Cuban emerald hummingbird

Details

Ages: 18+

Date: January 18-25, 2025

Location: Andros Island, The Bahamas

Pricing: $1,499

Eligibility: Open to US citizens and Non-US citizens. English speaking proficiency required.

Physical Requirements: Participants must be able to climb into transportation vans and climb ladders onto the boats, hike up to two miles, sleep in cabins with no A/C on bunk beds, and tolerate biting insects that are present in The Bahamas.

Observing a bahama oriole nest at Forfar field station

Western spindalis

Overview

The birdlife of The Bahamas is fascinating, but not overwhelming, which makes it an ideal location for both birding and bird study. Participants will track down and learn about the resident and migrant birds on the island (100+ species, including several endemics). Daily field trips into different habitats will help participants understand the avian ecology of the island. A final ‘Big Day’ will be a fun effort to tally as many species as possible in 24 hours.

Andros is the largest and one of the most remote of the Bahamian islands with 7 distinct plant communities, inland forests, mangroves and tidal flats.

Questions? Email office@intlfieldstudies.org.

Engagement

Days will be spent exploring the island by land and sea with local bird guides and our Ornithologist trip leader. Expect to see amazing wildlife during your stay including:

  • Bahama Orioles

  • Bahama Mockingbird

  • Bahama Woodstar

  • Cuban Emeralds

  • Piping Plovers

  • Great Lizard Cuckoos

Grab your binoculars as we engage in the wonders of this island and observe the unique species that call it home.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival, settle into cabins

  • Day 2: Birding the Cays - explore islands off Andros, birding and snorkeling

  • Day 3: Pine Forests - birding in the islands pine forest and a visit to Blue Hole National Park

  • Day 4: The Coppices - birding in the Attala Coppice and South Coppice areas around Small Hope Bay

  • Day 5: Ag Lands and Disturbed Areas - trips to BARC and BAMSI area as well as Owens Town

  • Day 6: Mangroves/Tidal Flats - birding in the mangroves and tidal flat areas of the island with some relaxing island floating

  • Day 7: Red Bays - Birding ‘Big Day’ where the group tries to record as many species as possible while traveling around the island, including the Bahamian settlement of Red Bays.

Dr. mike baltz (left) and Prescott

Trip Leader

Mike Baltz - Ornithologist

Dr. Mike Baltz was director of Forfar Field Station in the late 1980s. After leaving Forfar, Mike ultimately got a PhD in Avian Ecology from the University of Missouri and went on to work for The Nature Conservancy. Dr. Baltz’s expertise is in the ecology of winter migrant warblers in the West Indies, and he has published many articles about the birds of The Bahamas. Dr. Baltz is a veteran trip leader and has led birding trips in Puerto Rico and in The Bahamas. Local guides with unique local knowledge and perspectives will also be participating and in the field with the group daily. 

Program Cost: $1,499 USD

What’s included: Flights from Nassau to Andros, lodging, 3 meals* a day, all field trips and excursions, and trip leader/local birding guides.

*We can accommodate some dietary restrictions such as dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc.

What’s not included: Flight to Nassau, Bahamas, snorkel mask/snorkel/fins, incidentals, packing list items*, health insurance (required), and travel insurance (strongly recommended, not required).

*A packing list will be provided so you will know what personal gear you'll need to bring.

Questions?

If you have any questions about signing up or about the program in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Katelyn McKee at office@intlfieldstudies.org.