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News in Brief: Mexico, Portugal, The Gambia, India & Bhutan
March 2025
‘This cruise was a fabulous exploration of the Baja Peninsula (one of the longest in the world, at 1,220km) and the wildlife made us very welcome indeed!’ writes tour leader Sara Frost. ‘We had the ocean to ourselves (hardly seeing another boat) and on several days were greeted by boisterous groups of Common Dolphins – the ocean fizzing as they surrounded us in their thousands! Seabirds were a delight also, including Brown Pelicans, Heermann’s, Ring-billed and Sabine’s Gulls, Cassin’s Auklets, Pink-footed and Black-vented Shearwaters, Red-billed Tropicbirds and, the stars of the show, Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses!
Grey Whales in San Ignacio Lagoon brought us much joy as they spy-hopped and fed around us. Humpbacks, breaching relentlessly off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, left salt-encrusted smiles on our faces, and the magnificent Blue Whales (including a jaw-dropping encounter with one right on the bow) were marvellous.
On shore walks in local desert habitat provided good birding opportunities, with us finding the endemic Xantu’s Hummingbird, Magnificent Frigatebird, Hooded Oriole, Phainopepla, California Quail, Ash-throated Flycatcher and particularly mouth-watering views of the stunning Northern Cardinal, among many others!
Snorkelling added an extra dimension to our appreciation of the marine-life here, with a delightful array of tropical fish to enthral us. During times at sea, we also had brief glimpses of Hammerhead Sharks, breaching Thresher Sharks, Green and Loggerhead Turtles and repeated views of Mobula Rays, which leaped from the water with impressive backflips. All in all, this really was an unforgettable trip of a lifetime to a very special place – or as Jacques Cousteau famously called it – “the aquarium of the world”!’
February 2025
‘La Palma is a fascinating island with a great diversity of habitat and species’ writes tour leader Marcus John. ‘We were extremely fortunate to experience the best of the island and its wildlife. We were able to use the two calm days for our boat trips on the Fancy II, when we were rewarded with great views of Cory’s Shearwaters, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins and Short-finned Pilot Whales.
Laurel Pigeons showed well in the Laurel Forest, Canary Islands Chiffchaffs were everywhere, we saw the distinctive colouring of the La Palma subspecies of the newly split Canary Islands Chaffinch and we got to grips with the diversity and difference of the flora, such as the impressive La Palma and El Hierro Sow-thistles and bushes of Canary St. John’s-wort. La Palma Lizards provided entertainment, especially demonstrating their appetite for bananas and Tenerife Geckos showed contrast between “wild” and “hotel” locations. The views above the clouds from the top of the island were stunning. With good company and a comfortable hotel, everything contributed to an excellent week.’
February 2025
‘This was a most enjoyable tour, where we visited Fuerteventura’s best sites’ writes tour leader Dave Jackson. ‘At Tindaya Plains, the first bird encountered was Great Grey Shrike of the race koenigi, African Houbara strutted along the roadside and Cream-coloured Coursers raced across the plain at remarkable speed. Mediterranean Short-toed Larks sang close to the road and (canariensis) Northern Ravens called overhead. At the coast, a party of five Eurasian Spoonbills attempted to roost on the rocks and Kentish Plover, Ruddy Turnstone and Whimbrel awaited the turn of the tide.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Spanish Sparrow, Trumpeter Finch, and Fuerteventura Stonechat were observed at Los Molinos and the first Egyptian Vulture of the tour flew over before landing on a distant pylon. The long-staying Eastern Yellow Wagtail, found by a Naturetrek leader on a previous visit, remained loyal to its chosen pools which it shared with Black-winged Stilts, Ruddy Shelducks and a few over-wintering waders.
Butterflies remained scarce during the week although interesting plants included Canary Islands Hawk’s-beard, Canary Boxthorn and Canary Islands Spurge.
We were served rustic and interesting food at our accommodation, enjoyed picnics in beautiful locations, entertained by Barbary Ground Squirrels, and sampled local cuisine in quirky restaurants. Whilst other parts of the Canary Islands suffered severe flooding, we had a few showers and average temperatures in the low to mid 20s with sunshine every day.’
March 2025
‘Our 10-day tour of the mountains, oases and kasbah country of southern Morocco was a fabulous introduction to a range of desert specialities and other migrants’ writes staff member John Moseley.
‘The tour began with an immediate foray up into the High Atlas Mountains, which are still snow-capped at this time of year. So commenced a chilly search for the near-endemic African Crimson-winged Finch, as well as our first sightings of species such as Black Wheatear and (Atlas) Horned Lark. As the sun warmed the craggy rockfaces and surrounding cliffs, raptors took the opportunity to take to the skies in search of thermals and the first group of Booted Eagles was spotted, including one that passed directly overhead, giving magnificent, close-range views.
The most exhilarating day of all has to be the dawn drive out into the Sahara Desert from Marrakech to search for elusive desert denizens. Luck was on our side as a dozen newly arrived Cream-coloured Coursers were seen. Pharaoh Eagle Owl and a stunning Saharan Horned Viper were also located as were Temminck’s Lark, Maghreb Wheatear, Thick-billed Lark and Spectacled Warbler. A flurry of Trumpeter Finches was also spotted, comically wheezing their way around the rockfaces.
We even scored a first for Morocco (and only the seventh record for the Western Palaeartic) with a re-found Lesser Moorhen from the bridge at Aoulouz. Sightings of 20 or so critically endangered Bald Ibis and a beautiful male Moussier’s Redstart proved to be a fitting culmination to a wonderfully enjoyable tour.’
March 2025
‘Our penultimate “Gambia in Style” tour was another fabulous experience from start to finish’ says tour leader Matthew Capper. ‘Sitting by the river, watching the sun rise and the birds come to life, is truly a special experience. The bulbuls and doves provide an audible backdrop, as first the kites and then the vultures wake up and begin to cruise overhead.
Canoe trips down the river brought us colourful kingfishers and crocodiles, while walks into the local forest delivered endless variety including a huge troop of Guinea Baboons, bee-eaters, turacos and a range of shrikes. We made two day trips into the wider region, taking in the beach and wetlands at Kartong, the hustle and bustle of Tanji fishing village and some of the last and best-preserved Gallery Forest in the country. This delivered further highlights such as pelicans, waders and terns at Kartong and the huge Verreaux's Eagle Owl with its impossibly pink eyelids in the forest. However, no one will forget walking into the middle of some bushes and scrub and our local guide immediately pointing out a roosting Long-tailed Nightjar. And then another. And then two together. Seven in total. We began to worry about where to put our feet in case we accidentally stood on one.
On top of all that, the holiday provides a chance to relax during the heat of the day with excursions in the cooler mornings and afternoons. But even when we were chilling out in the pool, we enjoyed the birds. You've not been to The Gambia unless you've been dive-bombed by a flock of White-throated Bee-eaters! Just bliss.’
March 2025
‘Our 21-day adventure began with a journey to the mystical Sunderbans’ writes tour leader Sujan Chatterjee. ‘After settling in Kolkata, we set sail on the Vagini Nivedita and Ma Golapi towards the Tiger Reserve. The region dazzled us with its birdlife, including multiple kingfisher species, Spotted Owlets, and Brahminy Kites. We enjoyed village walks and jungle safaris, spotting Saltwater Crocodiles, Water Monitors, and elusive tiger pugmarks before returning to Kolkata.
From there, we flew to Jorhat and boarded Sukapha, our comfortable river vessel for the Assam leg. We ventured to the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, witnessing Stump-tailed Macaques and a family of Hoolock Gibbons. On Majuli Island, we explored ancient monasteries and met mask-making monks. A sunset encounter with Gangetic Dolphins near Kerkeri was magical.
The Kaziranga leg brought thrilling wildlife sightings – Rhinos, Elephants, Swamp Deer, and even a distant Tiger. We enjoyed safaris in Bagori, Kohora, and Burrapahar ranges, each rich in biodiversity. Birdwatching highlights included hornbills, pelicans, eagles, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle chicks. A village market challenge and tea garden visit added cultural spice.
We then rafted down the Jia Bhoreli River, spotting Pied Falconets and Bee-eaters. Onboard activities like a cookery class and BBQ added fun and flavour. Visits to villages and Sualkuchi – the silk-weaving hub – offered intimate glimpses into local life and traditions. A touching farewell dinner introduced us to the hard-working Sukapha crew, who had been the backbone of this incredible journey.
Manas was a star extension. Many more birds like Green Pigeons, broadbills and Bengal Florican were added to our list. Throughout, we were treated to stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich culture, and unforgettable moments – making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all.’
February 2025
‘This journey into the heart of the wilderness was nothing short of magical!’ writes tour leader Akarsh Suresh. ‘Our adventure began at Bandhavgarh, where we explored the park’s diverse zones, spotting wildlife like Golden Jackals, Sambar deer, and Tigers. We had thrilling sightings, including a male Tiger named Bajrang and a Tigress with her cubs. The highlight of our trip came when we witnessed a rare sighting of the dominant female Tigress, Dotty, and a male Leopard. In between safaris, guests enjoyed cultural experiences such as a Gondia tribal dance and village walk, where they were able to engage with locals.
The tour concluded, leaving us with cherished memories of a magnificent total of 10 Tigers, vibrant birdlife, and breathtaking landscapes.’
February, 2025
‘The "Realm of the Black Panther" was an exciting wildlife tour that covered the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, with an extension to Wayanad in Kerala, spanning 11 nights and 12 days’ writes tour leader Jesan Das. ‘On arrival, the guests were warmly welcomed in Bangalore before travelling to Kabini River Lodge, located in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. From the start, the trip was filled with thrilling wildlife encounters, such as a female Elephant’s mock charge and observing animal behaviours like a Tiger licking soil. Throughout the journey, guests enjoyed sightings of Leopards, Elephants, Asian Wild Dogs, and a tusker. Vibrant birdlife, such as the Olive-backed Pipit, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Red-breasted Flycatcher, and Malabar Starling, added colour to each safari.
Daily checklist sessions fostered camaraderie, while hearty meals and seamless logistics enhanced the experience. The journey concluded, leaving guests with cherished memories of the area's breathtaking wildlife and natural beauty.’
March 2025
‘The "Best of Bhutan, Manas & Kaziranga" tour was absolutely amazing and a huge success!’ writes tour leader Anurag Yadav. ‘We saw around 335 different bird species, along with over 60 Greater One-horned Rhinos, Asian Elephants, and many interesting mammals like Capped Langur and the only ape in India – the Hoolock Gibbon. We also got to see some fascinating birds like the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant and Ward’s Trogon. In Bhutan, tour participants were able to experience the unique culture of this fascinating Himalayan kingdom, together with its spectacular scenery and special wildlife.’
