This tour begins at the Moncton Airport at the close of the Gaspé Peninsula Tour, so that you can readily combine both tours. From Moncton we will drive into Nova Scotia, with a few birding and scenic stops along the way. We'll spend our first night near New Glasgow and Stellarton.

We will begin our morning searching for boreal species in an area of spruce forest at Beaver Mountain. Early morning is a good time to look for female Spruce Grouse with their chicks as they forage along the edge of the road. It is also a good time to search for Black-backed Woodpecker and listen for the distinctive song of the Boreal Chickadee. We'll work our way onto Cape Breton Island in the afternoon with plenty of birding stops along the way. We will spend the night near Sydney.

The Bird Islands that lie in St. Ann's Bay play host to an important nesting colony of thousands of sea birds. Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots, Common Murres, Great Cormorants, and several species of gulls are all found here. Leach's Storm-Petrels also nest, but they typically emerge from their burrows only at night. During our boat trip we'll also watch for Gray Seals and Bald Eagle. Our afternoon excursion will take us to St. Andrews Channel and Bras d'Or Lake to search for nesting warblers, waterfowl, and Ruffed Grouse. A second night near Sydney.

Atlantic Puffins are ALWAYS a big favorite! --Ron Simpson

Today we drive north along Cabot Trail, past Breton Cove and Wreck Cove, to Ingonish Beach, the far eastern entrance to Cape Breton Highland National Park. Boreal habitat near Keltic Lodge will offer good opportunities to find Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadee, Evening Grosbeak, and several more nesting warblers such as Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, and Mourning. The park contains the highest point in Nova Scotia, 1700 feet, where Bicknell's Thrush can be found. We'll spend two nights in a rustic but comfortable lodge in the Highlands, and go out after dark to look for Barred and Northern Saw-whet Owls.

More highland birding may yield Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Lincoln's Sparrow, Gray Jay, and Pine Grosbeak. Woodland Caribou, Moose, Lynx, Black Bear, and Beaver are all present. At Cape North we'll make the hike to Morey Point, searching for songbirds along the trail and pelagic species, including Northern Gannet, over the ocean. We'll take an afternoon drive to New Glasgow, where we will spend the night.

Our final destination is Moncton, New Brunswick, where you will connect with your early afternoon flights home.

PLEASE NOTE If you combine this tour with the Gaspé Tour that immediately precedes it, we can offer you a discount for participating in both tours.

Our Cape Breton Island Tour will be led by Bob Schutsky, immediately following the tour of the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec.

$1875 per person based upon double occupancy. Single accommodations are available at an extra charge of $305.

Expert guide service, lodging for six nights, ALL meals, boat rides, entrance fees, and ground transportation within New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Does not include the cost of airfare to and from Moncton, New Brunswick. BIRD TREKS will, upon request, help you obtain the best possible airfare. Also not included are the cost of alcoholic beverages, tips to your guide and driver, or items of a personal nature.

A $400 deposit will assure your reservation on the tour. The balance is due 1 May 2008.

We offer the services of our exclusive BIRD TREKS travel agent, Lori Heathcote, in arranging your air travel. Lori has 22 years of experience in the travel industry and is a veteran birder. Contact her through Bailey Travel at 1-800-224-5399, or you can e-mail lori@baileytravel.com. By dealing with Lori you have the security of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number in case of any travel emergency. She can also assist you with all pre- and post-tour travel plans.

With written notice more than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded, minus a $75 service fee. With 30-60 days notice, you will receive a 50% refund of the full cost of the tour. No refund can be made with less than 30 days notice. You will receive a full refund if you provide a replacement for your spot on the tour. No partial refund can be given once a tour begins. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a tour. Click on the following link to Access America or contact BIRD TREKS for information on obtaining this coverage.