USA - Bobcats & Bears

Summary

Our base for this new tour – in the wildlife-rich US state of Connecticut – lies only two hours from New York City, yet could be a world away from this crowded east coast metropolis. Within Connecticut’s vast woodlands (over 60% of the state is forested) lives a wonderful variety of mammals and birds, including two of the region’s most iconic species, the Bobcat and Black Bear. During this unique, single-centre, holiday we will join expert local guides and aim to offer intimate encounters with these two elusive predators. The photographic opportunities should be outstanding, as will the birding with a host of exciting species to look out for, from majestic Bald Eagles to colourful Baltimore Orioles.

From New York we head north into Connecticut and our base for the next seven nights, a simple, but comfortable, hotel a short drive from the key forest sites. It is within these forests that we stand our best chance of an encounter with a Bobcat, a beautiful and secretive feline which looks not unlike a diminutive Lynx. We will be aided in our quest by researchers who have habituated certain individuals by tempting them into a woodland clearing with small amounts of food. The researchers will alert us when a Bobcat appears and we will join them to share in their unrivalled close views. We will also join our guides for gentle forest walks in search of Black Bears. Once again, we hope for excellent views, but will be sure to keep a respectful distance, closely following our guide’s lead at all times. If fortunate, we may even find a mother with cubs, although whether we locate one or more animals, the chance to observe wild Black Bears whilst on foot is a truly magical and unforgettable experience!

Away from these two star species we will search for a mouth-watering array of other wildlife. Bald Eagles are likely, along with such striking birds as Scarlet Tanager, Black-and-White Warbler, Indigo Bunting and the exquisite Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We also stand a very high chance of finding North American Beaver during the tour and, for those who wish to extend their time in the US, options include birding in New York’s famous Central Park and whale-watching out of Boston.

• Unrivalled views of Bobcat
• Walk with Black Bears!
• Host of other mammals including American Beaver
• Bald Eagle and a whole range of other special birds
• Fly to New York, a perfect extension option, with whale watching in Boston also possible