One of the last outings in Cuba for our group from New Mexico Ornithological Society is a quick trek into the Sierra de Cubitas, not far from the city of Camagüey. It is late in the day when we arrive, and rain showers are threatening. … Continue readingCuba’s Warblers
After watching day break over the city of Camagüey (home town for our Cuban guide Ray), our merry band from New Mexico Ornithological Society sets out for Finca La Belén in the Sierra de Najasa. Dawn over Camagüey from the roof of our hotel (Photo … Continue readingGiant Kingbirds!
Our group from New Mexico Ornithological Society wraps up its stay in the Zapata Peninsula with an evening trip to Las Salinas––a coastal region of mangroves, replete with large waterbirds. Driving in, we find a big Blue Crab in the middle of the sandy road, … Continue readingLas Salinas, Cuba
Over the course of several days, our group from New Mexico Ornithological Society explores wild areas of the Zapata Peninsula. One morning we begin especially early, for we are going to Bermejas Wildlife Reserve, renowned for its quail-doves. We must arrive at first light … Continue readingBermejas Reserve, Cuba
Our sojourn with New Mexico Ornithological Society moves on to the Zapata Peninsula on the central south coast of Cuba––a fabled land! Indeed, three birds are named for the region––the Zapata Wren, the Zapata Sparrow, and the Zapata Rail––of those, all are highly adapted to … Continue readingZapata Peninsula
In a brief interlude between major destinations, our group from New Mexico Ornithological Society stays in the lovely hotel of San Diego de los Baños. (Yes––there are hot springs!) San Diego de los Baños (Photo by Narca) Here we (rather carefully) tromp through what came … Continue readingThe Chigger Farm
The next stop in our Cuban journey with New Mexico Ornithological Society is Cueva de los Portales, the impressive limestone cave where Che Guevara hid during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. One entrance into Cueva de los Portales (Photos by Narca) This 13-day confrontation … Continue readingChe Guevara’s Cave
Eager for our best chance to see a Bee Hummingbird––the world’s smallest bird––we head to Guanahacabibes National Park and Biosphere Reserve near María la Gorda. The region is important for its coral reefs, 4 species of sea turtles, spiny lobsters, and 11 species of birds … Continue readingCuba’s Guanahacabibes National Park
Daybreak at María la Gorda (Photos by Narca) We set out for María la Gorda at the extreme western tip of Cuba. It’s an all-day drive, and our unflinching NMOS leader Dave Krueper (sustained by the whole gang) is not going to leave any Cattle … Continue readingCuba’s Far West
Recently Alan and I joined friends from New Mexico Ornithological Society for a humanitarian trip to Cuba. Our project was––of course!––a bird survey, done under the auspices of Caribbean Conservation Trust. Back in 2004 we made a similar trip with Western Field Ornithologists, and the … Continue readingHavana! Havana!