<< GENERAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT
The geographic setting for our birding tours includes most of the islands in the mega archipelago of the West Indies. This region is in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, just between North and South America, and to the east of Central America.
Three major archipelagos exist in the West Indies: 1) The Lucayan Archipelago, of approximately 6,257 sq. mi. (10,070 sq. km.), located to the north and completely in the Atlantic Ocean, comprising the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos; 2) The Greater Antilles (including the Cayman Islands and Virgin Islands) with an area of about 131,176 sq. mi. (211,107 sq. km), located where the larger and older islands of this region (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) form a chain splitting the Caribbean Sea in its northern limit from the Atlantic Ocean (Jamaica is completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea); and 3) The Lesser Antilles, with 21 small (main) islands, most of them volcanic and forming an arc of about 5,170 sq. mi. (8,320 sq. km), embracing the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea. These islands are named and grouped by their respective position to the prevalent winds. The Leeward Islands are in the northern section of the arc including Dominica, Marie Galante, Guadeloupe, La Desirade, Montserrat, Antigua, Nevis, St. Kitts, Barbuda, St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Barthélemy, St. Martin, and Anguilla. The Windward Islands are in the southern section, comprised of Grenada, The Grenadines, St. Vincent, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Martinique.
Three major archipelagos exist in the West Indies: 1) The Lucayan Archipelago, of approximately 6,257 sq. mi. (10,070 sq. km.), located to the north and completely in the Atlantic Ocean, comprising the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos; 2) The Greater Antilles (including the Cayman Islands and Virgin Islands) with an area of about 131,176 sq. mi. (211,107 sq. km), located where the larger and older islands of this region (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) form a chain splitting the Caribbean Sea in its northern limit from the Atlantic Ocean (Jamaica is completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea); and 3) The Lesser Antilles, with 21 small (main) islands, most of them volcanic and forming an arc of about 5,170 sq. mi. (8,320 sq. km), embracing the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea. These islands are named and grouped by their respective position to the prevalent winds. The Leeward Islands are in the northern section of the arc including Dominica, Marie Galante, Guadeloupe, La Desirade, Montserrat, Antigua, Nevis, St. Kitts, Barbuda, St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Barthélemy, St. Martin, and Anguilla. The Windward Islands are in the southern section, comprised of Grenada, The Grenadines, St. Vincent, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Martinique.
CLIMATE
The West Indies possess a tropical maritime weather modeled by the northeast trade winds. Waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, influenced by ocean currents from equatorial latitudes, also contribute to the climate there. A hurricane season from June through November is a main feature of the Caribbean. These meteorological phenomena are more common during September.
Two main weather seasons are noticeable in the West Indies. A dry season, during winter, and a wet season, usually split into two smaller wet periods: May-June and September-November. May is the peak of the wet season in the West Indies. Thundery showers can be intense in late afternoon to evening during some days. Each island has great contrast in humidity and precipitation gradients, especially those islands with mountainous ranges.
Dry semiarid zones located in south regions of the islands are usually present in the Greater Antilles. The latter is result of the existence of mountain ranges that locally modify precipitation from the trade wings. Mountains facing north-east coasts can receive six times more rain than zones at sea level in southern areas. During hurricanes, the rainfall, usually accompanied by powerful winds, can be very intense in a short period of time. Islands of the southern Lesser Antilles are mostly dry and hot, whereas Dominica, Martinique and Saint Lucia, in the same arc, are very wet.
Temperatures through the islands of the region do not contrast greatly with an average ranging from 71°F (22°C) to 77°F (25°C) in winter and 77°F (25°C) to 84°F (29°C) in summer. Mountain ranges are always cooler at high altitude than temperatures recorded for winter afternoons in lower zones of the same island. The northern limit of the West Indies (Lucayan Archipelago), as well as the western third of the chain of the Greater Antilles, is strongly influenced by frontal weather systems with cold air waves descending from the north in winter. Sunny warm days occur during winter and hot wet days, with their respective sea breeze, are characteristic of the summer for the whole region. Discrepancies between nighttime and daytime temperatures are usually about 10 °F (6 °C), being cooler at night.
Two main weather seasons are noticeable in the West Indies. A dry season, during winter, and a wet season, usually split into two smaller wet periods: May-June and September-November. May is the peak of the wet season in the West Indies. Thundery showers can be intense in late afternoon to evening during some days. Each island has great contrast in humidity and precipitation gradients, especially those islands with mountainous ranges.
Dry semiarid zones located in south regions of the islands are usually present in the Greater Antilles. The latter is result of the existence of mountain ranges that locally modify precipitation from the trade wings. Mountains facing north-east coasts can receive six times more rain than zones at sea level in southern areas. During hurricanes, the rainfall, usually accompanied by powerful winds, can be very intense in a short period of time. Islands of the southern Lesser Antilles are mostly dry and hot, whereas Dominica, Martinique and Saint Lucia, in the same arc, are very wet.
Temperatures through the islands of the region do not contrast greatly with an average ranging from 71°F (22°C) to 77°F (25°C) in winter and 77°F (25°C) to 84°F (29°C) in summer. Mountain ranges are always cooler at high altitude than temperatures recorded for winter afternoons in lower zones of the same island. The northern limit of the West Indies (Lucayan Archipelago), as well as the western third of the chain of the Greater Antilles, is strongly influenced by frontal weather systems with cold air waves descending from the north in winter. Sunny warm days occur during winter and hot wet days, with their respective sea breeze, are characteristic of the summer for the whole region. Discrepancies between nighttime and daytime temperatures are usually about 10 °F (6 °C), being cooler at night.
BIRD FAUNA
The West Indies, with its complicated geological, evolutionary, and biogeographical history, has an extraordinary number of endemic plants and animals. Some endemic vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are extremely interesting (see "Quick Info" under each island itinerary). Most are living members of very old, ancestral lineages that have been evolving in their respective islands in isolation. The bird fauna of the West Indies, as known today, is the result of multiple events of colonization, local diversification, and extinction, where most of its raptorial members, usually of large size, became extinct relatively recently.
The West Indian avifauna has approximately 752 bird species, of which 38 represent endemic genera and 172 are endemic species (see Bird Checklist under each island itinerary). Of these birds, the most interesting are considered ornithological rarities because of their ancestral affinities or their unique morphologies. These birds include: All tody species, Palmchat, Chat-Tanagers, Hispaniolan Tanagers, Puerto Rican Tanager, Spindalises, Cuban Warblers, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Bee Hummingbird, Streamertail, Antillean Piculet, Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Flat-billed Vireo, all pauraque species, and Jamaican Blackbird, among others.
Seven families of birds, including Todidae, Dulidae, Calyptophilidae, Phaenicophilidae, Nesospingidae, Spindalidae, and Terestistridae are endemic to the West Indies today, concentrated on the islands of the Greater Antilles. Todidae contain some of the most beautiful bird species in the world. They are represented by five living species: Cuban Tody, Jamaican Tody, Puerto Rican Tody, Broad-billed Tody, and Narrow-billed Tody. Dulidae and Nesospingidae, on the other hand, are monotypic, composed only by the Palmchat and the Puerto Rican Tanager, which are restricted to the islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, respectively. The origins and affinities of Dulidae are uncertain, but it is probably more closely related to some of the ancestral passeriform species found in the Miocene of eastern North America, than to the claimed modern waxwing species. Hispaniola possesses the most interesting bird fauna of the region, as most of the above-mentioned families are found together only there.
The West Indian avifauna has approximately 752 bird species, of which 38 represent endemic genera and 172 are endemic species (see Bird Checklist under each island itinerary). Of these birds, the most interesting are considered ornithological rarities because of their ancestral affinities or their unique morphologies. These birds include: All tody species, Palmchat, Chat-Tanagers, Hispaniolan Tanagers, Puerto Rican Tanager, Spindalises, Cuban Warblers, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Bee Hummingbird, Streamertail, Antillean Piculet, Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Flat-billed Vireo, all pauraque species, and Jamaican Blackbird, among others.
Seven families of birds, including Todidae, Dulidae, Calyptophilidae, Phaenicophilidae, Nesospingidae, Spindalidae, and Terestistridae are endemic to the West Indies today, concentrated on the islands of the Greater Antilles. Todidae contain some of the most beautiful bird species in the world. They are represented by five living species: Cuban Tody, Jamaican Tody, Puerto Rican Tody, Broad-billed Tody, and Narrow-billed Tody. Dulidae and Nesospingidae, on the other hand, are monotypic, composed only by the Palmchat and the Puerto Rican Tanager, which are restricted to the islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, respectively. The origins and affinities of Dulidae are uncertain, but it is probably more closely related to some of the ancestral passeriform species found in the Miocene of eastern North America, than to the claimed modern waxwing species. Hispaniola possesses the most interesting bird fauna of the region, as most of the above-mentioned families are found together only there.
BIRDING ACTIVITIES
Our birding sessions are during peak bird activity, and typically involve two periods: one early in the morning and another in the afternoon. The first session may take place before breakfast, or we may have an early breakfast and then depart to the field. As is typical in islands of the West Indies, the midday is usually warm (or hot) and the group will take a break and rest at that time. In mid-afternoon, the birding explorations start again and the session can be extended to sunset for some species. Often we return to the hotel before sunset.
Each person should communicate to the leader about his or her particular needs, such as additional resting time, help with equipment, need for additional bottles of water, etc. The leader should also be notified before departure date of any health problem or physical limitations on the Registration Form (see TERMS & CONDITIONS). Each participant will also have varying birding and field skills. If you are not an experienced birder, or even if you are not a birder, and these activities are new for you, please let us know so we can provide you with special assistance during the tour. Every night we will discuss the day's birds and complete a checklist. We will do this either before or after dinner, depending on the preferences of the group and leader.
Each person should communicate to the leader about his or her particular needs, such as additional resting time, help with equipment, need for additional bottles of water, etc. The leader should also be notified before departure date of any health problem or physical limitations on the Registration Form (see TERMS & CONDITIONS). Each participant will also have varying birding and field skills. If you are not an experienced birder, or even if you are not a birder, and these activities are new for you, please let us know so we can provide you with special assistance during the tour. Every night we will discuss the day's birds and complete a checklist. We will do this either before or after dinner, depending on the preferences of the group and leader.
CLOTHING & PERSONAL ITEMS
Weather in the West Indies is often hot and humid, and daily rain showers are common. Please bring rain gear, including a small umbrella. Clothing with colors in harmony with nature (e.g., tan or khaki) is preferable. A sweater or light jacket will be needed for nights and mountain temperatures. Bring comfortable closed-toe boots or shoes (an extra pair will be convenient for rain days), a hat or cap, insect repellent (always in the pocket), a small first aid kit, and sunblock.
Each person must be equipped with binoculars. Optional equipment, including a camera, recording equipment, and a spotting scope, can be useful, too. During the tour, the leader will have a telescope available for use by the group. A bird checklist (please don't leave your checklist at home!) is provided by WILLIAM SUAREZ BIRDING TOURS by mail before the departure date.
We also strongly recommend the following items: 1) an alarm clock, 2) a small flashlight or head lamp, 3) sunglasses, 4) plastic bags to cover personal gear during rain, 5) spare batteries, and 6) a two-pin adapter for electric devices.
If you have any medical or physical condition that needs regular care (e.g., dietary needs, medicine, etc.), please inform your leader about it and advise the best way he can help you. If you have allergies or you need a specific type of food or regular nutrition, etc., you must bring your own appropriate items so that they are available to you in any isolated localities.
Each person must be equipped with binoculars. Optional equipment, including a camera, recording equipment, and a spotting scope, can be useful, too. During the tour, the leader will have a telescope available for use by the group. A bird checklist (please don't leave your checklist at home!) is provided by WILLIAM SUAREZ BIRDING TOURS by mail before the departure date.
We also strongly recommend the following items: 1) an alarm clock, 2) a small flashlight or head lamp, 3) sunglasses, 4) plastic bags to cover personal gear during rain, 5) spare batteries, and 6) a two-pin adapter for electric devices.
If you have any medical or physical condition that needs regular care (e.g., dietary needs, medicine, etc.), please inform your leader about it and advise the best way he can help you. If you have allergies or you need a specific type of food or regular nutrition, etc., you must bring your own appropriate items so that they are available to you in any isolated localities.
HEALTH INFORMATION
It is solely your responsibility to seek the most up-to-date health information from your physician and other reliable sources. Under "Quick Info" for each tour, we provide links to some websites that will help you.
PASSPORT, VISAS & OTHER DOCUMENTS
Be sure that you have a passport valid for at least six months after the ending date of the tour, and with at least two blank pages for customs use (stamps). United States citizens do not need a visa for any of the West Indian islands that we visit. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact the embassy or consulate of the country to be visited for information regarding appropriate requirements. Please check "Pre-Trip Information" under "Quick Info" of the tour itinerary.
FLIGHTS
You are responsible for your flight arrangements for your tour. It is necessary that you provide your final flight itinerary via email to WILLIAM SUAREZ BIRDING TOURS prior to your departure. This information is needed for your transportation during arrival/departure days to and from the airport and hotel. As indicated under TERMS & CONDITIONS, some tour payments by participants (including airline tickets) may be non-refundable. Please do not finalize these purchases until you receive our confirmation notice that the tour will be conducted.
ON-LAND TRANSPORTATION
Our land travels through natural areas of the West Indies islands will be in a comfortable van, minibus or other appropriate vehicle (see "Quick Info" for each tour for more details). Sometimes tour localities are a considerable distance from hotels and roads are not well maintained (e.g., Dominican Republic, Jamaica). This means that a drive can be slow and take as long as 3 hours, including some necessary stops. During the tour days you and the other participants are asked to rotate positions (seats) in the vehicle. Please make sure that your luggage is of a reasonable size for this type of transportation, as we will carry bags from point-to-point on some days. Your consideration on this matter is greatly appreciated.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We stay in comfortable standard hotels throughout the tour. All sites have convenient hotel facilities, but sometimes are far from the natural habitats to be explored. Hotels in country sites occasionally have minor room problems, such as hot water supply. Specific information on the hotels we will occupy will be sent to each participant prior the tour starting date, along with telephone numbers for emergency contacts and other pertinent information (see "Quick Info" under each tour page for more details).
