Castro delivered speeches in this vast square, attracting more than a million people at times. My trip was The beautiful birding lodges used on our birding tours of Cuba. For those planning a beach vacation in Cuba, here is a list of the best excursions from Holguin or Guardalavaca Cuba hotels. Top Things to Do in Cayo Coco, Caribbean: See Tripadvisor's 1,090 traveller reviews and photos of Cayo Coco tourist attractions. 90 Percent of what I saw were ‘lifers’ for me so each bird was a real thrill, but none more so than the tiny Cuban Emerald, a species of Hummingbird, which I first spotted feeding on top of a tree with bright red berries and later saw a few times perched on branches in the gardens. Due to its important place in Havana's history, the Plaza de la Revolucion deserves at least a brief stop if only to absorb the events that transpired here. It was a great trip, and not only because we saw practically all the endemic bird species: 21 Cuban and another 20 Caribbean (all were lifers for the two of us), on a trip total of 145 species. private birding trip on Cuba was from 4 till 17 March 2001. Enjoy one of the best beaches in Cuba while enjoying the excellent facilities of a colonial style village resort. Lastly, we drive to La Belen Farm, because is the best place to see very rare birds such as the Palm Crow, Giant Kingbird, Plain Pigeon, Fernandina’s Flicker, Gundlach’s Hawk, Whistling Duck and many wintering warblers. The island of Cuba is colorful and diverse, so it will come as no surprise to learn that its variety of bird species is much the same. Among its rich fauna and flora is a number of beautiful bird species, and we’ve rounded up the best areas to go birdwatching on the island. Nine endemic species are endangered or vulnerable. In fact, Cuba is probably the most affordable Caribbean destination of all for Canadian snowbirds. Hotel Colonial Cayo Colco is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or exciting family holiday. Cuban Trogon, Priotelus temnurus national bird of Cuba. One of the hotels used as a base for exploring Cayo Coco. The Zapata Sparrow is the only sparrow endemic to the West Indies. “is a quiet place located 800 m over the sea level in the top of one of the highest mountains in Cuba, where you can here the birds sing along the way with the beautiful city of Trinidad resting at your feets. It stands at the entrance to the Bay of Santiago, about 10 kilometers southwest of Santiago de Cuba, the country's second largest city. Birdwatchers in Cuba will find endemic, Caribbean endemic and more common North American birds all over the island. This Caribbean Birdwatching page is designed to give you an idea of the best destinations for birding, but for more information on birds you might see on specific islands, go to the Caribbean Wildlife section and check out the country you are planning to visit for your Caribbean birdwatching tour or vacation. See the many endemic species of birds Cuba has to offer. After breakfast leave for the Bermejas site. A mosaic of dry forest, swamp, mangrove and mudflats, the Zapata Peninsula is one of the best preserved ecosystems on the island. The Caribbean is a birdwatcher’s Mecca. Cuban Endemics It has the same colors as the Cuban flag. Pedro has painstakingly worked on bird conservation in Cuba. Favored by a geographical position, hard work of scientists, and pristine ecosystems, the Guanahacabibes National Park has become the most popular destination for bird watching. Cuba is home to some amazing stretches of untouched wilderness that have been well protected by the government. I'll get into more detail for specific areas in future posts. There are a lot of rather spectacular endemic birds on the island of Cuba, not least the Blue-headed Quail Dove. In April I had the opportunity to visit Cuba and this article is about my general impressions. We also were very impressed by the friendliness of the people, whereas their traditional music was another reason for visiting the island. Some are particularly special. Cuba boasts an impressive 26 birds found nowhere else, not to mention a handful of other Caribbean specialties too, which for first-timers to this idyllic, beach-strewn, region, will provide ample opportunities for yet more lifebirds. I am an avid beach vacation fan, however, on my recent trips to Cuba, I have been spending a lot of time travelling off the resorts. The 21 living endemic species include the charming Cuban Tody, the striking and elegant Cuban Trogon (the national bird), the colorful Cuban Green Woodpecker, and the smallest of all birds, the Bee Hummingbird.This compact and portable field reference will help Cubans, visitors from abroad, and bird enthusiasts identify and enjoy the island’s avifauna. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Cuba is home to at least 21 bird species found no place else in the world — the vireo and woodpeckers among them. The pictures of Hummingbirds in books have always fascinated me but I never imagined seeing them ”live” so this was special. Our Cuba tours focus on Cuba’s fantastic endemic birds and numerous Caribbean specials.We stand a good chance of seeing almost all of Cuba’s endemics on our birding tour to this under-birded country, as well as great wintering North American migrants. The Zapata Swamp is the richest bird area in Cuba and we'll start to find out why as we go out, close to the hotel, to enjoy that active feeding time in the late afternoon/early evening.