Trinidad s Classic Birding With Jeff Collins

Transcription

1 Trinidad s Classic Birding With Jeff Collins Violaceous Euphonia by Ken Knowles Trinidad Itinerary: March 17-24, 2013 Optional Tobago Extension: March 24-27, 2013 Based at the world-renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, a 200-acre wildlife sanctuary in Trinidad's rainforested Northern range, participants will travel with expert local guides to visit several unique natural areas on the island. Those interested in the Tobago extension will stay at the charming Blue Waters Inn. A perfect trip for those who are new to birding in the neotropics. Or those who simply want to enjoy a comfortable birding trip this is a long standing favorite.

2 DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1 ~ March 17, 2013~ Sunday ~ Arrival at Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain and transfer to the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge. DAY 2 ~ March 18, 2013 ~ Monday Asa Wright Nature Centre Morning begins with the raucous noise of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds. A first-time visitor might see life birds before breakfast, and 40 species overall. Our day will start with a guided tour of the several trails that traverse this rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary. On our introductory walk we should see such species as Violaceous Trogon, Channel-billed Toucan, Chestnut Woodpecker, White-bearded Manakin, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Turquoise and Bayheaded Tanager. The Centre is situated in a typical valley of Trinidad s Northern Range. These sites have been traditional centers of coffee, cocoa, and citrus plantations and many of these plants are still maintained at the Centre. Natural second-growth has taken over and festooned the abandoned plantation vegetation with vines and a host of epiphytes. The whole effect is one of being deep in a tropical rainforest. Purple Honeycreeper by Ken Knowles The afternoon will be free to allow you to relax, enjoy the trails and adjust to the tropical sun and heat. Birding from the veranda of the Asa Wright Nature Centre is one of the world s most pleasant, and exciting, ornithological experiences. Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Tufted Coquette, Barred Antshrike, Green Honeycreeper are among the many species that can be easily seen. DAY 3 ~ March 19, 2013 ~ Tuesday ~ Northern Range and Blanchisseuse This day sees us on an all-day excursion over the Northern Range towards the seaside village of Blanchisseuse. En route we will look for Swallow-tailed Kite, Common Black Hawk, Ornate Hawk-eagle, Bat Falcon, White-tailed Trogon, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar along with some of the more secretive forest birds such as Silvered Antbird, as well as special tanagers such as Speckled Tanager and Blue Dacnis. Along with rich birdlife, we will also have an opportunity to examine the fascinating world of leaf-cutter and army ants, and photograph orchids and other tropical flora. Depending on the weather conditions and the birds, we will picnic either at a nice spot in the hills near the village of Brasso Seco or on the beach near Blanchissiuse. (Bring a bathing suit, in case we have the opportunity for a swim.) DAY 4 ~ March 20, 2013 ~ Wednesday ~ Northern Range and Nariva Swamp Today we will wind our way out of the Northern Range to Trinidad s east coast and the Nariva Swamp, the largest freshwater herbaceous swamp on the island. Along its edges are palm islands, where the tall Moriche Palm is common. Here too we will see a unique mangrove community, made up primarily of the stilt-rooted rhizophora mangrove, which often reaches a height of 80 feet. Along the way we will look first in the lowland habitats for such species as Savannah Hawk, Red-breasted Blackbird, Southern Lapwing, White-headed Marsh Tyrant and Green-rumped Parrotlet. In the coastal area we will have an opportunity to

3 look for Pinnated Bittern, Pearl Kite, Azure Gallinule, Wattled Jacana, and Red-bellied Macaw. There is a swimming opportunity here, in the Atlantic, and you may choose to bring a swimsuit. Keep a look out in the surf for the fascinating Four-eyed Fish. DAY 5 ~ March 21, 2013 ~ Thursday ~ Two Options: Asa Wright or Grand Riviere / Trinidad Piping Guan Today participants will have the option of staying on Centre grounds for a leisurely day of birding, or rising early and departing for the coastal town of Grand Riviere. Those who go to Grand Riviere will arrive there before the sun is up and wait for the appearance of the Trinidad Piping Guan, known locally as the Pawi. It is one of the world's most endangered species, and is endemic to Trinidad. Once hunted to near extinction, the species has been the focus of a considerable local effort to protect the bird and its habitat. The bird has responded well, slowly increasing in numbers and visibility. Visitors to the Pawi s territory also occasionally catch sight of a Bat Falcon, a Zone-tailed Hawk or a Plumbeous Kite. Breakfast at a small beachside hotel before returning to Asa Wright Nature Centre for a free afternoon. Note: Those who decide to join the optional Trinidad Piping Guan trip should a sign up on the reservation form. DAY 6 ~ March 22, 2013 ~ Friday ~ Aripo Savannah This morning s journey to the lowland Aripo Savannah could provide yet another batch of new species. In the savannah, Plumbeous Kite, Grey-headed Kite, Shiny Cowbird, Giant Cowbird, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Blue-black Grassquit, and Ruddy-breasted Seedeater are likely to be seen. The Aripo Savannah is an area of extremely acidic soil with poor drainage, and is a remnant of what once was a major habitat type of lowland Trinidad. These remnant savannahs are now surrounded by extensively altered landscapes where much sugar cane is grown, as well as small-scale agriculture and housing development sprawl. We will leave the centre in the late afternoon to return to the savannah region for some night birding. Our target species will include White-tailed Nightjar, Red-bellied Macaw, Common Paraque, Common Pootoo, Tropical Screech Owl and Barn Owl. DAY 7 ~ March 23, 2013 ~ Saturday ~ Dunston Cave, Oilbirds and Caroni Marsh This morning we will visit Dunston Cave, a beautiful riparian grotto located on the sanctuary, to view the breeding colony of the fascinating nocturnal Oilbird. This is one of the most accessible Oilbird caves in the entire world and access is limited to protect this rare species. On the short hike to the Cave, you could see some of the secretive birds of the deep forest such as Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Black-faced Antthrush, White-bellied Antbird, and Gray-throated Leafscraper. We will depart before noon with picnic lunches for Yerreté, an idyllic private home in Trinidad s Maracas Valley. Only recently opened to the public, the property s feeder stations offer unparalleled, up-close views of the wide array of Trinidad s hummingbird species. (Twelve of the island s 13 recorded species have been seen at the feeders.) An optional slideshow of the owner s amazing photography will also be shown.

4 From Yerreté, we will depart for the the famous Caroni Marsh, a very specialized mangrove forest that contains several genera and species of mangroves, showing classic examples of plant adaptation in this unique brackish water community. We will seek out some of its more specialized denizens Neotropical Cormorant, Anhinga, Striated Heron, White-cheeked Pintail, Large-billed Tern, Pied Water-tyrant, Bicolored Conebill, and Red-capped Cardinal. Our day will end with the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibis returning to their mangrove roosts at dusk, truly one of the world s most dramatic natural moments. Returning to the boat dock we will search the mangrove-lined channels for the mysterious sounding Common Potoo. DAY 8 ~ March 24, 2013 Return Home or continue on to the optional Extension to Tobago On the seventh day of our tour, those who chose the extended tour will depart for Tobago, Trinidad s sister island. Those on the Trinidad Only tour will be transferred to the airport for their flight home. Optional Extension to Tobago Tobago forms the final link in the chain of mountain ranges extending from the Venezuelan Coastal Range, on the very edge of the South American Continental Shelf. Tobago s climate and rainfall more closely resembles that of the Lesser Antilles, meaning it is drier and windier than its sister island of Trinidad. After arriving in Tobago we will visit marsh habitats searching for shorebirds, herons, egrets, and ducks, such as the Whitecheeked Pintail. We will then take a leisurely drive to the lovely northern coast. We will check into the beachfront Blue Waters Inn for a relaxing afternoon, where you can swim, snorkel or dive. (Blue Waters Inn has a full dive shop.) Brown Booby by Ken Knowles DAY 9 ~ March 25, 2013 ~ Monday ~ Little Tobago Island This morning, weather permitting, we will depart by boat for Little Tobago Island, one of this nation s most important wildlife sanctuaries. As we cross over to the island we will watch for Leatherback and Hawksbill Sea Turtles and enjoy spectacular views of one of the Caribbean s most beautiful and pristine coral formations, all from the comfort of our glass-bottom boat. Upon landing we will explore the island for Chivi Vireo, Brown-crested Flycatcher and Pale-vented Pigeon. In addition, we will explore the nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbird, Red-footed Boobies, Brown Boobies, and Audubon Shearwaters. DAY 10 ~ March 26, 2013 ~ Tuesday~ Tobagos Rainforest preserve This day will see us traveling to the Rainforest Preserve, where Tobago s best mountain forests are found, at elevations over 2,000 feet. We will pass among charming quiet villages, to the forested interior to look for White-tailed Sabrewing, once thought to be extinct but rediscovered here in the 1960s. We will also seek out Blue-backed Manakin, Yellow-legged Thrush and other Tobago specialties, such as Red-crowned Woodpecker and White-fringed Antwren. DAY 11 ~ March 27, 2014 ~ Wednesday This exciting learning vacation ends this morning as you depart for your flight home.

5 Itinerary subject to change to due to weather, road condition, access, and other real world factors. The order of the trips may also change. Should a location or region become unviable, we will make every effort to visit an equivalent location or region. About Your Guide: Jeff Collins Jeff Collins is Director of Mass Audubon's Ecological Management Department, coordinating habitat management planning and activities on our wildlife sanctuaries as well as assisting conservation partners through our Ecological Extension Service. He holds a master s degree in botany from the University of Vermont Field Naturalist Program. Jeff takes a holistic approach to exploring and enjoying the landscape, considering the interplay of bedrock, soil, water, plants, and animals, all while sharing his enthusiasm for the natural beauty of each destination. He has traveled extensively, birding and botanizing in North America; exploring Southern Africa while a Peace Corps volunteer in Zimbabwe; visiting birding hot spots in Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica, and Nepal; and leading tours to Namibia, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico s Baja Peninsula. TOUR PRICING & TERM Main Tour on Trinidad Price: $2700 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement is $700 Optional Extension on Tobago Price: $1100 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement is $300 A $500 per person deposit is required along with the reservation form. Price Includes: All accommodations All meals Group airport transfers Park and preserve entrance fees Services of local naturalist guide and driver All tips and gratuities Does Not Include: Items of a personal nature such as beverages from the bar. Porterage, laundry, phone calls, or gift items. Flights from home to Trinidad and Airport departure taxes What this trip is like: Very comfortable accommodations with excellent food. Trip pace is easy and relaxed. The days will start early, pre-dawn, to take advantage of witnessing the birds right from the veranda. Trails are often muddy and narrow. Some of them steep but there will be no hikes of long distances.

6 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 TBD, 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 10. The maximum number of participants is approximately 16. 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 nonrefundable, 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 comprising 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.

7 Reservation Application Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (1) as shown as passport Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (2) as shown as passport Date of Birth Date of Birth Address City State Zip Phone: Day Evening address Options and Extension: Yes, I will/ we will join the optional excursion for the Piping Guan for an additional cost of $100 Yes, I will/ we will join the optional TOBAGO extension for the price $1100 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 Signature