Red-capped Manakin, by Glenn Bartley
Harpy Eagles and the Best of Panama with the Canopy Family
May 29 to June 8, 2024
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Birds Georgia Trip Leader: Melanie Furr, Director of Education
Member Price: $4,600/person*
Non-member price: $4,650*, includes one-year Birds Georgia membership
Single Supplement: $600
*Based on double occupancy and 8 participants. See more details below if travelling solo.
Minimum tour participants: 8
Maximum tour participants: 11
Panama offers some of the best birding in North America, and the Canopy Family Properties are world-renowned eco-lodges in some of Panama’s most biodiverse areas. During this trip we will visit all three Canopy Family properties. Our first stop at the Canopy Lodge, nestled in the cloud forests of Cerro Gaital Natural Monument, will be the highest elevation stop on the tour, where our focus will be on the unique species that call this area home. Next, we’ll visit the Canopy Tower, a former US Air Force radar tower in the midst of Soberania National Park, which has a huge diversity of birds and many new species for the tour. Our final stop will be at the amazing Canopy Camp in Darien, one of the least explored parts of Central America, where our targets will be Harpy and Crested Eagles, in addition to other incredible birds right outside the lodge.
Canopy Lodge May 29 to June 1, 2024 (3 nights)
Canopy Tower June 1 to 4, 2024 (3 nights)
Canopy Camp June 4 to 8, 2024 (4 nights)
Lodging Note: Tour price is based on double occupancy. Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Member Price: $4,600/person*
Non-member price: $4,650*, includes one-year Birds Georgia membership
Single Supplement: $600
*Based on double occupancy and 8 participants. See more details below if travelling solo.
Minimum tour participants: 8
Maximum tour participants: 11
Panama offers some of the best birding in North America, and the Canopy Family Properties are world-renowned eco-lodges in some of Panama’s most biodiverse areas. During this trip we will visit all three Canopy Family properties. Our first stop at the Canopy Lodge, nestled in the cloud forests of Cerro Gaital Natural Monument, will be the highest elevation stop on the tour, where our focus will be on the unique species that call this area home. Next, we’ll visit the Canopy Tower, a former US Air Force radar tower in the midst of Soberania National Park, which has a huge diversity of birds and many new species for the tour. Our final stop will be at the amazing Canopy Camp in Darien, one of the least explored parts of Central America, where our targets will be Harpy and Crested Eagles, in addition to other incredible birds right outside the lodge.
Canopy Lodge May 29 to June 1, 2024 (3 nights)
Canopy Tower June 1 to 4, 2024 (3 nights)
Canopy Camp June 4 to 8, 2024 (4 nights)
Lodging Note: Tour price is based on double occupancy. Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Questions? Contact Melanie Furr by email.
(L to R) Ocellated Antbird, and White-throated Mountain Gem., by Glenn Bartley. Red-legged Honeycreeper, by Victoria Restrepo, Audubon Photography Awards
Trip Overview
Click on each day for more information.
Day 1: Transfer to canopy lodge (plan to arrive in panama city by 1:00 PM)
Upon arrival in Panama City, we will transfer to the Canopy Lodge, located about 2 hours away in El Valle de Antón, nestled in the cloud forests of Cerro Gaital Natural Monument. At 2,400-feet in elevation, you will immediately appreciate the noticeably cooler temperatures here! Arriving at the lodge, we’ll be greeted by the staff and given an orientation to the property. Once we get settled in our rooms, we’ll scan the fruit feeders and grounds for birding opportunities! Crimson-backed, Blue-gray, White-lined, Flame-rumped, Dusky-faced & Plain-colored Tanagers are about, as are Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Thick-billed Euphonia, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Streaked & Buff-throated Saltators, Lineated & Red-crowned Woodpeckers, Red-legged Honeycreepers, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Social Flycatcher, Ruddy Ground Dove, Barred Antshrike, Clay-colored Thrush, Rufous Motmot, Rufous-tailed, Snowy-bellied & Violet-headed Hummingbirds, White-vented Plumeleteer, and Garden Emerald!
Day 2: Las Minas Trail (AM); Canopy Lodge (PM)
After breakfast (during which we watch for Orange-billed Sparrow and Bay Wren calling just around the dining area), we head to Las Minas, an excellent trail for Panamanian bird watching. The road follows the ridge line, with sweeping vistas of forested mountains, speckled with grasslands and small fincas. The views from here are fantastic, and on a clear day near the summit, both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen! Specialties of the region include Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Black-and-yellow, Bay-headed & Emerald Tanagers, Tawny-capped Euphonia, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Spot-crowned Antvireo, Gray-headed Kite, Barred Hawk, Bat Falcon, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, White-tipped Sicklebill, Green Thorntail, Orange-bellied (Collared) & Black-throated Trogons, Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Plain Antvireo, the endemic Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker, Spotted Woodcreeper, Red-capped & White-ruffed Manakins, Band-rumped Swift, and Black Guan. A forested slope here is also our best chance for Black-crowned Antpitta and Black-headed Antthrush. After this excursion, we get back in time for lunch at the lodge and enjoy an afternoon of birding around the grounds.
Day 3: Altos de Maria
Departing early in the morning after breakfast, we drive from El Valle in air-conditioned SUVs into the mountains. Set in the mountains on the continental divide east of El Valle, Altos del Maria provides a spectacular addition to the Birds of the Canopy Lodge. Ascending an excellent paved road, we’ll climb a ridge to our destination, an expansive area of cloud forest at 3,600 ft. This area harbors an exciting variety of highland forest birds. Some of the characteristic species of this cloud forest include Yellow-eared Toucanet, Black Guan, Black-crowned Antpitta, Black-headed Saltator, White Hawk, Barred Forest-Falcon, Orange-bellied (Collared) Trogon, Spotted Woodcreeper, Red-faced Spinetail, Spotted Barbtail, Russet & Great Antshrikes, Tufted & Sulphur-rumped Flycatchers, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, White-ruffed Manakin, Ochraceous Wren, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Pale-vented Thrush, Green Shrike-Vireo, Yellow-billed Cacique, Slate-colored Grosbeak, and Black-and-yellow, Bay-headed, Dusky-faced & Tawny-crested Tanagers. Even the bizarre Brown-billed Scythebill is seen here regularly. Hummers we may spot include Band-tailed Barbthroat, the exquisite Snowcap, Garden & White-tailed Emeralds, Purple-throated Mountain-Gem, White-tipped Sicklebill, and Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer. After a picnic lunch in the field, we will drop down into a valley and climb to the ridge on the opposite side. Reaching some large swaths of mature humid forest along this ridge, we will explore some trails and roadside spots in search of even more forest birds. Around mid-afternoon, we will head back into El Valle for some relaxation time prior to dinner.
Day 4: Pacific Dry Forest & Santa Clara; Transfer to Canopy Tower
After breakfast we are off for a full day of Panama bird watching in the Pacific dry forest, with its unique cast of birds! Among the species we will be seeking out today are Yellow-headed Caracara, Roadside, Gray-lined, Zone-tailed, Savanna & Short-tailed Hawks, Peregrine & Aplomado (rare) Falcons, White-tailed Kite, and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. We will also search for Crested Bobwhite, Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant, Golden-fronted Greenlet, Grassland Yellow-Finch, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Brown-throated Parakeet, Blue Ground Dove, Red-breasted Meadowlark, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Crested Oropendola. We stop at a spot where we sometimes find Common Potoo. Hummers to be on the watch for in this unique scrubby area are the near-endemic Veraguan Mango and Garden Emerald. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a popular beach at Santa Clara where we hope to spot Sapphire-throated Hummingbird working the coastal shrubbery. On the beach or flying by may be Least, Western & Spotted Sandpipers, Sanderling, Blue-footed & Brown Boobies, Sandwich, Royal & Elegant Terns, Willet, Whimbrel, and Franklin’s & Laughing Gulls. At the Juan Hombron rice fields we hope to find Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Crested Caracara, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Northern Scrub-Flycatcher, Southern Lapwing, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, Common (or Mangrove) Black Hawk, and Pearl Kite. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll transfer to the Canopy Tower, about 2 hours away.
Day 5: Pipeline Road
Today we will search for the area’s most sought-after specialties, from the Great Jacamar and the Pheasant Cuckoo to the Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo and the Harpy Eagle, both recorded here. Eight species of wren, five trogons, four puffbirds, three motmots, and many tanagers and flycatchers, including the unusual Brownish Twistwing, are often found. Also, the calls of Streak-chested Antpitta and Black-faced Antthrush will lure us in! Army ant swarms are found occasionally, attended by a host of birds including Bicolored, Ocellated & Spotted Antbirds. Plus, we will hunt for Golden-collared, Red-capped & Blue-crowned Manakins, always high on a birder’s list of favorites! Raptors include 3 forest-falcons, Tiny & Semiplumbeous Hawks, Ornate & Black Hawk-Eagles soaring overhead. Other residents include Carmiol’s & Sulphur-rumped Tanagers, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Black-crowned & Masked Tityras, Cinnamon & Crimson-crested Woodpeckers, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Red-lored & Brown-hooded Parrots, Collared Araçari, Speckled Mourner, Buff-throated Foliage-Gleaner, Keel-billed & Yellow-throated Toucans, and Black-striped, Northern Barred and Plain-brown woodcreepers! As we cross several rivers, we search for Sunbittern and Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. To maximize our time in the field, we enjoy a nice picnic lunch along Pipeline Road—but with scope and binoculars at the ready! After lunch, we search for more species, including the elusive Wing-banded Antbird, Spot-crowned Antvireo, Moustached Antwren, Ruddy Quail-Dove, and Marbled Wood-Quail!
Day 6: Summit Ponds (AM); Ammo Dump Ponds and/or Rainforest Discovery Center (PM)
Old Gamboa Road and the associated ponds at Summit are great places to find Canal Zone birds. At Summit Ponds we will scan for Green, Striated, Capped & Boat-billed Herons as well as Green, Ringed, Amazon, Green-and-rufous (rare) & American Pygmy Kingfishers, which are all resident here! We also seek out Rusty-margined & Streaked Flycatchers, Mangrove Swallow, Bat Falcon, Cocoa Woodcreeper and Lineated & Crimson-crested Woodpeckers. Going straight past the two ponds you’ll be on Old Gamboa Road, one of the birdiest spots around. This road passes through a variety of habitats and has plenty of specialties, including Blue Ground Dove, Great Antshrike, Jet Antbird, Black-tailed & Royal Flycatchers, Lance-tailed & Golden-collared Manakins and the delightful Rosy Thrush-Tanager! We also will find species like White-bellied Antbird, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Yellow-backed Oriole, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Yellow-headed Caracara and more. Also resident are Gray-headed Chachalaca, with Spectacled Owl a real possibility too, as the guides know where they often roost. In the afternoon, depending on the weather and the group’s mood, we will visit the Ammo Dump Ponds and/or the Rainforest Discovery Center.
Day 7: Transfer to Canopy Camp; Bayano and Tort
Luggage packed and loaded, we’ll get an early start for our transfer to Canopy Camp, about a four hour drive. As we drive along the Pan-American Highway, we will scan for roadside birds and open-field raptors including Savanna Hawk and Crested Caracara. Stopping on the bridge at Bayano Lake, a great opportunity awaits to see what we can see along the lakeside. This reservoir supports great numbers of water birds, including a large colony of Neotropic Cormorants, as well as Anhinga, Cocoi Heron and the rare Bare-throated Tiger-Heron. We will scan the water’s edge for Purple Gallinule, Pied Water-Tyrant, Smooth-billed Ani and Ruddy-breasted Seedeater. A short trail leading from the water’s edge is a great place to search for Black Antshrike, Bare-crowned Antbird, Rufous-winged Antwren and Golden-collared Manakin. Just 10 minutes down the road at Río Mono Bridge, the surrounding forest is home to One-colored Becard, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Blue Cotinga, Pied Puffbird, Orange-crowned Oriole, Blue Ground Dove and more. We will also scan the river below for Green-and-rufous Kingfisher and the elusive Fasciated Tiger-Heron. The forest edge and scrubby roadsides around Rio Torti offer good opportunities to see Pacific Antwren, Double-banded Graytail and Little Cuckoo. At a lovely Panamanian restaurant in Torti, the hummingbirds at the feeders will no doubt capture our attention, as Long-billed Starthroat, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, Black-throated Mango and more take their lunch as well! Arriving at Canopy Camp in Darien, perhaps the most diverse and species-rich region of Central America, new species will be right outside our tents!
Day 8–El Salto (AM); Guide’s choice (PM
El Salto Road extends 6 km north from the Pan-American Highway and ends at the mighty Río Chucunaque. This open road and surrounding dry forest is a great place to search for regional specialties including Golden-green Woodpecker, Double-banded Graytail, Blue-and-yellow and Chestnut-fronted Macaws, Black and Crested Oropendolas, Blue Cotinga, White-eared Conebill, Black-breasted Puffbird, Orange-crowned Oriole and the majestic King Vulture. A trail at the end of the road will take us into low-canopy forest, where we hope to find Bare-crowned Antbird, Pale-bellied Hermit, Olivaceous Piculet, Streak-headed Woodcreeper and Forest Elaenia. In the afternoon, our guide will select the best birding location for us based on the weather and recent sightings.
Day 9: Harpy Eagle Tour
Darién is a stronghold for Harpy Eagles and other large forest raptors and holds Central America’s largest population of this rare and majestic bird. Please keep in mind that a Harpy Eagle sighting (or anything in nature) is never guaranteed, even at a reliable site.
The following description gives you an idea of what the Harpy Eagle excursion entails.
The Harpy Eagle is our target for the day! Today we will start long before sunrise and drive to Yaviza, at the end of the Pan-American Highway. Arriving at dawn in Yaviza, we will board a “piragua,” a dugout canoe, and traverse the still waters of the Chucunaque and Tuira rivers. The river edges offer shrub and grass habitat, as well as mudflats and beaches depending on the water level. There are plenty of birds to see along the riverside: Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, Great Blue, Cocoi, Little Blue, Tricolored, Striated and Capped Herons, Snowy Egret, White and Green Ibises, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Pied Water-Tyrant, Bronzed Cowbird, Yellow-hooded Blackbird and both Crested and Black Oropendolas. White-tailed Kite and Black-collared and Common Black Hawks may be found cruising overhead.
Upon arrival in El Real, we can scan the open areas for Spot-breasted Woodpecker and Great Potoo. We will meet a local truck and head south out of town past the airstrip, to the trailhead at the border of Darien National Park. This wide trail traverses through lowland rainforest and alongside a river. If we’re lucky, we may see Harpy Eagle or Crested Eagle, as both of these magnificent raptors roam the dense forests here. Hopefully with some success this morning, we can rest and have a picnic lunch in the field, and continue to bird along the trail. Other large forest eagles, including Ornate Hawk-Eagle, can also be found in the area, as well as Gray-cheeked Nunlet, White-fronted Nunbird, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Agami Heron, Red-throated Caracara, Chestnut-backed Antbird (the eastern Panama race shows white dots on the wings), Chestnut-fronted and Great Green Macaws, Scarlet-browed Tanager and more. After lunch and a break, we will retrace our steps and start our way back to El Real, then head back to Yaviza by river. Along the Pan-American Highway, we can scan for bird activity as the sun sets.
The following description gives you an idea of what the Harpy Eagle excursion entails.
The Harpy Eagle is our target for the day! Today we will start long before sunrise and drive to Yaviza, at the end of the Pan-American Highway. Arriving at dawn in Yaviza, we will board a “piragua,” a dugout canoe, and traverse the still waters of the Chucunaque and Tuira rivers. The river edges offer shrub and grass habitat, as well as mudflats and beaches depending on the water level. There are plenty of birds to see along the riverside: Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, Great Blue, Cocoi, Little Blue, Tricolored, Striated and Capped Herons, Snowy Egret, White and Green Ibises, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Pied Water-Tyrant, Bronzed Cowbird, Yellow-hooded Blackbird and both Crested and Black Oropendolas. White-tailed Kite and Black-collared and Common Black Hawks may be found cruising overhead.
Upon arrival in El Real, we can scan the open areas for Spot-breasted Woodpecker and Great Potoo. We will meet a local truck and head south out of town past the airstrip, to the trailhead at the border of Darien National Park. This wide trail traverses through lowland rainforest and alongside a river. If we’re lucky, we may see Harpy Eagle or Crested Eagle, as both of these magnificent raptors roam the dense forests here. Hopefully with some success this morning, we can rest and have a picnic lunch in the field, and continue to bird along the trail. Other large forest eagles, including Ornate Hawk-Eagle, can also be found in the area, as well as Gray-cheeked Nunlet, White-fronted Nunbird, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Agami Heron, Red-throated Caracara, Chestnut-backed Antbird (the eastern Panama race shows white dots on the wings), Chestnut-fronted and Great Green Macaws, Scarlet-browed Tanager and more. After lunch and a break, we will retrace our steps and start our way back to El Real, then head back to Yaviza by river. Along the Pan-American Highway, we can scan for bird activity as the sun sets.
Day 10: Canopy Camp & Nando’s Trail (AM); Guide’s choice (PM)
Yellow-throated and Keel-billed Toucans call from the towering Cuipo trees; Red-lored and Mealy Parrots fly overhead; White-bellied Antbird, Bright-rumped Attila, White-headed Wren and Golden-headed Manakin sing from the surrounding forests; while Pale-bellied Hermit and Sapphire-throated Hummingbird visit the flowers around camp. Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Barred Puffbird are also seen frequently around the grounds. We will work our way into the forest on “Nando’s Trail,” in hopes of finding Tiny Hawk, Black Antshrike, Great Antshrike, Olive-backed Quail-Dove, Cinnamon Becard, Black-tailed Trogon, Double-banded Graytail, Gray-cheeked Nunlet, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Royal Flycatcher and Russet-winged Schiffornis. We will also be looking for groups of Red-throated Caracara, King Vulture and Short-tailed Hawk overhead in the clearings. Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Plumbeous and Zone-tailed hawks are also possible.
In the open areas, the verbenas are full of hummingbird and butterfly activity, where we hope to see Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Pale-bellied Hermit, Long-billed Starthroat, Blue-throated Goldentail and if lucky, the stunning Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird feeding here. Spot-crowned Barbet, Olivaceous Piculet, White-headed Wren, Red-rumped Woodpecker and Streak-headed Woodcreeper are other birds we may encounter. If desired, we can hike up the slope to stand in the shadows of two giant Cuipo trees. After lunch at Camp, our guide will choose the best birding destination for the group’s final afternoon based on weather and sightings.
In the open areas, the verbenas are full of hummingbird and butterfly activity, where we hope to see Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Pale-bellied Hermit, Long-billed Starthroat, Blue-throated Goldentail and if lucky, the stunning Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird feeding here. Spot-crowned Barbet, Olivaceous Piculet, White-headed Wren, Red-rumped Woodpecker and Streak-headed Woodcreeper are other birds we may encounter. If desired, we can hike up the slope to stand in the shadows of two giant Cuipo trees. After lunch at Camp, our guide will choose the best birding destination for the group’s final afternoon based on weather and sightings.
Day 11: Transfer to airport (Flights should be booked after 2 PM.)
We’ll depart after breakfast for our four-hour transfer to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City for our flights home, recounting all the life birds and wonderful memories we made in Panama!
Additional Details
Yellow-headed Caracara, by Glenn Bartley.
Price includes:
Price excludes:
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
Until further notice, all participants in the Birds Georgia Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date, including having at least one booster. Birds Georgia will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Birds Georgia Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $900 down-payment at the time of registration ($950 for non-members). Payment in full will be due by February 1, 2024. The single supplement will also be billed at this time if that option was selected.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by November 29, 2023, a refund of all payments made will be given, less a $50 cancellation fee and forfeiture of all credit card/ACH processing fees and/or non-refundable payments made to tour operators or incurred by Birds Georgia. If notice of cancellation is received between November 30, 2023, and December 29, 2023 a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given, unless the space can be filled, in which case a refund of all payments made will be given, less a $50 cancellation fee and forfeiture of all credit card/ACH processing fees and/or non-refundable payments made to tour operators or incurred by Birds Georgia. Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a refund of all payments made will be given, less a $50 cancellation fee and forfeiture of all credit card/ACH processing fees and/or non-refundable payments made to tour operators or incurred by Birds Georgia. In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator and/or Birds Georgia.
Travel Insurance
We do not require travel insurance. However, we highly recommend buying it, as it is relatively inexpensive and can protect you from unforeseen costs associated with missed, delayed, or canceled flights, sudden illness, medical evacuation, damaged equipment, or other unexpected issues. Note that in some circumstances, such as if you have preexisting medical conditions, travel insurance must be purchased within 1-2 weeks of paying the trip deposit.
- English-speaking guides
- All transfers and transportation within Panama
- All meals starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 10.
- Fruit juices, soft drinks, or wine with dinner
- Snacks and beverages during outings
- Admission fees
Price excludes:
- Airfare to and from Panama and any accompanying baggage fees
- Hotel in Panama (before or after tour, if needed)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, etc.
- Gratuities for guides
COVID-19 Travel Precautions:
Until further notice, all participants in the Birds Georgia Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date, including having at least one booster. Birds Georgia will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time.
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Birds Georgia Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $900 down-payment at the time of registration ($950 for non-members). Payment in full will be due by February 1, 2024. The single supplement will also be billed at this time if that option was selected.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by November 29, 2023, a refund of all payments made will be given, less a $50 cancellation fee and forfeiture of all credit card/ACH processing fees and/or non-refundable payments made to tour operators or incurred by Birds Georgia. If notice of cancellation is received between November 30, 2023, and December 29, 2023 a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given, unless the space can be filled, in which case a refund of all payments made will be given, less a $50 cancellation fee and forfeiture of all credit card/ACH processing fees and/or non-refundable payments made to tour operators or incurred by Birds Georgia. Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a refund of all payments made will be given, less a $50 cancellation fee and forfeiture of all credit card/ACH processing fees and/or non-refundable payments made to tour operators or incurred by Birds Georgia. In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator and/or Birds Georgia.
Travel Insurance
We do not require travel insurance. However, we highly recommend buying it, as it is relatively inexpensive and can protect you from unforeseen costs associated with missed, delayed, or canceled flights, sudden illness, medical evacuation, damaged equipment, or other unexpected issues. Note that in some circumstances, such as if you have preexisting medical conditions, travel insurance must be purchased within 1-2 weeks of paying the trip deposit.
Important Information
Harpy Eagle.
Timing: Guests should plan their flights to arrive in Panama City prior to 1:00 PM on May 29. Return flights should be book after 2:00 PM on June 8. You may choose to arrive earlier or stay later and stay over in a local hotel at your own expense.
Pace: With the exception of the Harpy Eagle excursion, we consider this tour to be relatively easy. A lot of the birding will be along roads close to the vehicle, but we may walk up to two miles at birding pace each day. Please note the Canopy Tower does not have elevators. The guest rooms are located on the second and third floors, the dining room on the fourth floor, and the observation deck at the top. Participants should be able to walk up and down stairs.
Accommodations: Because air-conditioning systems are notoriously noisy and burn a lot of energy, the Canopy properties rely on the steady breezes and do not have air-conditioning. Every room has large windows and fans to enhance natural ventilation. Wi-Fi internet is available at all of the lodges. It is strongest and available in all the guest rooms at the Canopy Tower. At the Canopy Lodge and Canopy Camp, the connection is slower and only available in the common areas.
Hotels and Meals/Dietary Restrictions
We will be staying in Canopy Lodges throughout the tour, with breakfast provided at the lodge and a picnic lunch most days and dinners at the lodges. All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions within the confines described above. Please contact Melanie Furr to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Packing Considerations
You will generally want to wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. The dress for the tour is entirely casual. Light weight clothing, with layers, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for protection from the sun and thorns and to be prepared for various weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. A raincoat will also useful.
In terms of gear, you will want the usual birding gear: binoculars, hat, field guide, etc. Most people appreciate having a camera along. You should also bring sunscreen and bug spray. Please bring a reusable travel bottle to reduce the need for single-use bottles; a travel coffee mug/thermos is also useful if you’d like to bring coffee from the hotel for the morning.
Tipping
We aim to provide exceptional service, using guides that are knowledgeable, interesting, personable, and experienced. While tipping is never expected, we encourage participants to tip our guides if you feel that they went above and beyond. (Georgia Audubon recommends $10-$20/day per guide).
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
Pace: With the exception of the Harpy Eagle excursion, we consider this tour to be relatively easy. A lot of the birding will be along roads close to the vehicle, but we may walk up to two miles at birding pace each day. Please note the Canopy Tower does not have elevators. The guest rooms are located on the second and third floors, the dining room on the fourth floor, and the observation deck at the top. Participants should be able to walk up and down stairs.
Accommodations: Because air-conditioning systems are notoriously noisy and burn a lot of energy, the Canopy properties rely on the steady breezes and do not have air-conditioning. Every room has large windows and fans to enhance natural ventilation. Wi-Fi internet is available at all of the lodges. It is strongest and available in all the guest rooms at the Canopy Tower. At the Canopy Lodge and Canopy Camp, the connection is slower and only available in the common areas.
Hotels and Meals/Dietary Restrictions
We will be staying in Canopy Lodges throughout the tour, with breakfast provided at the lodge and a picnic lunch most days and dinners at the lodges. All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions within the confines described above. Please contact Melanie Furr to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Packing Considerations
You will generally want to wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. The dress for the tour is entirely casual. Light weight clothing, with layers, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for protection from the sun and thorns and to be prepared for various weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. A raincoat will also useful.
In terms of gear, you will want the usual birding gear: binoculars, hat, field guide, etc. Most people appreciate having a camera along. You should also bring sunscreen and bug spray. Please bring a reusable travel bottle to reduce the need for single-use bottles; a travel coffee mug/thermos is also useful if you’d like to bring coffee from the hotel for the morning.
Tipping
We aim to provide exceptional service, using guides that are knowledgeable, interesting, personable, and experienced. While tipping is never expected, we encourage participants to tip our guides if you feel that they went above and beyond. (Georgia Audubon recommends $10-$20/day per guide).
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
