Join an exclusive expedition to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, a remote island archipelago in the North Pacific with ten endemic bird species including the opportunity to photograph the fabulous Golden White-eye, surely one of the most attractive of all the 140 White-eye species globally. This rare opportunity to these under-visited islands is led by one of the most experienced bird photographers in Asia and Oceania, ensuring you capture world-class images of these seldom-seen avian treasures. Beyond the lens, you will traverse Saipan’s rugged limestone cliffs, Tinian’s sprawling grasslands, and Rota’s lush, ancient tropical forests that rise dramatically from the turquoise North Pacific.
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands: (i) Mariana Kingfisher (ii) Saipan Reed Warbler (iii) Golden White-eye (iv) Bridled White-eye (v) Bridled White-eye (vi) Rota White-eye (vii) Tinian Monarch (viii) Marina Swiftlet (ix) Mariana Fruit Dove (x) Mariana Crow.
Regional Micronesian Endemics: (i) Micronesian Imperial Pigeon (ii) Micronesian Starling (iii) Micronesian Myzomela (iv) Micronesian Megapode.
(i) Guiding Fees (ii) Ground Transportation (iii) Domestic Flights (iv) Accommodation (v) Meals (vi) Entrance Fees (vii) Hide Fees.
(i) International Flights (ii) VISA Fees (iii) Travel Insurance (iv) Tips for Local Guide (v) Items of a Personal Nature.
Pricing is based on 2-4 participants. Solo travellers, i.e. tours with 1-PAX only, are subject to an additional Single Participant Surcharge.
Days 1-9 The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands [8N, 7D, 15S]. Arrive into Saipan International Airport and transfer to hotel spending our time amongst three island municipalities: Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Photographic Highlights: (i) Mariana Kingfisher (ii) Saipan Reed Warbler (iii) Golden White-eye (iv) Bridled White-eye (v) Caroline Islands White-eye (vi) Rota White-eye (vii) Tinian Monarch (viii) Marina Swiftlet (ix) Mariana Fruit Dove (x) Mariana Crow (xi) Micronesian Imperial Pigeon (xii) Micronesian Starling (xiii) Micronesian Myzomela (xiv) Caroline Islands White-eye (xv) Micronesian Megapode (xvi) White-throated Ground Dove.
Day 9: Depart Saipan International Airport for International Departures via Guam
[Key: N: Night / D: Full Day / S: Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping.
