A Year of Birding with Gabriel Lugo!

My name is Gabriel Lugo, and for nearly 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding birding tours across the enchanting landscapes of the Greater Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. My journey as a Senior Birding Guide with Wildside Nature Tours has taken me from the heart of these Caribbean gems to the diverse habitats of the United States.

The tour season usually kicks off in October, stretching through the vibrant months of fall into the gentle embrace of spring by May. During this period, my life is a whirlwind of bird calls and camera clicks, with each day offering new adventures and discoveries. When the tour season winds down, I switch gears, taking on various jobs to supplement my income, ensuring I don’t dip into my savings. This approach allows me to live simply, avoiding unnecessary debt, and providing the flexibility to rest and recharge after months of intense travel and guiding.

This past season was nothing short of extraordinary. It began with an unexpected journey to the Galápagos Islands, thanks to an invitation from Kevin Loughlin. My wife and I spent a few magical days in Ecuador before embarking on an unforgettable adventure in the Galápagos. There, I reveled in the rare opportunity to photograph remarkably tame birds up close, all while enjoying the luxury of being just another participant on the tour.

Returning from this adventure, I plunged into several months of fieldwork for the Puerto Rico Breeding Bird Atlas. Despite the island’s modest size, mapping its breeding bird populations proved to be a formidable task. Then, November arrived, and with it, my eagerly anticipated tours of Cuba. This island captivates me endlessly, and, I had the joy of visiting three times last season. One of these trips was a special photography-focused tour in April, where Lee Hoy joined as the photo expert. I took my time, savoring each moment and capturing countless images.

Puerto Rico saw me guiding seven groups, a mix of private and combined tours, along with several one-day and multi-day excursions. The Dominican Republic, with its rich diversity of endemic species, demanded significant time and energy. The complexity of its habitats and species distribution makes each tour there a unique challenge, and I led three tours in this fascinating country.

May brought a shift in my journey as I traveled to the United States for the Biggest Week in American Birding festival in northwest Ohio. Known also as the Magee Marsh Festival, this event is a vibrant celebration of birding, offering our company a chance to connect directly with birders and promote our tours. The festival was a joyous occasion, made even more special by an unexpected spectacle: the Northern Lights. On May 10th, I witnessed this celestial display, a breathtaking and unanticipated highlight of the season!

Following the festival, I led a migration-focused tour in Ohio with a group of enthusiastic birders from Florida. After a brief rest at home, I set off for the northeastern United States, exploring Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In Boston, I presented our tours of Cuba and Puerto Rico to The Friendly Birds & Brews Group, a delightful event that resulted in booking a Puerto Rico tour!

My journey continued to Acadia National Park in Maine. En route, I detoured to see a rare Willow Ptarmigan, a bird I had never encountered before. After hours of searching, I finally found and photographed it, adding another unforgettable experience to my journey. Maine’s scenic beauty was breathtaking, and I spent a rewarding weekend assisting with day trips for the Acadia Birding Festival. I also experienced my first successful pelagic trip, with perfect conditions for photographing Great Shearwater and Sooty Shearwater.

After the festival, I joined Alex Lamoreaux and Chris Brown to guide a Wildside tour through Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Birding in these breeding territories was a joy, with highlights including the Boreal Chickadee and Bicknell’s Thrush. By the end of the tour, I had added 13 new species to my list, a rare feat for me in the Eastern US!

Now, I am home, resting and recovering from a cervical injury, editing last year’s photos, and catching up on various tasks. Despite the season’s intensity and the technical challenges I faced, including losing many photos, I am now equipped with a new computer and a reliable backup system.

This season was brimming with emotions, hard work, and countless stories. I am deeply grateful to all the participants who joined my tours. Your presence and enthusiasm not only enriched our birding experiences but also supported the local communities we visited.

Looking ahead, the upcoming year promises new adventures! It will begin with the Puerto Rico Breeding Bird Atlas, followed by four tours to Cuba, at least two tours to the Dominican Republic, and five to seven tours in Puerto Rico. While some trips are already full, there are still spots available! For the latest on my tours and more details, please visit my profile at this link!