Birdwatching North America with Birdingpaltours

• If you are you an independent birdwatcher, who does not care for large group tours, then Birdingpaltours is for you
• Our tours are flexible, safe and the use of a local guide lets you participate in the planning
• A local guide knows all the hotspots and you get the most out of your trip
• You select the date and length for a trip to suit youself
• If your time is limited, we’ll design a tour to fit your needs
• A professional Birdingpal guide can customize your tour, and you will see the birds you want.
• Your guide is also your travel companion, who will make sure you experience the native people, scenery, culture, history and food, first hand.
• You will enjoy the advantage of all the attention you get in a small group, for the same price or perhaps even less, than you will pay if you travel with the large tour groups from other countries
• Remember, the next time you travel, you do not have to miss the birdwatching if your partner or travel companions are non birders; a local guide is flexible, and will easily accommodate other needs too
• Hiring a Birdingpal guide will boost the local economy and help protect birds other wildlife and their habitat

Birdwatching tours in Hawaii.
The Island of Kauai North Shore.

Why not join John and Heather Riggins on the beautiful island of Kauai. They have designed a great itinerary that will take you to a number of different habitats to make sure that you have a chance at this island’s impressive endemics. John lists some mouth-watering species in his outline of this tour. Read on!

Tour I

More than just a bird tour!

We offer a customized 6 - 7 hour Kauai North Shore tour for 1, 2 or 3 people (max.). This includes lunch at a nice north shore restaurant (which is included in your fee - alcohol and dessert not included). Unlike other tours, you will not be rushed while taking photos or observing. We vary our tours to fit your goals. Also included is Hawaiian history/culture, plant identification, marine wildlife, advice on other island activities, advice on beaches and restaurants to help with the rest of your vacation.

Although birding is the primary goal, for those interested we also visit especially photogenic spots, beaches, areas of historical interest, etc.

Birds observed will include wetlands, ocean and land birds. Winter months may include whales.
We are both federally licensed bird banders with over 40 years experience each, and avid bird watchers for longer. John is also a nature photographer.
Possible wetland and pelagic sightings (we can usually assure you that you will see at least 75% of these): Nene, Hawaiian Duck, Hawaiian Moorhen (Gallinule), Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Stilt, Laysan Albatross (Dec. - July), Red-footed Booby, Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Mar – Nov.), Great Frigatebird, White-tailed and Red-tailed Tropicbird, Brown Booby.

Tour cost: $325 for two people or less. Third person, add $125.

Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.

For more details please send a message to John & Heather.   

John & Heather Riggins, your local Birdingpal guide John and Heather were both already avid birders in the early 1960's but began assisting two legendary banders (Amelia Laskey and Dr. Katherine Goodpasture ) in the mid 1960's. By 1968 both John and Heather had been issued Master Banding permits by the U.S. government. This couple first became involved with visitors interested in birding while traveling through the Birdingpal.org web site and they hosted many individuals, couples and groups. After numerous visitors praised their bird guiding skills as well as on their attention to local attractions, history, culture and the fact that they not only were knowledgeable about Kauai birds but also marine life, plants, flowers and other lore, the Riggins decided to commercially offer their services and to promise more then just a bird tour. They customize their time spent with clients based on client interests. John and Heather are still licensed federal banders and were recently honored by being asked to spearhead a banding workshop for university, state and federal employees working in a “Kaua'i Forest Bird Recovery Project” involving endemic bird species in Koke'e State Park and the Alaka'i Swamp. In a “field” setting with multiple mist nests erected, they reviewed bird banding techniques, aging and sexing criteria and prudent catch and release protocols with numerous staff of this prestigious endemic bird recovery project.

Testimonials.
What a great day! I do so appreciate all the time and especially the knowledge you shared with us. Mike calls our birding day the highlight of our trip, B.L. CA
Our trip sure started out great when you and Heather took us around the north end of Kauai looking for birds. We sure enjoyed seeing the birds at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and at the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge plus seeing the Mannikins and the resting Laysan Albatrosses at the local places you took us to. We sure appreciate the two of you taking the time to take us around and sharing your birding knowledge with us. T. C. -- Ann Arbor, MI
We had a most lovely adventure with you both. Thanks for everything. 20 new species is very good, I understand, for any birder. H. T. -- Br. Columbia, Canada

Birdwatching tours in Hawaii.
Birding Hawaii and Alaka`i Swamp

Why not join Jim on the beautiful island of Kauai. He has designed a great itinerary in Koke’e State Forest Park looking for this island’s impressive endemics. Jim lists some great target birds in his outline of his tour. Read what Jim has to say!

Tour II

The tour includes portions of the Pihea and Alaka`i Swamp Trails. Both trails travel along a boardwalk through beautiful native rainforest at an elevation of about 4000 ft. The birds we will be searching for are the Apapane, I`iwi, Kaua`i Amakihi, Kaua`i Elepaio, Anianiau, Akeke`e, Akikiki, and Puaiohi.

Other species that are can be seen on this tour include Japanese White-eye, Red-crested Cardinal, White-rumped Shama, Melodious Laughing Thrush, Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Pueo, Red Jungle Fowl, Nutmeg Mannikin, Japanese Bush-Warbler, Erkels Francolin, and White-tailed Tropicbird

The tour begins at 7am (summer months) or 8am (winter months) and lasts for about 6 hours. We meet in the parking area of the Koke`e Natural History Museum. The museum is about an hours drive from the Po`ipu resorts or two hours from Princeville. From the parking area, I have a 4x4 quad-cab truck that will take us down a back road for easier access to the trails.

Rain in the Alaka`i Swamp is always a possibility so bring along rain gear. Temperatures vary from low 60s to mid 70s. There will be no snakes, mosquitoes, or other biting creatures to pester us.

Tour cost: My fee for the day is $300. This is for two people or less. Add $50 for each additional participant (maximum of 4 persons). All participants will be required to sign an informed consent/waiver form before the activity begins.

Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.

For more details please send a message to Jim.   

Jim Denny, your local Birdingpal guide Jim Denny has been guiding visiting birders along Kauai trails for more than 10 years. He is the author of The Birds of Kaua`i (University of Hawaii Press, 1999) and A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Hawai`i (University of Hawaii Press, 2010) and co-author of Hawaiian Butterfies (Mutual Press, 2001). Among the many clients he has guided are film crews and photographers from BBC London, NHK Japan, and National Geographic. His photos have appeared in many magazines including Audubon, Smithsonian, and National Geographic. His photos are also on the websites of many government and private conservation agencies. In addition, he is the producer of two videos about Hawai`i that would be helpful before visiting the islands: Hawai`Birds and Hawai`i Butterflies.

Testimonials.
Thanks again for the Alaka'i Swamp birding walk June 3. On the way down I looked into the field between Mile 2 and 3 on Rte. 550 and, just as you said there might be, a Short-eared Owl was hovering. Going back up with my wife a few days later, we saw an Erckel Francolin cross the road in front of us, just as and where your book describes. Your longtime work in helping document what's been going on is admirable and remarkable. Your insights into the changing ecology of the island were really valuable, and I appreciated the outing very much. E.M. --- California

Birdwatching tours in Hawaii.
Birding the Big Island
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

If you’ve ever tried birding in Hawaii, especially when looking for the rare endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers, you know that it’s not easy. Most of these birds are only found in remote hard to get to forests, and the birds are difficult to find if you don’t know their calls, songs and behavior. Wildlife biologist, birder and award-winning photographer, Jack Jeffrey leads private and personal guided birding tours into the Hakalau Forest NWR in search of some of the most rare and unusual birds in the world.

Tour III

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, located high on the eastern windward slopes of Mauna Kea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, has the largest populations of native forest birds in Hawaii. It provides rainforest habitat for 8 endemic forest birds, 4 of which are endangered. Depending on time of year, there’s also opportunity to see the endangered Hawaiian goose or Nene and the Hawaiian Owl, or Pueo. Thirteen migratory bird species, and 20 introduced bird species can also be found at the refuge.

"Apapane"

This rainforest habitat also serves as home to the endangered Hawaiian bat or “Ope’a pe’a”, as well as 29 rare and endangered plant species. Ancient giant towering Ohi’a trees, some of the oldest flowering trees in the northern hemisphere, and giant Koa trees provide food, cover and nesting sites for the native birds, many of which are found only in these old growth forests on the Big Island.

"Akiapola'au"

Starting at 6500 feet elevation, this birding hike is along a gravel road and is a two mile round trip, dropping about 500 feet in elevation. Enjoy a slow hike through the rainforest looking for the rare birds and plants within the Pua Akala Tract of the 33,000 acre rainforest refuge. You’ll learn about the history of Hakalau Forest NWR, current conservation efforts, how grazing by feral animals has affected native forests, and how grazing leads to the extinction and endangerment of many species. You’ll also see how reforestation and restoration efforts by the refuge staff have contributed to enhancement of this native forest habitat and recovery of native bird populations found here. Enjoy Jack’s many stories about his 35 years working in Hawaii and at the refuge.

"I'iwi"

Participants should come prepared for the two-mile hike. Bring a rain jacket, a warm fleece or something similar, as it can be cool and wet in the forest at this elevation. You’ll also need a small backpack to carry lunch, a hat, water and binoculars. Rubber-soled shoes, hiking shoes or sneakers are fine for hiking, Lunch, drinks and snacks are provided.

"Elepaio"

Tour cost: Transportation for this trip is provided from Hilo via 4 X 4 SUV, as is lunch, snacks, drinks and a few bad jokes. Birding trips usually last 10 or more hours because of the driving time to and from the site (2 hours each way). Fees are $175.00 per person (two person minimum and a 4 people maximum). Please email Jack if you have any questions regarding tours, or need more information on where to go birding in Hawaii.

Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.

For more details please send a message to Jack.   

Jack Jeffrey, your local Birdingpal guide Big Island photographer, wildlife biologist and birder, Jack Jeffrey is intimately familiar with Hawaii’s hidden valleys, remote rainforests and rare birds. He brings to his tours the knowledge from over 35 years of observation and study of Hawaii’s endemic birds, and combines a naturalist’s curiosity and technical skill to provide a wonderful experience in finding Hawaii’s endemic birds and plants. Jack is the recipient of the prestigious National Sierra Club Ansel Adams’ Award for Conservation Photography, Hawaii Audubon Society and the Hawaii Sierra Club Conservationist of the Year Awards, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Recovery Champion Award, and The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii Kako’o Aina Award. Jack is co-author of two books, “Hawaii’s Beautiful Birds”, and “The Pocket Guide to Hawaii’s Birds”. His photographs been featured in numerous local, national, and international magazines, books and calendars.

Testimonials.
As for what I've learned, wish I could have recorded everything you said, because all of the info was rich and full of substance and wonderfully historical. Information not available anywhere else. This experience has changed and enlightened my perspective of Hakalau, and though I had no previous impressions, the change in me includes awareness of this precious and precarious gift. Enchanted because red here, buzz there, clicking elsewhere, the trees were alive, and breathing, the inhabitants' needs met. Hard to imagine them all being found all the way to the coastline! Wow! Thank you for showing me the changes that have taken place with your groups of volunteers, for you and people like Jim Denny helping to teach us of the gifts there, showing us how easily they can disappear. The rich, fragrant forest versus the barren pasture/forest cemetary. Man o man, there are not words. I feel fortunate, thank you Jack. Thank you, thank you. You've made a difference yesterday in one person's life forever, many many others like me know you've made a difference. Your quest and mission is a success and it's all still going on! Like the fabulous book we read that we don't want to end. Your book's not going to end. It is so right, you're very very personable, you make people feel at ease, to ask questions, you're able to make us feel very comfortable. A. M - 4/18/11
Thanks again for the outstanding tour. It was truly perfect for us with the excellent balance between birding, botany, and having a good time. H. 4/24/11
We want to thank you for such an incredible life experience. We cannot begin to express the gratitude we feel having gotten an opportunity to see the native avian fauna at its finest with such a personable and knowledgeable guide such as yourself. The combination of your passion for birds and the natural environment and history told a story far greater than simply looking at birds. As I mentioned earlier, all of our previous Hawaii birding experiences combined did not display that many birds or in that pristine a context. What our earlier outings did though was make us realize how precious our Hakalau experience was. B. A 3-14-11.

Electronic map of Hawaii

Guide books and CD’s recommended:

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Hawaii: The Main Islands and Offshore Waters.
University of Hawaii Press (2009), paperback, 196 color illustrations, ISBN # 9780824833831
by Jim Denny
Hawaii’s Birds DVD Hawaii Natural History Society, Jim Denny 2005
A Field Guide to the Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific
H. Douglas Pratt, Phillip Bruner (31 December, 1987) Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691023999
A Pocket Guide to Hawaii's Birds
by H. Douglas Pratt Mutual Publishing December, 1996 Paperback
ISBN: 1566471451
Enjoying Birds and Other Wildlife in Hawaii
by H. Douglas Pratt Mutual Publishing, 2003; 195 pages; paper; Price: ISBN: 0935180001
Hawaii's Birds
Hawaii Audubon Society 2005
ISBN: 1889708003
By Andrew J. Berger 2nd Edition Published by University of Hawaii Press Hardback
ISBN: 0824807421
The Birds of Kaua'I
Jim Denny Paperback - 128 pages (May 1999) University of Hawaii Press
ISBN: 0824820975
The Birdwatcher's Guide to Hawaii
Rick Soehren Paperback - 232 pages (1996) University of Hawaii Press
ISBN: 0824816838
A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Hawaii: The Main Islands and Offshore Waters. University of Hawaii Press
by Jim Denny Hawaii’s Birds/DVD. Hawaii Natural History Society by Jim Denny 2005 Voices of Hawaii's Bird
s by H. Douglas Pratt 2 cassettes 1996
ISBN: 63960

Email to a friend
secure email provided by barewire.net
To Email:
Your Email:
Your Name:
Subject Line:
Message:	This is an automatic message to tell you about a trip for birdwatchers. I visited Birdingpaltours and thought you would be interested: http://www.birdingpal.org/tours/HawaiiItinerary.htm
Type this word:	WREN

For more tours around the world visit
Birdingpaltours

Last update 31/01/2012