian Chachalaca (E), Sickle-winged Guan, Metallic- green Tanager, and Greenish Puffleg.

Our full group will gather in the evening for a welcome dinner. (D) Overnight at Hotel Egina.

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org Days 11 - 12, March 9 & 10: Refugio Rio Claro (1300-4000 ft.) Early departure as we travel 1.5 hours northeast to La Pinuela (3000 ft.) where we’ll encounter species such as Beautiful (E), White-mantled Barbet (E), Colombian Chachalaca (E), Bar-crested Antshike (E), Spectacled Parrotlet, Pacific Antwren, Sooty-head Wren and some nice tanagers like Scrub, Plain Colored, Blue-necked and Saffron-crowned.

We’ll enjoy our breakfast at the Palacio de los Frijoles restaurant while watching the feeders.

After breakfast we will continue our drive another 1.5 hours to Refugio Rio Claro, a stunning river-carved marble canyon in the Jungle of the Magdalena Valley (endemic area). During the next day and a half we will have ample time to bird and explore the many trails of this lowland private reserve. (B, L, D) Two (2) Overnights Refugio Rio Claro.

Special birds of the Rio Claro include: Sooty Ant-Tanager (E), White-mantled Barbet (E), Magdalena Antbird (split from Dull-mantled), Beautiful Woodpecker (E), Antioquia Bristle-tyrant (E), Grey-cheeked Nunlet, Blue Cotinga, Bare-crowned Antbird, Olivaceous Flatbill, Channel-billed Toucan, Barred Puffbird, Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo, Scarlet-browed Tanager, Saffron-headed Parrot (NE), Southern Bentbill, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Rufous Mourner, Black-faced Antthrush, and Striped, Blue-crowned, White-bearded and Golden-headed Manakins!

Day 13, March 11: Rio Claro to Jardin After an early breakfast we start a full day (6 hours) of travel to Jardin, a perfect home-base for the next couple of days. Jardin is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Colombia, and we’ll split this long drive with two birding stops and lunch on the Cauca River Valley in search of the Apical Flycatcher (E), Grayish Piculet (E), and the newly discovered Antioquia Wren (E).

After lunch (at a typical Colombian restaurant) we’ll continue our drive to Jardin, arriving at the perfect time to visit a Cock-of-Rock lek. Here, if we are lucky, it is possible to watch 4-10 males displaying at very close range. A spectacular sight! (B, L, D) Overnight at Hacienda Balandu.

Andean Cock of the Rock. Photo: Pablo Florez

Day 14, March 12: Jardin/Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve (8300-9600 ft) After early coffee, we’ll transfer to 4x4 vehicles and ascend to just above 9000 ft until we reach the Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve. We’ll break for our packed breakfast and lunches, and then continue exploring this mountainous region before we return to Hacienda Balandu for a delicious dinner. We’ll enjoy superb birding in this altitude zone and have a good chance of finding one of the area’s very special birds, the critically endangered Yellow-eared Parrot (E). Other prized species here include Chestnut- crested Cotinga, Munchique Wood Wren (E), Red-bellied Grackle, Tanager Finch, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Golden-fronted Whitestart, Barred Fruiteater, Citrine Warbler, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, Mountain Cacique, and Golden-rumped Euphonia. We will have also a good selection tanagers including White-capped, Red-hooded, Golden-crow, Grass-green, Buff-brested, Lachrymose, and Hooded Mountain Tanagers.

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org Our day also includes a visit to some great feeders where we will see jewels like Sword-billed Hummingbird, Collared Inca, Mountain Velvet-breast, and White-bellied Woodstar. (B,L,D) Overnight at Hacienda Balandu.

Day 15, March 13: Jardin to Las Tangaras Reserve Today we will travel to Las Tangaras Lodge to have an early lunch before we start our birding here. Las Tangaras is a huge reserve owned by Fundacion Proaves (Bird conservation NGO). This site can produce some really impressive birding, with 12 endemics and more than 35 semi-endemics. Regarded by many to be one of the very best birding sites in all of Colombia, it is a paradise for tanagers and hummingbirds! (B,L,D) Overnight at Las Tangaras Lodge. Golden-ringed Tanager: Photo Pablo Florez

Day 16, March 14: Las Tangaras Reserve, elevation ( 4500-5400 ft) After an early breakfast we will drive to the exquisite Choco cloud forest where many wonderful birds await us. Possibilities include two difficult Bangsia species, Gold-ringed (E) and Black-and-gold Tanagers (E), plus Crested Ant Tanager (E), Purplish-mantled, Glistening-green, Lemon-spectacled, Rufous-throated, Metallic-green, Silver-throated, Flame-faced, and Flame-rumped Tanagers, and Yellow- throated and Yellow-green Bush Tanager. . Other superb birds seen at the site include Black Solitaire, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Fulvous-dotted Treerunner, Choco Vireo, Clound forest Pygmy Owl,Toucan Barbet, Bicoloured Antvireo, Yellow- breasted Antpitta, Solitary Eagle, Ornate and Black Hawk-Eagles, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, Yellow- breasted Antwren, White-headed Wren, Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Olivaceous Piha, Olive Finch, Uniform Treehunter, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-collared and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias.

At the impressive feeders inside the forest we’ll look for Hummingbirds, including the colorful Empress Brilliant, White- tailed Hillstar, Brown Inca, Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, Purple-bibbed Whitetip and Purple-throated Woodstar. Las Tangaras Reserve is also home to Nariño, Choco and the newly discovered Alto Pisones Tapaculo (E)! (B,L,D) Sword-billed Hummingbird. Photo: Pablo Florez Overnight at Las Tangaras Lodge.

Day 17, March 15: Las Tangaras Reserve to Manizales We will have an early breakfast at the lodge and a full morning to look for “missing” species. After lunch, we will travel 4 to 5 hours to Manizales city. (B,L,D) Dinner and Overnight at Hotel Recinto del Pensamiento (a nice country hotel with feeders).

Day 18, March 16: Rio Blanco Today we’ll begin our exploration of Rio Blanco, an undeveloped cloud forest nature reserve, where 362 bird species have been recorded, including 3 of Colombia’s 81 endemics. Located on the western slope of the Central Andes, the reserve includes cloud forest between 6700 and 8600 ft. Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org Among the great birds in Rio Blanco are: Masked Saltator, Rusty-faced Parrot, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Dusky Piha, Ash-colored and Ocellated Tapaculos, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Sharpe’s Wren, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, and Scaly-naped Parrots. The reserve also features some extraordinary antpitta feeders (!) which attract Brown-banded (E), Bicoloured, Chestnut-crowned, Chestnut-naped, and Slate-crowned Antpittas! Of course there are also hummingbird feeders with species like Collared Inca, Speckled Hummingbird, and Fawn-breasted Brilliant. Mixed forest flocks are quite frequent and we will undoubtedly be quite busy all day! (B,L,D) Overnight at Hotel Recinto del Pensamiento

Day 19, March 17: Los Nevados National Park – Paramo del Ruiz (10200-12800 ft) We will need to start driving at dawn in to travel 1 hour to Los Nevados National Park. The views of snow-covered volcanic peaks are some of the most stunning stretches of the Colombian Andes in this region.

We’ll make stops along the road. This area of paramo is a special site for a number of scarcer hummers, including the famous Bearded (Now Buffy) Helmetcrest (E), Black-thighed and Golden-breasted , Mountain Avocetbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Purple-back Thornbill, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, and Buff-winged Starfrontlet. Other birds of note to be found here include: Rufous- fronted Parakeet (E), Paramo Tapaculo, White-browed Spinetail, Black-backed Bush Tanager, Black- chested Buzzard-Eagle, Andean Condor, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Crowned Chat-tyrant, Black-collared Jay, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Paramo Seedeater, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Black-eared Hemispingus, and Plushcap Finch.

Mid-afternoon, we travel onward (3 hours) to Otun Quimbaya lodge, where we’ll have an optional night excursion to look for the rare Colombian Screech Owl close to our rooms. (B,L,D) Overnight at Santuario Otun Quimbaya.

Day 20, March 18: Santuario Otun Quimbaya This morning we’ll explore the many trails of Otun River, where we’ll encounter an astounding list of birds. Our charming lodge is surrounded by subtropical forest, and many of its special birds can be found just a short walk from our rooms.

Some birds to look for today are: Cauca Guan (E), Chestnut Wood-Quail (E), Grayish Piculet (E), Red- ruffed Fruitcrow, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Wattled Guan, Black-winged Saltator, Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Metallic-green Tanager,Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Green-fronted Lancebill, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Streak- capped Treehunter, and Cerulean and Golden-wing Warblers.

After lunch at Otun Quimbaya, we will head to the Pereira city airport (1 hour drive) and travelers will fly to Medellin or Bogota (depending on participants’ final destinations). Because of the different destinations, the cost of these flights is NOT included, nor is an overnight, and will be added to the final invoice)

Overnights in Bogota or Medellin can be arranged, if needed, or you may fly home on an evening flight.

Day 21, March 19: Return Home

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org ABOUT OUR NATURALIST GUIDES Christopher Leahy holds the Bertrand Chair of Natural History and Field Ornithology at the Massachusetts Audubon Society. He has been a professional conservationist for more than 30 years and his interests in natural history are comprehensive. He is a recognized authority on birds and . His published works include The Birdwatcher’s Companion, The First Guide to Insects, Introduction to New England Birds, An Introduction to Massachusetts Insects, AND The Nature of Massachusetts. Chris has designed and led natural history explorations to over 60 countries on all of the continents. He is especially fascinated with the world’s great remaining wilderness areas and biodiversity hot spots such as Antarctica, Mongolia, Madagascar, and Bhutan. He first visited Mongolia in 1982 and has been making almost annual visits since 1994.

Local Colombian Guide: Pablo Florez, a native of Medellín, has been birding and traveling since the age of 15. He has been deeply involved with bird conservation and has led many birding expeditions. He is one of the co- founders of ProAves (bird conservation NGO in Colombia) and has contributed to the creation of several private reserves throughout the Central Andes region. He has also worked independently for different national and international bird research projects. Pablo has spent an impressive 18 years birding throughout the country and has recorded 1, 670 bird species in Colombia alone. He has also traveled countries such as , , , and Brazil. His passion for birds has taken him to start his own birding company in Colombia, where he can share his wealth of knowledge about birds. He is currently working on his first book, called “Where to watch birds in Colombia” with his friend Jurgen Beckers.

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org Prices, Terms & Conditions

TOUR PRICE

Price per person: $5500 for both Part I and II, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $600 per person with very limited availability (separate pricing for Part I or Part II only TBD)

Price Includes: Does Not Include:

 All accommodations • Items of a personal nature such as bar beverages  All meals as noted in itinerary • Porterage, laundry, phone calls, or gift items.  Group airport transfers  Transportation in Colombia • Airport departure taxes, passport fees  Three flights within Colombia  Park and preserve entrance fees  Services of local naturalist guide and driver  All tips and gratuities

Pace and comfort: There will be full days of birding, often with early starts. Transportation will be in vans and there will be a few long travel days. Most of the birding will be on foot (on easy to moderate trails; distances up to 2.5 miles) with walks up to four hours a day requiring a good level of fitness. There are a few days with full day rides on bumpy roads.

Lodging: Ranges from rustic to very good eco-lodges including small boutique hotels. Single rooms are not always available. Ensuite private bathrooms. Lodges are chosen for their value and location. Excellent birding at all lodges.

Weather: Generally warm (80 - 90 degrees F), sometimes humid, with just occasional rainfall.

Travel Arrangements: You, the traveler, are responsible for booking and paying for your own international flights. Once you reserve your space, we will provide you with suggested flights and tell you which flights our leaders will be on. You may book flights directly with the airline, online, or with a travel agent. Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable, therefore you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go. We ask that you provide us with your flight details so we can be sure to meet you at the airport upon your arrival.

APPLICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early applications are strongly encouraged. Trip rosters usually must be finalized 4 months before departure! All applications must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and a $1000 per person deposit. Deposits can be by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We reserve the right to decline your application. In the case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician’s certification to affirm you are capable of the activities.

Final payment is due 90 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check or money order, not credit cards

RATES: All tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a roommate, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee a share. If we cannot find a share, you will need to pay the single supplement. All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication (May 2015) but are subject to change at any time prior to departure. It is our policy to only pass on the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. Rarely, a price increase may be called for if the group falls below the minimum, as listed in the itinerary.

PHOTOS: Mass Audubon reserves the right to make use of any photograph taken on the tour. We guarantee that no photos of a comprising nature will be used. If you have questions, please contact us.

TRIP INSURANCE: A brochure and application for optional trip cancellation, illness, and baggage insurance will be sent to you upon registrations. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself. Mass Audubon does provide Medical Evacuation Coverage as part of the tour price, but coverage is limited. We suggest you review policies on www.insuremytrip.com.

CANCELLATION Policy: If you need to change your booking, you must inform us immediately in writing. All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel office:  Cancellations received up to 120 days prior to departure will forfeit $300  Cancellations received up to 90 days prior to departure will forfeit all deposits  Cancellations between 60 - 89 days prior to departure, will forfeit 75% of trip cost  There are no refunds for cancellations 60 days or less from departure.

We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information from Mass Audubon Tours upon receipt of your deposit or you can review policies here: www.insuremytrip.com

Your Responsibility: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel trips by their nature involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and international trips sponsored/operated by Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours) - hereafter collectively “M.A.S.” - involve known and unknown risks. M.A.S. assumes no responsibility for injuries, death, financial losses or damage to clients’ property caused by or occurring during participation in any of the travel trips sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient skill and fitness to participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they have no medical, mental or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the activities and/or trips they are participating in and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency transportation costs related to their travel and/or participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or emergency transportation costs. Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants to supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S. requires that all trip participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk contract prior to departure.

CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL: Travelers will be provided with an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that travelers will read this information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing an application reservation form, including the personal information and a release of liability. Travelers will be expected to abide by the terms set for in the invoice. During the tour, travelers are asked to respect and follow the directions of their guide and leader.

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org

Application Form for Colombia Birding: February 28 - March 18, 2016

Passenger 1 Name as shown on passport:

Nickname for Name tag: ______Date of Birth: ______

Passenger 2 Name as shown on passport:

Nickname for Name tag: ______Date of Birth: ______

Address: ______

City: ______State:______Zip:______

Preferred phone #: ______

Email address (required)______

Room Preferences: _____I request single accommodations where available and will pay the single supplement. _____I would like to be assigned a roommate. If one is not available, I will pay the single supplement.

Personal Information: ___I/We are non-smokers. (If you are a smoker(s), please check here___ and note that smoking is limited to outdoors in non-group spaces)

___Is there anything Mass Audubon should know about your health that might impact your ability to participate comfortably on this trip? Please describe: ______

I would like to reserve ____ space(s) on (circle one) Both Part I and II / Part I only / Part II only

Deposit:

____ Please find my enclosed check deposit of $1000 per person: Checks should be made payable to “Massachusetts Audubon Society” OR ____ Please charge my credit card:

VISA___MC___ Card #______Exp.______

______Signature

Travel with Massachusetts Audubon Society ~ 800-289-9504 ~ www.massaudubon.org