• Bhutan – Birding, Mammals, & Monasteries 2

     

    Fire-tailed Myzornia by Chubzang Tangbi

    Bhutan, a country roughly the size of Maryland, has almost 600 species of birds. Over 70% of its land is forested with 25% protected by National Parks. We will visit a range of environments varying from sub-tropical at 150m to alpine at over 4,500m. On this 19-day trip, expect to see between 350 and 400 species of birds and 10-15 species of mammals. Our Bhutanese guide

    from Langur Eco Travels will not only introduce you to the fauna but also the flora of Bhutan (we’re visiting during the spring rhododendron bloom) and its culture (our trip includes visits to several famous sites, including the Tiger’s Nest Monastery). For questions and registration contact Eric Schroeder at travelprogram@goldengatebirdalliance.org 

    Cost of the trip is $6,820 (double) and $7,270 (single), which does not include the cost of internal or international flights (see the itinerary for information on these.)

    Complete description and itinerary can be viewed here. Please do not contact the vendor first. 
    …

  • Behind the Gates at Hayward Shoreline

    This trip is now full. You may register to be on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

    You’ve been to Hayward Shoreline, but have you been to the locked area with the Least Tern nesting sites? Join us to go beyond those gates for a two-mile walk on level ground. In past years we’ve seen some great birds: Laughing Gull, Red Phalarope (plus Red-necked and Wilson’s), grebes with chicks, Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Least Terns and Skimmers, as well as nesting terns.

    Red-necked Phalarope by Bob Gunderson

    Registration will close at 11pm on April 27, 2022.

    Registrants: If you have any questions email rnakano@goldengatebirdalliance.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

  • Birding By Ear in Tilden Park – Mid morning

    Yes, you can sleep in and still enjoy the beauty of bird song! Birding-by-ear instructor Denise Wight will lead you on a mid-morning hike around Vollmer Peak in Tilden Park. Her expert instruction will help you identify the many songs and calls. Limited to 10 people. (NOTE: Please sign up for only ONE of Denise’s Birdathon trips to leave room for others!)

    Registration will close at 11pm on April 19, 2022.

    Registrants: If you have any questions email rnakano@goldengatebirdalliance.org or call Ryan at (510) 227-6190. …

  • Uganda: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and LOTS of Birds!

    Uganda has been called the Pearl of Africa and on this trip you’ll see why: we’ll see an amazing array of birds and mammals. We’ll also see spectacular scenery, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria; and Murchison Falls where the Nile plummets 141 feet through a narrow gap of only 23 feet. We’ll also hike down into the Mubwindi Swamp where we’ll encounter many of the  Albertine Rift endemics. The trip to look for Shoebill at the Mabamba Swamp is in mokoros, small dugout canoes. Other wildlife-viewing boat trips such as on the Nile at Murchison Falls are on larger boats with cabins. The parks we’ll visit include Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

    Target bird species for the trip include the iconic Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Red-faced Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Narina Trogon and the 20+ Albertine Rift endemics, including Regal Sunbird and African Green Broadbill. You can also elect to do either (or both) of two optional treks—one to search for Mountain Gorillas and the other to visit Chimpanzees. (For those who don’t choose to do these options, there will be additional birding options available.) Our other target mammal species will include Leopard, White Rhinoceros, Elephant, African Buffalo, Zebra, Eland, Hippopotamus, and a host of additional  primates, including Uganda Red Colobus, Guereza Black-and-white colobus, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Olive Baboon, Red-tailed Monkey, and L’Hoest’s Monkey

    Cost: $9,600 per person, double occupancy; $715 single supplement. Limit 6 people

    Optional:

    • Mountain Gorilla trekking $700
    • Chimpanzee trekking $200

    Complete description and itinerary can be found GGBA Uganda itinerary.

    Email us about availability, or about any other questions, at travelprogram@goldengatebirdalliance.org

    Please do not contact the vendor first.…

  • Palm Deserts and the Salton Sea

    Greater RoadrunnerGreater Roadrunner

    On this five-day tour, explore California’s unique Mojave and Coloradan desert systems to search for specialized avifauna and other wildlife adapted to thrive in arid conditions PLUS the wildly scenic and wonderfully eccentric Salton Sea. Travel as a small group with desert-experienced nature & bird guides from Nature Trip to visit San Andreas fault Geothermal zones; High Desert, Joshua Tree habitats; Native Washington Palm Desert Oasis; the ultra-rich delta of the Imperial Valley, the incomparable Salton Sea; and Anza Borrego, California’s largest state park.…