Zugunruhe Birding Tours - Summer in Newfoundland 2011

SUMMER in NEWFOUNDLAND

June 12-18, 2011

Newfoundland is one of the most dynamic birding locations in North America, with each season bringing an exciting new array of species and spectacles.

Early summer on the Avalon Peninsula combines incredible scenery, mind-boggling numbers of seabirds at some of the largest and most majestic breeding colonies on the continent, and a rich variety of tundra, barren and northern boreal species. This week-long tour covers the easternmost reaches of North America – with opportunities to see thousands of Atlantic Puffins and Northern Gannets up close and personal at some of their most fabled nesting sites – Cape St. Mary’s and the Witless Bay Islands Ecological Reserve. The most southerly breeding Razorbills and Thick-billed Murres, along with thousands of Common Murres, will take your breath away as they cloud the skies. Black-legged Kittiwakes and the occasional Northern Fulmar will dot the cliffs and water. Many northern songbirds can be seen & heard during our visit – including Boreal Chickadee, Grey-cheeked Thrush, Black-backed Woodpecker and Horned Lark. Other stops will provide us opportunities to look for Manx Shearwater, Arctic Tern, and Willow Ptarmigan.

Other wildlife may include whales, moose and woodland caribou.

Day 1 (June 12): Arrive at St. John’s. Overnight at St. John’s.

Days 2-3 (June 13-14): Local birding around the city and northeastern Avalon Peninsula, including a trip to nearby Cape Spear and a boat tour in the Witless Bay Islands Ecological Reserve. The only thing more amazing than the sound of thousands of Atlantic Puffin, Razorbills, and Common and Thick-billed Murres chattering is the incredible point-blank views as we cruise around these protected islands. Overnight at St. John’s.

Day 4 (June 15): Moving a little further afield, we will bird the barren but beautiful oceanic tundra of the southern Avalon Peninsula, where we see find an array of seabirds, ducks and tundra-dwelling species. We will make a special effort to find Willow Ptarmigan and Woodland Caribou. Overnight at St. Bride’s, Placentia Bay.

Day5 (June 16): During the morning we will visit breath-taking Cape St. Mary’s Bird Sanctuary. The steep cliffs here are home to the second largest colony of Northern Gannet in North America and thousands of other seabirds. Heading west across the “isthmus”, we will make several birding stops on our way to Terra Nova National Park in central Newfoundland. Overnight at Terra Nova National Park.

Day 6 (June 17): We will spend the day exploring the lush boreal forests and pristine wilderness of Terra Nova National Park. Boreal songbirds will be in full chorus, and northern species such as Grey Jay, Pine Grosbeak and several species of woodpecker will be on our list of targets. We will also look for the secretive Spruce Grouse, which is not found in the more eastern portions of the province. We will return to St. John’s in the evening, stopping to enjoy scenery and birds along the way. Overnight at St. John’s.

Day 7 (June 18): Departure from St. John’s. Morning birding activities may be available for those with later flights.

TOUR FEE: approximately $2500 per person (price may change) based on double occupancy (single accommodations may be available for an additional charge of about $750). The tour fee includes lodging for six nights, all meals from breakfast on June 13 to breakfast on Jan 18, ground transportation during the tour, and guide services. It does not include transportation to and from St. John's, NL before and after the tour, phone calls, laundry, room service charges, alcoholic beverages, or any items of a personal nature.

LEADER: Jared Clarke, Jared is a an experienced birder and guide who enjoys sharing the natural wonders of his native Newfoundland. His knowledge of both the natural and cultural history of the region helps make for an interesting and comprehensive tour.

GROUP SIZE: This tour is limited to 6 participants. A minimum of 3 participants is required by April 15, 2011 to confirm the tour.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS/WEATHER: June is very unpredictable in Newfoundland, with daytime temperatures varying between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the distinct possibility of rain. We will bird as much as the weather and our collective will power allows, so pack accordingly. Please notify us if you have any physical condition that may affect your participation.

REGISTRATION and DEPOSIT: A deposit of $750 and a signed registration and release form will reserve your spot on this tour. Please e-mail for more information on the registration procedure and forms (contact info below). The balance of the fee is due by 60 days prior to the tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY: All fees received will be refunded with more than 90 days notice of cancellation. With 60-90 days notice of cancellation, all fees except the deposit will be refunded. No refund is possible with less than 60 days notification.

TRIP INSURANCE: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect yourself in case you need to cancel, luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, a medical emergency occurs, or other unforeseen circumstances. Note that many insurance policies require that you purchase it at the time you make the initial deposit for the tour and terms and coverage differ among policies.

For more information and registration forms, please us.