Cuba: the very name evokes a certain myst
ique. To most Americans, who have been restricted from travel there for hal
f a century, Cuba remains an enigma as big as the island itself. At 780 mil
es long, it is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea, and arguably the be
st preserved. While other Caribbean islands have been overtaken by resorts
and the myriad accoutrements of tourism, much of the Cuban environment rema
ins refreshingly intact. Over 20% of its landmass is officially protected.
As a result, Cuba boasts the largest tracts of undisturbed rainforest, the
largest unspoiled wetlands, and the largest and healthiest coral reefs in a
ll of the Caribbean. However, hurdles remain to Americans wishing to experi
ence the natural splendors here. We are pleased to offer a unique research
opportunity in partnership with Cuban ornithologist Arturo Kirkconnell. Thi
s tour is officially licensed by the U.S. government to be conducted as a r
esearch trip. This program will facilitate interaction with local conservat
ionists, study of Cuban culture, and – of course – appreciation of Cuba’s t
remendous avian resources. We will gain experience with many of the 28 ende
mic species. The impossibly miniscule Bee Hummingbird – called “zunzún” by
locals – is not only the smallest bird in the world, but also the smallest
warm-blooded animal! With plumage perfectly matching the colors of the coun
try’s flag, it’s hard to imagine a more suitable national bird than the Cub
an Trogon. Some endemics, such as Cuban Nightjar, Bare-legged Owl, Gray-fro
nted Quail-Dove, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Cuban Tody, Cuban Martin, Cuban Gn
atcatcher, Oriente Warbler, Yellow-headed Warbler and Cuban Blackbird, are
thriving. Others, such as the stunning Blue-headed Quail-Dove, the elusive
Gundlach’s Hawk, Cuban Palm Crow, Fernandina’s Flicker, Giant Kingbird, and
Zapata Sparrow are endangered – some critically so. We will also learn abo
ut the role that conservation of the Cuban environment plays in the lives o
f birds we see in the United States. Many birds that we consider “ours” act
ually spend only a fraction of their lives in North America. Over 280 speci
es that breed in North America utilize Cuban habitat to survive either thei
r wintering or migration periods, aiding in their return to enrich our live
s each spring and summer. Our program will not overlook the human aspect of
this unique place. Cuban cuisine, art, and music reflect the island’s Span
ish roots, but – nonetheless – is heavily influenced by African, indigenous
, and other cultures. The Cuban people themselves are as warm and inviting
as their tropical homeland. Join us as we explore “the real Cuba!”
Leaders: Cub an conservationist Arturo Kirkconnell && nbsp;John Yerger
Cost o
f Cuba includes all accommodations, all meals, a
ll transportation, and all entrance fees beginning and ending in Havana—
TO REGISTER: Print out a PDF Registration Form, call us at (520) 558-2351 or This email address is being prote cted from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Photo: Bee Hum
mingbird
Photo by: John Yerger
