what can I expect to see in Cuba? (1 Viewer)

hello, going to varadero, Cuba in April, can anyone give me a few tips on what I'm likely to see there? I know Varadero isn't the "real" Cuba, but there is an ecological reserve near our hotel, so hoping to see some wildlife!!! (anything to escape the thousands of other sun worshippers on the main beach!!)
So far I'm told I might see humming birds? that would be a first for me! Any other suggestions will be gratefully received!
Thanks

ruddyduck said:

hello, going to varadero, Cuba in April, can anyone give me a few tips on what I'm likely to see there? I know Varadero isn't the "real" Cuba, but there is an ecological reserve near our hotel, so hoping to see some wildlife!!! (anything to escape the thousands of other sun worshippers on the main beach!!)
So far I'm told I might see humming birds? that would be a first for me! Any other suggestions will be gratefully received!
Thanks

Click to expand...

The comon birds in Cuba include Cuban Emerald (Hummingbird), yellow-throated Warbler, Northern Flicker, Laughing Gull, Northern Mockingbird, Turkey Vulture, Common Ground-Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Brown Pelican, various Herons and Egrets, Smooth-billed Ani, Greater Antillean Grackle, Mourning Dove, Cuban Pewee etc. These were all seen around the resort of Cayo Coco when I stayed there last March. If you go to the "ecological reserve" at Varadero ensure that you have plenty of mosquito repellent.

You should see more than the above especially if you venture beyond the resort.

David

ruddyduck said:

hello, going to varadero, Cuba in April, can anyone give me a few tips on what I'm likely to see there? I know Varadero isn't the "real" Cuba, but there is an ecological reserve near our hotel, so hoping to see some wildlife!!! (anything to escape the thousands of other sun worshippers on the main beach!!)
So far I'm told I might see humming birds? that would be a first for me! Any other suggestions will be gratefully received!
Thanks

Click to expand...

Have you got a birdguide book?
I got the Helm guide to birds of the Carribean.
Handy size.Indespensible.Waterstones got it for me on order
Did not go to Cuba but went round the Carribean islands on a cruise.Saw loads of lifers every day.
Intend to go to the Holquin area next year Less commercialised.Was going to go this year but booked Goa holiday instead.
Lets know what you see.

Hi Ruddyduck,
I was there in 2005.
Had my only Cape May Warblers in Varadero, but only did Varadero as a rest stop at the end of the trip... Trip report on birdtours.co.uk and linked through fatbirder
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/cuba/cuba4/Cuba-march-05.htm
Have some general info which might prove useful, but would recommed hiring a car (relatively straight forward) and driving south (not relatively straight forward) to Zapata...
Get hold there of Orestes El Chino Garcia Martinez in Playa Larga (Bay of Pigs).
If I can answer any questions after having a look at report, ask away.....

david kelly said:

The comon birds in Cuba include Cuban Emerald (Hummingbird), yellow-throated Warbler, Northern Flicker, Laughing Gull, Northern Mockingbird, Turkey Vulture, Common Ground-Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Brown Pelican, various Herons and Egrets, Smooth-billed Ani, Greater Antillean Grackle, Mourning Dove, Cuban Pewee etc. These were all seen around the resort of Cayo Coco when I stayed there last March. If you go to the "ecological reserve" at Varadero ensure that you have plenty of mosquito repellent.

You should see more than the above especially if you venture beyond the resort.

David

Click to expand...

:t:Thanks David, most useful advice about the mosquito repellant, I'm taking loads!! Looking forward to seeing the birds you mentioned, it will be my reprieve from the type of holiday I'd never usually indulge in!! (Only going for my daughter's wedding!!) I reckon the ecological reserve is the nearest place to escape from it all on a tight budget!

:t:

tmurray said:

Hi Ruddyduck,
I was there in 2005.
Had my only Cape May Warblers in Varadero, but only did Varadero as a rest stop at the end of the trip... Trip report on birdtours.co.uk and linked through fatbirder
http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/cuba/cuba4/Cuba-march-05.htm
Have some general info which might prove useful, but would recommed hiring a car (relatively straight forward) and driving south (not relatively straight forward) to Zapata...
Get hold there of Orestes El Chino Garcia Martinez in Playa Larga (Bay of Pigs).
If I can answer any questions after having a look at report, ask away.....

Click to expand...

:t:Thanks for the info and the link, lots of useful items for me, I really appreciate your comments.

pratincol said:

Have you got a birdguide book?
I got the Helm guide to birds of the Carribean.
Handy size.Indespensible.Waterstones got it for me on order
Did not go to Cuba but went round the Carribean islands on a cruise.Saw loads of lifers every day.
Intend to go to the Holquin area next year Less commercialised.Was going to go this year but booked Goa holiday instead.
Lets know what you see.

Click to expand...

:t:Thanks for the bird book tip, will look it up online.

I've visited Cuba twice both times staying in Varadero. many birds can be seen in and around the hotels grounds especially if they have water features, green herons,belted kingfishers, hummingbirds, palm warblers, american kestrels etc. If you're lucky enough to have an apartment on the upper floors you might have views of the Mangroves (which we had on the second trip) could see Ospreys every day from the balcony. Also you will only be 2 minutes from the ocean wherever you stay in Varadero so you will get plenty of Terns, brown pelicans and magnificent frigatebirds flying over. Keep your eyes open wherever you are and you will see plenty of birds.
I would also reccomend the Helm Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies, light enough and small enough to carry with you wherever you go. Enjoy your trip and go easy on the Cuba Libres!