Strategically located in the center of the Caribbean Sea, Cuba is the largest island, where close to four hundred species of birds have been documented. Twenty-seven of these are endemic to the island, and twenty-nine are considered endangered. One of these, the Bee Hummingbird, is the smallest bird in the world.
During January and February, Cuba becomes not only a hub for migratory birds from North America but a wintering haven as well. Although Flamingos are endemic to Cuba, the flocks swell exponentially in the winter, as Cuba becomes the most prolific breeding ground for the species in the Caribbean. Flickers, Redstarts, Warblers, Buntings, Parulas, Woodpeckers, Thrushes, and Ospreys, to mention a few of the migratory snowbirds.
Of course, endemic species like the pygmy owls, giant kingbirds, bee hummingbirds, Cuban black hawks, Cuban todies (my favorite), and the national bird of Cuba, the tocororo. As we encounter these beautiful creatures, we will be exposed to some of the most diverse and scenic areas the island has to offer.
This trip is as much about the environments and their stewards (the Cubans themselves) as it is about the birds. Some of the areas are mountainous and lushly tropical, while others are coastal, flat, swampy, and remote. Some are in biospheres and preserves, while others inhabit harsh landscapes, where the inhabitants scratch out an existence by fishing, farming, hunting, and harvesting charcoal.
The ideal times for seeking birds are early and late in the day, leaving the middle of the day for traveling and exploring. On one side of the Bay of Pigs is the Zapata Swamp, a magnet for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, as well as the Cuban crocodile. On the opposite side of the bay are farms, cenotes, and the town of Giron, the site of the attempted invasion, backed by the CIA. There will be opportunities to snorkel and explore healthy shallow living reefs and remnants of the ill-fated invasion.
Join the crew of EyeCuba at the airport in Havana for this eleven-day adventure as we zigzag western and central Cuba in our quest. Knowledgeable local guides for each region will ensure that, as much as possible, you will be in the right place at the right time. The crew’s job is to provide the support you need to capture your image. Great care is taken in providing delicious food and comfortable lodging so you are rested and ready for each day’s adventure.
Lodging and breakfasts will be provided in private homes and hotels, with time and space set aside to share images and experiences. All but two of your dinners and lunches are included, as well as all of your transportation, location, and guide fees. Returning from various birding excursions, we will have plenty of non-touristic opportunities to visit Cubans at home, work, and play.
This is EyeCuba’s baliwick, “En pueblo”. The last two nights will be in Havana, where you can get fixes of music, architecture, museums, galleries, and people, lots of people. On the final night, we will have a meal with music, good food, and video to celebrate the week before flying back to reality the next day.
To sign up, please send an email to [email protected] stating which trip you are interested in joining. We will contact you with particulars and send you a registration form with details. We will tentatively hold your spot until we receive a deposit of $1500, and your place will be reserved.
This is a photo project trip with open but limited enrollment (6-8 participants).
