Discover ,

November 12 – 22, 2013 With Elissa Landre

Guyana is not well known to birders. The only English-speaking country in South America, once known as British Guiana, extends from the Caribbean coast to the Amazon, bordered on the east by , to the south and southwest by , and to the west by . The topography is unique: sheer sandstone mesas rising abruptly above the ancient rock are famous for spectacular waterfalls, landscapes, and abundance of and mammals.

You may not know that Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls is the world’s highest free-falling waterfall; a single massive, thundering cataract nearly five times the height of Niagara Falls.

Guyana is a fascinating mix of British, Caribbean, East Indian, and Amerindian cultures. The food is a delicious blend of all of these and the markets are a rich mélange of people and products. Like Belize, another former British colony which achieved its independence, Guyana is trying to define itself. This adventure is a little off the beaten path, but definitely worth it— Not only for the great list you will bring home, but because you can support the growing movement of Guyanans who care about preserving the diversity of their nature within the diversity of their culture.

Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

th November 12 , 2013 – ARRIVE GEORGETOWN, GUYANA

Arrive in the morning at Cheddi Jagan International Airport where we will meet our local guide.

There will be time to rest and check into our hotel, then visit the Georgetown Botanical Gardens, a parkland with grassy areas, scattered trees, shrubs, and several ponds and wet areas. Here, we will target several special including Blood-coloured Woodpecker, White-bellied Piculet, Spotted Tody-Flycatchers, Rusty-margined Flycatchers, Southern Beardless and Yellow Tyrannulets, Lesser Kiskadee, Black-capped Donacobius, Yellow Oriole, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Wing-barred Seedeater, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kites, and, in the tree tops, Red-shouldered Macaws, Orange- winged, Yellow-crowned, Mealy Amazons, and, with luck, the Festive Amazon, a species in serious decline due to the illegal pet trade in parrots. If the trees are flowering, we will search for hummingbirds such as Black-throated Mango and Glittering and White-bellied Emeralds. What a fitting way to start our tour and without even leaving Georgetown!

Overnight in Georgetown (Cara Lodge). Dinner provided at the lodge.

th November 13 , 2013 – GEORGETOWN / KARANAMBU LODGE

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Ogle International Airport for a scheduled flight heading south to Karanambu Lodge arriving around noon. Once off the ground, you will see many hectares of sugar cane before flying over uninterrupted tropical rainforest, making up about 80 percent of Guyana’s landmass. This rainforest is one of the largest still intact in the world.

Once you have settled into your cabins, your hosts, the legendary Diane McTurk, Andrea and Salvador DeCaries, will welcome you to the Karanambu family.

Following a delicious lunch, there will be enough time for a quick siesta before heading out on the Rupununi River by boat where you will spend the rest of the afternoon among water lilies (Victoria amazonica), other tropical aquatic plants, and, no doubt, some wildlife. As night steps in, we will scan the river banks for rare birds such as Lesser Razor-billed Curassow, Agami Heron, Sunbittern, Boat-billed Heron, and Undulated Tinamou. During this time, we will also listen for night birds such as Tropical and Northern Tawny-bellied Screech Owls, Band-tailed Nighthawk, and Great Potoo. Tonight’s dinner will be around the family dining table with Diane’s storytelling, accompanied by the delicious ranch menu and a seemingly endless supply of Karanambu’s special Passion Fruit Rum Eldorado Punch.

Overnight at Karanambu Ranch (B, L, D). http://www.karanambulodge.com/

November 14th, 2013 – KARANAMBU LODGE

This morning we will start with a cup of Brazilian-style coffee before heading out into the Rupununi Savannah. As we move across the savannah, we will scan the vast wetland areas for Bearded Tachuri, Sharp-tailed Ibis, Yellowish Pipit, Pinnate Bittern, Brazilian Teal, White- tailed Goldenthroat, Vermillion Flycatcher, Bicoloured Wren, Double- striped Thick-knee, and Maguari Storks. This is also our best chance to see the remarkable Giant Anteater. Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society Giant Anteater 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 In the afternoon, we will have another opportunity to travel on the Rupununi River. This time we will head down river to Simony Lake where we are likely to find Green-and-rufous and Amazon Kingfishers, Sungrebe, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, and Spot-breasted Woodpecker. In addition, we have a good chance of seeing Black and Spectacled Caimans, Giant River Otter, many species of monkeys, and perhaps the occasional Arapaima and River Stingray. Our sunset boat expedition wraps up with a delicious and hearty dinner back at the ranch, with the best selection of vegetarian dishes. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch (B, L, D).

November 15th, 2013 – KARANAMBU / SURAMA

Before dawn, and after coffee or tea and a typically generous ranch breakfast, we hop aboard our 4X4s for an early morning departure. Today, our journey takes us eastward across the Northern Rupununi Savannah lands.

The road we follow skirts numerous gallery and wetland areas offering great views of a variety of herons and ducks including, Jabiru, Grey Seedeater, Vermillion Flycatcher, Bicoloured Wren, Grassland Yellow Finch, Yellowish Pipit, Crested Bobwhite, and Aplomado Falcon. After a rewarding morning on the savannah, the road leads us to what must be Guyana’s best-equipped ‘truck stop’ (although you’ll be lucky to actually spot a truck at this outland oasis) for a quick pit stop and a snack before moving on to the Amerindian village of Surama.

Lying amidst a rich rainforest punctuated by the rugged Pakaraima Mountains, Surama has become a model for Amerindian ecotourism by creating an innovative system of locally designed natural and cultural conservation. Upon arrival we will be greeted by the lodge staff who will invite us to relax, freshen up, enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds, relax in a hammock, and dine together in the central Benab.

Accommodations at Surama are comfortably rustic, with a mix of traditional en suite Benab-style huts and a newer, also en suite, brick guest building. Overnight at Surama Eco-Lodge (B, L, D). http://suramaecolodge.com

November 16th, 2013 – HARPY EAGLE AND GUIANAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK

SURAMA AREA –Today, we again make an early start in our 4x4 vehicles for a 30-minute drive to the Harpy Eagle trail. We will walk for 45 minutes through beautiful pristine rainforest before arriving at the nesting site where the morning will be dedicated to observing Harpy Eagle activity, taking photos, and, if we are lucky, we may witness the male bringing in prey for the female. After we have seen the bird well, we will continue to the lek of the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock where we will have our first chance to see this beautiful bird. Following a satisfying sighting, we will return to Surama for lunch and a well- deserved cold beer or cold drink of your choice. Afternoon birding will include edges and a nearby Great Potoo and Mottled Owl roost. At dusk we will look for White-tailed Nightjar, Least and Lesser Nighthawks, and Tropical and Northern Tawny-bellied Screech Owls. Overnight at Surama Eco-Lodge (B, L, D). Harpy Eagle Harpy Eagle

Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 November 17th, 2013 – SURAMA / ATTA RAINFOREST LODGE / CANOPY WALKWAY

We will enjoy a pre-dawn breakfast before leaving Surama Eco-Lodge and driving to the Atta Rainforest Lodge. This morning, our birding activities will occur along the roadside between Surama and the Canopy Walkway. In the afternoon, we will bird from our vantage point in the canopy, 30 meters (100 feet) above the forest floor. From the platforms of the Canopy Walkway we may see White Bellbird, Purple-breasted and Spangled , Dusky Purpletuft, Guianan , and Red-necked Woodpecker. At dusk, our local guide will call in the White-winged Potoo with a traditional whistle. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge (B, L, D).

November 18th, 2013 – ATTA RAINFOREST LODGE

At dawn, we will again visit the Canopy Walkway to look for passing flocks of canopy-dwelling species. Some possibilities include Todd’s Antwren, Spot-tailed Antwren, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan Puffbird, Dusky Purpletuft, Paradise Tanager, Opal-rumped Tanager, Golden-sided Euphonia, Green Honeycreeper, and Black-faced Dacnis. This entire morning will involve birding on the Canopy Walkway and the trails around the lodge.

After lunch, we will spend the afternoon birding on the main road through the Iwokrama Forest, visiting a habitat called Mori Scrub. Black Manakin and Rufous-crowned Elaenia are two key species that occur in this type of vegetation. Along this road are some of the best opportunities for seeing White Bellbird, Pompadour and Purple-breasted Cotingas, Blue-cheeked Amazon, and Blue-backed Tanager. While birding along the road, we must keep our eyes open for the elusive Jaguar, which is often seen at dawn and dusk. Late evening, as we make our way back to Atta Lodge, we will use a spotlight to do some night birding, mainly looking for owls and potoos, while at the same time staying alert for a possible encounter with a Tapir. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge (B, L, D).

November 19th, 2013 – ATTA RAINFOREST LODGE / ROCK VIEW LODGE

After breakfast and early morning birding at the environs of Atta Lodge, we will travel back through the forest towards the Village of Annai, dedicating the morning hours to birding along the road in search of the many species of cotingas that arepresent here. Cotingas possible include Spangled , Purple- breasted Cotinga, Pompadour Cotinga, Guianan Red Cotinga, and White Bellbird. Other birds to look for along this road are Guianan Toucanet, Green Aracari, Guianan Puffbird, Marail Guan, Gray-winged Trumpeter, and Blue-cheeked. Lunch will be at Rock View Lodge followed by birding the lodge gardens and the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. Some of the birds we will look for include Finch’s Euphonia, Cayenne Jay, Vermillion Flycatcher, Toco Toucan, Great Horned Owl, and Burnished-buff Tanager. Overnight at Rock View Lodge (B, L, D).

November 20th, 2013 – KAMUDI BASH / MORA BRIDGE

Today, from our base at Rock View Lodge, we will bird two different locations and habitats, including the savannah wetlands. At Kamudi Bash we will look for Sungrebe, Pygmy Kingfisher, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Green-tailed Jacamar, Grey Seedeater, and Wedge-tailed Grass Finch. At Mora Bridge, we hope to encounter Jabiru, Maguari Stork, Green-tailed Goldenthroat, Savanna Hawk, Great Black Hawk, Zone- tailed Hawk, Amazonian Pygmy Owl, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Ruby Topaz, Pearl Kite, Pale-tipped Tyrannulet, and Black-crested Antshrike. After we have had all the fun we can stand birding, we will head back to Rock View’s special BAR-B-Q dinner to celebrate. Overnight at Rock View Lodge (B, L, D).

Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504

st November 21 , 2013– ROCK VIEW LODGE TO KAIETEUR FALLS, ONWARD TO GEORGETOWN

After breakfast at Rock View Lodge, we depart on our chartered flight to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall. Though Venezuela’s Angel Falls are greater in total height, their filamentous drop occurs by stages, whereas Kaieteur is a single massive, thundering cataract 100 meters wide, created as the Potaro River makes a sheer drop of 228 meters (748 feet), nearly five times the height of Niagara Falls. The spectacle is the more impressive for its remoteness – it is altogether possible that we’ll be the only persons viewing it. Here, we hope to find White-chinned and White-tipped Swifts swirling over the gorge, and perhaps we’ll be lucky enough to have another sighting of the astonishingly colorful Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock at its lek or to see Orange-breasted Falcon hunting swifts.

After a two-hour stop at the falls, our flight will continue to Georgetown Ogle International Airport where we will be transferred to our hotel. A farewell dinner will be enjoyed by all at our hotel or a local restaurant of our choice. Overnight at Cara Lodge (B, L, D).

November 22nd, 2013

Group flies home to the USA or Europe – Depending on your flight schedule. You will be picked from Cara Lodge and transferred to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for your departing flight.

Kaieteur Falls

Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504

About Your Guide: Elissa Landre

Elissa Landre is the Director of Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. She has led tours in Belize, Hawaii, Trinidad, and Tobago, Costa Rica, Hawaii, , and Mexico. She has consulted on interpretation, guide training, and marketing for ecotourism at national parks in and Poland, holds a master’s degree in biology, runs a bird-banding station at Broadmoor, and is a past president of the Association of Field Ornithologists. On tours she likes to explore how protected conservation land is managed for birds and native plants.

Elissa will be joined by local expert and popular guide, Ron Allicock.

PRICE : $3900- based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $400. *This cost is based on a minimum of 6 persons.

Includes: Does Not Include: o All Accommodations o International airfare o Most, but not all, en suite o Insurance o All meals as noted in the itinerary o Items of a personal nature o Group airport transfers o Ex. Drinks at a bar, gifts, laundry o Park and reserve entrance fees o Porterage o Services of local naturalist guide and driver o Ron Allicock o Mass Audubon leader o Transport within Guyana o A variety of vehicles including o 4x4 Landcruisers o Boat trips and excursion fees o Water and Snack

Accommodation: Our hotels and lodges vary in quality, but are all within easy reach of the areas we wish to bird. You should not expect luxury accommodation outside of Georgetown. However, the lodges we use are relatively comfortable, most with private facilities.

Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL 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 $500 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 95 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check. 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 January 2013, 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 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 of 8. The maximum number of participants is approximately 10.

FLIGHTS: 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. Once your deposit and reservation form have been sent to us, we will send you flight and contact information. 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.

PHOTOS: Mass Audubon reserves the right to make use of any photograph taken on the tour. We guarantee that no photos of a compromising nature will be used.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: If you need to change your booking, you must inform us immediately. All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office. Cancellations received up to 121 days prior to departure will be refunded deposits less a $300 per-person fee. For cancellations between 120 and 90 days prior to departure, all deposits will not be refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations 90 days or less from departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit.

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, a personal information form, and a release of liability form. 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 the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504

Application for Guyana birding tour

Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (1) – as shown on passport Date of Birth

Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (2) – as shown on passport Date of Birth

Address

City State Zip

Phone: Day Evening

Email address

Accommodations: I/We are non-smoker(s) ___ smoker(s) ___ (smoking is limited to outdoors in non-group spaces) ___ 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.

Deposit: Please find my enclosed deposit of $500 per person check ______or please charge ______my credit card:

VISA___MC___ Card #______Exp.______

Checks should be made payable to “Massachusetts Audubon Society”

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Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504