ABA 2024 Bird of the Year Tour: Sax Zim Bog and Northern Minnesota

      Duluth, MN, USA

      AB
      23 reviews
      Jun 13 - 17, 2024
      Group size: 7 - 13
      ABA 2024 Bird of the Year Tour: Sax Zim Bog and Northern Minnesota
      Duluth, MN, USA

      23 reviews

      Jun 13 - 17, 2024
      Group size: 7 - 13

      About this trip

      Welcome to Sax Zim Bog, a renowned destination for birdwatchers situated in northern Minnesota. During the summer months, these tranquil forests become a focal point for bird enthusiasts eager to discover a variety of songbirds on their breeding grounds. Among the notable attractions is the American Birding Association’s 2024 Bird of the Year: Golden-winged Warbler. Sax Zim Bog provides a prime breeding habitat for these warblers, offering visitors the chance to observe their behaviors and listen to their melodic songs.


      Beyond the Golden-winged Warbler, Sax Zim Bog and northern Minnesota showcase a variety of breeding songbirds. From the Black-and-white Warbler to the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Northern Waterthrush, the bog's ecosystem supports a rich diversity of avian life. Guided by local birding guide Gregg Severson, we will explore the scenic trails and boardwalks, immersing ourselves in the tranquil surroundings while enjoying the harmonious melodies of the resident songbirds. With its serene beauty and abundant wildlife, Sax Zim Bog provides an unforgettable birding experience, inviting enthusiasts to connect with nature and discover the wonders of Minnesota's summer birdlife.


      In addition to excellent birdwatching opportunities, our Bird of the Year Tour in Sax Zim Bog offers a unique blend of nature and artistic expression. Participants will have the chance to channel their creativity through art workshops guided by our distinguished Artist of the Year, Natasza Fontaine. Against the backdrop of Sax Zim Bog's serene landscapes, Natasza will inspire participants to capture the essence of Minnesota’s birdlife and scenic beauty on canvas. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, these workshops provide a refreshing and immersive way to connect with the natural world. It's an exceptional opportunity to not only observe the diverse birdlife but also to translate that experience into personal works of art, making this birding tour in Sax Zim Bog a truly holistic and enriching adventure.

      Basic itinerary

      Day 1

      Arrival at Duluth Airport and transfer to Alesches'


      Day 2 - 4

      AM: Birding field trips led by Gregg Severson

      PM: Art workshops led by Natazsa Fontaine


      Day 5

      Departure from Duluth Airport

      What’s included

      • Accommodation
        4 hotel nights
      • Meals
        3 meals per day from dinner on day 1 until breakfast until day 5. Including non-alcoholic beverages during meals.
      • Transportation
        All local private transportation to and from sites visited. Transportation from airport to hotel and day 1 and from hotel to airport on day 5.
      • Guiding fees
        All guiding fees for tour leaders and local guides.
      • Entrance fees
        All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary.
      • Activities
        All non-optional activities as described in the itinerary.

      What’s not included

      • Internat transportation
        Transportation to and from start/end point of the tour.
      • Alcoholic beverages
        Alcoholic beverages
      • Personal purchases
        Items such as (but not limited to) calls, laundry, souvenirs etc.
      • Tips
        Any tips you would like to offer tour leaders, guides, drivers, porters, wait staff, housekeeping etc. for outstanding service.

      Available Packages

      Double occupancy (price per person)
      8 left

      This is the price per person in a shared (double or twin) room. If you wish to book for 2 people in a shared room, don't forget to buy 2 tickets!

      $2,950
      Deposit: $1,475
      Single occupancy
      8 left

      This is the price for 1 person in a single room.

      $3,500
      Deposit: $1,750

      Available options



      Your Organizer


      AB
      American Birding Association
      23 reviews
      The ABA exists to build a better world by sharing the positive values and irresistible excitement of birding. We are a connector for all birders where they will feel part of a community, interact with fellow birders, and make fulfilling relationships with each other and nature. We provide resources to our members and the birding community at large on our website, through our print publications, our podcast, in-person events, festivals, and tours, partnerships, and ABA Community network. Wherever you find birders, you’ll find ABA.

      Reviews

      LS
      The ABA Belize tour was just about as wonderful as it could possibly get. Our knowledgeable guides helped us find an incredible array of fabulous birds in many beautiful and historic locales. Collared Trogans presiding over ancient Mayan sites, Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures wheeling along exquisite shorelines, Violet Sabrewings whizzing through a tropical paradise and, yes, a dozen Jabirus hanging out at a chicken processing plant! We got to experience four different parts of the country along with a taste of the varied cultures and cuisines that call Belize home. Our accommodations were excellent and locally owned. And my fellow travelers were some of the nicest, funniest people I have had the pleasure to meet. Between Puma and Yucatán Nightjar sightings, we simply had a blast!
      By Liz S for ABA Belize 2024 on Apr 11, 2024
      This was my first group birding trip not only with ABA, but with anyone. It was absolutely fantastic. Katinka Domen did an incredible job working with our local guide, Philip Balderamos, and the local operator, Roni Martinez, not only in selecting excellent places to stay but also selecting the incredible variety of habitats in which to bird. Philip is incredibly knowledgeable about birds, habitats and local culture & history. Katinka was also amazing in her knowledge of local birds. With the two of them leading the way, the eight of us - counting :Philip and Katinka - got 285 birds in ten days of great birding. My greatest fear is that I am now spoiled for future trips! I encourage the ABA to do another trip to Belize soon. The country is beautiful, the people are incredibly friendly, everyplace we stayed was clean and comfortable, and every meal from breakfast to supper was exceptional. English is the official language and US dollars are accepted everywhere - BZ$2 to US$1. I will definitely be signing on for tours in 2025.
      By James F for ABA Belize 2024 on Apr 03, 2024
      This was our first trip to Africa. It was a wonderful experience. The people in Rwanda were very friendly and welcoming. Since this was our first trip to Africa and the birds we saw were amazing, and mostly new to us, with names and images only seen in field guides prior to this trip. Our guides Katinka and Patricia worked very hard to make this trip as enjoyable as possible for everyone, but as in any group of people there are some participants that demand a little more attention than others. I suggest that in future trip this inequity be addressed so people that are less aggressive don't feel left out at times.
      By CHARLES K for ABA Rwanda 2023 on Jan 01, 2024
      The trip was excellent. Katinka did a great job handling all the details and finding birds. The accommodations and food were very good. The ability to spend time tracking chimps and mountain gorillas really made the trip unique. Rwanda was clean, safe, and very hospitable..
      By Richard S for ABA Rwanda 2023 on Jan 01, 2024
      Awesome trip. The guides were outstanding, so patient and knowledgeable
      By Andreas K for Colombia 2023 on Sep 25, 2023
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