About the Tours

List of Tours

Standards for Endorsement

2009 Brochure [PDF: 3.2M]

ABA-ENDORSED BIRDING TOURS

Canada, North America, ABA Area | Caribbean | Mexico | Central and South America |
Europe | Pacific Ocean | Asia | Africa | Antarctica

Canada, North America, ABA Area

Lower Rio Grande Valley with Gavin Bieber (convention pre-trip)
South Texas is blessed with the most distinctive avifauna of the contiguous United States. At least 30 species are range-restricted to the five counties of Lower Rio Grande Valley while mid-April brings a wide array of migrant passerines, raptors and shorebirds. Well known for its butterfly, dragonfly, and reptile diversity, we’ll also look at these while exploring the full gamut of avian habitat types. Apr 19-27, 2009. Contact Kathi McIvor at WINGS, http://wingsbirds.com, wings@wingsbirds.com, 888-293-6443.

Texas Hill Country (convention pre-trip)
The limestone hills and canyons of the Edwards Plateau are known to birders primarily for Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, but spring in central Texas offers much more where east meets west. Woodland lined streams yield eastern flycatchers, vireos, warblers, sparrows, and buntings, while the drier southwestern edge near the Chihuahuan Desert provides habitat for an entirely different avifauna. Tamaulipan Brush Country species and lingering western migrants are possible as well. Apr 22-27, 2009. Contact Karen Turner at Field Guides, www.fieldguides.com, fieldguides@fieldguides.com, 800-728-4953.

ABA Convention at Corpus Christi, Texas
Come celebrate ABA's 40th Anniversary at the 2009 Convention held at the Omni Bayfront, right on Corpus Christi Bay. The Bayfront will be hosting our workshops, evening presentations, trade show, ABA SALES, and of course our lodging and field trip departures. Come visit all the migrant traps, shoreline & water habitats, and inland scrub habitat around "America's Birdiest City". Mark the dates of 27 April-3 May 2009 on your calendar! Convention brochure and registration information will be distributed in the October Winging It. Target birds: Least Grebe, Black Skimmer, White-tipped Dove, Couch's Kingbird, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Botteri's Sparrow, Audubon's Oriole, plus the multitudes of migrant shorebirds and passerines!

Lower Rio Grande Valley & South Coast (convention post-trip)
After exploring some urban parks in Corpus Christi, it is off to the Valley with a stop at Baffin Bay along the way. RGV specialties like Plain Chachalaca, Ringed Kingfisher, Altamira Oriole, Hook-billed Kite, White-collared Seedeater and Brown Jay will be the perfect compliment to our Coastal Bend start. May 4-9, 2009. Contact Steve Shunk at Paradise Birding, www.paradisebirding.com, steve@paradisebirding.com, 541-408-1753.

Upper Texas Coast (convention post-trip)
Take in the coastal beaches and marshes for huge numbers of waders, terns, and shorebirds, to the famed migrant traps of High Island, then inland to the Pineywoods for Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Bachman's Sparrow. The Upper Texas Coast offers the lucky a chance of seeing up to 200 species in a single day during migration. May 4-10, 2009. Birding America, www.birding-america.com, info@birding-america.com, (800) 744-6150.

Pribilofs - St. Paul Island
St. Paul Island is home to millions of seabirds nesting in easily observed colonies along the steep shores of the island. Thousands of migrating gulls, shorebirds, seabirds, ducks, and passerines are drawn to this remote island in the Bering Sea. May 22-25, 2009. Wilderness Birding Adventures, www.wildernessbirding.com. info@wildernessbirding.com, (907) 694-7442.

Gambell and/or Nome Tour
Visit one or both of these famous birding spots during spring migration as streams of birds fly past. Great opportunities exist for Asian migrants and unusual breeders in these very special places. Gambell, on Saint Lawrence Island, from May 27 to June 1 and Nome, on the mainland, from June 1 to June 4. You will truly be amazed in these arctic wonderlands. May 27-Jun 4, 2009. Wilderness Birding Adventures, www.wildernessbirding.com. info@wildernessbirding.com, (907) 694-7442.

ABA Conference in Minot, North Dakota
If Upland Sandpiper, Sprague's Pipit, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, LeConte's Sparrow, Baird's Sparrow, and Chestnut-collared Longspur are not on your life list, you need to join us in Minot! Not only does North Dakota offer the sweeping prairies we all imagine, but there are wonderful prairie wetlands, mature oak woodlands, rugged badlands, and montane forests with Ponderosa Pines and aspen. With all the diverse ecosystems within a short distance from Minot, we knew the answer to the age-old question: Why not Minot? Keep the dates of 14-19 June 2009 open to enjoy the beauty of the prairie and prairie potholes and the bounty of birds they hold.

Caribbean

Trinidad & Tobago
Enjoy 12 days in this verdant two-island republic with its unique blend of Amazonian and West Indian birdlife. Time-tested and bird-friendly accommodations welcome us in our quest to see many of T&T's 457 species. Tinamous, jacanas, parrots, potoos, oilbirds, antbirds, bellbirds, and hummingbirds are among the expected groups that will enchant the birder in this country universally acclaimed to be the best place in the New World to first experience the splendor of tropical birds. Jan 6-17, 2009. Contact Bill Murphy, www.trinidadbirding.com, billmurphy8@sbcglobal.net, 317-407-4067.

Cuba Bird Survey with the Caribbean Conservation Trust, Inc.
Visit Cuba's Western Mountains, Zapata Peninsula, Northern Archipelago, and Eastern Endemic Ranges to focus on Cuban endemics and resident species as breeding season approaches. Northern migration is also in full swing, as is the phenomenal land crab migration in the Bay of Pigs. This is a U.S. Government licensed program with 14 year history. Space is limited to 14 participants. Optional extension in Havana is available. Mar 23–Apr 3, 2009. Contact Gary Markowski, Executive Director of the Caribbean Conservation Trust, Inc., at cubirds@aol.com or 860 350-6752.

Mexico

Copper Canyon, Mexico
Sky to sea and back to sky - this tour features the wondrous diversity of the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Sonora, and Sinaloa, from the lofty pine forests on the rim of Barranca del Cobre, through the maze of canyons and foothills, to the rich estuaries of the Sea of Cortez. Last year's trip netted 231 species including White-eared Hummingbird, Elegant Quail, Blue Mockingbird, Happy Wren, Squirrel Cuckoo, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Mottled Owl, Ivory-billed Woodcreeper, Pale-billed & Lineated Woodpeckers and Social & Tufted Flycatchers. Mar 26–Apr 6, 2009. Contact Bill West at WingsWest Birding Tours, www.home.earthlink.net/~wingswestnm, wingswestnm@earthlink.net, 800-583-6928.

Gómez Farías & the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve: NE Mexico (pre-convention trip)
This trip features the northernmost tropical cloud forest in the world, while adjacent Tamaulipan thornscrub lowlands help contribute to amazing avian diversity. Several Mexican endemics and others reach the northernmost portions of their range in this region of Mexico. Targets include Bat and Laughing Falcon, Boat-billed and Social Flycatcher, Crimson-collared and Hooded Grosbeak, Masked and Black-crowned Tityras, Mottled Owl and Tamaulipas Pygmy-Owl, and Military Macaw before ending at the ABA's Corpus Christi convention. Apr 21-27, 2009. Contact Kris LaFleur at WINGS, http://wingsbirds.com, wings@wingsbirds.com, 888-293-6443.

Macaws, Parrots & Quetzals of the Mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico
This trip offers the unique opportunity to visit breeding locations for the endangered Thick-billed Parrot, the dazzling Eared Quetzal and the elusive Military Macaw - all within 300-400 miles of the US border. Elevations visited will range from 5,000-9,000 feet, mostly in the Sierra Madre with 200 species possible. We will also get to view two of the most spectacular sights in North America: Basaseachic Falls and the Copper Canyon. May 31-Jun 7, 2009. Contact Bill West at WingsWest Birding Tours, www.home.earthlink.net/~wingswestnm, wingswestnm@earthlink.net, 800-583-6928.

River of Raptors – ABA Conference in Veracruz, Mexico
A convergence of migration flyways occurs at the intersection of Mexico's Sierra Madre Oriental and the east end of the Central Volcanic Belt and forms a narrow bottleneck in central Veracruz. The result is the world's largest concentration of migrating raptors and we plan to be there to see it. You should join us! Keep checking back for details on the amazing opportunity to view fall hawk migration and great Mexican resident and endemic birds at this ABA International Conference in Oct 4-10, 2009.

Central and South America

Birding Costa Rica
Enjoy ten days in one of the birdiest places in Central America. Resplendent Quetzal by your cabin at Savagre Lodge, Great Green Macaw overhead at Selva Verde Lodge, a hummer fest at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, more trogons at the fabulous Hanging Bridges, and the wonderful grounds of the Hotel Arenal. Dec 9-18, 2008. Trip repeated in 2009 on 1/26, 3/16, 6/18, 9/21, 10/26, and 12/7. Contact Rick Houlk, Ocoee Adventure Travel, www.ocoeeadventuretravel.com, rick@bluemooncruises.org, (888) 723-8622.

Birding in Peru with Renzo Zeppilli
This tour includes lodges in Lima (sea level), Cusco (11,600 feet), Machu Picchu and, of course, the Manu Wildlife Center, known for its incredible biodiversity and abundant bird life. Area endemics, high-Andean waterfowl and mixed flocks are waiting! To fully enjoy this trip, participants must be in sufficient good health (walking, uneven ground, high elevations). Jun 7-19, 2009. Siemer & Hand Travel, www.siemerhand.com, (800) 451-4321.

Northwest Ecuador: In Search of Chocó Endemics
The wet forests of Northwest Ecuador support an enormous variety of species found only here and in neighboring Colombia. We're not talking about drab little flycatchers either, but some of the most fantastic birds on Earth including plenty of hummingbirds, like Black-breasted Puffleg; tanagers, like the Glistening-green Tanager; and the glorious Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Jul 11-23, 2009. Tropical Birding, www.tropicalbirding.com, info@tropicalbirding.com, (800) 348-5941.

Birding in the Scottish Highlands with Peter Roberts
The rugged and remote Highlands, comprised of magnificent mountains and glens, jagged coastlines, and desolate isles, epitomize Scottish scenery while providing habitat for many seabirds, shorebirds, gamebirds, and perching birds. Targets include Eurasian Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Dotterel, Ring Ouzel, and Scottish Crossbill., among others. May 10-18, 2009. Siemer & Hand Travel, www.siemerhand.com, (800) 451-4321.

Pacific Ocean

Borneo: Broadbills and Bristleheads
Explore Borneo's most pristine recesses searching out many of the jungle island's most sought-after endemics. We will visit Mt Kinabalu, the highest peak between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea which offers Whitehead's Broadbill, Whitehead's Trogon and Whitehead's Spiderhunter, and the Danum Valley, home of the Orang-utan, Blue-headed Pitta and Bornean Bristlehead. Jun 27-Jul 8, 2009. Tropical Birding, www.tropicalbirding.com, info@tropicalbirding.com, (800) 348-5941.

Hawaii 2009
If a trip to Hawaii is in your plans, birding with Hawaii Forest & Trail guides is the best way to maximize your experience on the islands. The Hakalau Forest National Forest Wildlife Refuge holds Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, I'iwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io, Pueo. Or, try the Rainforest & Dryforest Birdwatching adventure on Mauna Kea for Nene, Palila, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, I'iwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io, and Pueo (Short-eared Owl). Jan.–Dec. Hawaii Forest & Trail, www.hawaii-forest.com, info@hawaii-forest.com, (808) 331-8505.

Asia

Beidaihe, China: Far Eastern Migration
Incredible migration birding at Beidaihe and Happy Island, with Siberian Blue Robin and Mugimaki Flycatcher, is complemented with a visit to the Great Wall, home of the endemic Pere David's Laughing Thrush. Fallout conditions are possible with the sheer numbers sure to blow your mind. Targets include Japanese Grosbeak and Large Hawk-Cuckoo. May 8-17, 2009. Tropical Birding, www.tropicalbirding.com, info@tropicalbirding.com, (800) 348-5941.

Africa

South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger
Expect to see over 400 species on this tour, including bee-eaters, hornbills, kingfishers, barbets, and sunbirds in this beautiful country that is also rich in wildlife. Diversity increases with visits to tropical savanna, golden-green grasslands, the semi-desert Karoo, and the heath-like fynbos. Jan 8-23, 2009. Trip repeated 09/24/09. Contact: Tropical Birding, www.tropicalbirding.com, info@tropicalbirding.com, (800) 348-5941.

Uganda: Birding and Primates
Uganda has been described as "the Pearl of Africa" and boasts 1000 species of birds. From Lake Victoria to the Albertine Rift Valley, this trip seeks out Shoebill, as well as francolins, hornbills, turacos, rollers, barbets, bee-eaters, and weavers. The mammals are sure to astound as well, with an optional trip for Mountain Gorilla planned. Jun 1-15, 2009. Contact Herbert Byaruhanga at Bird Uganda Safaris, www.birduganda.com, director@birduganda.com, +256 312289048

South Africa 2009
Do you have target birds you want in Africa, and don't want to take a standard tour as the birds you need are scattered hither and yon? Do you have a few friends that you like to travel with that want to see specific birds in a specific region? Contact Avian Leisure for custom tours as you like it – you pick the place and the pace. Jan.–Dec. Avian Leisure Birding & Wildlife Safaris, enquiries@avianleisure.com, www.avianleisure.com, +27 21 786 1414.

Antarctica

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