The drive from Camagüey to Najasa is about 28 miles; approximately 1 hour. Birding from forest trails. Wear closed toe/heel shoes, insect repellent and comfortable clothes.
Early this morning, enjoy a home cooked meal prepared and served by our Cuban hosts at our casa particular.
After boarding our motorcoach, we'll journey southwards in preparation for our morning birding field trip in the Najasa Protected Area. This protected area, located near La Belén National Park, is a semi-deciduous forest with abundant avian fauna. Walking on the edge of the park we may see the Palm Crow, Giant Kingbird, Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Parrot, Plain Pidgeon and Cuban Grassquit. In the more wooded areas, Gundlach’s Hawk is regularly seen (a bird which, until 1980, was thought to be extinct). Target species include Blue-winged Teal, Cuban Tody, Merlin, American Purple Gallinule, Common Moorhen, White-winged Dove, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Magnolia Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, and Tawny-shouldered Blackbird. Some species endemic to Cuba that we may see here--in addition to the Cuban Palm Crow and Cuban Grassquit--include the Cuban Green Woodpecker, Giant Kingbird and Cuban Blackbird. Butterflies are also abundant and varied. We'll ride back to Camagüey, arriving in time for lunch.
At a local restaurant.
We'll drive and walk to Plaza del Carmen in order to visit the Estudio-Taller Martha Jimenez. The respected Cuban painter and sculptor is known for her whimsical compositions, symbolism and Rubenesque women. In addition to being one of Cuba's leading contemporary artists, Martha Jimenez is also a great promoter of art education for children. She has been an active participant in Pincel Con Alma de Beso (Paintbrush with the Soul of a Kiss)--a community project that introduces children to painting and sculpture and encourages them express their creativity through art.
At a local restaurant we'll have our farewell dinner and share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Final bird count session at the hotel. Prepare for check out and international travel tomorrow morning.