The Holbrook Explorer
Birding
10 Bird Families of South Africa
Birds may not be the first wildlife that most people think of when they hear 'South Africa,' but with more than 850 avian species there alone, the vibrant country is home to more than just Simba and his friends from the "The Lion King." These creatures differ from the tropical birds of the Amazon...
Colombia: A Birding Paradise
Colombia. The name often brings to mind a number of things most travelers do their best to avoid. Cocaine, drug cartels, violent rebel groups — for years these have been what many associate with Colombia. What most people are unaware of is that over the past decade the country has undergone a...
ABA's Code of Birding Ethics
According to a 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, about 48 million people in the U.S.—or 21 percent of the population—identify as birders. As interest in birding continues to grow, it's important to ensure the health and safety of birds and their environment. Whether you're a backyard...
Photo Gallery: The Birds of Iceland
Participants traveling with San Diego Audubon Society just returned from a birding program in Iceland June 14-22, 2014. Their driver-guide, Helgi Gudmundsson, was kind enough to share some of the amazing photos of birds, landscapes, and other wildlife that he took during their journey. Enjoy! All...
4 Birds in Belize with Populations in Decline
The importance of species conservation around the world has become impossible to deny. The following four birds share two things in common: they can all be found in Belize (and a variety of other areas in Latin America), and they all have declining populations, in part because they face the threat...
Video: Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Holbrook Travel's Laura Hare discusses the Road Scholar program Yucatan Peninsula Adventure, during which she experienced some of Mexico's greatest treasures. From snorkeling with sea turtles in Playa del Carmen to visiting world renowned Mayan ruins, Laura reviews the highlights of this epic...
Costa Rica Birding with Renowned Author Richard Garrigues
If you and your family are interested in discovering the exotic wildlife and culture of Costa Rica, join the Audubon Family Birding and Nature program where parents, grandparents, and children can all partake in the adventure! This program will be lead by none other than Richard Garrigues, the...
Trip Preview: Costa Rica Neotropical Birding
Costa Rica's avian biodiversity is frankly quite incredible-- there are 894 recorded species, making this little country a birding paradise. At Selva Verde Lodge, visitors have countless opportunities to bird in the tropical rainforest while also taking part in recreational activities like river...
The Divinity of the Resplendent Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal is an important symbol in both Aztec and Mayan culture. The trogon's name is derived from the word quetzal, meaning "precious" or "sacred" in several Mesoamerican languages, so it's no surprise this bird was considered divine. The quetzal is associated with the snake god...
Photo Gallery: Birds of Ecuador
Thanks to its many varied elevations, Ecuador is home to more than 1,660 species of birds including 44 endemic species. Professional photographer Tom Ulrich has been leading tours around the world and considers Ecuador one of his favorite destinations for bird photography. Blue-winged Mountain...
Maya Culture and Birding Adventures in the Yucatan
Chris Fisher recently traveled on the Road Scholar program Birding the Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula. His 13-day adventure was filled with exploring incredible archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Palenque. Chris also had the opportunity to see over 200 bird species, some very rare...
Christmas Bird Count in Cuba - Part 2
When Robert Norton set out for Cuba in December, his goal was to help continue the country’s participation in the Christmas Bird Count, a yearly census by the National Audubon Society that tracks data on bird populations. Working with local researchers and volunteers, the expert birder assisted...