Ecuador Birding Trip

Saturday, January 31

Barbara’s Notes

This day brought some surprises:
• Joan became increasing ill during the night. At 2:30am Alfredo drove her, George and Vinicio to a nearby country clinic (20 minute drive). They didn’t arrive back until 3:30pm (via impromptu taxi - an electrician’s truck). As suspected, Montezuma’s revenge. Clinic birding = TKs (tropical kingbirds).
• Our 6am birding day started with a fly past of night hawks.
• Marcello (Vinicio local temporary replacement) led us into the forest and fed and called out two antpittas – chestnut-crowned and white-bellied (both different varieties than we had seen before).

Subtropical Cacique	Pale-edged Flycatcher

Montane Woodcreeper	Swainson's Thrush

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta	Chestnut-crowned Antpitta

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta

White-bellied Antpitta	White-bellied Antpitta

• Marcello was able to “call” in birds with voice, including a Golden-headed Quetzel.

• During breakfast, a bird hit the window and suddenly we discovered a flock of species coming through – great viewing from inside.
• It was an amazing butterfly day – lots of photos!
• The hummingbirds were active at the feeders, even during the rain.
• Hilda discovered two Chestnut-crowned Antpittas on the shortcut path, alerted Bill and birds were much photographed by him.
• Sun and rain – a day of extremes. Full rain gear and boots are back in action. Marcello cut large palm leaves to use as umbrellas.

Flame-faced Tanager	Beryl-spangled Tanager

Cinnamon Flycatcher	Blue-winged Mountain-tanager

Summer Tanager	Chestnut-breasted Coronet

Golden-header Quetzal male

Bronzy Inca (left & right)	Inca Jay

	Chestnut-breasted Coronet

We birded along the same stretch of road three times today, each time seeing new species. When Vinicio returned we were able to get a little further a field, using our bus. Fortunately the rain lifted and we got magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. To conclude the day, dinner was divided into the bland group (most of us) and the spicy group (Bill, Judith, Colin, Pat, Janet). Judith invited us to the lounge to help her finish a bottle of wine. A lovely end to the day. We toasted the upcoming birth of Vinicio’s first child.

Roadside Hawk	Roadside Hawk

Black Phoebe

Southern Lapwing	Southern Lapwing

	Emerald Toucanet

Collared Inca	Bronzy Inca

Fawn-breasted Brilliant	Masked Trogon female

• The staff at the lodge decorated the dining room and lounge area with magnificent bouquets of long stem roses in multi-colors (only $1/dozen here in Ecuador).
• Tony claims he is up to 87 lifers!

San Isidro Owl

Our last day in Ecuador tomorrow.

7am birding, breakfast and a bus/birding trip back to Quito.