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Hilda,
We just wanted to confirm our telephone call from last week, while we were in Puerto Rico. As you will recall, Javier
led us on a birding trip to El Yunque on Sunday morning on October 30, 2005. Although not the best time of the
year to look for birds, we were very successful! We saw at least 24 birds, 10 of them being endemics! Javier
worked really hard for us to see all of these birds, especially the Elfin-woods Warbler and the Antillean Euphonia.
We did hear the Antillean Euphonia, but the Elfin-woods Warbler remains one we will try for on our next trip to
Puerto Rico.
Javier was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the birds in Puerto Rico and about El Yunque and
Puerto Rico, in general. He knew exactly where to go to see specific birds and told us what birds we would
see when we went to other areas in Puerto Rico. He was truly a professional. Our trip was thoroughly enjoyable
and we highly recommend his services for anyone who appreciates dedication and commitment to looking for birds.
Here are the birds we saw in a rough order that we saw them:
Thank you for making all of the arrangements. We will definitely refer anyone who goes to Puerto Rico for birding
to contact you. We plan to return to Puerto Rico in about two years. When we do, we will call you and arrange for
Javier to lead us on another birding adventure.
Always,
Mabel Quinto
Bill Hildebrandt
We just wanted to confirm our telephone call from last week, while we were in Puerto Rico. As you will recall, Javier
led us on a birding trip to El Yunque on Sunday morning on October 30, 2005. Although not the best time of the
year to look for birds, we were very successful! We saw at least 24 birds, 10 of them being endemics! Javier
worked really hard for us to see all of these birds, especially the Elfin-woods Warbler and the Antillean Euphonia.
We did hear the Antillean Euphonia, but the Elfin-woods Warbler remains one we will try for on our next trip to
Puerto Rico.
Javier was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the birds in Puerto Rico and about El Yunque and
Puerto Rico, in general. He knew exactly where to go to see specific birds and told us what birds we would
see when we went to other areas in Puerto Rico. He was truly a professional. Our trip was thoroughly enjoyable
and we highly recommend his services for anyone who appreciates dedication and commitment to looking for birds.
Here are the birds we saw in a rough order that we saw them:
- Puerto Rican Screech-Owl (E)
- Red-legged Thrush
- Puerto Rican Woodpecker (E)
- Puerto Rican Flycatcher (E)
- Puerto Rican Tanager (E)
- Nutmeg Manakin
- Puerto Rican Spindalis or Puerto Rican Stripe-headed Tanager (E)
- Pearly-eyed Thrasher
- Yellow-faced Grassquit
- Logger-head Kingbird
- Gray Kingbird
- Bananaquit
- Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo (E)
Thank you for making all of the arrangements. We will definitely refer anyone who goes to Puerto Rico for birding
to contact you. We plan to return to Puerto Rico in about two years. When we do, we will call you and arrange for
Javier to lead us on another birding adventure.
Always,
Mabel Quinto
Bill Hildebrandt
Hello, Hilda.
I very much enjoyed my time birding with Javier on Friday (8/18/06) at El Yunque. He is a very knowledgeable and interesting guide. I
was able to find my way there with no problems. I loved Puerto Rico and am planning on returning for a vacation.
Thank you,
Gina Femali
I very much enjoyed my time birding with Javier on Friday (8/18/06) at El Yunque. He is a very knowledgeable and interesting guide. I
was able to find my way there with no problems. I loved Puerto Rico and am planning on returning for a vacation.
Thank you,
Gina Femali
Hello Hilda:
Thank you for showing me the blackbird and others on our afternoon together (8/15/06) and also the way to the dry forest. I did find the
Adelaides Warbler immediately upon entering the forest and many times after that. Later in the day I went around to the coast and
waited until evening to try for the Puerto Rican Nightjar. The bird I saw was flying before total darkness, had pointed wings with clear
white wrist patches and it was flying quite high. Was this the Antillean Nighthawk??The book says they are not there until Sept???Or was
this the P. R. Nightjar? Can you help? Thank you again--I had wonderful time. At 2 am in the morning at the Hacienda--outside my
window the PR Screech Owl was calling and went outside and got perfect views. So the Hacienda proved to be a wonderful place and
quite full of birds, thank you for the direction to go there.
Sincerely, Duncan Himes
Thank you for showing me the blackbird and others on our afternoon together (8/15/06) and also the way to the dry forest. I did find the
Adelaides Warbler immediately upon entering the forest and many times after that. Later in the day I went around to the coast and
waited until evening to try for the Puerto Rican Nightjar. The bird I saw was flying before total darkness, had pointed wings with clear
white wrist patches and it was flying quite high. Was this the Antillean Nighthawk??The book says they are not there until Sept???Or was
this the P. R. Nightjar? Can you help? Thank you again--I had wonderful time. At 2 am in the morning at the Hacienda--outside my
window the PR Screech Owl was calling and went outside and got perfect views. So the Hacienda proved to be a wonderful place and
quite full of birds, thank you for the direction to go there.
Sincerely, Duncan Himes
Hi Hilda,
I just wanted to tell you that we had a wonderful birding experience in El Yunque. Javier was both a superb guide and a very friendly
and interesting person. We saw everything we could have hoped for and more.
Many thanks and best regards,
Ingo (November 26, 2006).
I just wanted to tell you that we had a wonderful birding experience in El Yunque. Javier was both a superb guide and a very friendly
and interesting person. We saw everything we could have hoped for and more.
Many thanks and best regards,
Ingo (November 26, 2006).
Dear Hilda,
Dave and I want to thank you for a wonderful time birding in Puerto Rico. We really enjoyed each day with you and loved getting to see
more of the island as well as the endemic species. Thanks for being a great guide.
Elise Moore (November 22-24, 2006)
Dave and I want to thank you for a wonderful time birding in Puerto Rico. We really enjoyed each day with you and loved getting to see
more of the island as well as the endemic species. Thanks for being a great guide.
Elise Moore (November 22-24, 2006)
Dear Hilda,
Happy New Year.
I enjoyed very much birding with you in Puerto Rico. My first morning at El Portal was a perfect introduction to the Island's birds, and
the Christmas count in Maricao was fun. I so enjoyed getting to know such a good and fun group of PR birders. The yellow shouldered
blackbird was the perfect ending to my trip. Thank you so much.
I wish you the very best getting a full-blow birding guide service established in Puerto Rico. It would provide many great moments for
us all!
Best,
Tim Earle (December 21and 23, 2006)
Happy New Year.
I enjoyed very much birding with you in Puerto Rico. My first morning at El Portal was a perfect introduction to the Island's birds, and
the Christmas count in Maricao was fun. I so enjoyed getting to know such a good and fun group of PR birders. The yellow shouldered
blackbird was the perfect ending to my trip. Thank you so much.
I wish you the very best getting a full-blow birding guide service established in Puerto Rico. It would provide many great moments for
us all!
Best,
Tim Earle (December 21and 23, 2006)
To learn what others are
saying about our hiking
tours to El Yunque, go
here.
saying about our hiking
tours to El Yunque, go
here.
Hi Hilda,
Just wanted to thank you for a great day of biding on 2/21 at El Yunque. I got a lot of great photos and was very happy to see 8 of the
endemics that day, though that PR bullfinch gave my camera the slip!
Here are a couple of (bad) photos of the parrot I told you was coming nightly around 6pm to the El Convento area of old San Juan the
three days we were there. It made quite a racket each night announcing its presence. Do you have any idea what species this is as it
doesn't match anything I can find in my guide books.
Thanks again and I look forward to returning to Puerto Rico again to photograph the bullfinch and the other endemics!
All the best,
Steve Ballentine (February 21, 2007)
Just wanted to thank you for a great day of biding on 2/21 at El Yunque. I got a lot of great photos and was very happy to see 8 of the
endemics that day, though that PR bullfinch gave my camera the slip!
Here are a couple of (bad) photos of the parrot I told you was coming nightly around 6pm to the El Convento area of old San Juan the
three days we were there. It made quite a racket each night announcing its presence. Do you have any idea what species this is as it
doesn't match anything I can find in my guide books.
Thanks again and I look forward to returning to Puerto Rico again to photograph the bullfinch and the other endemics!
All the best,
Steve Ballentine (February 21, 2007)
Christmas Bird Count at the Maricao State Forest
See report on December 23, 2006, by two of the volunteers at the 2006 CBC Maricao State Forest activity, here,and here.
Jennifer Rycenga and Peggy Macres (December 23, 2007)
See report on December 23, 2006, by two of the volunteers at the 2006 CBC Maricao State Forest activity, here,and here.
Jennifer Rycenga and Peggy Macres (December 23, 2007)
From TripAdvisor.com
Posted on: 5:27 pm, May 25, 2007 by Luna1999
I'm planning a trip this fall. I don't have the dates set, but am thinking late Oct/early Nov to lessen the hurricane risk. Is this a good
time to see the birds and wildlife in PR? What is the ultimate best time of the year to go for wildlife?
Thanks!
Answer - Posted on: 8:27 pm, May 25, 2007 by Villa Sevilla
Some bird species are hard to spot. Usually the best way is by listening to their calls and then trying to find them in the trees.
Aventours gives a magnificent birding tour in El Yunque that starts out very early in the AM. Very informative guide who will not only
tell you about the different species but also help you to find them. Here is a link to their web site for more information
http://www.adventourspr.com/
Posted on: 5:27 pm, May 25, 2007 by Luna1999
I'm planning a trip this fall. I don't have the dates set, but am thinking late Oct/early Nov to lessen the hurricane risk. Is this a good
time to see the birds and wildlife in PR? What is the ultimate best time of the year to go for wildlife?
Thanks!
Answer - Posted on: 8:27 pm, May 25, 2007 by Villa Sevilla
Some bird species are hard to spot. Usually the best way is by listening to their calls and then trying to find them in the trees.
Aventours gives a magnificent birding tour in El Yunque that starts out very early in the AM. Very informative guide who will not only
tell you about the different species but also help you to find them. Here is a link to their web site for more information
http://www.adventourspr.com/
527 20junio 586 22agosto
688 2ene 825 6jun
688 2ene 825 6jun
| Updated March 3, 2010. |
Dear Hilda
thank you so much for all you did to make this trip
a success. Your humor and energy kept things
moving. I accessed your website and am
enjoying your photos there, looking forward to
others. Hope you feel better soon and have a
chance to regain your strength for the next
challenges. Thanks again. Carolyn Bishop
Elderhostel, January & Februaruy, 2008
thank you so much for all you did to make this trip
a success. Your humor and energy kept things
moving. I accessed your website and am
enjoying your photos there, looking forward to
others. Hope you feel better soon and have a
chance to regain your strength for the next
challenges. Thanks again. Carolyn Bishop
Elderhostel, January & Februaruy, 2008
Hi Hilda,
Mike & I just wanted to thank you again for making our trip to Puerto Rico so welcoming and so full of birds!
We did some snorkeling, boating & kayaking in the bio bays near Fajardo. All were a lot of fun.
We also took 3 more birding trips. We went one day to Guánica and Maricao and another day back to El Yunque. We didn’t see a lot of
“new” birds but did see more bananaquits, todys, bullfinches, etc. Some of our better pictures came from Guánica because there was less
foliage. I’ve attached a photo of a warbler we saw there. I’m pretty sure I know which species it is but wanted your expert opinion as well. ??
The last day we went looking for Central Park before our plane left but found Parque Central de los Niños instead. Is that the same park you
suggested? We saw quite a few birds there including an osprey and quite a few PR Woodpeckers.
The one picture I regret not taking is of the 3 of us. I didn’t even think of it until we were half way back to San Juan. Oh well. I hope you
are doing well and thank you again for making our trip so special. Let me know what you think about the warbler?
Dan Hawkins
March, 2009
Mike & I just wanted to thank you again for making our trip to Puerto Rico so welcoming and so full of birds!
We did some snorkeling, boating & kayaking in the bio bays near Fajardo. All were a lot of fun.
We also took 3 more birding trips. We went one day to Guánica and Maricao and another day back to El Yunque. We didn’t see a lot of
“new” birds but did see more bananaquits, todys, bullfinches, etc. Some of our better pictures came from Guánica because there was less
foliage. I’ve attached a photo of a warbler we saw there. I’m pretty sure I know which species it is but wanted your expert opinion as well. ??
The last day we went looking for Central Park before our plane left but found Parque Central de los Niños instead. Is that the same park you
suggested? We saw quite a few birds there including an osprey and quite a few PR Woodpeckers.
The one picture I regret not taking is of the 3 of us. I didn’t even think of it until we were half way back to San Juan. Oh well. I hope you
are doing well and thank you again for making our trip so special. Let me know what you think about the warbler?
Dan Hawkins
March, 2009
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Hilda,
Thank you very much for a wonderful birding adventure. It was good to learn the bird calls as I was seeing the birds. The owl adventure was
especially great--seeing AND hearing the owl. Wow! I will definitely recommend you to my birding friends.
Take care,
Jim Gruber
November, 2009
Thank you very much for a wonderful birding adventure. It was good to learn the bird calls as I was seeing the birds. The owl adventure was
especially great--seeing AND hearing the owl. Wow! I will definitely recommend you to my birding friends.
Take care,
Jim Gruber
November, 2009
| Celebrating seventeen years of sharing our Natural Heritage! |
| Join me in this unique experience through different birding sites in Puerto Rico, including several BirdLife IBA´s. We will focus this birding program on endemic species and sub-species. On extended programs, we also look for Caribbean specialties. Hilda Morales, Owner and Birding Host Certified Interpretive Tour Guide and Driver |
- Puerto Rican Tody (E)
- Greater Antillian Oriole
- Puerto Rican Emerald (E)
- Green Mango (E)
- Puerto Rican Bullfinch (E)
- Blackpoll Warbler
- Mangrove Cuckoo
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Northern Parula
- Black-throated Blue Warbler
- American Redstart
- Antillean Euphonia (H)
Hilda,
We are back home in Oregon now, savoring the excellent memories of our time in Puerto Rico. We had a wonderful time, and I want to
thank you for recommending the Hotel Yunque Mar and for arranging for Sergio to guide us. We loved the hotel and the staff there were
very friendly and helpful. Sergio is a FANTASTIC birder and a sweet guy. His positive outlook and sense of humour made the day even
more fun and memorable. We look forward to visiting Puerto Rico again very soon!
Many thanks,
bradley coffey
January, 2010
We are back home in Oregon now, savoring the excellent memories of our time in Puerto Rico. We had a wonderful time, and I want to
thank you for recommending the Hotel Yunque Mar and for arranging for Sergio to guide us. We loved the hotel and the staff there were
very friendly and helpful. Sergio is a FANTASTIC birder and a sweet guy. His positive outlook and sense of humour made the day even
more fun and memorable. We look forward to visiting Puerto Rico again very soon!
Many thanks,
bradley coffey
January, 2010