Download 2014 Brochure (.pdf) - Ornitholidays

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Scarlet Ibis Tufted Coquette Outline Itinerary Day 1 Fly to Trinidad Days 2-8 Trinidad Days 9-12 Tobago Day 13 Depart Tobago Day 14 Arrive London T R I N I D A D & T O B A G O and maybe a beautiful White Hawk. Turkey and Black Vultures will be a common sight as they patrol the slopes, and we may spot Magnificent Frigatebirds flying with them. Fantastic blue Morpho butterflies float between the trees here. The savanna at Wallerfield and Aripo is the only remaining grassland in Trinidad and provides a home to many unusual species of birds. We can hope to see Savanna and Zone-tailed Hawks, Sulphury Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Cacique. We will visit an area at dusk for Common Potoo, Pauraque and White-tailed Nightjar, as well as Tropical Screech-Owl. The Aripo area is used for raising water buffalo for meat production, and the open fields are good for seeing Southern Lapwing, Red-breasted and Yellow-hooded Blackbirds, Giant and Shiny Cowbirds as well as Green-rumped Parrotlet, Yellow-throated Spinetail and Ruddy-breasted Seedeater. After visiting the Aripo area we reach the east coast at Manzanilla for a picnic lunch beneath palm trees as Short-tailed Swifts speed overhead. We then visit an area of the Nariva Swamp and the eastern coast. The nearby mangrove is one of the best sites to see Silvered Antbird, Blackcrested Antshrike and American Pygmy Kingfisher while on Trinidad. The coast here has a long fringe of coconut palms and we shall search for Gray Hawk, Yellow-headed Caracara and Pearl Kite. Water levels within the swamp fluctuate and influence the birds recorded which may include Pinneated Bittern, Long-winged Harrier, gallinules, Limpkin and White-tailed Goldenthroat. At dusk, we will witness the Redbellied Macaws and Moriche Oriole coming in to roost back at Wallerfield. One morning will be spent visiting the Oilbird caves in the grounds of AWNC where some of these unique nocturnal frugivores will be seen at their roost. Another will involve exploring parts of the Northern Ranges close to the Centre in search of rarer species such as Trinidad Euphonia and Sooty Grassquit. A morning trip can be taken to the TSTT communication tower above Asa Wright, where Trinidad Piping-guan has recently been found, together with Speckled and Blue-capped Tanagers. On another day we visit Waterloo on the west coast for shorebirds and a variety of gulls and terns that should include Black Skimmer. Later that day we will take a boat trip through Caroni Swamp to see the spectacle of hundreds of Scarlet Ibis coming to roost, setting alight the mangrove bushes with their colour. Several species of heron and egret will also be seen in great numbers. On the outward part of the cruise, we will keep a lookout for Masked Cardinal and Common Potoo, whilst during our return to the landing stage Boat-billed Heron and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron might be seen. Days 9 to 12 After breakfast, we drive to Piarco Airport and catch the late-morning flight to Tobago. We will eat our picnic lunch in the grounds of the Grafton Estate, another former plantation now set aside for nature conservation. Here we might see our first Blue-backed Manakin, as well as Rufousvented Chachalaca and Red-crowned Woodpecker. Afterwards, we will spend a little time at some wetlands where we hope to find White-cheeked Pintail, Black-bellied Whistling- Duck and American Purple Gallinule, as well as adding to our list of waders. We then transfer to Blue Waters Inn (our base for the next four nights) with its idyllic beach setting and views across to the island of Little Tobago. During the three full days the emphasis is very much of leisure and having the opportunity to do your own thing. A number of half-day excursions will be on offer. One afternoon we take the glass-bottomed boat to Little Tobago and during the crossing marvel at the coral reefs with their multi-coloured fish and varied sponges. On the island, we look for Redbilled Tropicbird, Magnificent Frigatebird, Audubon’s Shearwater, Brown and Red-footed Boobies. Royal Terns and Laughing Gulls will be in attendance. Other half-day excursions will include a walk along the Starwood Trace up behind the hotel. This will allow us to catch up with some of Tobago’s special birds, such as Scrub Greenlet, Black-faced Grassquit, White-fringed Antwren, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird and Caribbean Martin. We can also visit a hummingbird gallery. There will be one fullday excursion and this will be to the rain forested hills to the north of Roxborough. We start by walking along the Gilpin Trace, where we may find the endangered White-tailed Sabrewing. Venezuelan and Fuscous Flycatchers, Blue-backed Manakin, Plain Antvireo and Yellow-legged Thrush are among other species we would hope to see. After a picnic lunch at the lookout overlooking Bloody Bay, we will walk down part of the Roxborough road. Particular species to be sought include Red-legged Honeycreeper, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Rufoustailed Jacamar and Great Black Hawk. Days 13 & 14 The morning can be spent at leisure, taking a last swim or walking along one of the local traces. Later, we catch a flight back to London, where we arrive early next morning. Party Size Maximum of 14 clients. Accommodation Comfortable accommodation in twin/double and single rooms, with private facilities at the Asa Wright Centre and Blue Waters Inn. Transport By private coach and minibus. Includes All flights, meals, accommodation, transport, entry fees, services of the leaders, airport taxes and tips. Gradings Good 200 Warm to Hot Low Special Relaxed Excellent Easy Scheduled Bearded Bellbird To make a booking please call Ornitholidays on 01794 519445 29
S T LU C I A St Lucia at Leisure Pitons & Parrots Friday 24 January – Saturday 01 February 2014 Leaders: Nigel Jones and local guides 2014 Cost £3,399 single room supplement £900 Castries Marigot Bay Dennery ST LUCIA Friday 23 January – Saturday 31 January 2015 Leaders: Mike Witherick and local guides 2015 Cost £3,499 single room supplement £950 Soufrière Micoud rnitholidays has been visiting the Caribbean for over 35 years now and we have run a very successful suite of Otours to Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Our new tour to the small island of St Lucia has a very relaxed feel to it, which will suit those people who want to birdwatch but also relax – or else couples where one is a birder and the other just wants a warm, sunny, beachside break. Our holiday is based at a lovely hotel with access to the sea, with pools and shady places to spend the hot part of the day. Vieux Fort St Lucia is one of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. It is of volcanic origin and still has some areas that are active. The Pitons, the most notable landmark on the island, are two volcanic plugs. Some fine rainforest still exists on the mountain chain that runs from north to south and this is the home to much of the bird life. The island has a mixed history of settlement and conquerors. The Arawak Indians were overrun by the Caribs, who were later deposed by the British and then the French. Alternating rule finally ended with the island’s independence in 1979. The island of St Lucia can boast an impressive list of birds, which includes five endemic species - these are the St Lucia Parrot, St Lucia Oriole, St Lucia Warbler, St Lucia Pewee and St Lucia Black Finch. It also has 14 Lesser Antillean endemics – so this is a tour that will complement the species lists of those clients who have already visited Trinidad and Tobago or Cuba. We have also included a whale watching trip, where you might spot Humpback or Sperm Whales, various dolphins plus Redbilled Tropicbird and Royal Tern. The holiday will be run “At Leisure” with the birding mainly taking place in the mornings and then the afternoon free to relax. Travel with Nigel (a keen snorkeller) and see why St Lucia is a great addition to our set of Caribbean tours. ITINERARY Day 1 We leave London in the morning on a direct flight to St Lucia, where we arrive in the late afternoon. We transfer to our hotel, where we spend the next seven nights. A rum punch sundowner this evening will be the first of many! Days 2 to 7 Each day is designed to be different over the next six days, with trips to various locations. Our plan is to be active in the morning and return for lunch at the hotel and then relax. The grounds of the hotel itself will provide our first encounters with some of the Lesser Antillean endemic species – in fact at the breakfast table, where the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch will probably be trying to steal the jam! We can also hope to see Zenaida Dove, Bananaquit, Carib Grackle, Grey Trembler, Bareeyed Thrush, Purple-throated Carib, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Lesser Antillean Saltator and Tropical Mockingbird. On one day we shall visit the major land mark of the area the Pitons. There are birds to be found here and we can hope to see Lesser Antillean Swift, Caribbean Martin and House Wren (regarded by some as an endemic species, St Lucia Wren). We can also visit the Sulphur Springs while we are in this area – this is an active geothermal area, with gaseous vents and sulphur Mangrove Cuckoo 30 For a previous tour report or further information please call: 01794 519445
Page 1 and 2: ORNITHOLIDAYS 2014 49 Our Forty-Nin
Page 3 and 4: 49 Our Forty-Ninth Year ORNITHOLIDA
Page 5 and 6: I S O R N I T H O L I D AY S R I G
Page 7 and 8: L AT E 2 0 1 3 T O U R S Summary of
Page 9 and 10: T O U R G R A D I N G Tour Grading
Page 11 and 12: G R E E N TA X E S A N D C A R B O
Page 13 and 14: Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA
Page 15 and 16: U S A - U TA H & A R I Z O N A USA
Page 17 and 18: U S A - U TA H & W YO M I N G USA -
Page 19 and 20: U S A - N E W E N G L A N D USA - N
Page 21 and 22: U S A - F LO R I D A USA - Florida
Page 23 and 24: U S A - H A W A I I USA - Hawaii Ii
Page 25 and 26: M E X I C O Mexico Western Mexican
Page 27 and 28: C O S TA R I C A Costa Rica Classic
Page 29 and 30: C U B A Cuba Endemic Birds & Winter
Page 31: T R I N I D A D & T O B A G O Trini
Page 35 and 36: G U YA N A Guyana Rainforests, Wate
Page 37 and 38: C O LO M B I A Colombia Birding’s
Page 39 and 40: B R A Z I L Brazil Atlantic Forest
Page 41 and 42: B R A Z I L Brazil - Photographic T
Page 43 and 44: E C U A D O R Ecuador Tumbesian & A
Page 45 and 46: Waterhole at Etosha, Namibia
Page 47 and 48: S O U T H A F R I C A South Africa
Page 49 and 50: S O U T H A F R I C A & B O T S W A
Page 51 and 52: TA N Z A N I A Tanzania - Photograp
Page 53 and 54: G H A N A Ghana In search of Picath
Page 55 and 56: E T H I O P I A Ethiopia Undiscover
Page 57 and 58: U G A N D A Uganda Birds & Primates
Page 59 and 60: N A M I B I A Namibia Etosha & the
Page 61 and 62: T H E G A M B I A The Gambia A Tast
Page 63 and 64: E GY P T Egypt Birds & History Frid
Page 65 and 66: M O R O C C O Morocco High Atlas &
Page 67 and 68: M O R O C C O Morocco Atlantic Coas
Page 69 and 70: Sing-sing with Huli, Papua New Guin
Page 71 and 72: J O R D A N Jordan Birds & History
Page 73 and 74: K U W A I T Kuwait Birding in the G
Page 75 and 76: I N D I A India - Goa Birds, Beache
Page 77 and 78: S R I L A N K A Sri Lanka Teardrop
Page 79 and 80: M O N G O L I A Mongolia Eastern St
Page 81 and 82: TA I W A N Taiwan Island Endemics S
Page 83 and 84:
B H U TA N Bhutan Birds & Buddhism
Page 85 and 86:
N E PA L Nepal Chitwan, Koshi & Phu
Page 87 and 88:
V I E T N A M Vietnam Land of the D
Page 89 and 90:
B O R N E O Borneo Island in the Cl
Page 91 and 92:
PA P U A N E W G U I N E A Papua Ne
Page 93 and 94:
N E W Z E A L A N D New Zealand Kiw
Page 95 and 96:
Boating on the Danube Delta, Romani
Page 97 and 98:
G R E E C E Greece - The Island of
Page 99 and 100:
G R E E C E Greece - The Island of
Page 101 and 102:
S PA I N Spain - Coto Doñana & Sie
Page 103 and 104:
S PA I N Spain - The Canary Islands
Page 105 and 106:
S PA I N Spain - Coto Doñana & Ext
Page 107 and 108:
S PA I N Spain - The Island of Meno
Page 109 and 110:
S PA I N Spain - Southern Catalonia
Page 111 and 112:
S PA I N Spain - Catalonia - Photog
Page 113 and 114:
S PA I N Spain - The Pyrenees Monta
Page 115 and 116:
S PA I N Spain - Tarifa & Coto Doñ
Page 117 and 118:
S PA I N Spain - Aragon Cranes, Lam
Page 119 and 120:
P O R T U G A L Portugal at Leisure
Page 121 and 122:
P O R T U G A L Portugal at Leisure
Page 123 and 124:
I TA LY - S I C I LY Italy - Sicily
Page 125 and 126:
I TA LY Italy Po Delta Po Delta Pal
Page 127 and 128:
I TA LY Italy at Leisure Birds & Wi
Page 129 and 130:
F R A N C E France - Wallcreeper To
Page 131 and 132:
F R A N C E France - The Camargue,
Page 133 and 134:
N E T H E R L A N D S Netherlands W
Page 135 and 136:
I C E L A N D Iceland Winter Wonder
Page 137 and 138:
I C E L A N D Iceland Land of Ice &
Page 139 and 140:
T U R K E Y Turkey Turkish Delight
Page 141 and 142:
B E L A R U S Belarus Europe’s La
Page 143 and 144:
F I N L A N D Finland Owls, Woodpec
Page 145 and 146:
H U N G A R Y Hungary Spring Tour S
Page 147 and 148:
H U N G A R Y Hungary at Leisure Cr
Page 149 and 150:
R O M A N I A Romania Danube Delta
Page 151 and 152:
B U L G A R I A Bulgaria at Leisure
Page 153 and 154:
O U R T E A M O F L E A D E R S Our
Page 155 and 156:
O U R T E A M O F L E A D E R S Blu
Page 157 and 158:
C A L E N D A R Calendar 2014 JANUA
Page 159 and 160:
C O N D I T I O N S O F B O O K I N
Page 161 and 162:
C O N D I T I O N S O F B O O K I N
Page 164:
ORNITHOLIDAYS 29 Straight Mile Roms
show all

Download 2014 Brochure (.pdf) - Ornitholidays

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?