ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA Pre-Trip to the Lesser Antilles Cruise

Transcription

1 314SEA E P: 06/07/13 BL Rev: 10/02/13 GL ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA Pre-Trip to the Lesser Antilles Cruise FEBRUARY 12-16, The two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the British protectorate of Montserrat, forms a volcanic and coralline northward continuation of the Lesser Antilles. These islands are much smaller than those to the south, but support the same families of birds and plants that define the eastern Caribbean region's unique biogeography. The majority of the birds occurring on these islands are familiar to other parts of the Lesser Antilles, while there are two species found here and nowhere else: Barbuda Warbler on Barbuda, and Montserrat Oriole on Montserrat. On this four-night pre-trip to our Lesser Antilles Cruise, we'll visit the islands of Antigua, Montserrat, and Barbuda with a primary focus on finding these two endemic species, in addition to other range-restricted birds. Bridled Quail-Dove, Forest Thrush, and Antillean Euphonia are among other sought-after birds also found on one or more of these islands. In addition, Antigua and Barbuda host some of the highest quality wetlands and mangrove forests in the eastern Caribbean. On Antigua we will enjoy parts of two days exploring this medium-size, largely low-lying island searching for West Indian Whistling-Duck, Caribbean Coot, Bridled Quail-Dove, and a variety of other landbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders. We'll travel 30 miles north to small Barbuda, a flat limestone island that supports some of the largest mangrove forests in the Caribbean. This island is the only home of the Barbuda Warbler, a species split years ago from the Adelaide's Warbler of Puerto Rico. Twenty-five miles south of Antigua lies Montserrat, an island best known as the site of the Caribbean's only active volcano. It also happens to be the only home of the Montserrat Oriole a gorgeous black and yellow oriole restricted to the rainforest of Montserrat's Centre Hills. February 12, Day 1: Arrival in Antigua. Participants should plan to arrive in St. John s, Antigua today. There are options for air service to Antigua (airport code ANU) from at least two major American cities including Miami and Newark. Most flights arrive in the afternoon. After clearing immigration and customs, you will be met at the airport by our ground agents and transferred to our hotel. We will meet in the lobby at 6:00 p.m. this evening for a trip welcome and orientation followed by dinner. NIGHT: Heritage Hotel, St. John s, Antigua February 13, Day 2: Barbuda. The island-nation of Antigua and Barbuda is a smaller member of the Lesser Antilles, lying north of Guadeloupe at latitude 17. Independent since 1981, the islands host a population of about 86,000. The nation s capital, St. Johns, is located on Antigua while Codrington is the principal city on Barbuda. Barbuda is a mostly flat, low-lying island whose geologic composition is entirely limestone.

2 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 2 This morning we will travel to Barbuda, via a short chartered flight to track down the Barbuda Warbler, the country s only endemic bird. Upon arrival we will be joined by a local guide who will spend the day with us and take us to the best birding sites. Finding the warbler is the day s goal, and one we should accomplish with relative ease. The bird is widely distributed across the island and occurs in a variety of habitats. Identification of the Barbuda Warbler is straightforward a blue-gray upperside, lemon yellow underparts, white wingbars, and a yellow eyebrow. It is a very close look-alike to the Adelaide s Warbler of Puerto Rico and the St. Lucia Warbler of St. Lucia. It s worth pointing out that the three populations (formerly a single, super-species), while all closely related, are isolated from one another over their widely distributed eastern Caribbean range. Our time in the field will likely yield other Lesser Antillean specialties including Green-throated Carib, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Caribbean Elaenia, and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch. In the late morning or early afternoon we will travel to Codrington Lagoon National Park to view a nesting colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds and watch for a variety of wading birds and shorebirds. Among the possibilities here are Tricolored and Little Blue herons, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Snowy Egret, Greater Yellowlegs, Solitary and Spotted sandpipers and others. In the mid-afternoon we will transfer to the airport or ferry terminal for the trip back to Antigua, 30 miles to the south.* If we travel by ferry, the ride across the inter-island waterway should be relaxing and enjoyable; participants may wish to stand outside and watch for birds and sea turtles. Red-billed Tropicbird, Brown Booby, and Laughing Gull are all possible in this stretch of water while more keen-eyed observers may even spot a loggerhead turtle. *At the time of publication of this itinerary, we have not yet determined our method of afternoon travel from Barbuda to Antigua. Our decision will depend on air and ferry schedules. NIGHT: Heritage Hotel, St. John s, Antigua February 14, Day 3: Birding Antigua; afternoon flight to Montserrat. Today we will bird the island of Antigua before taking an afternoon flight to Montserrat. Antigua is a medium-size, low-lying island with a volcanic contour overlain by beds of limestone. Its flat lowlands are well-suited for holding larger bodies of water and wetlands. We will have most of a day to explore the island, traveling to such sites as Jolly Harbor and Reed s Point, searching for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders. Among the day s target birds are two regionally endemic species: West Indian Whistling-Duck and Caribbean Coot. February is a time when winter shorebirds are still around and the season s earliest northbound migrants are starting to appear. We may find a variety of plovers, sandpipers, and wading birds among the scattered mudflats, ponds, and salt lagoons. Possibilities include a variety of sandpipers, dowitchers, yellowlegs, and stilts. Several species of waterfowl may be present as well including White-cheeked Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, and lingering overwintering waterfowl from North America. We will also venture to the more densely vegetated southwest corner of the island for a chance to see Bridled Quail- Dove, Smooth-billed Ani, and Mangrove Cuckoo. In the afternoon we will return to St. John s and make the short flight south to the island of Montserrat. We will transfer to a local hotel in advance of next day s outing to the Centre Hills. NIGHT: Montserrat Moments Inn and Sugar Mill, Montserrat February 15, Day 4: Birding Montserrat (Centre Hills); return to Antigua. Located 25 miles south of Antigua, the island of Montserrat is a British overseas territory best known as the site of a major volcanic eruption that destroyed the island capital in Today, all activity on the island is restricted to the northern half where a new capital is under construction.

3 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 3 Monterserrat is a rugged and mountainous island dominated by the famous Soufriere Hills Volcano. Lush, tropical forest blankets the long ridges that radiate down from Soufriere s flanks while a belt of dry forest, thornscrub, and dense brush encircles the island near sea level. Despite its small size, Montserrat offers wonderful birding opportunities at all elevations. The primary attraction of a trip to Montserrat, and indeed, the reason why birders travel here, is the chance to see the Montserrat Oriole, a gorgeous black and gold oriole found nowhere in the world but here. The heart of the oriole s range lies in the middle elevation forests of the Centre Hills where a network of trails through the forest offers access to several territories. We will arise early this morning to take advantage of the prime period of activity for the oriole and other island birds. We ll head directly to the Centre Hills where a local guide will lead us on a series of forest walks where our chances of finding the bird are good. The Montserrat Oriole, once common throughout Montserrat s tall forests underwent a period of precipitous decline in the wake of the volcanic eruption that destroyed much of the island s south facing forests. This, coupled with the habits of the Pearly-eyed Thrasher, a bird known to prey on the eggs and young of the bird resulted in serious decline. Efforts to increase the population have met with success, and although the bird is still considered highly endangered, its numbers are stable. As our return trip to Montserrat is not scheduled until the mid-afternoon, we will dedicate most of the day to finding this special bird. February is generally a good time for searching, yet the days can get hot quickly even at this time of year, so the morning hours represent the best searching time. Visiting as many as half a dozen areas known to harbor breeding orioles, our chances are equally good of locating some of the other island specialties. The lovely Forest Thrush, a shy species with a spotty distribution occurs here and is actually fairly common. The unique island form is scaled on the belly, unlike the white-bellied form found on some of the islands to the south. The Bridled Quail Dove is also found here, and may actually be easier on this island than many of the others. Pearly-eyed Thrasher and Brown Trembler are also fairly common here. In the afternoon we may venture to the drier forest closer to the coast. This is the zone for the Antillean Euphonia, a beautiful little bird that is often difficult to detect owing to its small size and often reclusive feeding habits. Other birds we may spot include Green-throated Carib, Smooth-billed Ani, and Mangrove Cuckoo. In the mid-afternoon we will travel aboard the inter-island ferry that provides service between Montserrat and Antigua. The ride takes an hour and a half and offers more chances for spotting some of the seabirds that breed in the general area. Sightings of Magnificent Frigatebird are practically assured, but the prize of this route is the Redbilled Tropicbird. This species breeds in small numbers on Roca Redonda, to the east, and birds regularly fish the waters between Redonda and Montserrrat. We will watch carefully for these lovely birds in addition to Brown Booby and Pomarine Jaeger. NIGHT: Heritage Hotel, St. John s, Antigua February 16, Day 5: Birding Antigua; embark Sea Cloud. On this, our last day of the pre-trip, we will again bird the island of Antigua before embarking the Sea Cloud in the mid-to-late afternoon. Our activities will depend on which birds we may still be seeking. Bridled Quail-Dove, for instance, is often a challenge to locate, and the extra time may well come in handy. On the other hand, because Antigua is the best island for waterbirds in the whole of the Eastern Caribbean, we may check and re-check a variety of fresh water and salt water habitats. After a relaxing lunch we ll eventually make our way to the dock where the Sea Cloud awaits. Depending on boarding time, our pre-trip will conclude upon arrival at the ship. TOUR SIZE: This tour will be limited to 12 participants. TOUR LEADERS: David Ascanio and local guides.

4 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 4 David Ascanio, a Venezuelan birder and naturalist, has spent 28 years guiding birding tours throughout his native country, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, the Amazon River, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles, Cuba, the Orinoco River, Costa Rica, Chile, and Panama. He is especially interested in bird vocalizations, and has a private library containing sounds of more than 70% of all the birds of Venezuela. David speaks excellent English and combines superb birding skills with an astonishing command of bird vocalizations. He has published a book for children about the songs of the birds of Venezuela, and has coauthored the description of a new species, the River Island Spinetail. David has also published various manuscripts about the birds of the llanos (plains), the Orinoco River island species, and the pan-tepui endemic species for which he has become an authority. He is an excellent communicator, has a great sense of humor, and is tireless in helping others find birds and wildlife. These traits have made him one of the most popular naturalists/guides in the Neotropics. David is currently writing the species accounts for a forthcoming field guide to the birds of Venezuela. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for this tour is $2895 per person in double occupancy. This includes all meals beginning with dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 5, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, ground transportation during the tour including private transfer from the airport to the hotel, and guide services provided by the tour leader and local guides. It does not include roundtrip airfare from your home to Antigua, extra hotel nights before day 1or after day 4 or meals before dinner on day 1 or after lunch on day 5, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, phone calls, laundry, items of a personal nature (postage, telephone calls, s) and passpor fees. The single supplement for this tour is $315. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations, or if you prefer to share but have no roommate and we cannot provide one for you. REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: To register for this tour, please contact the VENT office. The initial deposit for this tour is $500 per person. If you would like to pay your initial deposit by check, money order, or bank transfer, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the VENT office to receive your deposit and completed registration form. If you prefer to pay the initial deposit using a credit card, your deposit must be made with MasterCard or Visa at the time of registration. The VENT registration form (available from the VENT office or by download at should then be completed, signed, and returned to the VENT office. PAYMENTS: Initial tour deposits may be made by MasterCard, Visa, check, money order, or bank transfer. All other tour payments, including second deposits, interim payments, final balances, special arrangements, etc., must be made by check, money order, or bank transfer (contact the VENT office for bank transfer information). Full payment of the tour fee is due 120 days prior to the tour departure date. CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation penalties and refunds are based on the following schedule: if cancellation is made 120 days or more before the tour departure date, a cancellation fee of $250 per person will be charged unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. If cancellation is made fewer than 120 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post-trip extensions. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance for your protection. If you cancel: Your refund will be: 120 days or more before departure date Your deposit minus $250* Fewer than 120 days before departure date No refund available *Unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person.

5 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 5 EXCHANGE RATE SURCHARGES: In the erratic global financial markets of today, it is difficult to predict foreign currency exchange rates over the long term or at the time of operation of a tour or cruise departure. Tour prices are based upon the rate of exchange at the time of itinerary publication. If exchange rates change drastically, it may be necessary to implement a surcharge. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize the amount. In many cases, these additional foreign exchange rate surcharges are passed to VENT by its vendors and suppliers. FUEL AND FUEL SURCHARGES: In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult if not impossible to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of operation of this departure. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of itinerary publication. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. TRIP INSURANCE: A brochure and application form for optional coverage for baggage, illness, and trip cancellation can be obtained through the VENT office. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance as soon as possible to protect yourself against losses due to accidents or illness. VENT recommends Travel Insured International as our preferred insurance provider. Check with your insurance agent regarding coverage you may presently have via other insurance policies that may cover illness during your trip. Waiver for pre-existing conditions is available; however, stipulations apply, usually requiring the purchase of the insurance soon after registering. Optional expanded insurance coverage is available and includes items such as work-related cancellation, medical upgrade, and a Cancel for Any Reason clause among others. Contact Travel Insured International prior to registration for details. Not all insurance providers provide the same levels of coverage. If you purchase insurance through a company other than Travel Insured International, please be advised that rules and stipulations may be different. Medical insurance which covers you for emergency evacuation/repatriation during the trip is also recommended for this tour. This coverage is included in the Worldwide Trip Protector plan offered by Travel Insured International. A good website for information and acquisition of emergency evacuation/repatriation insurance is: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a bond issued by Travelers in the amount of $50,000. CST # AIR INFORMATION: Victor Emanuel Travel is a full-service travel agency and wholly owned subsidiary of VENT. Victor Emanuel Travel will be happy to assist you in making air arrangements. Airline tickets carry restrictions due to the airfare used. You may find that your ticket cannot be reissued or exchanged for another air carrier or routing. Cancellation penalties and change fees may be assessed for any changes to the ticket. These charges are solely your responsibility. First and business class travel may be available on some flights. All requests for travel assistance (air tickets, additional hotels, etc.) must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure date. Within 60 days, arrangements can no be guaranteed. CONDITIONS: Your pre-trip to the northern islands of the Eastern Caribbean is primarily a birding tour that seeks a range of specialty birds that we will not see on the Lesser Antilles Cruise. Our excursions, especially inter-island travel, focus mainly on reaching important birding areas. Since bird activity is best in the morning, we will be up early most days. On all three islands, we will travel in a variety of local vehicles. Movement between islands will include local air service and/or inter-island ferry. Our accommodations on Antigua and Montserrat are clean and comfortable but not luxurious. We will make every effort to provide air conditioned rooms on both islands.

6 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 6 For walking, participants will experience a diversity of terrain. As a general statement, most walking includes easy birding on established roads and trails, but some forest walks are of a moderate degree of difficulty. Participants should note that no one will be asked to participate in an activity for which they are not physically capable. Barbuda Easy walking for short distances over paved roads and wide dirt trails. Antigua Easy walking for short distances over paved roads and wide dirt trails. Montserrat Searching for the Montserrat Oriole requires hiking the network of trails that penetrate different parts of the Centre Hills. Our walks will range anywhere from ¼-¾ miles over narrow, but established trails, some of which are easy while others are more challenging. The trails we consider moderately difficult are ones in which negotiating moderately steep descents and rises is required. BAGGAGE: The airlines now strictly enforce baggage regulations. Excess baggage charges, which can be substantial, are the personal responsibility of each participant. Please consult your pre-departure materials and airline to find out specific weight restrictions. Baggage limits for our flight(s) between Antigua and Montserrat are limited and all luggage is weighed at check-in. Therefore, on the overnight trip to Montserrat, you should travel with only a small to medium-sized backpack and perhaps another hand or shoulder bag, which can be carried easily. You will be able to leave your main luggage either at the hotel in Antigua or with our operator until we return the following day. This will greatly facilitate our movements to and from Montserrat. As a precaution against lost luggage, we suggest that you pack a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, important travel documents, optics, and any other essential items in your carry-on bag. Due to ever-changing circumstances in the government s attempts to improve airport security, we recommend that you check the website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for information pertaining to permissible carry-on items: CLOTHING: As this trip is entirely birding oriented, your daily attire should consist primarily of field clothing. Generally the weather will be warm and sunny, but it can be cool in the morning hours. Do not forget to bring a small umbrella and/or poncho, as we could experience sudden showers or rain in the form of a winter front. The following items are recommended: Pants and Shorts: A couple pairs of pants and shorts each are recommended. Many people prefer lightweight pants made of cotton or other material, but denim, though not as comfortable, is certainly acceptable. Shorts will be desirable for warmer times of day. Field Clothing: Outdoor stores such as Cabela s and REI carry field clothing that many birders find appealing. Pants and shirts made of lightweight, yet durable materials with multiple pockets and ventilated seams are popular and more reasonably priced than in the past. Please select clothing in muted colors Sweaters and Coats: Warm weather will be the rule on this trip, but a sweater or light coat or jacket may come in handy some mornings and evenings. A rain poncho will be very useful if we are caught in a sudden shower. Shirts: Several t-shirts, (long and short-sleeved), in addition to other comfortable styles suitable for warm weather. Hat: A hat, particularly a broad-brimmed one, is essential for protection from the sun. FOOTWEAR: We strongly recommend comfortable, water resistant hiking boots or trail shoes throughout the trip. You may also prefer sandals and/or tennis shoes for the evenings. LAUNDRY SERVICE: No laundry service is available while on this tour.

7 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 7 EQUIPMENT: One of the most important aspects of having an enjoyable travel experience is being prepared with proper equipment. The following items will come in handy during your tour: Backpack Good for carrying extra clothing, field guides, supplies, and optical equipment during all land excursions. A backpack or small handbag will come in handy for the overnight trip to Montserrat Notebooks and pens Travel alarm clock Polarized sunglasses with good UV protection Sunscreen, lip balm, skin lotions Personal toiletries Water bottle Small collapsible umbrella Good to have if we are caught in a sudden shower Cameras, lenses, film, memory cards, and extra batteries Collapsible walking stick or walking pole Highly recommended for those who have trouble walking, in addition to the fact that there could be a fair amount of walking on Montserrat. Tissue packs Binoculars We strongly recommend you bring a pair of good binoculars of at least 7x35, 8x42, 10x40, or 10x42 magnification. We recommend that you do NOT bring mini-binoculars of any kind. Some people like them because they are small and lightweight; but they have an extremely small field of view and very poor light gathering power. Trying to find a bird in your binoculars using minis is like trying to read a book through a keyhole. You will be very frustrated, and even if you do manage to get the bird in your binoculars before it flies, you will have a poor view. You will find that 7x35 or 8x42 binoculars are compact and light enough. Spotting Scopes Given the ship-based nature of the program to follow, it is not necessary for you to bring a spotting scope. Your tour leader will have a scope available for group use throughout the trip (however, you may bring your own if you prefer). CLIMATE & WEATHER: The Caribbean region is famous among travelers for its good year-round weather. A tropical climate prevails in most places, which translates, in general terms, to warm, lightly humid conditions and ample sunshine. The afternoons are often punctuated with occasional showers or heavy, localized storms. All of the islands are influenced by regional weather patterns, but seasonality, location, and island topography affect each island on a local basis. Over a typical 24-hour period, temperatures range from F. The early morning hours are the coolest while the afternoons are warmest. Temperature variation also occurs according to elevation. Lowlying coastal areas tend to be hot and humid by mid-day while the mountains may be as much as 15 cooler. Cloud cover, mist, and afternoon rain are most likely in the mountains as well. February is a time when the northeast trade winds may be increasing in activity. Higher temperatures and dry, windy conditions are typical of this phenomenon, but the weather on a given island is affected by location. At this time, some islands receive considerable moisture (Windward Islands), while those out of the wind (Leeward Islands), can be very hot and dry. Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat are part of the Leeward group. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: PASSPORTS - A valid passport is required for entry into the islands included in this itinerary. Please check the expiration date on your passport. If it is not valid for at least six months after your trip return date, you will need to get it renewed. You will also want to make sure that you have ample blank pages in your passport for each country we visit on this trip. If you need a passport, you should get it well in advance of your trip departure date. For additional fees, a passport can be issued on an expedited basis. In the United States this can be done at the nearest passport office, most post offices, or the county clerk s office. Another source for information on how to get or renew a passport is

8 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 8 As a safety measure, photocopy the first two pages of your passport. Keep the photocopies in a safe place, so if your passport is lost you will have proof of identification. Your passport should be signed and easily available at all times. You will need it for check-in at the airport on your first day of departure, so do not pack it in your checked luggage. On board ship, it is customary for the purser to hold all passports for clearance with port authorities. Your passport will be collected upon embarkation, and returned upon disembarkation. VISAS - Citizens of the United States and Canada do not need tourist visas to enter the Caribbean. Rules and regulations pertaining to non-u.s. and Canadian citizens may vary; please check with the immigration offices, consulates, or embassies of the countries we will visit for information on entry requirements. Visa requirements can change without notice, and you should check the latest entry requirements as far in advance as possible in order to allow time to obtain a visa in your home country should that be necessary. CURRENCY & MONEY MATTERS: Your trip to the Caribbean includes most necessary expenses. You will want to bring enough cash to cover personal expenses not included in the program, such as taxi rides, gifts, laundry, gratuities, meals on your own, and personal items. It is best to carry small denominations of cash as any places we visit may be unable to provide change for large bills. While U.S. dollars may be accepted in more populous areas, it is always convenient to have a supply of local currency for such items. It is best to acquire local currency before leaving home. The official currency of Antigua, Barbuda, and Montserrat is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD). As of May 15, 2013 the conversion rate is: 1 US Dollar = 2.70 XCD; 1 XCD = USD You can check the latest currency conversion rate by visiting XE-The World s Favorite Currency Site at: Should you extend your vacation in the Caribbean beyond what is offered in the program, you ll want to consider obtaining local currency. Please check with your bank and credit card issuer for more information regarding banking and the use of ATM and credit cards overseas. DEPARTURE TAX: At present, the only international departure tax for this trip is from Montserrat at $21 USD. We recommend that you keep some extra cash handy when checking in for your flight. TIME: At the time of this tour, the eastern Caribbean region is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). ELECTRICITY: Power in Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat is 230V, with use of outlet types A and B. The A type outlet accommodates a flat two-bladed plug while the B type outlet, also known as the American 3-pin outlet, accommodates a plug with two flat blades and a round grounding pin. To ensure that use of American standard 110V equipment with the flat-pronged plugs will work in all locations, you should bring an all purpose transformer to convert the current for 110V use, in addition to proper plug adapters. LANGUAGE: English is the primary language spoken throughout our tour. HEALTH: As of this writing (May 2013), no major shots or inoculations are required for entry into any countries on our cruise route; however, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination against a variety of preventable diseases, including the so-called Routine Vaccinations (if you are not up-to-date), which are measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine; diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine; and poliovirus vaccine (boosters for adult travelers who have received a primary series with either inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV); they should receive another dose of IPV before departure). You should also be up-to-date with your Hepatitis A, or Immune Globulin (IG), Hepatitis B and Typhoid vaccinations.

9 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 9 If you are taking personal medication, prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the expedition safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication. Motion Sickness We are likely to ride aboard inter-island ferries between Antigua and Barbuda, and possibly Montserrat and Antigua. Between these islands, the Caribbean Sea is typically calm in the mornings, but subject to wind-generated turbulence in the afternoon. Although we don t expect rough seas per se, passengers should be prepared for the possibility of some bumpy rides. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend bringing an appropriate medication. Sun Exposure The sun s ultraviolet rays are dangerous under prolonged exposure (sometimes only a matter of minutes). Anytime you are outdoors you will want to protect your skin, including your lips, eyes, nose, and ears. Severe sunburn is potentially very painful and will affect your level of enjoyment. Always protect yourself when outdoors and be sure to bring an ample supply of high SPF sunscreen and lip balm. We strongly recommend the use of ultra-violet blocking, polarized sunglasses. Biting Insects Mosquitoes occur on all the islands we ll visit. To protect you from being bitten, we recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when in the field, particularly during the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon. In certain areas we also recommend the use of insect repellent containing DEET. Repellent can be applied to exposed skin and/or clothing. Clothing sprayed with Permethrin is another option (pre-treated or you can treat yourself). There is not threat of Malaria on this tour route. Another mosquito-born disease, Dengue, is present throughout the Caribbean. The disease is transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which occurs most commonly around populated urban and residential centers. In most cases, signs of Dengue may include severe flu-like symptoms accompanied by rash, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. We consider the risk of exposure very low on this trip, but do recommend that participants follow the suggestions for prevention of mosquito bites. A Note About Chiggers: This tour visits areas where chiggers are known to occur. Chiggers are tiny parasitic mites found in most warm weather areas of the southern United States and the world s tropics. They are especially numerous in grassy areas, where, in the immature stage, they attach themselves to other animals or humans who make contact with the grass as they pass by. Chiggers do not suck blood and the majority of the world s species do not carry disease. They do feed on bodily fluids, however, through a process in which a digestive enzyme is produced by the chigger which essentially liquefies the skin around the area where the chigger is attached. The chigger is not usually attached to the skin for more than a few hours before it either falls off or is knocked off. Our bodies respond by producing a hardened area as a defense against the chigger s digestive enzyme. Though the chigger may be long gone, it is the presence of the hardened area, and the body s natural process of reabsorbing it that typically causes intense itching, often lasting for a week or more. Chiggers like to attach themselves to areas of thin skin, like around the ankles, beltline, undergarment lines, knees, and elbows. Chiggers can be avoided by following these procedures: Avoid walking, or standing in particular, in areas dominated by grass. These areas are where one is most likely to encounter chiggers. Tuck your pants into your socks to avoid direct skin-to-grass contact. Chiggers can find their way through clothing, but this is a standard and effective prevention technique commonly employed by many. Apply a cream-style insect repellent, such as Cutters to your body from the waist down BEFORE putting on your clothing. Spray your pants and socks with a spray repellent such as Cutters or Off. Repellants with high concentrations of DEET (70-100%) are most effective. You do not need to apply these to your skin, only to clothing. (Be careful as DEET will damage plastics and lens coatings). Repel Permanone is an odorless aerosol insecticide that offers perhaps the best defense against chiggers. It is available at

10 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 10 various outdoor stores and can easily be found online. It should only be applied to clothes and allowed to dry before you dress. Never apply Permanone directly to the skin. Permethrin is known to be a highly toxic chemical to insects. It is the active ingredient in Permanone, but is present in a small amount (0.5%). Powdered sulfur applied to waist, bottoms of pants, sock and boots is also effective at repelling chiggers. However, be warned that clothes will retain the sulfur odor for several washings. Shower at the end of each day in the field. Use a washcloth to vigorously rub your legs, feet, and ankles. By following these methods, you should be able to avoid all chigger bites, as well as tick bites. If, however, you are bitten by chiggers anyway, you can reduce or eliminate the symptoms by applying benzocaine or hydrocortisone creams, calamine lotion, After Bite, or any number of anti-itch products. In addition to your physician, a good source of general health information for travelers is the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. The CDC operates a 24-hour recorded Travelers Information Line 800-CDC-INFO ( ) or you can check their website at Canadian citizens should check the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada: (click on travel health). SUGGESTED READING: Our website, offers an affiliated online store that carries a wide variety of items for birding and nature lovers, including over 6,000 books. A portion of the sales from this store benefits the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You may also visit such other online stores such as and for those out-of-print or hard-to-find titles, or which specializes in ornithology books. Birds: The most important field guide to the birds of the region: Raffaele, Herbert, James Wiley, Orlando H. Garrido and Allan Keith et al. A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies. Princeton: Princeton University Press, New Jersey, Other Birding Resources: Wauer, Roland. A Birder's Guide to the West Indies. Austin: University of Texas Press, Easy reading and Informative. This book has chapters on all of the islands that we visit, and imparts an excellent overview of the birding areas. Highly recommended. Natural History: For most people, thoughts of the Tropics center on the great rain forests of Central and South America. It is easy to forget, however, that the islands of the Caribbean are very much tropical, containing representatives of the same families of plants and birds as found on the mainland. The following resources are considered essential for any birder or natural history enthusiast with an interest in the biogeography of the American Tropics: Forsyth, Adrian and Ken Miyata. Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rainforests of Central and South America. New York, NY: Touchstone Publishing, Written by two talented young field biologists, this book was hailed as a masterpiece of natural history writing from the time of its publication. Comprised of 17 chapters, short essays really, the authors reveal the mysterious and exciting world of the tropics through first-hand accounts and experiences. Highly readable to say the least, such iconic figures as E.O. Wilson and Ernst Mayer have called the book among the finest introductions to tropical biology. History: Page, Matthew Parker. The Sugar Barons. London: Windmill Books, In this highly regarded book, author Page tells the fascinating history of the sugar industry in the West Indies. More than simple historical narrative, The Sugar Barons delves deeply into the role a few small islands played as the most fought-over colonies in the world all because of sugar, a commodity so valuable it was known as White Gold. The

11 ANTIGUA, MONTSERRAT & BARBUDA, Page 11 book explores the immense fortunes made and lost in the sugar trade, and the lives of those responsible for it all, in a way that connects to England becoming the most powerful empire in the world. Beyond economics and financial gain and loss, this is also the compelling story, vividly told, of the brutality and decadence of the societies that grew up around the sugar industry, an ocean away from the moral and political authority of mother England. Highly recommended. Hilty, Steven. Birds of Tropical America: A Watcher s Introduction to Behavior, Breeding, and Diversity. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press, A most important book for this tour. This book was first released by Chapters Publishing in 1994 and went out of print in UT Press reissued it with a new epilogue and updated references. Hilty s considerable writing talents are on full display in this fascinating and highly readable natural history companion to the standard field guides. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of tropical ornithology, Hilty explains the dynamics of tropical diversity, nesting habits, the structure of a rain forest bird community, biogeography, bird migration within the tropics, bird color and patterns, seed dispersal, foraging techniques, courtship rituals, and song patterns. Whether your interest in tropical birding is more narrowly focused or your perspective on tropical systems more general, you will find this a rewarding and very useful read. What makes the book so special, however, is its ability to convey important points to the non-scientist without surrendering to the temptation to include too much technical detail. TIPPING: Tipping (restaurants, porters, drivers, local guides) is included on VENT tours. However, if you feel one or both of your VENT leaders or any local guides or staff have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip. We emphasize that such tips are not expected and are entirely optional. RESPONSIBILITY: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc. (VENT) and/or its Agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. VENT and its agents can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air schedules. The right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved to substitute leaders on any tour. Where this is necessary, notification will be given to tour members. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The prices of the tours are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect September 25, 2013 and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. The right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of any tour. Baggage is at owner's risk entirely. The airlines concerned and their agents and affiliates are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their aircraft. The passenger ticket in use by said airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passenger. The services of any I.A.T.A.N. carrier may be used for these tours, and transportation within the United States may be provided by any member carrier of the Airline Reporting Corporation.