It s a great window in time to Cuba now and we know you ll love it!

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JB Journeys Cuban Endemic Birds with Arturo Kirkconnell January 22-31, 2018 & Natural History and Cultural Extension Sierra Maestra and Santiago de Cuba with Maikel Cañizares Morera January 29

1 JB Journeys Cuban Endemic Birds with Arturo Kirkconnell January 22-31, 2018 & Natural History and Cultural Extension Sierra Maestra and Santiago de Cuba with Maikel Cañizares Morera January 29 February 3, 2018 If you ve always wanted to travel to Cuba to pick up those 26 endemics, now is the time to go! JBJourneys is excited to offer these tours with Cuba s premier bird guide, Arturo Kirkconnell. co- author of A Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba. No one has more experience and knowledge of the birds than the man who wrote the book. You will visit bird hot spots like Viñales, Zapata Swamps (the Bay of Pigs), and the beautiful Keys on the northern coast. We highly recommend you come in a few days early to spend some time in Havana to see the old city, hear the music, feel the vibe! The birding tour end s in Camagüey, where research biologist Maikel Cañizares Morera (expert birder and naturalist) will lead an extension delving into the Eastern part of the country. You will stay in the stunning Sierra Maestra and Cuba s cultural mecca Santiago de Cuba. While in the mountains, you ll learn about Cuba s flora and fauna, plus hike to Comandancia de la Plata, the remote rebel headquarters of the 50 s Guerrilla war. While in the vibrant city of Santiago de Cuba, you ll continue in the footsteps of the rebels, explore museums, and learn about the birthplace of iconic folk music son and trova. It s a great window in time to Cuba now and we know you ll love it! January 22, Monday Day 1 Arrive at Havana airport. After arriving at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport, we will drive west to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. (D)

January 23, Tuesday Day 2 Valle de Viñales / Pinar del Río Provence Viñales, about 93 miles (150 km) west of Havana, is situated in Sierra de los Organos and is a delightful small town in a beautiful

(B,L,D) Target birds: Cuban Grassquit, Cuban Solitaire, Olivecapped warbler January 24, Wednesday Day 3 Playa Girón / Zapata Penninsula After breakfast, depart for Zapata Peninsula, about a 5 hour

The food (lots of fresh fish and fruit) is especially wonderful. This afternoon we will bird Soplillar (about 22 miles from Playa Girón).

2 January 23, Tuesday Day 2 Valle de Viñales / Pinar del Río Provence Viñales, about 93 miles (150 km) west of Havana, is situated in Sierra de los Organos and is a delightful small town in a beautiful valley with a distinctive landscape of steep-sided limestone mogotes,. About 100 bird species have been reported from the area. (B,L,D) Target birds: Cuban Grassquit, Cuban Solitaire, Olivecapped warbler January 24, Wednesday Day 3 Playa Girón / Zapata Penninsula After breakfast, depart for Zapata Peninsula, about a 5 hour drive, with lunch on the way, arriving in time for dinner in Zapata. Our home for the next few nights will be at a charming Casa Particular. The food (lots of fresh fish and fruit) is especially wonderful. This afternoon we will bird Soplillar (about 22 miles from Playa Girón). Target birds: Target birds: endemic Quail-Doves and Owls (B,L,D) Zapata Peninsula is, undoubtedly, the best bird watching area in Cuba, and possibly the entire Caribbean region. It supports all but three of Cuba s avian endemics, as well as many other native species, both winter residents and transients, along with several summer and spring visitors (which breed in Cuba but return south in fall). Over 270 species have been reported in the area. January 25, Thursday Day 4 Playa Girón / Zapata Penninsula Today we will visit Bermeja, an open area with royal and cabbage palms, about 12 miles north of Playa Girón. Two nights will include the search of nocturnal birds (Owls and Nightjar) in Bermeja and in Giron. (B,L,D) Target birds: Fernandina s Flicker, Cuban Pygmy Owl, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Nightjar, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Parrot, Cuban Trogon and Cuban Tody, and all four Quail-Doves January 26, Friday Day 5 Playa Girón / Zapata Penninsula Depart early for La Turba, located about 37 miles from Playa Girón. This is marsh habitat. In the afternoon, we will drive to La Salina, also 37 miles away. This area is ideal waterbird habitat, for many waterbirds that come to feed on fishes, crustaceans and other invertebrates. (B,L,D)

Target birds: Gunadlach s Hawk, Zapata Wren, Zapata Sparrow, Woodpeckers, American Flamingo, Roseate Spoonbill, Shorebirds, Egrets, Cuban Black Hawk January 27, Saturday Day 6 Cayo Coco Travel day!

It is mostly covered by semi deciduous forests; there are also mangroves, coastal shrub, patches of grass and lagoons. A total of over 200 species have been reported.

January 28, Sunday Day 7 Cayo Paredón Grande / Cayo Guillermo The drive this morning will take about 45 minutes. The main habitats of Cayo Paredón Grande are sandy coastal vegetation and mangroves.

(B,L,D) Target birds: Thick-billed Vireo, Bahama Mockingbird (very rare in this area), Mangrove Cuckoo, Cuban Gnatcatcher, Oriente Warbler Cayo Guillermo is situated 20 miles northwest of Cayo Coco.

3 Target birds: Gunadlach s Hawk, Zapata Wren, Zapata Sparrow, Woodpeckers, American Flamingo, Roseate Spoonbill, Shorebirds, Egrets, Cuban Black Hawk January 27, Saturday Day 6 Cayo Coco Travel day! The drive to Cayo Coco will take about 6 hours. (B,L,D) Cayo Coco is the second largest key in Cuba. It is mostly covered by semi deciduous forests; there are also mangroves, coastal shrub, patches of grass and lagoons. A total of over 200 species have been reported. There are many waders and one of the largest populations of American Flamingo in the Caribbean. In the fall, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon are not uncommon. January 28, Sunday Day 7 Cayo Paredón Grande / Cayo Guillermo The drive this morning will take about 45 minutes. The main habitats of Cayo Paredón Grande are sandy coastal vegetation and mangroves. Well over 100 species have been reported in the area. We ll return to the hotel for lunch, and depart mid afternoon for Cayo Guillermo. (B,L,D) Target birds: Thick-billed Vireo, Bahama Mockingbird (very rare in this area), Mangrove Cuckoo, Cuban Gnatcatcher, Oriente Warbler Cayo Guillermo is situated 20 miles northwest of Cayo Coco. This is a sandy key with xerophitic vegetation and lots of palms. Over 80 species have been reported in this area. Shorebirds, egrets, ducks and rails can be observed at the internal lagoons. Target birds: Bahama Mockingbird (very rare in this area),and Mangrove Cuckoo. January 29, Monday Day 8 Camagüey / Najasa A 3.5 hour drive will put us in Camagüey. This afternoon we will continue another 45 miles southeast to Najasa. This protected area of open country has many palm groves and a mixture of semi-deciduous woods in the low foothills. About 120 species of birds have been reported.

Target birds: Plain Pigeon, Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Parrot, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Pygmy-owl, Cuban Palm Crow, three species of woodpecker, Giant Kingbird. in this area.

Tonight you will be joined by Maikel Cañizares Morera, who will lead the Natural History / Cultural extension. Dinner with 2 paramount birders of Cuba should be amazing.

4 Target birds: Plain Pigeon, Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Parrot, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Pygmy-owl, Cuban Palm Crow, three species of woodpecker, Giant Kingbird. in this area. In this habitat is found the Bahama Mockingbird. Also, shorebirds, egrets, ducks, and rails can be observed at the internal lagoons. Tonight you will be joined by Maikel Cañizares Morera, who will lead the Natural History / Cultural extension. Dinner with 2 paramount birders of Cuba should be amazing. (B,L,D) January 30, Tuesday Day 9 Your options: Stay in Camagüey and join Natural History/Cultural Extension, fly home, or drive to Havana. (B) Natural History/Cultural Extension January 29,Monday Day 1 Arrival Camagüey If you have not been on the Birding Tour, you will fly into Camagüey today in order to meet up with the group members continuing on to the east. (D) January 30, Tuesday Day 2 Drive to Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra You will drive approximately 3 hours to Bayamo for lunch and time to stretch your legs and look around. Then, you continue to Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra. This park is comprised of mountains and forest, breathtaking scenery, and was home to the headquarters of the guerrilla campaign against Batista in the 50 s. (B,L,D) You will stay in rustic accommodations next to the Río Yara, surrounded by mountains and rural farms. January 31, Wednesday Day 3 Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra Today you will hike a steep but short trail (3km each way) to Comandancia de la Plata, the remote rebel headquarters of the Guerrilla war. There is a small museum, Casa de Fidel and the field hospital. This experience will bring the history of the iconic Cuban revolutionaries to life: the Castro brothers, Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. These three are still lauded today as folk heroes of the revolution. Many rebel recruits joined their forces in this hidden encampment. The leaders were anointed the name, the bearded ones los barbudos, from their time here when they lacked access to razors. The beards turned into a badge of identity and remain a symbolism of the revolution.

As you hike, Maikel will be teaching about the mountain eco-system. (B,L,D) February 1 & 2, Thursday & Friday Day 4 & 5 Santiago de Cuba The Sierra Maestra is fabulous for bird-watching and hiking.

5 As you hike, Maikel will be teaching about the mountain eco-system. (B,L,D) February 1 & 2, Thursday & Friday Day 4 & 5 Santiago de Cuba The Sierra Maestra is fabulous for bird-watching and hiking. This morning join Maikel exploring more of this picturesque natural area. (B,L,D) Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant city. Second in size to Havana, this city has many sites of historical and cultural significance. You will visit excellent museums curating Afro-Cuban religion, the historic El Morro castle, the Revolution, and Emilio Bacardí. The musical style Trova is closely tied to the city, and listening to singersongwriters playing their guitars is a must. February 3, Saturday Day 6 Departure from Holguin This morning you will drive 2-3 hours to the airport in Holguin for your flight home. (B) NOTE: The order and sites visited may vary due to weather, road conditions, and other factors beyond our control.

ABOUT YOUR GUIDES Arturo Kirkconnell was the longtime bird curator at the National Museum of

He has written 77 scientific papers and is co-author of two birding books: A Field Guide to the

2017 The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Breeding ecology and conservation of Cuban Parakeet

(born 1976), is an ornithologist and conservationist of Cuban biodiversity.

At that time he began to work as wildlife specialist in the Ecological Reserve Alturas de Banao,

6 ABOUT YOUR GUIDES Arturo Kirkconnell was the longtime bird curator at the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba, in addition to being Cuba's top bird guide. He has written 77 scientific papers and is co-author of two birding books: A Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba and A Birdwatchers' Guide to Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Caymans. Working with his son, Arturo Jr, he is working on an app for Cuban birds JB Journeys' Birders 2017 The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Breeding ecology and conservation of Cuban Parakeet (Aratinga euops). Maikel Cañizares Morera, MSc. (born 1976), is an ornithologist and conservationist of Cuban biodiversity. Maikel studied Biology at the Universidad de Oriente, from where was graduated in At that time he began to work as wildlife specialist in the Ecological Reserve Alturas de Banao, Sancti Spiritus, Central Cuba. In 1999 he was designated as Director of the Protected area, where developed the management plan of the reserve for wildlife conservation. In 2000 Maikel began a master degree program and began to work at the Ecology and Systematic Institute (IES) until present. He received 35

7 postgraduate courses. He has been leading projects on bird conservation since Also Maikel hs experience teaching students of the Biology Faculty at the Havana University, teaching national park rangers and local community members on conservation, and giving expert advice on wildlife policy to the National Direction of Forestry, Flora and wild Fauna, Ministry of Agriculture (2012-present), promoting the knowledge of Cuban wildlife and the non consumptive and sustainable use of fauna. He published more than 16 papers on these topics, is a chapter author of six books and attended 43 national and international congresses. Maikel is the President of the Cuban Chapter of the Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation (MSBC; 2010-present) and in 2013 coordinated the XVII Congress of the MSBC in Havana. He is President of the Cuban Zoology Society (SCZ, 2014present), member of the Cuban Botany Society, member of BirdsCaribbean and now is coordinating the XXI International Conference for BirdsCaribbean. He has great skills as field worker, birdwatcher, manager of logistics, preparing field and survival expeditions and coordinating national and international events. Is a Spanish native speaker and speaks fluent English. Cuban Endemic Birds with Arturo Kirkconnell Cost: $3950 per person in double occupancy, based on 8. (with 6: $4095) Single supplement $265 (very limited) (singles are either a double on your own, or a smaller room for one person) Included: Transportation as listed by A/C van 9 nights hotel with taxes Excursions as listed with any entry fees Meals as listed in itinerary Bilingual birding guide throughout Local guides at parks or reserves Gratuities for drivers Not Included: Airfare Meals not listed Alcoholic drinks Gratuities * Insurance Cuban Visa** Natural History and Cultural Extension with Maikel Cañizares Morera Cost: $1695 per person in double occupancy, based on 6 or 8. Single supplement $145 (very limited) (singles are either a double on your own, or a smaller room for one) If you are joining the Birding tour, please deduct $50. Included: Transportation as listed by A/C van 5 nights hotel with taxes Excursions as listed with any entry fees Meals as listed in itinerary Bilingual birding/naturalist guide Local guides at parks or reserves Gratuities for drivers and group meals Not Included:

8 Airfare Meals not listed Alcoholic drinks Gratuities * Insurance Cuban Visa** Cuban medical insurance * Gratuities in Cuba are more expected than suggested. Here are our recommendations of who to tip and how much: Guide - $7-10 per person per day Local Guides (at parks or reserves) - $1-3 per person Hotel maids - $1-2 per room per night Bellmen - $2 per service Restaurant meals - $2-5 per meal **Cuban Visas are available from the airline OR we can obtain them for you in advance. We charge $100 per visa, which is our cost. To confirm your place, please send an message or call, then compete the reservation form and return to JB Journeys with your deposit of $500 per person for each part of the tour, $1000 for both. Final payment is due November 15, Deposits for trips to Cuba are non-refundable unless we are unable to operate the trip due to circumstances beyond our control. Mail checks to JB Journeys, attn: Barbara Baggett, PO Box 1052, Utopia, TX For credit card payments, call with number, expiration date & security code to or

Cuban Ornithological Study With Naturalist Journeys & Caligo Ventures

Cuban Ornithological Study With Naturalist Journeys & Caligo Ventures March 15 25, 2018 866.900.1146 800.426.7781 520.558.1146 naturalistjourneys@gmail.com www.naturalistjourneys.com or find us on Facebook at Naturalist Journeys, LLC This bird survey project is an opportunity