Date: 10/1/12 9:19 am
From: Philip Witmer <philip.witmer...>
Subject: [MDBirding] Cuban Endemics at DVOC


We have an exciting presentation this week at the DVOC Meeting. Not everyone gets the chance to travel to Cuba. Come listen to someone who has. The meeting will be this Thursday, October 4th, at 7:30 PM in the Academy of Natural Sciences. All are welcome.

Over 370 bird species have been recorded in Cuba, including 29 which are endemic to the island and 29 considered globally threatened. Due to its large land area and geographical position within the Caribbean, Cuba represents one of the most important countries for Neotropical migratory birds � both birds passing through on their way south (75 species) and those spending the winter on the island (86 species).
Some of the birding locations we visited included the Western Mountain ranges in Pinar del Rio best known for the tropical karstic forests and is home to the Cuban Tody and Cuban Trogon. The Zapata Peninsula on the southern shore of Cuba is a most important birding area that features everglades-like ecology and is home to the Bee Hummingbird and Zapata Wren. Our eastern most destination was the historical city of Camaguey and the Protected Area of Sierra del Chorrillo for the Cuban Palm Crow. Our last destination was the Northern Archipelagos of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo known for their mangrove flats, low coastal scrub, and sandy shoreline and Cayo Paredon Grande (the northeastern-most key in the archipelago, which is one of Cuba�s most important migratory landfalls). It is here where you can find the Gundlach�s Hawk.
Join Sue Killeen to see the birds of Cuba and the diversity of the island from her trip with other DVOC members in March/April 2012.

Regards,

Phil Witmer
Delaware Valley Ornithological Club
Vice President
<philip.witmer...>




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