Introduction to the Spectacular Birding of Hawaii: Oahu Island and Big Island Birding
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Though famed for its sunny beaches and reliable surf, Hawaii is as much a paradise for birders as it is for sun-worshipers. Like the Galapagos, Hawaii’s remoteness made it a hotbed for evolutionary experimentation, and over millennia, the islands developed a unique and remarkable avifauna. Sadly, human activity has driven nearly half of Hawaii’s endemic birds to extinction, but many singular species still survive, including the colorful Iiwi, odd Akiapolaau, and tiny Akepa.
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In addition to its remarkable endemics, Hawaii is a great place to watch seabirds. Over twenty species breed in the state, and many pelagic species that are rarely (if ever) seen elsewhere in the United States are common here. A pelagic birding trip from Hilo offers the opportunity to watch Brown Noddy, Black Noddy, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, White-tailed Tropicbird, Brown Booby and Red-footed Booby while looking out for several other less common species.
More details about this trip:
Pricing: $2,890 USD for 7 Days and 6 Nights
Group Size: Price is based on a group size of 8 participants.
Upcoming Dates:
January 27 to February 2, 2020
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Our seven-day tour includes birding on Oahu and the island of Hawaii. You will see several of the Hawaiian endemics, as well as many subspecies specific to the islands. You will visit the beautiful north shore of Oahu as well as the volcanos of Hawaii. The tour ends with a fabulous pelagic birding opportunity, where you will also add a few marine mammals to your trip list.
Birds
Hawaiian native and other notable ABA species: Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Coot, Pacific Golden-Plover, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Brown Noddy, Black Noddy, White Tern, White-tailed Tropicbird, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Hawaiian Hawk, Hawaii Elepaio, Oahu Elepaio, Omao, Palila, Apapane, Iiwi, Akiapolaau, Hawaii Amakihi, Oahu Amakihi, Hawaii Creeper and Hawaii Akepa
Established non-native species: Erckel’s Francolin, Black Francolin, Gray Francolin, Kalij Pheasant, Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Mariana Swiftlet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Eurasian Skylark, Red-vented Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Japanese Bush Warbler, Japanese White-eye, Chinese Hwamei, Red-billed Leiothrix, White-rumped Shama, Yellow-fronted Canary, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Saffron Finch, Common Waxbill, Red Avadavat, African Silverbill, Scaly-breasted Munia and Java Sparrow
Mammals
Humpback Whale, Hawaiian Monk Seal, Spinner Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Small Indian Mongoose
Other Highlights
Waikiki beach, Koolau Mountains, Alakai Wilderness Preserve, Kokee State Park, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a pelagic birding adventure. We can help you with trip extensions, such as a visit to Pearl Harbor.
Introduction to the Spectacular Birding of Hawaii: Oahu Island and Big Island Birding with Mandy Talpas: January 27 to February 2, 202