PANAMA
Birds and Tropical Ecology

• ITINERARY

One of the youngest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Panama's birth was intertwined with United States geopolitics early in the 20th century. The region bordering the Panama Canal has some of the finest nature-watching in Central America. The watershed, important to conservationists and governments, has been protected throughout the century. There are several large preserves less than 50 miles from the capital, Panama City. Over 25% of the nation is protected, outdoing famous neighbor Costa Rica, with the actual forest cover over 40%. We begin at the Canal, one of the great engineering marvels, where we visit the locks and museum.

Four nights we lodge at the renowned Canopy Tower, which offers birdwatching in the canopy from the breakfast table, not to mention sweeping views from the observation deck. Short drives and walks allow access to a broad network of trails including famed Pipeline Road, a fascinating transect of forest that takes us from Pacific to Atlantic slopes. Wetlands harbor numerous aquatic species including Agami and Boat-billed Heron, Crakes, Wood-Rails, and Jacanas. The often skulking and enigmatic Antbirds are frequently seen in the open understory and include beauties like Spotted Antbird and Dot-winged and Checker-throated Antwrens. Interspersed throughout one delights in Motmots, Toucans, Trogons and Tanagers. Spider and Howler Monkeys, Sloth, Tamandua Anteater, Agouti, and even Capybara are mammals likely to be seen. One day we take the train to the east coast near Colon; this ways the first transcontinental railway, carved through the jungle.

To the north we stay three nights at Canopy Lodge, sister property to the Canopy Tower, sequestered on the eastern rim of an enormous extinct caldera know as El Valle de Anton. Here we have an interesting blend of tropical dry forest melding into cloud forest. The lodge is handsomely set beside a small stream and garden, with such regulars as Lemon-rumped and Crimson-backed Tanagers, Oropendolas, Euphonias, and the tantalizing Rosy Thrush Tanager.

A short flight north from the capital we explore Chiriqui Province for four days. The Hotel Los Quetzales is nestled on the flank of 10,000 foot Baru Volcano, beside Baru National Park. The volcano is Panama's highest mountain, and home to the Resplendent Quetzal and Myriad Tanagers and hummingbirds. Picturesque coffee plantations provide additional habitats.

For our last two days we fly to the San Blas Islands where the Kuna Indians live in an independent "Comarcha." Despite 500 years of "contact" they still wear traditional clothes, speak their own language, and weave their famous and distinctive molas. The San Blas Islands form a 250 mile-long chain of dozens of islands. Dolphin Lodge has access to authentic villages and excellent Caribbean snorkeling, seabirds, and beaches. We fly back to Panama City mid-morning for a last day visiting attractive older portions of town and other options.

Leadership

Marc Egger has led many Central and South American with Mark Smith during the last 15 years. He also leads tours in Brazil, South Africa, and some years Patagonia. In Sao Paulo Brazil, where he lives with his wife and son, he has developed an outdoor school program for kids and is publishing educational and conservation materials. Marc grew up in Brazil and the US, speaks five languages fluently, and studied natural history while living seven years in Costa Rica, which has a flora and fauna very similar to Panama. His special interests include tropical botany, birds and photography.

Excellent resident naturalist guides employed at our lodges will co-lead in each region.

Lodgings, Transportation and Gratuities

All overnight accommodations and all meals are included. Formal dress is not necessary. We will use two vans or one medium-sized bus and will have attentive drivers throughout our stay. Included are boat trips around the San Blas Islands, all park entrance fees, and gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff. Airport taxes are not paid by the tour, nor are alcoholic drinks. Laundry is available at most hotels. Snorkelling outings will be organized for the group, but will be paid individually. They are approximately $25 each, depending on the destination.

Activities and Expectations

Preparation

By early November, 2008 participants will be sent maps, equipment list, health suggestions, bird lists, selected articles and a list of suggested readings.

Cost and Reservations

A deposit of $500 is required to reserve one of the 14 available spaces.

Pam Davis of Willamette International Travel is the tour air-ticket agent; Mark has worked with Pam for over 15 years. Participants are encouraged to make bookings through Pam, which helps to coordinate our flights and keep leaders informed.

Pam Davis of Willamette International Travel
1314 NW Irving St. #101
Portland, OR 97209-2721
Email: pamd@wittravel.com
Phone: 503-224-0180 or 1-800-821-0401

Questions, Deposit and final payment can be addressed to:

Mark Smith
PO Box 3831
Portland, OR 97208-3831

phone: 360-566-0458
email, in care of: pamd@wittravel.com

Cancellations

Any cancellation for which a suitable replacement is found receives refund in full. Cancellations are subject to the following: forfeit of $500 if cancellation is received between 90 to 30 days prior to departure, and forfeit of 60% of ground costs for cancellations received within 29 days of departure. Participants are encouraged to buy trip cancellation insurance, available from Willamette International Travel.

ITINERARY