Category: Birding Hotspot
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Birds in Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. Known for its colorful cityscape and delicious food, Cuba also offers great biodiversity. Approximately 371 species of birds reside in or migrate through Cuba every year. Deciduous forests, xeric landscapes, grasslands, rivers, high mountain peaks (the highest mountain is Pico Turquino, which reaches nearly 6,500 feet), marshes,…
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Birding in a Volcano: El Valle de Anton
El Valle de Anton, located in Panama’s western foothills, is a true birder’s paradise. Birding in El Valle is among the best in all of Central America. It is also one of the most unique places in the world. An ancient volcano once towered over the land and sea. More than 200,000 years ago, it…
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Playa Muerto: Harpy Eagles and Community Development in Darien
Darien, Panama, is considered one of the most biodiverse places in the world. It is home to lush tropical forests, Harpy Eagles, jaguars, and a host of other incredible plants and animals. A trip there is a true “off the beaten path” experience. While it does hold some challenges, the rewards for taking a trip…
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit India
There are SO many reasons to visit India, it is very hard to come up with only 10! Whitehawk made its first trip to India in 2014 in search of the elusive Snow Leopard. Our trip was a roaring success and our group was able to see not one but two Snow Leopards in a…
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The City of Antpittas
Perhaps the simplest and most humorous description of antpittas is that they look like ‘eggs with legs.’ This description might also remind you of Sheldon, Garfield the Cat’s friend, or Humpty Dumpty of “Through the Looking-Glass.” In fact, Humpty Dumpty’s name in Spanish is Zanco Panco. Zanco refers to his long legs, as does the…
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Top 10 Reasons to Travel to Panama
The Isthmus of Panama, nestled between two oceans and connecting two continents, has much to offer anyone interested in birds, nature, culture, and history. Planning to travel to Panama? Read more to find out our favorite things about this lovely country, in no particular order. 1. Biodiversity Despite its small size, Panama is one of…
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Birding the Panama Canal
Birding around the Panama Canal is some of the best Panama has to offer. Time spent here offers the chance for an incredible wildlife experience. It also affords one the opportunity to explore the fascinating history that helped shape Panama’s future, its policies about conservation, and, in part, its culture. A Brief History of the…
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Darien, Panama: A Land of Exceptional Diversity
I visited Darien, Panama, for the first time, more or less, 10 years ago. At the time, I was working on a conservation project for The Peregrine Fund. My goal for the trip was to help capture and radio tag a juvenile Harpy Eagle. Darien impressed me from the first moment. On the day of…
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Top 10 Birding Sites in Central America
Central America, from the southern border of Mexico to the infamous Darien Gap of Panama, is a true birder’s paradise. These tropical countries have much to boast about. Endemic species, important bird areas, dozens of different ecosystems and accessible birding destinations abound. Travel here is relatively effortless. There is easy access to national parks and…