Cuba: the very name evokes a certain
mystique. To most Americans, who have been restricted from travel there for
half a century, Cuba remains an enigma as big as the island itself. At 780
miles long, it is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea, and arguably th
e best preserved. While other Caribbean islands have been overtaken by reso
rts and the myriad accoutrements of tourism, much of the Cuban environment
remains refreshingly intact. Over 20% of its landmass is officially protect
ed. As a result, Cuba boasts the largest tracts of undisturbed rainforest,
the largest unspoiled wetlands, and the largest and healthiest coral reefs
in all of the Caribbean. However, hurdles remain to Americans wishing to ex
perience the natural splendors here. We are pleased to offer a unique resea
rch opportunity in partnership with Cuban ornithologist Arturo Kirkconnell.
This tour is officially licensed by the U.S. government to be conducted as
a research trip. This program will facilitate interaction with local conse
rvationists, study of Cuban culture, and – of course – appreciation of Cuba
’s tremendous avian resources. We will gain experience with many of the 28
endemic species. The impossibly miniscule Bee Hummingbird – called “zunzún”
by locals – is not only the smallest bird in the world, but also the small
est warm-blooded animal! With plumage perfectly matching the colors of the
country’s flag, it’s hard to imagine a more suitable national bird than the
Cuban Trogon. Some endemics, such as Cuban Nightjar, Bare-legged Owl, Gray
-fronted Quail-Dove, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Cuban Tody, Cuban Martin, Cuba
n Gnatcatcher, Oriente Warbler, Yellow-headed Warbler and Cuban Blackbird,
are thriving. Others, such as the stunning Blue-headed Quail-Dove, the elus
ive Gundlach’s Hawk, Cuban Palm Crow, Fernandina’s Flicker, Giant Kingbird,
and Zapata Sparrow are endangered – some critically so. We will also learn
about the role that conservation of the Cuban environment plays in the liv
es of birds we see in the United States. Many birds that we consider “ours”
actually spend only a fraction of their lives in North America. Over 280 s
pecies that breed in North America utilize Cuban habitat to survive either
their wintering or migration periods, aiding in their return to enrich our
lives each spring and summer. Our program will not overlook the human aspec
t of this unique place. Cuban cuisine, art, and music reflect the island’s
Spanish roots, but – nonetheless – is heavily influenced by African, indige
nous, and other cultures. The Cuban people themselves are as warm and invit
ing as their tropical homeland. Join us as we explore “the real Cuba!”