26th International Ornithological Congress 2014

Post-congress Tours Info
See registration details at http://ioc26.jp/registration.html* Please be aware that due to factors beyond our control a change of itinerary or schedule before or after
the start of the tour may occur.

26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information

Destinations of the Post-congress Tours[P09] Vladivostok[P04] Kushiro& Nemuro[P02] Sado and Toyooka[P01] Hotokenuma[P03] Tateyama& MatsumotoTokyo[P05] Miyake Island[P10] Kyoto[P06] Amami Oshima[P07] Okinawa Island[P08] Taiwan

126th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P01] Aomori: Hotokenuma wetland & Lake Ogawara

Hotokenuma wetland consists of wet grasslands and reedbeds, and has the largest breeding population ofJapanese Marsh Warbler and Japanese Reed Bunting. In Lake Towada and Mt. Hakkoda, various forest birds
breed. EXPECTED SPECIES (SELECTION): Japanese Marsh Warbler (Marsh Grassbird), Japanese Reed Bunting,Eastern Marsh Harrier, Bank Swallow, Lesser Sand Plover, Red-necked Stint, Sanderling.
Date: 25-27 August 2014
Tour price: JPY 125,000 (per person in twin share)
Single supplement: Not available*
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 20 persons
All meals included (from lunch on first day to lunch on last day).
*) Single rooms are not available at Ryokans and Inns. Participants will be allotted according to the sleeping capacity of each roomas specified by the accommodation.

NOTES: Participants must be covered by adequate travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from the usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend
this tour; None.

ITINERARY:
25 Aug. -- Assemble at JR Tokyo Central Station around 0745.
-- Depart Tokyo at 0820 on Tohoku Shikansen “Hayabusa 5” to arrive Shin-Aomori at 1119.
-- Transfer by chartered bus to Mt. Hakkoda, Lake Towada and Oirase area watching birds along the way.
-- Overnight Sukayu Onsen (Hotsprings).
26 Aug. -- Drive down to Misawa and Hotokenuma after early morning birding.
-- Afternoon birding at Hotokenuma wetland and Lake Ogawara.
-- Transfer to Hachinohe for overnight.
-- Overnight in Hachinohe.
27 Aug. -- Morning around Kabushima (Black-tailed Gull breeding colony) and Tanesashi Coast.
-- Depart Hachinohe at 1606 on Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayate 40” to arrive Tokyo Central at 1908.

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26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P02] Sado & Toyooka: Reintroduction of Crested Ibises in Sado andOriental Storks in Toyooka

The reintroduction programs of Crested Ibis and Oriental Stork are ongoing in Sado and Toyooka respectively.
Wild populations of both species had become extinct in the late 20th Century, but now free-flying reintroduced
birds can be seen. In addition, you can enjoy birds of Satoyama areas. EXPECTED SPECIES (SELECTION):
Crested Ibis (reintroduced), Oriental Stork (reintroduced), Eurasian Jay (G. g. tokugawae), Black-tailed Gull,
Bull-headed Shrike, Japanese Grosbeak, Meadow Bunting.
Dates: 25-28 August 2014 (4 days)
Tour price: JPY 196,000 (per person in twin share)
An option to terminate the tour at Kyoto is available. Tour fee then is JPY 181,000.
Single supplement: Not available*
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 25 persons
All meals included (from lunch on first day to lunch on last day).
*) Single rooms are not available at Ryokans and Inns. Participants will be allotted according to the sleeping capacity of each room as
specified by the accommodation.

NOTES: Participants must be covered by adequate travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from the usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend
this tour; None.
ITINERARY:
25 Aug. -- Assemble at JR Tokyo Central Station around 0745.
-- Depart Tokyo at 0824 on Joetsu Shikansen “Toki 309” to arrive Niigata at 1037.
-- Transfer to Niigata Port by bus, then to Sado Island by high-speed ferry at 1130, arriving Ryotsu Port at 1235.
-- Visit the Reintroduction Center of Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center.
-- Watch birds in the area later in the afternoon including roositng flight of reintrocuded ibises.
-- Overnight Yawata Onsen (hot springs).
26 Aug. -- Early morning birding for Crested Ibis in Kuninaka area.
-- After breakfast bird the Kamo Lake.
-- Take 1130 high-speed ferry to arrive Niigata at 1235.
-- Transfer by coach to Kanazawa.
-- Overnight Kanazawa.
27 Aug. -- Morning departure by coach to Katano Kamoike for a brief birding.
-- Long distance transfer to Toyooka.
-- Late afternoon visit to Toshima Wetlands.
-- Overnight Kinosaki Onsen (hot springs).
28 Aug. -- Morning visit to Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Sork.
-- Depart Toyooka by coach to Kyoto, arriving around 1600.
-- Depart Kyoto at 1632 by Tokaido Shinkansen to arrive Tokyo ar 1853.

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26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P03] Japan Alps and Rock Ptarmigan observation

On the peaks of the Japan Alps, the southernmost and isolated population of Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus muta
japonica has lasted from the last glacial period. The Ptarmigan here is entirely fearless of humans. The
Ptarmigan and other alpine and sub-alpine birds as well as native Alpine flowers will be seen. EXPECTED
SPECIES (SELECTION): Rock Ptarmigan, Alpine Accentor, Japanese Accentor, Spotted Nutcracker, Japanese
Leaf Warbler, Red-flanked Bluetail, Varied Tit, Japanese Wagtail, Meadow Bunting, Grey-capped Greenfinch,
Japanese Grosbeak.
Dates: 25-27 August 2014 (3 days)
Tour price: JPY 123,000 (per person in twin share)
Single supplement: Not available*
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 20 persons
All meals included (from lunch on first day to lunch on last day. Dinner on first day will be a welcome dinner).

*) Single rooms are not available at Ryokans and Inns. Participants will be allotted according to the sleeping capacity of each roomas specified by the accommodation.

NOTES: Participants must be covered by adequate travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from the usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend
this tour; This tour will go up to an altitude of over 3,000 meters, where the temperature may go down below
10 degrees Centigrade, with fog and/or rain. Warm, waterproof clothing is required.
ITINERARY:

25 Aug. -- Morning departure by coach from Tokyo Rikkyo Univ. for Matsumoto (3.5 hours).
-- Afternoon birding in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, riverine area of Saikawa River and satoyama environ in thesuburbs.
-- Overnight Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel.
26 Aug. -- Early morning departure by coach up to Mt. Norikura to watch Rock Ptarmigan on higher elevations and subalpine
species in the coniferous forests.
-- Afternoon transfer to Omachi for evening arrival.
-- Overnight Kurobe Kanko Hotel.
27 Aug. -- Early morning depature to Murodo with coach, trolley bus, cable car, ropeway and partly on foot.
-- Birding on Murodo-daira for Rock Ptarmigan and other alpine species.
-- Early afternoon visit to the Omachi Alpine Museum.
-- Afternoon transfer back to Tokyo to arrive Rikkyo Univ. around 1900.

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26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P04] Eastern Hokkaido: Wildlife of subarctic forests and marshes

More than 430 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Amongst them are such endangered species as
Red-crowned Crane and Blakiston’s Fish Owl. In addition, you can enjoy watching various wild mammals suchas deer, fox and squirrels. EXPECTED SPECIES (SELECTION): Red-crowned Crane, Marsh Sandpiper, Dunlin
and other waders, Slaty-backed Gull, Spectacled Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet, White-tailed Eagle, Blakiston's
Fish Owl, Pale Thrush, Eurasian Nuthatch, Siberian Rubythroat, African Stonechat (stejnegeri), Long-tailed
Rosefinch.
Dates: 25-28 August 2014 (4 days)
Tour price: JPY 189,000 (per person in twin share)
Single supplement: Not available*
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 20 persons
All meals included (from lunch on first day to lunch on last day).
*) Single rooms are not available at Ryokans and Inns. Participants will be allotted according to the sleeping capacity of each roomas specified by the accommodation.

NOTES: Participants must be covered by adequate travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from the usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend
this tour; Eastern Hokkaido, especially Kushiro area, can be much cooler than Tokyo. Long sleeve shirts andfield jackets are recommended.
ITINERARY:
25 Aug. -- Assemble Tokyo Haneda Airport around 0640.
-- Depart Haneda on NH4771 to arrive Kushiro at 0915.
-- Transfer to Kushiro wetlands by coach for birding for the rest of the day.
-- Overnight Hotel Taito.
26 Aug. -- Morning departure by coach along the south coast of Hokkaido to Nemuro birding along the way at various wetlands
and reserves. A short pelagic trip at Ochi-ishi included.
-- Evening arrival in Nemuro.
-- Overnight Minshuku Furen and Furoso.
27 Aug. -- Full day birding in Nemuro area at Shunkunitai, Lake Furen, etc., with a good chance of Blakiston’s Fish Owl.
-- Overnight Minshuku Furen and Furoso.
28 Aug. -- Early morning departure by coach to Notsuke Peninsula and Nakashibetsu area.
-- Transfer to Nakashibetsu Airport for flight NH840 at 1425 to arrive Tokyo Haneda at 1610.

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26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P05] Miyake Island: Volcano and Island ecosystem

Miyake Island is a fantastic volcanic island located 180 km south of Tokyo in the Izu Islands chain. Many
endemic birds, e.g. Izu Thrush and Ijima's Leaf Warbler, live in the forest. You can observe the effect of volcanic
activity on the ecosystem. EXPECTED SPECIES (SELECTION): Japanese Wood Pigeon, Streaked Shearwater,
Temminck’s Cormorant, Grey-tailed Tattler, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Varied Tit, Ijima's Leaf Warbler,
Styan's Grasshopper Warbler, Izu Thrush, Japanese Robin.
Dates: 24-27 August 2014 (4 days)
Tour price: JPY 129,000 (per person in twin share*)Single supplement: Not available*
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 20 persons
Meals include lunch on second day through lunch on fourth day (i.e. no meals on board ferries).
*) Cabins on ferries will be 2nd class Japanese-style cabins.
*) Single rooms are not available at Ryokans and Inns. Participants will be allotted according to the sleeping capacity of each room as
specified by the accommodation.

NOTES: Participants must be covered by adequate travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from the usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend thistour; Seasickness pills for those who are prone to seasickness.
ITINERARY:
24 Aug. -- Assemble Tokyo Port Takeshiba Terminal around 2120.
-- Depart Tokyo Takeshiba on Tokai Kisen’s passenger ferry at 2220.
-- Overnight on board.
25 Aug. -- Arrive Miyake Island at 0500.
-- Transfer by coach to south part of the island, and watch birds at Tairo-ike (pond) and surrounding areas.
-- Overnight Hotel Kairaku.
26 Aug. -- Full day birding on Miyake Island at various places along the ring road, as well as a short pelagic trip.
-- Overnight Hotel Kairaku.
27 Aug. -- Morning birding.
-- Depart Miyake Island on Tokai Kisen’s passenger ferry at 1420, with a very good chance of pelagic birds.
-- Arrive Tokyo Takeshiba Terminal at 2050.

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26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P06] Amami Oshima: Deep forest and Endemic Species

Amami Oshima is a beautiful island covered by subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest with giant tree ferns.
Many endemic birds (e.g. Lidith’s Jay and Amami Woodcock), mammals (Amami Rabbits) and amphibians arefound in the forests. EXPECTED SPECIES (SELECTION): Japanese Wood Pigeon, Amami Woodcock, Ryukyu
Scops Owl, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker (amamii), White-backed Woodpecker (owstoni), Lidith’s Jay, Varied
Tit (amamii), Ryukyu Robin, Amami rabbit (mammal), Okinawa habu (snake)"
Dates: 25-28 August 2014 (4 days)
Tour price: JPY 203,000 (per person in twin share)
Single supplement: Not available*
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 20 persons
All meals included (from lunch on first day to lunch on last day).

*) Single rooms are not available at Ryokans and Inns. Participants will be allotted according to the sleeping capacity of each roomas specified by the accommodation.

NOTES: A highly venomous species of snake called Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) inhabits throughout theisland. Special care must be taken while birding in forested area at all times of the day. Participants must becovered by adequate travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from the usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend thistour; Sturdy hiking boots recommended against Habu.
ITINERARY:
25 Aug. -- Assemble Tokyo Haneda Airport around 1025.
-- Depart Haneda on JL1955 at 1125 to arrive Naze at 1335.
-- After lunch transfer by coach to northern part of island for forest birding.
-- After check in to hotel and dinner, depart for a night tour for Amami Woodcock and Amami Thrush.
-- Overnight Naze.
26 Aug. -- Full day birdwatching on Amami island in forest and mangroves (with a boat ride for observing coral reef and tropicalfish).
-- Overnight Naze.
27 Aug. -- Morning birding on Yuwan Peak.
-- Afternoon birding at Amami Wildlife Conservation Center.
-- Night tour for mainly amphibians.
-- Overnight Naze.
28 Aug. -- Morning visit to Amami Park for general sightseeing.
-- Depart Amami at 1420 on JL1956 to arrive Haneda at 1625.

726th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P07] Subtropical Okinawa islands: Okinawa Rail and Okinawa Woodpecker

The Ryukyu Islands, the southernmost chain of islands in the Japanese Archipelago, abound with diverse
natural and cultural history. The island is a treasure trove of endemic fauna and flora, including a species of rail
new to science discovered in the 1980s. This tour will lead you not only through this island's rich wildlife andits conservations issues, but also through its unique culture and history. EXPECTED SPECIES (SELECTION):
Japanese Wood Pigeon, Whistling Green Pigeon, Cinnamon Bittern, White-breasted Waterhen, Okinawa Rail,
Roseate Tern, Black-naped Tern, Ryukyu Scops Owl, Okinawa Woodpecker, Light-vented Bulbul, Ryukyu Robin
Dates: 25-28 August 2014 (4 days)
Tour price: JPY 210,000 (per person in twin share)
Single supplement: Not available*
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 20 persons
Meals include lunch on first day through breakfast on last day (i.e lunch for last day is not inclucded).

*) Single rooms are not available at Ryokans and Inns. Participants will be allotted according to the sleeping capacity of each roomas specified by the accommodation.

NOTES: A highly venomous species of snake called Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) inhabits throughout theisland. Special care must be taken while birding in forested area at all times of the day. Participants must becovered by adequate travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend thistour; Sturdy hiking boots recommended against Habu.
ITINERARY:
25 Aug. -- Assemble Tokyo Haneda Airport around 0745.
-- Depart Haneda on JL0905 at 0845 to arrive Naha at 1110.
-- Drive north by coach to Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center.
-- Afternoon birding in the Yambaru forest.
-- Evening excursion.
-- Overnight in Okuma at JAL Private Resort Okuma.
26 Aug. -- Morning birding in Yambaru forest.
-- Afternoon birding at Yagaji Island Reserve for breeding terns.
-- Evening excursion.
-- Overnight in Okuma at JAL Private Resort Okuma.
27 Aug. -- After early morning birding depart south.
-- Morning birding at the paddies at Kincho for migrant waders.
-- Afternoon birding in the Tomigusuku area near Naha for waterbirds.
-- Overnight Naha.
28 Aug. -- Morning free.
-- Depart Naha at 1420 on JL0914 to arrive Haneda at 1645.

826th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P08] Taiwan: Central Mountain Range and Taroko National Park

The tour will cross central Taiwan from west to east, rising to an altitude of more than three thousand meters,
and down rugged gorges to the tropical western lowlands, watching many and varied endemic birds, as well as
exotic landscape and culture of the island of Formosa. EXPECTED SPECIES (SELECTION): Swinhoe's Pheasant,Mikado Pheasant, Taiwan Barbet, Collared Finchbill, Taiwan Blue Magpie, Yellow Tit, Styan's Bulbul, Taiwan
Scimitar Babbler, Taiwan Hwamei, Rusty Laughingthrush, Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush, White-whiskered
Laughingthrush, Steere's Liocichla, Taiwan Barwing, White-eared Sibia, Taiwan Yuhina, Flamecrest, Collared
Bush Robin, White-tailed Robin, Taiwan Whistling Thrush, Scarlet Oriole, Owston's Bullfinch, Vinaceous
Rosefinch, etc.
Dates: 25-28 August 2014 (4 days)
Tour price: JPY 198,000 (per person in twin share)
Single supplement: JPY 19,000 (subject to availability)
Minimum number required: 10 persons
Tour maximum: 15 persons
All meals included (from lunch on first day to lunch on last day, as well as in-flight meals).
NOTES: Nationals who require visa to enter Taiwan must obtain a tourist visa from Taiwanese embassy or
consulate in the country of residence before attending the Congress. Participants must be covered by adequate
travel insurance extending over the period of the tour.
EXTRA EQUIPMENT / OUTFIT: Apart from the usual birdwatching gear the following are needed to attend
this tour; This tour will bird at, and go over by road, a high pass at 3,275 meters, where during bad weather
conditions may become as cold as below 10 degrees Centigrade. Warm clothing is recommended.
ITINERARY:
25 Aug. -- Assemble Tokyo Narita Airport around 0740 to 0830.
-- Depart Narita to arrive Taipei around mid-day.
E. g.,
CI107 Tokyo Narita 0940/Taipei Taoyuan 1210
BR195 Tokyo Narita 1030/Taipei Taoyuan 1305-- Transfer to Anmashan in vans. Birding near Taoyuan Airport for waders, and in the foothills for lowland birds.
-- Overnight Anmashan Lodge.
26 Aug. -- Morning birding at Anmashan for endemic pheasants and passerines.
-- Afternoon birding on Guguanshan. Transfer to Chingling Farm.
-- Overnight Chingjing Farm.
27 Aug. -- Morning around Guguan area up to the ridge top for high altitude endemics.
-- Afternoon tranfer down to Taroko, birding along the way.
-- Overnight Taroko Guest House.
28 Aug. -- Morning birding at Taroko for lowland endemics.
-- Transfer to Taipei for late afternoon flight back to Japan.
E.g.,
CI018 Taipei Taoyuan 1440/Tokyo Narita 1855
BR196 Taipei Taoyuan 1450/Tokyo Narita 19109

26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P09] Primorye: Autumn Migration in the Russian Far East

Only 80 minutes flight away from Tokyo, Primorye is the most easily accessible Russian Far East whose birds
are not yet well known outside Russian ornithologists. The tour will visit Lake Khanka on the borders with
China, the grassland areas of Ussrisk, and the wetland in Shkotovo area. The season is just right for early
autumn migration, with raptors and passerines passing even through Vladivostok’s city parks. EXPECTED
SPECIES (SELECTION): Mandarin, Crested Honey Buzzard, Pied Harrier, Amur Falcon, Pechora (Menzbier’s)
Pipit, Chinese Grey Shrike, Siberian Rubythroat, Schrenck’s Reed Warbler, Pale-legged Warbler, Mugimaki
Flycatcher, Northern Parrotbill, Daurian Starling, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, Yellow-throated Bunting,
Tristram’s Bunting, Long-tailed Rosefinch
Dates: 26-30 August 2014 (5 days)
Tour price: JPY 316,000 (per person in twin share)
Single supplement: JPY 49,000 (subject to availability)
Minimum number required: 15 persons
Tour maximum: 25 persons
All meals included (from dinner on first day to lunch on last day, as well as in-flight meals).
An English-speaking tour leader and local guides.
ITINERARY:
26 Aug. -- Assemble Tokyo Narita Airport at 1155.
-- Depart Narita at 1355 on S7-566 to arrive Vladivostok at 1835.
-- Ovenight Vladivostok (close to the airport).
27 Aug. -- Morning departure for Lake Khanka, with stops for birding along the way.
-- Check in to a hotel in Spassk Dalniy.
-- Afternoon birding at Lake Khanaka Nature Reserve.
-- Overnight Spassk Dalniy.
28 Aug. -- Full day birding around Lake Khanka.
-- Overnight Spassk Dalniy.
29 Aug. -- Morning departure for Vladivostok via Ussurisk.
-- Birding in the grassland area around Ussrisk and riparine forest and open land along Razdolnaya River.
-- Late evening arrival at Vladivostok.
-- Overnight Vladivostok (city).
30 Aug. -- Morning birding along Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula and Shkotovo wetland.
-- Depart Vladivostok at 1300 on S7-565 to arrive Narita at 1305.

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26th International Ornithological Congress, Post-congress tours information[P10] Experiencing Traditional Culture in Historic City of Kyoto

Most popular course of Kyoto, visiting world heritages and Japanese historic architectures. Feel the Japanesecultures through the Golden Pavilion, Kannon statues and stone garden. Enjoy the geisha district at Gion andexperience the Edo period atmosphere of ancient Japan at Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
Dates: 25-27 August 2014 (3 days)
Tour price: JPY 95,000 (per person in single room)
Minimum number required: 30 persons
Tour maximum: 45 persons
Breakfast at the hotel and lunch included (i.e. no dinner included).
An English-speaking local tour guide.
ITINERARY:
25 Aug. -- Assemble at Tokyo Station in the morning.
-- Depart Tokyo Station and arrive at Kyoto Station by Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) at noon.
-- Visit Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion), and Nijo Castle by tour bus.
-- Overnight at a hotel in Kyoto city.
26 Aug. -- Morning departure from hotel to Sanju Sangen Do, Gion, Nanzenji Temple, and-- Ryoanji Temple by tour bus.
-- Overnight at a hotel in Kyoto city.
27 Aug. -- Depart Kyoto Station and arrive at Tokyo Station by bullet train.

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