Editor's note: Several Birding Wire readers have written asking how newly announced travel restrictions to Cuba could potentially impact organized birding tours to that country. Lisa Sorenson, Ph.D, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, told the Birding Wire this week that recent policy changes in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations will not impact BirdsCaribbean's upcoming January and March 2018 birding trips to Cuba or alter the requirements of US citizens taking part in the tours. - JRA

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2366032.jpg> Male Bee Hummingbird (David Southall)

According to Sorenson, "The recent policy changes in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations do not affect BirdsCaribbean's birding trips or the requirements of US citizens traveling with us. Their birding trips consist of group travel under the general license that authorizes travel transactions that support the Cuban people (also known as the people-to-people general license.) The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires that (1) all people-to-people travel be conducted under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction and that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact (BirdsCaribbean), and (2) such travelers be accompanied by a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction who is a representative of the sponsoring organization (the BirdsCaribbean trip leaders). While you are on the trip, BirdsCaribbean will ensure that you have a full-time schedule of activities that engage private citizens (e.g., local guides, Cuban biologists, private business owners), and avoid transactions with the State Department's List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba ("the Cuba Restricted List")."

Join BirdsCaribbean, the Caribbean Birding Trail and acclaimed Cuban bird guide, Ernesto Reyes Mouriño, on the adventure of a lifetime in January or March of 2018.

Cuba is well-known for its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and unique biodiversity. According to the new Endemic Birds of Cuba: A Comprehensive Field Guide, 371 birds have been recorded in Cuba, including 26 which are endemic to the island and 30 which are considered globally threatened. Due to its large land area and geographical position within the Caribbean, Cuba is also extraordinarily important for Neotropical migratory birds—more than 180 species pass through during migration or spend the winter on the island.

Our itinerary takes you to several of the best and most beautiful birding locations in Cuba, providing opportunities to see many of Cuba's endemic species and subspecies as well as many migrants. Along the way, we will meet people in local communities, stay mainly in Bed & Breakfast establishments (casas particulares) and eat in private restaurants (paladars), allowing you to experience Cuba's rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and generous hospitality. We will also have the opportunity to meet and have discussions with local ornithologists and conservationists that have been working with BirdsCaribbean for many years.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2366034.jpg> Heading out into Zapata Swamp. (Photo by Erika Gates)

BirdsCaribbean is offering two tours in 2018: an 8-day trip in January and an 11-day trip in March. Find detailed itineraries for both trips below. Traveling with us helps Caribbean birds as a portion of the proceeds from the trip supports our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. See some of the world's most beautiful and memorable birds, knowing you are helping ensure their welfare by supporting the people who study and protect them.

Space is limited so sign up now to reserve your spot!

Check out the report and photos from our January 2016 trip http://www.birdscaribbean.org/2016/04/on-the-caribbean-birding-trail-in-cuba/>here and from our July 2017 trip to Havana and Zapata Swamp http://www.birdscaribbean.org/2017/08/havana-zapata-express-memories-from-the-birdscaribbean-pre-conference-field-trip/>here. Purchase the new Endemic Birds of Cuba Field Guide http://www.birdscaribbean.org/2015/10/groundbreaking-endemic-birds-of-cuba-field-guide-available-now/>here.

Eight day trip: 24-31 January 2018
Sign up and pay your deposit as soon as possible. Contact Lisa Sorenson Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org) if you have questions.

- The Birding Wire