Thursday, April 12 - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 (with optional extension in Havana): American Birding Association Bird Survey, under direction of Caribbean Conservation Trust, Inc., of New Haven, CT. 14-person maximum; Double, $3,900 per person; single supplement, $400. (This is a discount of $400 per person off the normal $4,300 double rate, for our WBS group.) Price includes lodging, meals, guide services, most tips, transfers, ground transportation, bottled water, some drinks, admission fees, licensing and program management services, on-site leader, full-time Cuban bilingual guide, bi-lingual Cuban naturalists and a full-time driver of a 24-passenger tour bus. Air costs from Austin to Miami and from Miami to Cuba will be extra. (Austin to Miami round-trip should be about $350 per person; Miami to Cuba, about $425 per person round-trip.) Optional one-day extension in Havana is $225 per person.

Cuba, the Caribbean's largest island, lies just 100 miles south of Florida, yet offers an impressive 28 endemic birds, numerous Caribbean specials and a rich variety of North American warblers and seabirds. Over 370 bird species have been recorded.

Program begins and ends in Havana, one of the most authentic colonial cities in the Americas. Following our first two days in Havana, we will depart for the countryside to visit national parks and reserves, visiting mountains, beaches, caves and wetlands before returning later in the week to enjoy a final evening in Havana. Post-trip extension option is for 1 additional day and night in Havana.

We will interact with local scientists and naturalists who work in research and conservation. In addition to birding, we will learn about the ecology and history of the regions we visit. Finally, we can expect some degree of indulgence in the richness of Cuban music, dance, art, architecture and history.

NOTE: This program currently has two openings. If you would like to go, and/or receive more information, contact Jerry Hall, 512 847-3730 or trips@wimbirds.org