The astonishing, multi-coloured beak of a Keel-billed Toucan is an eye-catching fieldmark! Brian Small, Limosa Holidays

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1 Panama TRANQUILO BAY & PIPELINE ROAD The astonishing, multi-coloured beak of a Keel-billed Toucan is an eye-catching fieldmark! Brian Small, Limosa Holidays 2019 Friday 4th - Tuesday 15th October (12 days) Small group tour with Gary Elton & local guides NEW! Comfortable tropical tour featuring a 7-night stay at the excellent Tranquilo Bay Lodge on the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Northern Panama. For a coastal birdwatching and rainforest experience, few places can match this superb location. This is the coastal Caribbean lowland, with its lush tropical forests, mangroves, islands, bays and turquoise waters. An autumn visit finds Blue-throated Toucanet, Three-wattled Bellbird, Snowy Cotinga and Red-billed Tropicbird among a host of great birds - and spectacular numbers of migrating birds of prey passing overhead, too! We conclude with two nights in Panama City, discovering the legendary birding of the famed Pipeline Road on Panama's Pacific slope. Wonderful tropical birding amid both Panama's Caribbean and Pacific coastal lowlands 7 nights at lovely Tranquilo Bay - plus two in Panama City, birding the famed Pipeline Road Stub-tailed Spadebill, Tawny-crested Tanager, Snowy Cotinga, Nicaraguan Seedfinch Three-wattled Bellbird among more than 200 species of bird recorded on the lodge grounds 65ft high birdwatching tower for eye-level encounters with canopy dwelling species Boat trips to the islands and mainland for a dazzling array of rainforest specialities Red-billed Tropicbird, Montezuma Orependola - and the impressive autumn raptor migration Small group tour expertly led by Limosa's Gary Elton and resident naturalist guides What's Included? Limosa Tour Leader Expert English-speaking local naturalist guides Return flights - London Heathrow to Panama City, with British Airways/Iberia (via Madrid) Domestic flights - Panama City-Bocas del Toro-Panama City 7 nights at Tranquilo Bay Lodge (Caribbean coast), plus 3 nights in Panama City (Pacific) All local travel - including boat trips about the islands and minibus transport on the mainland All main meals - AND most drinks also included during our stay at Tranquilo Bay! All excursions, entry fees, tour based tips and taxes LIMOSA HOLIDAYS, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9EJ (UK) TEL: +44 (0) info@limosaholidays.co.uk WEB: limosaholidays.co.uk

2 Outline Itinerary Day 1: Day 2: Days 3-8: Day 9: We fly London Heathrow to Panama City (going via Madrid). Night Panama City We take a one-hour morning flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro and transfer by boat to lovely Tranquilo Bay, arriving for lunch. Afternoon birding Tranquilo Bay. Tranquilo Bay Ecolodge (7 nights) Birding excursions from Tranquilo Bay to Fortuna Forest Reserve; Isla Popa; Almirante and Changuinola River Valley; Palo Seco Forest; Finca de Cacao and San San Pond Sak Wetland. Nights Tranquilo Bay After a final morning at Tranquilo Bay, we catch an afternoon flight from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City. Panama City (2 nts) Days 10-11: We enjoy a full day's birding plus another morning excursion along the famed Pipeline Road running through Soberania National Park on Panama's Pacific slope. Late afternoon departure (on Day 11) from Panama City for home Day 12: Tour Overview Midday arrival Madrid and onward connection to London Beautiful Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge is located on the island of Bastimentos, in the Bocas del Toro archipelago off Northwestern Panama. It lies a short 25-minute boat ride to the southeast of Bocas del Toro (the provincial capital into which we fly), which is situated on the island of Colon. This is the species-rich Caribbean lowland with its lush tropical forest, coastal mangroves, islands, bays and turquoise blue waters... and lots of great birds! The island encompasses the majority of the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded from the grounds of our lodge - and with day trips over to the nearby mainland and short excursions to neighbouring islands that total is pushed to more than 500 species! The purpose-built lodge itself has nine comfortable cabanas, each equipped with airconditioning, coffee makers and warm showers, and is located within a forest clearing close to a 65ft high birdwatching observation tower. Food and service at Tranquilo Bay are among the best in Latin America! We spend seven nights at this lovely lodge before flying back to Panama City and enjoying two further nights there exploring the famed Pipeline Road in bird-rich Soberania National Park on Panama's Pacific slope - where a plethora of new rainforest species await! Birds are abundant in tropical Northern Panama and potential tour highlights during our time at Tranquilo Bay might include Blue-throated Toucanet, Collared Araçari, Prong-billed Barbet, Snowy Cotinga, Three-wattled Bellbird, Purplethroated Fruitcrow, Black-chested Jay and the scarce Nicaraguan Seedfinch along with perhaps 15 species of hummingbirds, more than 20 colourful tanagers and a host of other delights. The lodge's observation tower is outstanding for viewing birds that can otherwise be tricky to see in the forest canopy. Roost flights of hundreds of Red-lored Parrots pass by at eye-level each morning and evening, and Common Nighthawks may appear over the distant woodland canopy as dusk falls. Tranquilo's grounds are a delight and comprise lowland rainforest, mangroves and lovely gardens planted with bird-friendly shrubs. From here we will make daily excursions to explore nearby islands and visit the mainland. Highlights will be many and varied: from Nicaraguan Seedfinch (a species uncommon and localised throughout its limited range) through bright jewels such as Speckled Tanager and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis to animated, 'snapping' and 'cracking' Golden-collared Manakins at the lek. A few offshore islands are home to breeding seabirds and we should be treated to intimate studies of Red-billed Tropicbirds, Brown Boobies and lots of Magnificent Frigatebirds. Along the surrounding forest trails, Chestnutbacked Antbird is conspicuous and this is one of the few sites in Panama to see Stub-tailed Spadebill. Green Ibis are quite common, along with soaring Double-toothed Kites and flocks of raucous Tawny-crested Tanagers info@limosaholidays.co.uk

3 In the evenings we will dine at the lodge, which offers a mix of delicious local and international dishes. The veranda has hummingbird feeders that are attractive to Rufous-tailed Hummers, while flowers around the lodge building lure the likes of Green-breasted Mango, Purple-crowned Fairy, Crowned Woodnymph and Stripedthroated and Bronzy Hermits. On two days of our stay we will take a boat to Punta Róbalo on the mainland, where we'll drive a bird-rich road from sea level up to 4,500 feet (1400m). The birding is so good here we will go there twice! We'll discover the trails at the Green Acres Chocolate Farm and spend a full day on the mainland around the banana-producing town of Changuinola. Another excursion will find us birding by boat through the Synder Canal near the San San Pond Sak Wetlands. Flying back to Panama City at the end of our stay on Panama's Caribbean coast, we conclude our tour with two nights at a good hotel on the edge of town - and the opportunity to explore nearby Soberania National Park. Situated on Panama's Pacific slope, we'll find the birdlife here is different but no less exciting and we are sure to add a host of new species as we journey through the park along the famous Pipeline Road - legendary in birding circles! Our October 2019 tour will be guide Gary Elton's second visit to Panama and his fourth to Central America. He'll be assisted throughout our stay at Tranquilo Bay by one of the lodge's own expert English-speaking naturalist guides, and by a specialist bird guide living in Panama City for our excursions along the Pipeline Road. All in all, this is a fabulous tropical birding tour with comfortable accommodations throughout - and we hope that you will be tempted to join us for the 'Tranquilo Bay experience'! Daily Itinerary Please note that the below itinerary is intended only as a guide and we may vary the programme locally depending on latest bird news, weather and sea conditions at the time of our visit. Day 1 FLY LONDON-PANAMA CITY (VIA MADRID) Our birdwatching tour to Panama begins with an early morning flight from London Heathrow (change of planes in Madrid) to Panama City, where we arrive mid-afternoon. As the 'plane descends into Tocumen Airport, watch for the Bridge of the Americas at the entrance to the famous Panama Canal. It is not possible to connect with a same day onward flight to Bocas del Toro, so we will be met upon arrival in Panama and transfer to a nearby hotel for dinner and overnight. Night Country Inn and Suites at the Panama Canal Day 2 FLY BOCAS DEL TORO, TRANSFER BY BOAT TO TRANQUILO BAY In the extensive grounds of our Panama City hotel early risers might be rewarded with their first views of Red-crowned Woodpecker and Tropical Kingbird, plus noisy Crimson-backed, Palm, Blue-grey and Plain-coloured Tanagers. After breakfast we head to the nearby domestic airport for our one-hour, mid-morning flight along the Caribbean coast to tiny Bocas del Toro, in Northwest Panama. Upon arrival in Bocas, we transfer from the airport to our boat and the 25-minute ride out to Isla Bastimentos and the lovely Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge. Once settled into our comfortable and well-appointed cabanas, we'll gather to enjoy a relaxing first lunch at the lodge, taking some time to enjoy our surroundings and perhaps a siesta during the heat of the day. The lodge and its surroundings are bedecked in flowers year round and attract a fascinating variety of hummers. Blue-chested and Rufoustailed Hummingbirds are the most numerous, but with patience and constant checking of patches of Heliconia and Verbena more unusual species info@limosaholidays.co.uk

4 such as Blue-chested Hummingbird, Crowned Woodnymph, Purple-crowned Fairy, and, with luck, Bronzy Hermit might zap by - not to mention a plethora of tropical butterflies. Within the grounds, patches of forest are good for Chestnut-backed Antbird and Black-crowned Antshrike, which have become less timid over time and sometimes allow close approach. In September, the island is ideal for migrant North American warblers and the fruiting trees are likelt to hold Tennessee, Yellow and Chestnutsided Warblers along with luminous yellow Prothonotary Warblers. We might well find Scarlet Tanager and a Red-eyed Vireo or two, while tropical residents adding to the mix can include Blue Dacnis, Bananaquit, Shining Honeycreeper, Golden-collared Manakin and the energetic Tropical Gnatcatcher. As night closes in at the end of a great first day, both Mealy and Red-lored Parrots fly overhead as we stroll to the canopy tower to watch the evening show of nightjars, raptors and swifts silhouetted against a setting sun. We return to the lodge, as we will every day for a delicious evening meal - dinners will vary based upon the local ingredients available, but expect three or four courses each night. Night Tranquilo Bay Day 3 LA FORTUNA ROAD & CHIRIQUE LOWLANDS After a good breakfast, we depart Isla Bastimentos early this morning and take a 45- minute boat ride to Punta Robalo on the mainland in order to reach the best habitat in time for the peak of morning bird activity. The potential rewards are enormous as we have an exciting full day birding ahead of us along the Fortuna Road that passes from Bocas del Toro into neighbouring Chiriqui Province. In the morning we'll bird a large protected area known as the Palo Seco Protection Forest, part of the vast La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. On arrival in Punta Robalo, cleared areas around town host birds typical of more open country in Central America, such as Groove-billed Ani, Red-breasted Meadowlark, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, Blue-black Grassquit and Whitecollared Seedeater. Hedgerows between the fields often support larger fruiting trees, where we ll seek an array of flycatchers and tanagers along with several species of wrens (including Black-throated and Band-backed) and Greybreasted Wood Wren. There should also be herons, birds of prey, Wood Stork and Spotted Sandpipers to watch for. Moving into the forest we begin to concentrate on finding some of the scarcer and harder-tofind local species, such as Red-fronted Parrotlet, Lattice-tailed Trogon, Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker and Dull-mantled Antbird. Mixed species flocks are regularly seen in the forest and amongst the fine array of tanagers, warblers and vireos we might come across Cinnamon and White-winged Becards, Long-billed Gnatwren and Wedge-billed Woodcreeper. After a picnic lunch enjoying views of the undisturbed foothill forest - perhaps unsurpassed in all of Middle America - we continue our exploration of the area during the afternoon, keeping a keen eye skyward for the flocks of migrant raptors that pass this way in autumn as the afternoon heat builds. Given the right conditions, the movements can sometimes be spectacular and regularly include large numbers of Turkey Vultures and Plumbeous Kites. In the forest we could well see the diminutive Blackcrowned Pygmy-Tyrant (the world s smallest passerine), along with up to 5 species of parrots, Cinnamon and Pale-billed Woodpeckers, Green Kingfisher, Rufous and Broad-billed Motmots, Northern Barred Woodcreeper and Azurehooded, Black and Brown Jays. Time permitting, before returning to the boat we ll visit a coastal marsh in search of shorebirds, Green and Glossy Ibises, Blackbellied Whistling-duck, Blue-winged Teal and anything else that catches our eye. In the late afternoon we make the return journey to Tranquillo Bay, watching for terns and skuas in the open bay en route. Night Tranquilo Bay Day 4 ISLA POPA AND TRANQUILO BAY Rising early to take advantage of the cooler part of the day, and with a coffee in hand, we quickly info@limosaholidays.co.uk

5 check for birds hanging about the cabanas and along the forest edge. After breakfast we load up the boat and cross the tranquil blue waters of the Caribbean Sea to nearby Isla Popa little more than a mile away. Isla Popa is the second-largest island in the Bocas archipelago and lies close to the mainland, which has resulted in a variety of bird species colonising it. We ll spend some time exploring a mangrove-lined channel looking for one of our key targets here: the Daz-white Snowy Cotinga. Crimson-fronted Parakeets, Pale-billed and Lineated Woodpeckers, Crested Guans and Mangrove Cuckoo often perch up in the early morning sun, too. It is wonderful to simply stand and enjoy this idyllic spot - and in the clear tropical waters we will also check for interesting marine life: various rays, turtles and sea stars are regularly seen in the shallows. Strolling further into the island s interior, sharp eyes could well pick out some of the variable poison-dart frog morphs that live here - each island has its own unique colour form. We return to Tranquilo Bay for lunch today and a siesta during the hottest part of the day while those that wish may have a swim. Come late afternoon, we'll again venture out to explore the trail system that winds into the park behind the lodge. Pineapple Hill is a large, elevated clearing that offers a great chance to see Red-capped Manakin, plus Scaled Pigeon and Green and Red-legged Honeycreepers. Within the forest, we hope to find wandering flocks that should include active White-flanked and Dot-winged Antwrens, the tiny Stub-tailed Spadebill (found only in the archipelago in Panama) and Duskycapped Flycatcher, while the loud chips of Bluechested Hummingbirds soon disclose where they are sitting. On Pineapple Hill, we might also encounter White-crowned and Pale-vented Pigeons, Blackcheeked Woodpecker, Groove-billed Ani and Blue-grey Tanager. And we are likely to hear White-throated Crake, too. A tiny creek often has pools where colourful manakins and hummingbirds come to drink and bathe - it is often possible to get superb views of the beautiful male Crowned Woodnymph or perhaps a tiny Stripe-throated Hermit and lively Goldencollared and Red-capped Manakins. As dusk falls, a return visit to the canopy tower at Tranquilo Bay could find us watching Masked and Black-crowned Tityras, Blue-headed, Mealy and Red-lored Parrots, the diminutive Whitevented Euphonia and Short-tailed Nighthawk. After dinner, for those with energy to spare, an optional walk around the grounds spotlighting for nocturnal wildlife might reveal Mottled or even Black-and-white Owls, along with mammals such as Crab-eating Raccoon and Woolly Opossum. Night Tranquilo Bay Day 5 CHIRIQUE GRANDE & PALO SECO PROTECTED FOREST After an early breakfast, we will leave the dock at 06:15 this morning and travel again by boat to the town of Punta Robalo, on the mainland. Today we will be returning to the Palo Seco Protection Forest, its 167,000 hectares being one of the most vital areas of La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. This incredible area consisting of wet Atlantic forest, foothills and watersheds is part of BirdLife International's Endemic Bird Area Central American Caribbean Slope. Palo Seco is a hotbed for range-restricted species and altitudinal migrants such as Three-wattled Bellbird, and is one of the most important protected areas in the Neotropics. Snowy Cotinga, Chestnut-coloured and Cinnamon Woodpeckers, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Latticetailed Trogon, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Green Hermit, Slaty Spinetail, Dull-mantled Antbird and Band-backed and Black-throated Wrens are all possibilities on the outing. Crimson-coloured, Speckled, Emerald, Spangle-cheeked, Blackand-yellow and Silver-throated Tanagers add to the rainbow mix. Other lowland specialities to watch for include White-crowned Parrot and Crimson-fronted Parakeet, Long-billed Gnatwren, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Buff-rumped Warbler, Torrent Tyranulet and White-collared Seedeater. While mammals can include sloths, Mantled Howler Monkey and Red Brocket Deer info@limosaholidays.co.uk

6 In the late afternoon we will work our way back through the lowland foothills, scanning for 'kettles' of migrating raptors, Snowy Cotinga and finally some marsh birds including up to three species of ibis, Southern Lapwing and Common Gallinule (American Moorhen). A fresh picnic lunch will be served in the field and we will return to the lodge in the evening. Night Tranquilo Bay Day 6 FINCA DE CACAO (GREEN ACRES CHOCOLATE FARM) After birding from the lodge s terrace with Panamanian coffee and a casual breakfast a little later than usual, we will take an easy 20-minute boat ride this morning through Dolphin Bay to Buena Esperanza. The tropical flora here represents the best collection of plants - and therefore butterflies - in the archipelago. A superb water garden and natural creek running through the property also attract many species of mammals, reptiles and multicoloured amphibians. The psychedelic Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) can be prolific with sufficient moisture. The landowners, who live onsite, protect this beautiful piece of mainland forest by using the property to operate an artisanal chocolate farm. Cacao trees grown to produce organic chocolate thrive beneath the shade of the forest canopy. It's a terrific spot for birds and beneath this stunning canopy we will be searching for such delights as Slaty-tailed, White-tailed and Gartered Trogons, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Keel-billed and Black-mandibled Toucans, Palebilled Woodpecker, Pied Puffbird, Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Montezuma and Chestnutheaded Oropendolas, Black-chested Jay, Streakheaded Woodcreeper and many more. Mammal sightings today might include Bottle-nosed Dolphin, Mantled Howler Monkey, Kinkajou, both Three-toed and Two-toed Sloths, various squirrels and Greater White-lined Bat. After returning to Tranquilo Bay for lunch and a welcome hammock siesta, birding excursions to the canopy observation tower, the forest trail system and hummingbird bathing station are among options open to us. (For anyone wanting to take a rest from birding, water activities, guided sea kayaking or snorkeling amidst the alluring coral reefs are also available this afternoon.) Night Tranquilo Bay Day 7 CHANGUINOLA RIVER VALLEY After coffee, fresh tropical juices and a complete Panamanian breakfast, we will leave the dock at 06:15 for a sunrise boat ride to Almirante, a banana producing town on the mainland. From Almirante, our vehicle will take us through the foothills stretching along the coastline in one of Central America s narrowest migratory bottlenecks. Due to the mainland topography, thermals channel the annual raptor migration down this beautifully rugged coastline. At this time of year, the number of 'kettles' and flights of soaring birds of prey can be sensational, with thousands of Swainson s and Broad-winged Hawks, Swallow-tailed and Plumbeous Kites, and Turkey Vultures being seen at a time. This area is also important for a diverse group of resident Neotropical raptors including Black Hawk-eagle, White-tailed, Grey-headed and Hook-billed Kites, White Hawk and the striking King Vulture. We will delight in a picnic lunch at an amazing overlook in the Caribbean foothills. This beautiful vista over the low wet forest in the San San Pond Sak Wetlands affords an excellent opportunity to scan the canopy for Lovely and Snowy Cotingas, and soaring birds of prey. We will explore several sideroads today that branch out into villages where the indigenous Ngäbe people practise subsistance farming along the Changuinola River. Birding the forest edge, cocoa farms and patches of gallery forest may reveal the likes of Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous and Broad-billed Motmots, Rufoustailed Jacamar, Great Antshrike, Orange-collared and White-collared Manakins, the tiny Northern Bentbill, Scarlet-rumped Cacique and Blueblack Grosbeak. After another fantastic day in the field, a short boat ride through Dark Land and Dolphin Bay will bring us back to the lodge in the early evening. Night Tranquilo Bay info@limosaholidays.co.uk

7 Day 8 SAN SAN POND SAK & SNYDER CANAL Today will be a tranquil day of birding by boat within several lush coastal wetland habitats. The San San Pond Sak Wetlands is a designated Ramsar site, as well as part of the La Amistad UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The area is rich with abundant habitats including Atlantic wet lowland forest, Raphia palm swamp, freshwater river course, mangroves and ocean impact beachfront. Access to the reserve is via boat through the historic Snyder Canal, as birds conveniently fly through the gallery forest back and forth across the waterway. After the Snyder Brothers finished construction of the canal in the late 1890s, it was used to transport bananas from the Changuinola River Valley to the sheltered waters of Almirante Bay at Boca del Drago, where they were loaded onto transport ships. Panama s first canal was vital in establishing The United Fruit Company and the very beginnings of what would become known as The Banana Republic. This is an excellent place to find lowland bird species, northern and altitudinal migrants, raptors and shorebirds. All six species of kingfishers known to the Americas can be found here. We will also be watching closely for regional endemics such as the range restricted Nicaraguan Seedfinch, White-collared Manakin (Almirante race), Olive- backed Euphonia, Black-cowled Oriole, Canebrake Wren and Three-wattled Bellbird. The furtive Masked Duck, Least Bittern, Piedbilled Grebe, Great Potoo, Northern Jacana and Bare-throated Tiger Heron are also possible. Raptor sightings could include Yellow-headed Caracara, Western Osprey, Laughing, Bat and Peregrine Falcons and the petite Pearl Kite. From the high branches of fruiting trees down to the shrubby forest edge, the chatter of Olivethroated Parakeets might accompany our search for Passerini s and Golden-hooded Tanagers, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, Red-breasted Blackbird, Squirrel Cuckoo, Streaked and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and the minute Common, Black-headed and Slate-headed Todyflycatchers. Mammals are invariably trickier to find, but possibilities include Crab-eating Racoon, White-nosed Coati, Neotropical River Otter, the docile West Indian Manatee and Bottlenose Dolphin. Soropta Beach is important for migrating and resident shorebirds and is also a nesting ground for Leatherback and Hawksbill Turtles. We will picnic on the beach, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the shorebirds. In autumn, the rivermouth could produce Arctic and Pomarine Skuas along with Wilson s, Collared and Semipalmated Plovers and Least, Pectoral and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs probe the beach and up to four species of tern may be seen at roost. Common and Lesser Nighthawks sometimes appear in the late afternoon. Sea conditions permitting, in the afternoon we will head just two miles offshore to visit a breathtaking rookery reserve known as Swan s Caye. Here we should enjoy close looks at Panama s only known breeding colony of Redbilled Tropicbirds. Brown Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds also nest and we'll enjoy those too before returning to our lodge in the late afternoon. Night Tranquilo Bay Day 9 TRANQUILO BAY, FLY BOCAS DEL TORO-PANAMA CITY Our last morning at Tranquilo Bay is left open for birding the many trails on the property, perhaps making one last visit to the bird bathing pool in the forest... or simply just relaxing. After an early lunch, we return to Bocas del Toro and catch a late afternoon flight back to Panama City. Our hotel for the next two nights lies a short drive to the north of the city, on the edge of the Parque Nacional Camino de Cruces. Night at Radisson Summit Hotel, Panama City Days PIPELINE ROAD (SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK) & DEPARTURE FOR LONDON Early risers can listen to the chorus of tropical birdsong as species begin to appear in front of the hotel and local golf course. Grey-headed Chachalacas and Great Kiskadees invariably info@limosaholidays.co.uk

8 make the most noise, but the birdy hotel grounds hold an array of Central American species. Southern Lapwings strut about the fairways and Wattled Jacanas feed on pools about the golf course; Grey-headed Kites and Short-tailed Hawks regularly cruise above the trees, as White-tipped Doves and Squirrel Cuckoos clamber through the branches. Red-crowned Woodpeckers are common and we could well find Blue-chested and Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds or a Black-throated Mango. Large Keel-billed Toucans flash their colourful bills, trying to outdo the brilliant palette of warblers or tanagers though it is hard to outshine Crimson-backed Tanager! Anyone that simply wishes to rest up before our return to the UK can spend time at leisure in Panama City or relaxing by the hotel's pool. However, for those keen to enjoy some further birding our Panama tour concludes with a full day excursion plus another visit next morning into nearby Soberania National Park in company of an expert bird tour guide living locally. Protecting some 55,000 acres of tropical forest, Soberania is situated on Panama's Pacific slope, close to the famous Panama Canal. Legendary in birding circles, Pipeline Road runs north-south through the park for the best part of 11 miles, passing through old-growth and secondary forest - it is one of the best places to see birds in the American tropics, with a bird list exceeding 400 species! Great Tinamous call from the forest and we may be lucky to spot a shy Ruddy Quail-dove lurking in the leaf litter. Long-billed Hermit is possible and we may find Whooping Motmot and both Black-tailed and White-tailed Trogons sitting quietly on a liana. If we are lucky to encounter an ant swarm, we have chances of seeing a host of attendant species such as Black-crowned Antshrike, Chequer-throated and White-flanked Antwrens, and Dusky, Chestnut-backed and the remarkably beautiful Ocellated Antbirds. Bluecrowned and Golden-collared Manakins are two more local specialities, as is Fulvous-vented Euphonia. We are sure to encounter a host of new and exciting species during our visits here for a cracking finale to our tour! Our birding adventure over, we return to our hotel for an early lunch on Day 11, then depart for nearby Tocumen International Airport and our late afternoon flight home. Day 12 ARRIVE LONDON Lunchtime arrival in Madrid and onward connection to London Heathrow, where our birdwatching tour to Panama concludes this afternoon. Trip Information Group Size Max 10 participants & 2 leaders Birds species What to Expect Our strategy in hot climates such as this will be to start early, bird in the morning and where possible to have a rest during the midday siesta time before enjoying the rest of the afternoon back in the field. We offer occasional evening and after dark excursions, too. Our explorations will be on foot, by boat and by vehicle. Accommodation 10 nights accommodation in Panama - including a 7-night stay at the excellent Tranquilo Bay Lodge on the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Northwestern Panama, and 3 nights in Panama City (one at the beginning of our trip plus two at the end of our stay). Here we stay at the comfortable Country Inn and Suites at the Panama Canal upon arrival in Panama, and at the Radisson Summit Hotel (convenient for Soberania and the Pipeline Road) on our return. Accommodation at Tranquilo Bay is in individual, purpose-built cabanas. These are modern, spacious and well-appointed, providing all the creature comforts of a good wildlife lodge, with hot water and electricity available 24/7 (so recharging batteries is never a concern). The power supply at the lodge is 120 volts (as in the USA) so bring US-style plug adaptors. The cabanas are situated a short walk (about 100m) from the main dining area along a paved path, so at night a headlamp or torch is recommended. There are just a few steps up to info@limosaholidays.co.uk

9 enter the cabanas and a flight or two to reach the main dining area (either from the boat ramp or the cabanas). Of course, if you want to access the lodge's sturdy 65ft Canopy Observation Tower you will need to be able to climb more than a few flights of stairs - but the birding and views from the top are well worth the effort! Whether you choose to bird the lodge's many trails, make return visits to the bird bathing pool in the forest or simply wish to take time out from our organised programme of daily birding excursions to enjoy a little private snorkeling, kayaking, fishing or just relaxing outside your comfortably appointed cabin. A covered porch with a hammock and Adirondack chairs awaits to help you escape the 'every day' left behind when you entered the grounds at Tranquilo Bay. Meals All main meals are included in the tour price commencing with dinner on arrival at the Panama City hotel on the evening of Day 1 and concluding with lunch there on Day 11. Dining at Tranquilo Bay is excellent in quality with local food offered. Home-cooking, with local dishes freshly prepared by the lodge s own cooks (vegetarian needs can also be catered for). Breakfasts and dinners will be at the lodge; some lunches will be picnics - and virtually all drinks are included, too! *1 *1 During our stay at Tranquilo Bay, drinks that are included with the cost of our meals are house wine, Panamanian rum, domestic beers, soft drinks/sodas and freshly made juices. Walking Easy to occasionally more moderate on this tour, chiefly along forest trails. There may be some steeper, uphill stretches in the Caribbean coastal mountains, but all walks are taken very gently with regular stops for birds. Sturdy waterproof walking shoes or lightweight boots with good grip advised, with lightweight comfy shoes, trainers, sandals or flip-flops to change into afterwards. Weather The climate in Northwestern Panama is warm to hot, with mornings in the 70s (low 20sC) and afternoons in the 80s (high 20sC). Conditions at midday can be humid and very warm, with temperatures reaching into the lower 90s (low 30sC) at the coast. Unsurprisingly in this rainforest area, tropical downpours may occur at any time of year, but are more likely during the rainy season. The two seasons with the least amount of rain are in February-March and September-October. On two days we travel up to 4500 feet (1375m) in the forests near La Fortuna, where the temperatures will usually be lower - and it can even feel cool. Clouds and overcast skies frequently prevail in higher areas, leading to damp and sometimes chilly conditions. A good waterproof jacket is recommended. Flights We fly London Heathrow to Panama City with British Airways/Iberia (change of planes in Madrid). Our tour price also includes the return domestic flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro with Air Panama. If you are making your own flight arrangements for this tour please be sure to check group flight details with our office before booking your own flight arrangements. Note that our 'Land Only' cost excludes international flights but does include the return domestic flight in Panama. Ground Transport By minibus, switching to 4WD vehicle/s when occasion demands. Boat Trips Transfers between the mainland and Tranquilo Bay, as well as several birding and wildlife excursions during our stay at the lodge will be by the lodge's own boats - these are 27- foot centre console 'ribs' equipped with 200 HP Yamaha Outboard and partial sun cover. Insects Mosquitoes are generally not a problem on this tour, but taking precautions against chiggers is advisable - keeping to paths helps greatly in this respect. Permethrin spray is freely available at the lodge and use of this is recommended before venturing into the field. Photos Good to excellent photographic opportunities in more open habitats, including the coast, at bird feeders and around the lodge. Tricky in the forest, where light levels are low info@limosaholidays.co.uk

10 Tour Cost 2019 (12-day tour): 3695 (inc flights from London) Land only cost: 3145 Deposit: 500 Single Supp: 495 Cost includes Limosa Tour Leader English-speaking Tranquilo naturalist guides English-speaking bird guide at Soberania NP Return flights London Heathrow-Panama City Return flights Panama City-Bocas del Toro 10 nights accommodation in Panama All main meals - & some drinks at Tranquilo *1 All local travel and excursions - including boat transfers, boat rides and minibus transport All entry fees, tour based tips (including lodge, driver and local guides) & taxes Map and Limosa checklist of birds Cost excludes Insurance, drinks (outside of those included at Tranquilo Bay), airport meals/snacks & other items of a personal nature. *1 During our stay at Tranquilo Bay, drinks that are also included with the cost of our meals are house wine, Panamanian rum, domestic beers, soft drinks/sodas and freshly made juices. About Your Guides Gary Elton Gary is a principal Limosa guide who lives in Norfolk, where he divides his time between guiding for Limosa and working at Holme Bird Observatory, on the Norfolk coast. A former Herts Bird Club committee member and warden of a local nature reserve in north London (where he lived and birded for over 35 years), he is a qualified ringer with a particular fascination for studying bird migration in the eastern Mediterranean. In addition to leading most of Limosa s Norfolk breaks over the past 10 years, Gary's growing repertoire of overseas destinations includes Greece, Spain, Iceland, Sri Lanka, Gambia, Borneo, Florida, Mexico and Panama. He often joins our guided BirdWalks in Norfolk and regularly pops up on TV wildlife programmes, having featured on everything from Springwatch to Bill Bailey's Birdwatching Bonanza. Gary's enthusiasm is infectious and our October 2019 tour to Panama Tranquilo Bay & Pipeline Road will be his second visit there. Local guides One or more of the Tranquilo Team of excellent resident naturalist guides will accompany Gary and our tour as local leader throughout our stay at the lodge. We'll be joined by a bird tour guide living in Panama City for our excusrions along the Pipeline Road. Financial Security Limosa Holidays is a fully bonded Tour Operator and a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). We hold an ATOL (Air Tour Operators Licence) granted by the CAA, providing for your protection in the event of Limosa Holidays' insolvency. Our ATOL licence number is ATOL For tours not including the cost of a flight from the UK or for holidays booked by you as Land Only, all payments made to us are fully bonded through the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT). Our ABTOT membership number is For details please see our brochure or website: Limosa Loyalty Discount We are proud of the number of loyal customers who travel regularly with us. As our way of saying thank you, we offer a Frequent Travel Discount. Under the scheme, everyone who takes four trips with us is entitled to claim a 5% discount on their 5th trip. *1 *1 Conditions: This offer applies to the basic tour cost only and excludes certain commissionbased trips, extra costs such as additional flights or accommodation, private extensions and cancellations. Discounts cannot be given in lieu of tour deposits or off the cost of single room supplements. Please note discount must be requested at time of booking! info@limosaholidays.co.uk

11 How To Book Check availability on our website or with our office. We are happy to hold Provisional Reservations for up to 7 days. After this, we do require a Booking Form and deposit to confirm your place on tour. Any unconfirmed space will be released. Book Online, by Phone or by Post You can book and pay the deposit simply and securely Online via our website, using the Book This Tour button on the relevant tour page or the Booking tab at the top of the page. Telephone bookings must be confirmed in writing by completion of a Booking Form (there's one tucked inside every brochure or as a PDF download from our website), which can be mailed to us in the time honoured way. Be sure to read our Booking Conditions and General Information (found at the back of our brochure, on our website or available from our office on request) prior to booking. When to Book Early booking is advised since flights and accommodation are much more easily secured well in advance. To encourage early booking, we are pleased to offer an Early Bird Discount - see our current brochure or website for details. All our tours are limited to small group sizes. So they can fill up quickly - sometimes even before our new brochure comes out! Single rooms in particular can often be in short supply and among the first to go, so do try to plan well ahead if you definitely require one of these. Last-minute Bookings: We inevitably receive a few unexpected cancellations over the course of a season so it is always worth enquiring about vacancies on any tour - even for those departing in just a few weeks! Payments Deposit: The amount of booking deposit per person is shown alongside every tour. We accept deposit payments by electronic bank transfer (please ask for our bank details), UK debit card and cheque (made payable to Limosa Holidays and drawn on a UK bank in GBPounds Sterling). For payment of booking deposits only we also accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Balance: Full payment of the tour balance is due not later than 12 weeks prior to departure (20 weeks in the case of certain tours such as cruises or those involving rail travel). We will send you an invoice before the balance is due. We accept balance payments and any additional payments (e.g. interim flight deposits, flight upgrades, extra hotels etc) by electronic bank transfer (BACS), UK debit card or cheque. Payment by overseas customers must be in GB Pounds Sterling and may be made by electronic transfer direct to our bank (please ask for our bank details). We do not accept cheques on US Banks in US Dollars, or cheques in Euros or Eurocheques. Credit cards - please note: (i) We do NOT accept credit cards or overseas debit cards for balance payments (including any additional or interim payments) from customers living within the UK or European Economic Area (the EEA is the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). (ii) For customers living in North America, Australia and all other areas outside of the UK and the European Economic Area we are able to accept payment by Visa and MasterCard credit cards or overseas debit card but with a charge of 2.5% of the transaction amount to help offset card company charges. Late Booking Payments: In order for us to guarantee your airline seats, hotels etc., full payment is required at time of booking for all late bookings (i.e. bookings made within 12 weeks of departure) info@limosaholidays.co.uk

12 Other Things You Need To Know Passports & Visas Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your intended date of exit from Panama. Your passport must also have several unused pages. VISA NOT REQUIRED by UK passport holders for entry to Panama (unless you are arriving there by sea). *** You must have a return or onward flight ticket and the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card. *** (If you do not hold a full British Citizen passport you should contact the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate to establish whether or not you require a visa or transit visa. If a visa/s is required, you will need to apply locally. If the embassy or consulate requires you to provide a letter confirming that you are booked on an allinclusive tour, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide one.) Health & Vaccinations Compulsory vaccinations: Consult your doctor for latest advice regarding yellow fever in Panama. If vaccination is required, you will need to carry a valid yellow fever certificate. Recommended immunisations: Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheriatetanus-polio vaccine. Consult your doctor for current advice regarding yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid and TB, which may also be recommended in some circumstances. Malaria: There is a no or low risk in the Northern archipelago, but in the Canal zone near Panama City it is slightly higher. Consult your doctor for current advice on the possible need for an antimalarial prophylaxis for this tour. The above information, together with that contained within our Travel Information sheets (sent to everyone who books), outlines health requirements for this tour. Please note that these details are given for guidance only - and are only for certain diseases - and you must consult your doctor in good time prior to travel as to what immunisations (if any) are needed for your chosen holiday. For full and up-to-date health information we urge everyone to consult The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website prior to booking any overseas holiday. NaTHNaC is funded by the UK Government s Health Protection Agency and provides health information for both health professionals and travellers, with information compiled by its own clinical and scientific team. You can search for individual country requirements, which are updated regularly. Your Safety & Travel Advice An unavoidable aspect of travelling abroad nowadays is the threat it may pose to your safety and security. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) encourages British nationals to be better prepared for their overseas trips with a view to avoiding common travelling traumas, risks and dangers. In order for you to assess and protect against any risks in your chosen destination it is strongly recommended that you refer to the relevant FCO Travel Advice both prior to booking and regularly before you travel. It is standard Limosa policy for our office to send a copy of the relevant FCO Travel Advice about the tour to all participants along with their Final Letter (ca. 2-3 weeks prior to the trip). Travel Aware - staying safe and healthy abroad - is a travel safety campaign run by the FCO, and another useful resource. Go to: Travel Insurance Good travel insurance is essential before setting off on any overseas trip. In common with all info@limosaholidays.co.uk

13 responsible tour operators, it is a condition of booking our tours that all clients are fully and adequately insured before travelling overseas with us. Be aware that some destinations may require you to produce proof of comprehensive travel insurance (e.g. valid insurance certificate) at immigration on arrival in the country, so you should carry your documentation with you. Your travel insurance should cover against cancellation, curtailment, missed departure, delay, personal accident, death, loss of baggage and valuables (see note below), personal liability and legal expenses. Most importantly, your insurance must cover you fully in respect of medical care and repatriation should you become too ill to continue with the tour, including the cost of emergency evacuation by helicopter or air ambulance should this be necessary. Note that passenger liability insurance covering the transportation that we hire, particularly in Third World countries, may be inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover includes sufficient provision for your dependents in the event of an accident. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your holiday to ensure you are protected right from the word go in the event of unexpected cancellation prior to departure due to accident or illness. You must inform your insurers of any pre-existing medical conditions (including those of persons not necessarily travelling but upon whom your holiday may depend) that may require treatment during a period of overseas travel or might cause you to cancel the trip. Once you have arranged your insurance, please be sure to send us the following essential details: name and contact details of your insurance provider, your policy number, expiry date and your insurers 24hr Emergency Assistance number. Important things to note about Insurance Travel Insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover for valuable optical equipment, which is often best protected under your own household insurance policy. If in doubt ask your insurers for advice prior to travel. Most travel insurance policies limit the amount of cover, typically up to a maximum tour cost of 5000 per person. If the tour you are booking exceeds this amount, additional cover can usually be provided upon payment of additional premium. We recommend all travellers check their individual policy limit to ensure the full cost of their holiday is covered. Arranging Your Insurance: due to UK Government legislation, under Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations, we are not allowed to offer or recommend travel related insurance to customers. Premiums can vary widely according to your age, needs, health, choice of destination and other factors, while many people nowadays have Annual Travel Insurance cover. For these reasons, we leave you free to shop around and pick your own policy, one best suited to your own individual needs. General Information Our website gives easy access to detailed tour itineraries (Tour Info Packs), trip reports, trip photos and the latest Limosa News. Special Diets & Other Requests We pass on all such requests to airlines, hotels and other suppliers, and do our best to ensure (but of course cannot guarantee) that your needs will be met. Please be sure to tell us about these (in as much detail as possible) at the time of booking, to allow good time to make the necessary arrangements. Smoking Almost all of our clients prefer a smoke-free environment. For the enjoyment and comfort of all, we ask that smokers refrain from smoking in proximity to the group and respect our NO SMOKING policy in the vehicle, at meal times and when watching wildlife info@limosaholidays.co.uk

14 Any Questions? If you have any questions at any time, you ll find our office staff friendly, efficient, approachable - and just a phone call away, eager to assist you in every way. Our office is open hrs Mon-Fri, and can also be reached by . In the event we are unable to take your call, please leave a message on our answerphone (24hrs) and our office will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you for your interest in our tours. We do hope that you will be able to join us - and we look forward to hearing from you again! CK info@limosaholidays.co.uk