The major interest of birding trips to the West
Indies resides in the endemic species, but we sure
will not overlook, at least during the migration seasons,
the important number of migrants passing through or
wintering.
The Dominican Republic (48440 km2) occupies the eastern
two-thirds of the Island of Hispaniola (Haiti is the
western third). This island is the highest of the
Caribbean islands (Pico Duarte 3175 m). Most of the
country is mountainous, supporting deciduous, semi-evergreen
forest, mountain rain forest and pine forest.
The South-Western region (Sierra de Baoruco) combines
these habitats with a semi-desert zone of thorny scrubs,
cactus scrubs along with a beautiful coast, lagoons,
lakes and cliffs.
This area will be the region of interest of our birdwatching
trip. Indeed, the 28 endemics of the island have been
recorded here as well as numerous Caribbean specialities.
(near to 250 bird species total).
The sites to visit during our birdwatching tour are:
As
mentioned earlier, all the above sites are located in the
same part of the country, thus a 8 days trip is ideal to
see a good number of species including most of the endemicsand Caribbean specialties.
A
15 days tour combines the Dominican Republic and Puerto
Rico.
Customized birding tours can be planned
for groups or individuals.
+
A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF THE WEST INDIES
By Herbert Raffaele, James Wiley , Orlando Garrido,
Allan Keith ans Janis Raffaele (Princeton).
+
THE BIRDS OF HISPANIOLA.
By Allan R.Keith, J.W. WILEY. (B.O.U).
PRACTICAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
+
No
visa required. Valid passport.
+
No compulsory vaccinations. No necessary prophylaxis.
+
Infrastructure:
Good driving conditions. Satisfactory accommodation.
+
Language:
Spanish.
+
Local
time: GMT-4
+
Electricity:
110 volts. American sockets.
+
Currency:
Dominican peso. US$ accepted.
+
Climate:
Tropical, Dry season: December to April.
+ Do
not forget to pack: binoculars !, mosquito repellent,
sweat-shirt, rain gear.
All lodging is provided in hotels or comfortable
lodges, near to or on-site.
The tour prices include lodging in double
rooms (a supplement if 15% is charged for single room accommodation),
all meals, transportation within the country, guide and
entrance fees for the national parks. These prices do not
include: international flight(except between Puerto Rico
and the Dominican Republic for the combined trip), alcoholic
drinks, personal spending, airport departure tax, tips and
travel insurance (repatriation, luggage loss and flight
cancellation).
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SIERRA DE BAORUCO VIA DUVERGE.
DUVERGE - PUERTO ESCONDIDO
