I decided that 2016 would be my “Year of Cuba.” I joined a group of avid birders on a Holbrook trip in hopes of experiencing as much of the country as possible. Being a travel photographer, my birding skills are fledgling at best but the itinerary fit the bill. We visited diverse habitats, from semideciduous forest to coastal wetlands and sandy beaches. The highlight was our stay at Hacienda La Belén, a livestock-breeding ranch near La Belén National Park. Birding was excellent, with clear views of several endemics. As we hiked the trails in search of birds I found myself lagging behind to watch the cowboys going about their daily lives. Neighbors on horseback stopped to greet each other warmly and chat. People were gracious and welcoming. I felt as if I had stepped back in time to a quieter, less hurried world—into the heartland of Cuba.

Judy Bellah
bellahphotography.com
Cuba | Birding and Photography with Rick Greenspun