Ecuador Birding Trip

Wednesday, January 28

Barbara’s Notes

Departure day from Napo Wildlife Centre. After a quick cipro (you Central American birders will understand) I was in shape and we hustled for a 6am departure. George was very focused on birds on the way out – he now has a count of almost 400 seen on this trip. This would be our last chance for Amazon birds. As well we had to say goodbye to Howler monkeys, Squirrel monkeys and Capuchins (one of these dropped leaves and branches on our canoe as we passed under). We are grateful to have experienced the amazing diversity of the Amazon forest.

We canoed and motor boated it back to Coca. Time for a sad farewell to Marcello who had a 6 hour bus trip on a bad road to get home to Tena.

Capped Heron	Amazon Kingfisher

Capuchin Monkey	Capuchin Monkey

Common Squirrel Monkey	Orange-winged Amazon

Oriole Blackbird

At the airport, the birding was good. – Judith got her seen number up to 396. An unusual sighting was a wayward Cattle Tyrant flycatcher.

When we arrived in Quito, we said farewell to Andrés. He gave us his business card as he has published books about the Galapagos: www.spotfieldbooks.com.

Common Squirrel Monkey	Orange-winged Amazon

White-throated Toucan	Orange-winged Amazon

Blue-headed Parrot

Back at our hotel in Quito, we had a free afternoon. Bill and I hiked to an Artisan’s market, about 10 blocks. We enjoyed the local colour. Pat got new glasses (she lost one lens on the canopy trail).

The evening group dinner was cancelled. Almost everyone was struck with diarrhea/vomiting. Bill survived pretty well (thanks, cipro!), but I was hit hard. So, a long night... Judith made room calls. Sandra went to a clinic, accompanied by Ann and Tony. She now has a prescription for an antibiotic.

All part of the experience...

We are headed up to the east slope mountains tomorrow. Looking forward to the cool air and striking scenery.