Testimonials:
"Thanks a lot for a great trip - actually super trip! … in the beginning I was not so sure about your quality organization with ProAves/EcoTurs of the trip, but you all proved to be very efficient, and above all the work with Juan Carlos Luna was very good. Juan is one of the best guides and person in general that I met in recent years... Thus, thanks a lot to all of you." Hadoram Shirihai – Israeli ornithologist
"Very good preliminary trip to Colombia, with complete feeling of safety, and very interesting presentation of ProAves conservation work." Josep Hoyo – Editor, Handbook of the Birds of the World
"The birding was amazing and I don't think I've ever seen so many fantastically rare birds in such a short time”. Nick Athanas - Tropical Birding
We had a wonderful time in Colombia it was two of the best weeks of my life”.Ron Hines - New Mexio
Review many more testimonials
|
|
Colombia birding trip report by Trevor Ellery
November 15th to December 1st 2010
The challenge was simple, 40 endemics or your money back! This fast paced tour visited key sites across central and northern Colombia amassing a staggering 45 endemics (including two heard only) in just 17 days. Combined with fantastic scenery, diverse culture and a spectacular array of other wildlife it was a huge success and a truly memorable experience.
Leader: Trevor Ellery - two years intensive experience in Colombia.
Co-leader: Juan Carlos Luna - Colombian guide and experienced birder.
Participants: Edith Nye (UK/USA), Elizabeth Power (UK/Belgium).
Day 1: 15th November 2009 Chingaza National Park
We had a 5.00am departure for the hour drive to the high elevation temperate forest and Paramo of Chingaza National Park. The birding started along the entrance road, where we had good views of the near endemic Rufous-browed Conebill and a singing Black-chested Mountain-Tanager. A Bronze-tailed Thornbill perched low in roadside scrub, while Black-crested Warblers, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers and Paramo Seedeaters gave point blank views. A White-tailed Kite was a surprise as it cruised overhead.
We passed through the main entrance and into the park proper, where we stopped to admire a pair of Streak-throated Bush-Tyrants that were flycatching off the overhead wires. A quick play of an Andean Pygmy-Owl tape produced a result, with an individual flying in, perching close by and glaring at us angrily. It presented a great photo opportunity as it sat there being mobbed by Golden-fronted Whitestarts and a Glowing Puffleg.
We continued on upwards, stopping en route to admire the wild but fairly tame White-tailed deer. These represented the second mammal for the day list, as earlier on a Brazilian Rabbit had dashed along the road and almost between the legs of one of our tripods! We found a pair of White-capped Dippers nesting under a bridge and then added a group of Andean Teal and a single Plumbeous Sierra-Finch. Things then quietened right down, with the exceptionally clear and sunny weather seeming to stifle the bird activity in this exposed location.
After lunch we dropped down to an area of temperate forest controlled by the local water company. This is the site of a nest box scheme set up by ProAves to help the endemic and endangered Flame-winged (Brown-breasted) Parakeet. Although situated in a closed area, ProAves had arranged special permission for us to visit this exciting site. It was as we walked down through the forest here that we hit our biggest flock of the day. The first bird to be seen was a female Barred Fruiteater perched just inside the canopy. Then suddenly birds were everywhere. Pearled Treerunners were watched nimbly hitching along trunks while Streaked Tuftedcheeks tore open bromeliads close by. A female Blue-throated Starfrontlet perched briefly overhead, to be replaced seconds later by a pair of Smoky Bush-Tyrants. An array of flycatchers included Black-capped, White-tailed and White-throated Tyrannulets.
Further down a mixed group of Mountain Caciques and Black-collared Jays gave good views as they crossed the trail. Nearby a Mattoral Tapaculo was enticed out of the thick scrub, showing well to all as it crept about just above ground level. We finally arrived at the nest boxes and a quick scan revealed a flock of Flame-winged (Brown-breasted) Parakeets feeding in nearby trees. We were very fortunate as they are not always present. It seemed we had timed our visit to coincide with the beginning of a breeding cycle, as several individuals peeled off from the flock and came down to inspect the nest boxes. To add icing to the cake a superb Black-billed Mountain-Toucan perched up at eye level in a nearby tree, creating the enviable dilemma of which stunningly beautiful and charismatic species to focus on.
A group of White-capped Tanagers were less obliging. They could be heard calling and were seen passing by in the distance, but the overhead presence of two migrant Broad-winged Hawks seemed to discourage a close fly by. We climbed back up the road to the van getting great views of a handsome Crimson-mantled Woodpecker on a roadside snag.
The late afternoon departure was enlivened by several small groups of Andean Guans. While this species seems fairly widespread throughout the Andes, it seems particularly easy to see at Chingaza, with birds coming out to feed on the gravel tracks in the late afternoon. Although still wary they seem more confiding than in other areas and often allow good photographic opportunities. We left the park late afternoon in time to return to Central Bogota for a mid evening dinner.
Day 2: Parque La Florida - Maraquita
We made an early visit start to Parque La Florida situated close to the airport in Bogota. Our first stop was the marsh at the back of the small lake. After a bit of perseverance we were rewarded good, if brief, views of our main target the Bogota Rail. We also had excellent views of Apolinar's wren and watched a Subtropical Doradito, which perched up on the swaying reeds. The main lake produced Spot-flanked Gallinule among the many American Coots.
Returning to the park a pair of Silvery-throated Spinetails performed well, while several empidonax flycatchers seemed to best fit Acadian. Other migrants included Eastern-Wood-Pewees, a Solitary Sandpiper and a Merlin. A trio of Brown-chested Martins, which briefly joined the local Brown-bellied Swallows, were a real surprise and well above their normal altitudinal range.
We left La Florida late morning and dropped down out of the Andes and into the Magdalena. After lunch and a short siesta at our hotel we headed out for some late afternoon birding. This section of the valley is hot and dry, a contrast to the cool uplands of Bogota. As the heat began to drop off the birding activity picked up. We were birding a dusty back road and it didn't take long to locate the main target bird, Velvet-fronted Euphonia. We had good looks at several immatures and then a singing male. Other birds seen in the forest patches here included a vocal Grey Hawk, a noisy flock of Greater Ani's and an attractive male Violet-bellied hummingbird. A family party of Yellow-chinned Spinetail were present around a small marsh and both White-bellied and Jet Antbirds were seen well in the dry scrub. Rufous-tailed Jacamars and Barred Puffbird were found perched in overhead trees. We birded until dusk and then returned to the hotel, stopping to watch groups of Yellow-crowned Parrots as they flew in to roost in a distant forest patch.
Day 3: Libano -- La Victoria
It was a pre-dawn start for the one and a half hour climb to our mornings birding destination. We arrived at the remnant forest patches above the town of Libano at first light. We soon located out main target, the endemic Yellow-headed Brush-Finch, with a pair giving great views in roadside scrub. We followed this up with a pair of more skulking Black-headed Brush-Finches. Currently treated as a subspecies of Stripe-headed Brush-Finch, it seems likely that this race will be upgraded to full species status in the future. Regardless of its taxonomic position it is a very handsome bird and with some patience we managed good views as they foraged in the understorey.
Another target species, Tolima Dove, was only described fairly recently from this area. Much of the natural habitat around Libano and in the department of Tolima has been cleared for coffee plantations and it is plain to see why it is currently listed as endangered. A single individual made several close passes as it dashed from one hidden perch to another. We couldn't entice it to perch out in the open but were able to get a good feel for its small size and distinctive dark colouration. Several further individuals were heard calling along the roadside, but it is generally a furtive species and we were lucky to get even brief views.
The scrubby nature of the edge habitat seems to suit skulking species. Two further specialities are the near endemic Bar-crested Antshrike and the often noisy Rosy Thrush-Tanager. We were fortunate to locate pairs of both in the same productive spot. Despite trying several times we failed to find any of the groups of mobile Crested Ant-Tanagers which occasionally roam the area, but overall it had been an excellent morning.
We returned to our hotel and lunch in the Magdalena valley, before making our way north to another foothill forest patch near the town of La Victoria. Although situated on a small escarpment this site at a much lower elevation than that we had been birding in the morning and thus supports a different set of endemics. We quickly located a typically noisy and responsive group of Sooty Ant-Tanagers. We tried another spot, where we got great looks at Beautiful Woodpecker and several White-mantled Barbets. On the walk back a group of Colombian Chachalacas were located slinking through the mid canopy. A mammal highlight was a White-maned Marmoset seen close by.
With daylight beginning to run short we did a little gentle birding, before dropping back down to the pleasant town of La Victoria, where we were to spend the night.
Day 4: La Victoria - Manizales via Nevado del Ruiz
Mornings are always best in the tropics, so we made a second visit to the forest above La Victoria. Having done so well the previous day we were able to focus on looking for a couple of specific birds. A Tody Motmot was quickly located along a side trail, but despite much searching we were unable to find any Antioquia Bristle-Tyrants. This species moves with mixed flocks and it seems we couldn't locate the right mixed flock on this day. Despite this disappointment we still had a fantastic mornings birding. Scarlet-fronted Parakeets and Spectacled Parrotles gave good scope views, while birds found in the forest included Grey-headed Tanager, Red-rumped Woodpecker and lekking Golden-headed Manakin. Both Yellow-tufted Dacnis and Yellow-backed Tanager were seen along the forest edge.
By late morning the activity was dying and it was time to head towards Manizales. We climbed back up into the Andes and were able to make a short late afternoon birding stop along the entrance road to Nevado del Ruiz. We had left the muggy Magdalena valley well below and were back on the paramo edge, with cold and misty weather to match. Hoping for a sighting of the endemic Rufous-fronted Parakeet on such a short visit was really too much, but we did manage fantastic views of a very showy Paramo Tapaculo. A few Brown-backed Chat-Tyrants and Golden-fronted Whitestarts were present along the roadside, but generally their was little bird activity in the foggy conditions. We dropped down of the Paramo and headed for our hotel in the city of Manizales.
Day 5: Rio Blanco - La Suiza
We left Manizales early morning for the off-road climb to the Rio Blanco reserve, situated just above the city. We spent the first hours birding around the main lodge, dividing our time between the many hummingbird feeders and a nearby fruiting tree. The tree was attracting several Black-billed Mountain-Toucans, Emerald Toucanets, Sickle-winged Guans and Golden-headed Quetzals. The hummingbird feeders were just as busy allowing close views of Long-tailed Sylph, Tourmaline Sunangel, Collared Inca and Buff-tailed Coronet. As we were about to leave the lodge and head up into the forest we heard some raucous calling and a small group of Golden-plumed Parakeets flew in and perched on a nearby tree. It was time for us to get going and we joined a local forest guard, who was armed with a bucket of worms. On the walk up we got good views of a Dusky Piha. We arrived at the Antpitta feeding station and almost immediately a pair of Chestnut-crowned Antpittas appeared. These were shortly followed by a slightly more furtive but still obliging Brown-banded Antpitta - the sole Colombian endemic at the site. Back in the forest we were lucky with Tapaculos managing to see both Spillman's and Unicolored. We then located a massive flock, including Superciliared and Black-headed Hemispingus, Barred Becard, Grey-hooded Bush-Tanager and Grass-green Tanager. Travelling with the flock but at the understorey level were Sharpe's and Mountain Wrens and Plushcap, while a smart Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant was seen nearby.
We returned to the lodge for lunch and then headed out of the reserve. We found another flock along the entrance track which held our third Hemispingus of the day Oleaginous, along with Rufous-breasted Flycatcher and a pair of the very attractive Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher. A wintering male Golden-winged Warbler was an important record as ProAves is currently involved in a project to map the wintering range of this species in northwestern South America and Central America.
We transferred to a hotel on the outskirts of Pereira near the Otun Quimbya reserve. Although we did have a little time for late afternoon birding, we opted to take things easy in the grounds of the hotel having had a busy first few days.
Day 6: La Suissa - Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve
We started birding at dawn and quickly located several Cauca Guans perched high in roadside trees. We had excellent scope views and then found another target species, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow. Small groups of these birds were seen throughout the morning and combined with the impressive Guans made a spectacular show. We continued birding up the traffic free road and added a third endemic, in the form of a brightly patterned Multicoloured Tanager. A group of Red-mantled Howler Monkeys, gazing down at us from the canopy just above the road, were a fantastic sight, especially as they were illuminated by the rising sun. Other birds included some obliging Masked Trogons and a party of Green Jays. Both Chestnut-Wood-Quail and Chestnut-breasted Wren were heard, but never really close enough to attempt a sighting. We left La Suissa late morning for the short transfer to Pereira airport, where we had an early lunch before catching a flight to Medellin. Some problems with the Colombian airlines caused delays and we arrived at the Chestnut-capped Piha reserve quite late in the evening.
Day 7: Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve
Our first morning at Piha and we trekked up to the ridge. On the way we managed to find a reasonably obliging Streak-capped Treehunter and had brief views of a Chestnut-crowned Gnateater. We spent most of the day birding along the ridge and managed to locate several mixed flocks. We were lucky to find target species such as Black-and-gold and Multicoloured Tanagers. These were backed up by a supporting cast which included Uniform Antshrike, Red-headed Barbet (including some smart males), Red-faced Spinetail and both Lineated and Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaners.
Among the more skulking species we managed views of Parker's Antbird and White-crowned Tapaculo. Although several Stiles's Tapaculos were heard, they seemed very unresponsive in the dry conditions and stayed hidden. We returned to the lodge late afternoon and enjoyed a selection of hummingbirds at the feeders. These included Green-crowned Brilliant, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Andean Emerald and Steely-vented Hummingbird. We had already seen Green Hermit and Greenish Puffleg along the trails. A single Blue-fronted Parrotlet buzzed overhead before diving down to the forest below. An evening search for Lyre-tailed Nightjar failed to produce the nightjar, but did produce a group of at least four Red-throated Caracaras, a rare species in the reserve.
Day 8: Piha - Suroeste Antioquia
We started our second morning at Piha mindful that we hadn't seen the reserves flagship species, the recently described Chestnut-capped Piha. We sent Juan Carlos on ahead and he called to say that he had located a calling individual. We caught up with him and all managed views before it joined a passing mixed flock. The flock included Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant, Wing-barred Manakin and a nice Indigo Flowerpiercer. We also managed good views of Golden-winged Manakin before beginning our descent. The final bird we saw as we walked back down to the lodge was a fairly confiding Brown-billed Scythebill, which we watched foraging on some trailside tree trunks. We left Piha late morning for the long drive to Ciudad Simon Bolivar. We arrived early evening, with enough time left to admire the beautiful plaza, before enjoying dinner in pleasant open air restaurant.
Day 9: Las Tangaras Bird Reserve
We arranged a jeep to pick us up and take us to the new ProAves Las Tangaras Bird Reserve. As we drove up the entrance track several Flame-rumped Tanagers crossed the road. We headed up a gentle trail towards the ridgetop and soon located an obliging Narino Tapaculo. We also managed to see a Bonze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, which was flicking about in the understorey. A pair of Olive Finches emerged at the trail side and then a confiding Olivaceous Piha was located perched overhead. The highlight of the climb though was when Juan Carlos located a male Orange-breasted Fruiteater. We enjoyed great views of this sluggish beauty, one of the highlights of the trip. We arrived at a clearing at the ridgetop and after some scanning found our main target, a Gold-ringed Tanager, perched at the edge of the canopy. Nearby several Velvet-purple Coronets were feeding in a flowering tree, adding to the Violet-tailed Sylphs and Brown Inca we had seen on the climb. We spent some time in the clearing adding Toucan Barbet, Glistening-green Tanager and a group of Black-chinned Mountain-Tanagers. Mountain Wren and Tri-coloured Brush-Finch were found foraging in the lower growth. It was now mid afternoon and as the mist and rain rolled in we headed back down to the jeep. With the poor weather looking set for the afternoon and visibility down to a few feet, we decided to head back. We managed to locate a couple of White-tailed Hillstars fussing around roadside flowers on the drive out.
Day 10: Las Tangaras Bird Reserve - Colibri del Sol Bird Reserve
Having had such a great day on the 23rd we decided to try a second morning at Las Tangaras Bird Reserve. We only had a few hours but we still managed to locate some excellent birds. We started off birding down the road. Flock birds included a group of Handsome Flycatchers and a Rufous-throated Tanager. The main highlight was a calling Yellow-breasted Antpitta, which perched up fairly high and allowed everyone great views. We decided to bird the lower part of the trail we had visited the previous day and soon located another mixed flock. This held such specialities as Fulvous-dotted Treerunner and Buffy Tuftedcheek. We were distracted from the canopy by a group of Sharpe's wrens moving through the mid-storey and this is when we found the highlight of the day. A couple of birds glimpsed low down, proved to be a pair of Bicoloured Antvireos. A very rare bird and it seems a northward range extension
We also came across a noisy group of Beautiful Jays and then a flash of black and white revealed a Black Solitaire perched low in the canopy. It quickly flew off but then came back with a second in tow. Another great bird at this new and exciting site. All of this activity had taken us to mid-morning and mindful of the long transfer to the next ProAves reserve we had to tear ourselves away.
We headed out to Urrao. We stopped off at a favoured spot, where we soon had point-blank views of a Munchique Wood Wren. Otherwise we did little birding. It was the middle of the day and we did not want to be late for our appointment with the horses that were to take us up to Colibri del Sol. We arrived at a finca near Urrao and saddled up for the 90 minute climb to the reserve cabin. Some rode, some walked and it was a fairly uneventful climb through pasture, until we reached the temperate forest and the reserve. We arrived at dusk with just enough time to enjoy a few hummers at the cabin feeders, including Tourmaline Sunangel, Mountain Velvetbreast and the diminutive White-bellied Woodstars.
Day 11: Colibri del Sol
We set off early, again on horse back, for the much steeper but shorter climb to the Paramo. The hardest part was the last log steps up to the Paramo edge, but we stopped and rested at some conveniently placed hummingbird feeders. These played host to the reserves flagship species, the recently re-discovered Dusky Starfrontlet. This is one of the birding worlds more inappropriately named species. The males were truly dazzling, with their sparkling green bellies and blue throat and forehead frontlets, flashing as they duelled around the feeders.
We completed the final climb and began searching the scrubby Paramo for two special high elevation . We found a male Black-throated, which perched up briefly to sing, but were struggling with the rarer and endemic Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer. In fact it was only when we started dropping down and found some flowering trees, that we located one of these bright and chunky birds. It gave good views and both the guests agreed that, despite the physical exertion, the climb had been worth it. We spent some time birding at this high elevation and other species we encountered included Purple-backed Thornbill, Ash-coloured Tapaculo, Black-chested and Lachrymose Mountain-Tanagers and Slaty Brush-Finch.
We made our way down and played a late afternoon visit to the Antpitta feeding station. Although often less active in the afternoon, we were lucky and were soon enjoying close views of the yet to be formally described, Fenwick's Antpitta. Unfortunately the Chestnut-naped Antpitta, which also often visit the feeding station, was not coming in during our stay. We did add some confiding Stripe-headed Brush-Finches.
Day 12: Colibri del Sol - Jardin
This day started extremely bright and sunny and stayed that way. It seemed to kill off most bird activity, but made for a pleasant walk back down to the van. We did try a little birding in the bamboo near the lodge, finding a pair of Long-tailed Antbirds and a fly over White-rumped Hawk. We failed however to locate the large flock which is often present near the lodge, only managing to find several of the gigantic Hooded Mountain-Tanagers. The walk down was quiet, until we located a small flock which included several Red-hooded Tanagers, a much wanted species and one of the morning's targets. They showed well as they fed in the tree tops in the bright sunlight. We met up with the van late morning and transferred to the pleasant colonial settlement of Jardin. We arrived late afternoon and spent some time relaxing in what is one of the prettiest towns in Colombia.
Day 13: Jardin
We spent the morning visiting a new site just outside of Jardin. Local ProAves staff had recommended this as a place to see Red-Bellied Grackle, a species we had missed at Piha. After a couple of hours searching it was Betty who located a pair of the Grackles, surprisingly feeding on the ground at the edge of the pasture. They gave great views and were joined by a large flock of Russet-backed Oropendolas. We spent a little more time exploring the woodland edge here, where we managed to find a number of Tanagers. Other highlights included a pair of Variegated Bristle-Tyrants and a female Woodstar, which seemed to be a Gorgeted.
We started the ascent to the ProAves reserve late afternoon, with the aim of looking for the parrots as they came into roost in the evening. We found a couple of small flocks on the way up and then hit some bad weather. We were able to take shelter in the forest guard's cabin as the rain beat down. Luckily it cleared and we headed off to wax palm trees favoured by the parrots. We were not to be disappointed and soon located several flocks, which swept into the palms and gave great views. It was now quite late in the day and time to head down for our second night in Jardin.
Day 14: Jardin - Santa Marta
We left early for the drive to Medellin, where we caught a late morning flight to Santa Marta. The flight was delayed and we arrived at Santa Marta several hours behind schedule. We had a quick lunch in the airport, from where we could scan the Caribbean, adding Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican and the ubiquitous Boat-tailed Grackles. We then headed out into the heat and began our ascent to the ProAves El Dorado lodge, situated high in the Santa Marta Mountains. As we climbed the temperature dropped and it was pleasantly cool at our first birding stop. We soon located our fist endemic a typically furtive Santa Marta Tapaculo, but struggled to get good views of Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner. Due to our late arrival time was running short and we pressed on to the lodge. The last part of the drive was undertaken in the dark and we suddenly spotted a Santa Marta Screech-Owl in the car headlights, perched low at the side of the road. We yelled at the driver to stop and all enjoyed close views of this recently described species. It was highly fortuitous as if it hadn't been for our earlier delay we would have arrived at the lodge before dark. Furthermore while the owl is often vocal near the lodge, it can be hard to pin down, so we were truly lucky with this sighting.
Day 15: El Dorado Bird Reserve
It was a 4.30 am breakfast and then an hour's drive up to the ridge. We had good views of a Band-winged Nightjar perched on the road during the climb. We wished to be present at dawn when the bird activity kicked off and we weren't disappointed. We soon located several Santa Marta Parakeets perched in a Eucalyptus and quickly added endemic after endemic. Santa Marta Brush-Finch, Streak-capped and Rusty-headed Spinetails, typically confiding Yellow-crowned Whitestarts and jovial Santa Marta Warblers, with their humbug like head patterns, were all seen in the first few hours of daylight. Among the mixed flocks were Santa Marta Mountain-Tanager and Montane Woodcreeper, an endemic subspecies which may represent and incipient species. The skulkers were just that, but we did manage to encourage a Rufous Antpitta to perch out briefly. The Rufous Antpitta grouping is likely to be split into several species and this endemic subspecies could well be elevated to full species status. We also managed brief views of a pair of Brown-rumped Tapaculos in the bamboo. Some Scaly-naped Amazons gave great views perched just off the road. The one bird that was eluding us was the Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant. We persevered and after a couple of hours managed to locate a single bird in the subcanopy. Happy we had found this occasionally difficult species we returned to the lodge.
Having arrived and left in the dark it was time to sit down and enjoy the hummingbird feeders. Plenty of Green Violetears and Violet-crowned Woodnymphs were present, along with the endemic Santa Marta race of Tyrian Metal-tail, which is unique in having a blue tail. The real prizes though were the male White-tailed Starfrontlet and the female Santa Marta Woodstar which were visiting the feeders. Both of these species are endemic and can be tricky to find, with the Woodstar somewhat seasonal and erratic. To have both species visiting the feeders at the same time was a unique experience, made all the better as we enjoyed coffee and a cake.
We spent the afternoon birding trails near the lodge. We got good views of a Lined Quail-Dove as it scuttled off into the undergrowth and fantastic views of a White-tipped Quetzal perched in the canopy. We also made sure we saw the endemic race of Masked Trogon, which is occasionally mooted as a separate species. The real highlight was a territorial Santa Marta Antpitta, which we encouraged to perch up on a log. A great climax to a fantastic day.
Day 16: El Dorado
We spent the morning birding the road below the lodge. Following brief views of a Long-billed Hermit on roadside flowers, we located a Keel-billed Toucan and the endemic race of Emerald Toucanet. This is separated by some authorities as a separate species, Santa Marta Toucanet. Some loud calling alerted us to a Santa Marta Foliage- gleaner and although skulking we all eventually managed good views. This is the newest Santa Marta endemic, having only recently been separated from Ruddy Foliage-gleaner. We tried a favoured spot and after some patience located a diminutive Rusty-breasted Antpitta in the thick roadside vegetation. We also saw Black-banded Woodcreeper and Golden-breasted Fruiteater.
In the late afternoon we did some casual birding near the lodge. As we had not seen the Black-fronted Wood-Quails, which occasionally visit the compost, we tried a little tape playback. To our surprise a group came running in and passed along the trail close to us. Then a Santa Marta Antpitta hopped up, surprisingly high on a sapling and started alarm calling, giving us all great views. We also found a small party of the endemic White-lored Warbler, which is quite common around the lodge.
Day 17: 1st December 2009 El Dorado - Minca
We spent the morning birding the lower elevations of the mountain above Minca before dropping Elaine and Betty off at the airport, from where they were to fly back to Bogota.
Endemic Bird List
1. Cauca Guan - La Suissa
2. Colombian Chachalaca - La Victoria
3. Bogota Rail - Parque La Florida
4. Tolima Dove - Libano
5. Yellow-Eared Parrot - Jardin (ProAves Reserve)
6. Santa Marta Parakeet - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
7. Brown-breasted Parakeet - Chingaza (ProAves Nestbox Scheme)
8. Santa Marta Screech-Owl - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
9. White-tailed Starfrontlet - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
10. Dusky Starfrontlet - Colibri del Sol (ProAves Reserve)
11. Santa Marta Woodstar - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
12. White-mantled Barbet - La Victoria
13. Santa Marta Toucanet - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
14. Beautiful Woodpecker - La Victoria
15. Silvery-throated Spinetail - Parque La Florida
16. Rusty-headed Spinetail - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
17. Streak-capped Spinetail - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
18. Santa-Marta Foliage-gleaner - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
19. Parker's Antbird - Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve (ProAves Reserve)
20. Fenwick's Antpitta - Colibri del Sol (ProAves Reserve)
21. Santa Marta Antpitta - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
22. Brown-Banded Antpitta - Rio Blanco
23. Santa Marta Tapaculo - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
24. Brown-rumped Tapaculo - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
25. Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
26. Chestnut-capped Piha - Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve (ProAves Reserve)
27. Apolinar's Wren - Parque La Florida
28. Munchique Wood-Wren - near Las Tangaras Bird Reserve (ProAves Reserve)
29. Flame-rumped Tanager - Las Tangaras Bird Reserve (ProAves Reserve)
30. Black-and-Gold Tanager - Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve (ProAves Reserve)
31. Gold-ringed Tanager - Las Tangaras Bird Reserve (ProAves Reserve)
32. Santa Marta Mountain-Tanager - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
33. Multicoloured Tanager - La Suissa / Chestnut-capped Piha (ProAves Reserve)
34. Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer - Colibri del Sol (ProAves Reserve)
35. Santa Marta Brush-Finch - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
36. Yellow-headed Brush-Finch - Libano
37. Sooty Ant-Tanager - La Victoria
38. Yellow-crowned Whitestart - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
39. White-lored Warbler - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
40. Santa Marta Warbler - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
41. Red-bellied Grackle - Chestnut-capped Piha (ProAves Reserve)
42. Velvet-fronted Euphonia - Maraquita
43. Colombian Brush-Finch - El Dorado (ProAves Reserve)
44. Chestnut Wood-Quail - Jardin and Chestnut-capped Piha (ProAves Reserve) - Heard Only
45. Stile's Tapaculo - Chestnut-capped Piha (ProAves Reserve) - Heard Only
|
Top Destinations
Up and coming tours
Private tours
Eco Volunteers
|
|
