Cuban emerald hummingbird
Details
Ages: 18+
Date: February 6-13, 2027
Location: Andros Island, The Bahamas
Pricing: $1,800
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 insects that are present in The Bahamas.
birding group at central andros national park
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 support@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 Holes 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.
Steve Hanna (left) with Mike Baltz
Bird Guide
Steve Hanna
Steve Hanna is a local Androsian and experienced bird guide who has spent years helping visitors discover the incredible birdlife of Andros Island. With a special talent for finding even the most elusive species—yes, including the Great Lizard Cuckoo!—Steve brings invaluable knowledge and enthusiasm to every outing. We are thrilled to have him joining us for our third Birding Trip and have always appreciated his partnership in helping educate and inspire our Gap Year students through ornithology.
Program Cost: $1,800 USD
What’s included: Flights from Nassau to Andros, lodging, meals*, all field trips and excursions, and 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), travel insurance (strongly recommended, not required), and a couple dinner’s out to local establishments.
*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 Lindsay James at support@intlfieldstudies.org.
