Category Archives: North & C America

Costa Rica [2024/2025]

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This was our second trip to Costa Rica. The first time (back in 2009) almost every bird had been a lifer. Now, almost 16 years later we had a very selective target lists of birds that were still new. Therefore, our itinerary was a bit different from other trips since we purely focused on our targets birds. In 2 weeks we mainly did a loop to the Southeast of the country with at the end some additional sites around San Jose. It was wonderful to see how much bigger the birding tourism in Costa Rica has become with so many (local) reserves, and an increasing number of birders that enjoy la pura vida. In total we saw 418 species of which 50 were lifers.

Notes Costa Rica
Some photos

Puerto Rico [2019]

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As part of our Round the World trip we visited Puerto Rico for 3,5 days in between the Dominican Republic and North Carolina (US). All Puerto Rican endemics are easily found within 2 days (with a very tight schedule you even might see all of them in a single day). With plenty of time during our stay we also visited the east side of the island for the 2 Lesser Antilles Hummingbirds (Crested Hummingbird and Green-throated Carib). The devastation of the hurricane is still clearly visible but only the 2 Hummingbirds on the east side seem to have suffered severely. All Puerto Rican endemics are still easily found. Overall traveling is easy and location are within a short drive from each other making Puerto Rico a very nice and easy trip.

Tripreport Puerto Rico
Some photos
GPS

Jamaica [2014]

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We had planned a 2 week trip to Cuba late February 2014. While making the itinerary it turned out we had some days left and decided to spend these on an extra trip to Jamaica. A Birdwatchers guide to Cuba, Jamaica etc. mentioned that all 29 endemics should be possible to see in just a couple of days so we booked a long weekend from Cuba arriving Friday afternoon and leaving Monday afternoon.

Tripreport Jamaica
Some photos
GPS

Cuba [2014]

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We decided Cuba would be a nice escape of European winter with a good number of endemics, beaches and snorkeling. And of course to experience the unique culture that still exists in present day Cuba; colorful houses and empty roads with a nice selection of ancient cars and horse carts. While making the itinerary it turned out we had some days left and decided to spend these on an extra trip to Jamaica.

Tripreport Cuba
Some photos
GPS

Colorado [2012]

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While visiting a friend in Colorado Springs Helen had the opportunity to do some birding on the side. Most birding time was spent in Garden of the Gods, a big public park close to Colorado Springs. Highlight there were Prairie Falcon, Canyon Wren and Juniper Titmouse.
And by missing her flight connection in Houston some additional birds were added near the airport.

Report Colorado and Houston
Photos