CHECKLISTS ON THE WEB SITE
During the past several years many changes have been made to the order in which birds are listed. The new format is known as the 7th AOU checklist, named for the American Ornithologists' Union. People on the checklist committee strive to keep species in proper taxonomic order, up to date with the most recent studies and findings on what birds are most closely related. So now, instead of our checklists beginning with Loons, Grebes and Cormorants, as they did for many years, they begin with Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks, and Chachalacas. The American Birding Association (ABA) checklist committee follows the AOU very closely.
And now, BIRD TREKS is getting up to date. As we slowly put our lists of birds from previous tours into the new order, we are making them available on our web site, www.birdtreks.com. Go to the Tour Schedule, either by Date or by Region. As you scroll through the tours, you'll see listings for the Itinerary, Photos, Highlights, and Trip Reports. And now, as we complete them, you'll be able to click on Checklist of Birds Seen on Previous Tours. The title page of the checklist will open in Microsoft Excel, in this case Churchill and Southern Manitoba. On the lower left portion of your screen are small tabs, page 1, page 2 and so on. Click on the tab to see that page of the checklist. The final page is labeled notes.
We hope that you enjoy our new feature for easily accessible trip lists. We are in the process of re-designing the BIRD TREKS web site. We'd like to receive your comments, including what you like and what you think should be changed. Do you like the color scheme and layout? Do you think the permanent header takes up too much room? Do you have any general comments? Please give us your thoughts.
ONE MORE PERSON NEEDED FOR KENYA
The tour to Southern and Coastal Kenya, 2-19 November 2007, is almost filled. Our limit for this tour is 12 participants, and we currently have 11 people registered. If you would like to go, please contact the BIRD TREKS office. We are also accepting names for the waiting list, as a lot can happen between now and next autumn. Click on http://www.birdtreks.com/itin/kemm07.html for the day-by-day itinerary and additional information.
ADAK ISLAND FEATURED IN WILDBIRD MAGAZINE
"Aleutians' Alure" by John Puschock is one of the feature articles in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of WildBird Magazine. John wrote this article based upon his experience of leading tours to Adak Island, Alaska over the past several years. The article tells of rarities, residents, and how to find Adak's special species. Adak has only recently become available as an Aleutian birding destination, and John is helping to lead the way in exploring its potential for producing Asian strays. The article begins on page 46 of the issue with the male Painted Bunting on the cover. This issue will soon be available online at http://www.wildbirdmagazine.com/wb/.
TOURS GUARANTEED TO GO IN 2007
The following tours have at least the minimum number of participants needed for the tour to go, but still have one or more openings available. Simply click on the web site address to view the detailed itinerary. Additional information concerning all of our tours is available by going to http://www.birdtreks.com/schedules/sched.html. This includes a short description of each tour, plus highlights, photos, and favorite species from previous adventures. Checklists from previous tours are being added as they are updated in the current taxonomic order.
These tours are GUARANTEED TO GO:Day-by-day itineraries and additional information are on our web site at www.birdtreks.com. Please contact the BIRD TREKS office if you need help accessing our web site or if you would rather have information mailed to your postal address. Many of our other scheduled tours are likely to go, but they cannot be guaranteed at this time. Please contact BIRD TREKS for more information or to register for the tour of your choice.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RECENT KENYA TOUR
Here are the favorite birds and mammals of the CLASSIC KENYA TOUR, conducted 1-16 November 2006, as voted upon by the participants & leaders. Top 10 lists were compiled by tour leaders Steven Easley and Kevin Easley. The Classic Tour will be conducted again in November 2008.
1) DOHERTY'S BUSH-SHRIKE. Everyone enjoyed smashing views of this mega-skulker near Mountain Lodge. Favorite bird of the trip for Sharon and Steven.
2) Vulturine Guineafowl. Several flocks seen at close range in Samburu were an obvious delight. Favorite bird of the trip for Judy and Frank.
3) Lilac-breasted Roller. Always a crowd pleaser. We saw many throughout the tour.
4) Cape (Mackinder's) Eagle-Owl. The stakeout site produced well, with full views of one roosting on the cliff face.
5) Golden-breasted Starling. Arguably the world's most spectacular starling. Several were seen well in Samburu.
6) Secretary Bird. An African classic, we had several sightings including a nesting pair in Nairobi National Park. Favorite bird of the tour for Mike.
7) Black-and-white-Casqued Hornbill. This monster hornbill was seen repeatedly at Kakamega, an impressive bird to say the least. Favorite bird of the tour for Bob.
8) Straw-tailed Whydah. A singing male along the entrance road to Samburu was much appreciated.
9) African Harrier-Hawk. More sightings than I can ever remember, including a hunting adult using his double-jointed legs to reach into tree cavities in search of whatever it could find. Favorite bird of the trip for Dave.
10) Bar-tailed Trogon. Cracking views in Gatamayu Forest of two males and a female at very close range.
Other favorites include: African Finfoot at Nairobi National Park was Christine's top bird of the tour. A male Golden-winged Sunbird feeding just in front of us for Margaret. African Hoopoe, several nice sightings, for Robyn. African Emerald Cuckoo, a cooperative male in Kakamega for Don. Sooty Falcon, first perched view of this species for Kevin.
FAVORITE MAMMALS
1) LEOPARD. Stunning views of one resting on a large horizontal branch in Samburu took top honors and rightfully so! Eight participants voted it their favorite mammal of the tour.
2) African Elephant. Several sightings in Samburu including a young bachelor male. Favorite mammal of the trip for Mike, Bob, and Margaret.
3) Cheetah. A lone adult spotted by Steven in Nairobi National Park was a great find.
4) White Rhino. Many were seen in Nakuru National Park, a highlight for all.
5) Giraffe. All three races of this spectacular mammal were seen on the tour: Masai, Rothschild's, and Reticulated.
COMING SOON . . .
We hope that you have enjoyed reading about Kenya and our upcoming tours. We enjoy sharing our news, updates, and information with you. Our next NEWS FLASH will contain lots of exciting tales from new parts of the globe. We're excited about the changes we are making to the web site, and hope to hear your comments.
Please let us know if we can assist you with any additional information. We'd love to help you with a regularly scheduled tour, or perhaps a custom expedition. Imagine the surprise and delight if you invited your friends on a tour to a unique destination. It could be the adventure of a lifetime!
Happy New Year to you all,