Reefs to Rockies

Costa Rica is five times smaller than our home state of Colorado, and yet it’s home to nearly 5% of the world’s species. 🤯

If you want to visit the region of Costa Rica with the most jaw-dropping wildlife wow factor, head south to the Osa Peninsula. These 700 square miles are almost entirely covered by tropical rainforest. Behind the veils of green, a plethora of species can be spotted.

Watch this space for our favorite sightings from a recent trip to Costa Rica’s Osa!

The sea turtle conservation world experienced a huge loss last week. We've been involved with SEE Turtles for years and they're one of the best out there. J., you will be missed. Your legacy will live on and as Brad wrote, only 987,000,000 baby sea turtles to go!

Hugs to you, Brad.

When I Met J. — SEE Turtles by Brad Nahill, SEE Turtles President My first experience with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols (aka J.) was different than most. I didn’t see one of his extraordinary presentations or read one of his numerous books. I was attending the 22nd Annual Sea Turtle Symposium in Miami where Sylvia Earle was giving

Last call for our Colorado wildlife trip next month featuring scenic locations from Buena Vista to the Black Forest. Visiting a long-term study area for Flammulated Owls is sure to be a highlight. Trip dates are July 15-17. Only 1 spot left!

https://reefstorockies.com/group_trips/colorado-birding-2024/

For you Colorado folks - if you're looking for an awesome nature experience locally in the next week or so, it's Calypso orchid prime time. Get out there!

There's still time to register for our Conversation with Southern Plains Land Trust this afternoon at 4 pm mountain time. Directors Henry Po***ck and Judith Westveer will share good news from the prairie and upcoming collaboration trips with R2R to the 'American Serengeti.' If you can't join us online this afternoon, register anyway and we'll send you the recording.

Please register here: https://ow.ly/e99u50S7Ggj

We have two groups exploring the East Coast this week - one in the Carolinas and one in Maine. Check out these smiles!

Here's a reminder about two events happening this week:

India Travel Q&A online today at 4 pm mountain time and Roaming Shadows, An Afternoon with Ladakh, India's snow leopards on Saturday in Denver. Registration links here: https://mailchi.mp/reefstorockies/events

Did you hear the news? On May 25, we’re hosting an afternoon event in Denver with special guest Behzad Larry. Behzad is a professional photographer, historian, adventurer, and dedicated conservationist who specializes in documenting remote reaches of the world. He leads photo tours across India including snow leopard expeditions in Ladakh. He’ll share stories of his involvement with snow leopard tourism and local conservation efforts in Ladakh. This is a unique opportunity to learn what it’s like to search for and photograph this elusive and captivating cat.

The event is from 3-5 pm at Left Hand Brewing's RiNo location. Space is limited to pre-registration is required. Message us to RSVP.

We hosted back-to-back BioBlitz days last weekend at two Audubon-certified bird friendly ranches in SE Colorado. Grassland birds have suffered the biggest population declines of any terrestrial habitat since 1970. Grassland conservation and stewardship is crucial.

We searched high and low and found excellent indicators of quality habitat at both ranches. Check out this collection of images.

Check out our American Serengeti Series for upcoming trips that take you to the heart of these spectacular seas of grass.

Thanks to Christine D. for the people images!

Need some lunchtime reading? Check out our most recent newsletter. Lots of great events happening soon! Open and find out.
https://mailchi.mp/reefstorockies/may2024

Hey, did you know it's Earth Day! Of course you did. We hope you're out enjoying nature a bit.

Slowly making our way through India photos. Here are our favorite tiger shots. This is Riddhi and her three 10-month old cubs. We spent about 1.5 hrs observing this family unit.

A little less than 2 weeks ago, we posted this: Have you ever considered a wildlife safari to India? How about one that seeks to find three of the world’s biggest cats – leopard, snow leopard, and tiger in one trip – while showcasing industry partners committed to community-focused, planet-sensitive tourism? Follow us for the next two weeks as we do just that.

Well, we've managed to find all three of the big cats with far less time in key areas than recommended. There are still a few days left on the trip, but we wanted to share three images that aren't stock photos like those used for the original post.

In May, R2R Co-founder Sheridan Samano will host a Q&A about wildlife travel to India. Keep an eye out for the announcement in case you'd like to learn more.

There's a scenic region in Rajasthan, India where leopards and shepherds are peacefully coexisting. It's one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited.

Earlier this week, India celebrated Holi, the Festival of Colors marking the arrival of spring. Today was colorful indeed.

It’s rare for us to post food photos even though gastronomy is such an important backdrop to a destination. This vegetarian dinner on our first full day in India, a chef’s selection of dishes showcasing Rajasthan’s culinary highlights, is hands-down one of the best meals we’ve ever experienced during our travels. You know it’s good when wow is heard multiple times throughout. Bonus for a beer with a bird’s name!

Have you ever considered a wildlife safari to India? How about one that seeks to find three of the world’s biggest cats – leopard, snow leopard, and tiger in one trip – while showcasing industry partners committed to community-focused, planet-sensitive tourism? Follow us for the next two weeks as we do just that.

Need something to read over the weekend? Check out these small group itineraries now on our website and open for registration. All of these itineraries are new for 2024 and 2025.

East Meets West - Plains to Peaks
Coastal Carolinas Savage Gardens and Botanical Hotspots
Southeast Colorado Summer Safari
Colorado Summer Birding Hotspots w/ Flammulated Owls
Wildlife Wonders of Mexico - Birds, Butterflies & More

https://reefstorockies.com/group_trips/

Let's end the week with these images of the Habinyanja gorilla family. Habinyanja was one of the first mountain gorilla families to be habituated at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. There are 13 family members right now including a 3-month old baby. We spent an hour with the family after the rains stopped and feeding, lounging and play commenced. Amazing to say the least.

Here are a few stills of that Shoebill we spotted in Uganda last week to end our epic Kenya and Uganda Safari.