Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day With Aurora Expeditions

Bird watching is a popular activity among nature enthusiasts when exploring the remote corners of the world, and Aurora Expeditions offers the opportunity to witness a variety of bird species that can only be found in Arctic and Antarctic, as well as Costa Rica and Panama, among other regions.

As World Migratory Bird Day (May 13, 2023) approaches there’s never been a better time to take a look at the diverse range of bird species travelers can observe during a trek with Aurora Expeditions. The company has dedicated birdlife experts on board to ensure trekkers do not miss any fascinating sightings. Here’s a closer look at some of the remarkable birds travelers may encounter during their expedition.

Antarctica

One of the highlights of visiting Antarctica is the chance to witness 46 different bird species in their natural habitat, including the visually stunning Antarctic Tern. This bird’s striking black cap, white body, and bright red bill and feet make it a standout sight in the subantarctic islands.

• Another bird species that travelers may spot during the trek is the Skua, a gull-like bird that is one of the top avian predators in the subantarctic. With its brown coloring and white outer wing patch, the Skua can be identified by its almost five-foot wingspan.
• The Antarctic Blue-Eyed Cormorant, also known as the Imperial or Blue-Eyed Shag, is another fascinating bird species that can be observed in Antarctica. Its vivid blue eyes are actually the color of the region surrounding the eye, and it has an orange/yellow growth at the base of the beak that grows larger and brighter during the breeding season.
• Finally, the Cape Petrel is a bird species that is known to follow the Aurora Expedition ship, tracking ships in dense flocks out at sea, particularly around fishing boats or large numbers of crustaceans. With so many unique bird species to observe, a trek with Aurora Expeditions is a bird watching adventure not to be missed.

Arctic

The Arctic is home to a diverse range of bird species, including land birds, sea birds, and coastal birds, with around 280 different types identified. Among those that travelers may have the chance to observe during an Aurora Expeditions trek are:

• The Atlantic Puffin, a seabird measuring just 10 inches in height, with a fluffy plumage of black and white feathers, and a recognizable rainbow beak. During the nesting season from May to September, an estimated 60% of the 12 million-strong Atlantic Puffin population can be found perched on the ledges overlooking the icy waters.
• The Snowy Owl, also known as ‘bubo scandiacus’, is a magnificent bird with the whitest of feathers, making it an expert in camouflage, with only a pair of yellow eyes peeking through the plumage.
• While there are various eagle species that soar through the Arctic skies, none are as impressive as the White-Tailed Eagle. These birds are classified as apex predators and boast the widest wingspan of any eagle in the world. This majestic bird can be seen around Greenland and Iceland.

Costa Rica and Panama

Costa Rica and Panama are both home to some of the most biodiverse rainforests on earth where travelers can spot over 900 different species of birds. Below is a look at some of the brilliant birds you might see on the Costa Rica and Panama Canal trek with Aurora Expeditions

• Found primarily around Arenal Volcano, the Keel-Billed Toucan is characterized by its rainbow-colored beak and is among the most impressive of the six toucan species.
• The Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher is an elegant beauty that is only found in the high elevations in Costa Rica and Panama. The bird is a blue-gray and yellow thrush sized bird with a chirp that sounds similar to a cricket.
• Costa Rica and Panama are home to over 50 species of hummingbirds. Among the most stunning is the Green-crowned Brilliant, identified by their bright, emerald green color.
• The Golden-naped Woodpecker is found on the Pacific slopes of Costa Rica and Panama. It is identified by its distinctive head pattern: a black mask, yellow forehead, red crown and yellow nape.