After yesterday’s drive, we were to spend today around the lodge grounds. Once again we started on the terrace, with an abundance of birds coming and going around the garden and feeders. A purple-hued Plumbeous Pigeon was sat in a tall tree at the back of the garden, and Rough-legged Tyrannulet and Spix’s Spinetail were new birds for the trip, although not particularly memorable. A Green-winged Saltator appeared on a feeding table and was soon joined by Azure-shouldered Tanagers. We were delighted to discover a pair of the stunning Campo Flicker had appeared in the grounds, and gave spectacular views as they canoodled on the nearby branches. A Pallid Spinetail landed in the tree, then a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet. Southern Rough-winged Swallows whizzed overhead and an Olivaceous Woodcreeper foraged on a trunk.
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Plumbeous Pigeon
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| Pallid Spinetail |
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| Azure-shouldered Tanager |
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| Campo Flicker |
We set off along the white trail, but had barely moved a few feet, before a stunning pair of Rufous-headed Tanagers flew in to the low branches beside the track. Next up was a Bertoni’s Antbird, also showing well. Throughout our walk we were serenaded by the bizarre and loud song of the Bare-throated Bellbird, and eventually through a gap in the canopy we spotted one sat at the top of the tree, a striking bird, coloured brilliant white with a turquoise throat. A little further on the path, a pile of rotten fruit had attracted a furtive Streamcreeper, as well as a gathering of butterflies. Soon we stumbled upon Uniform Finch, a rather dull bird, before reaching the end of the trail where we lingered awhile. Across the glade a few Turkey Vultures roosted in a tree, then a pair of Black-goggled Tanagers appeared in the trees just in front of us. Our guide Andy positioned a stick on the ground and lured in a tiny White-breasted Tapaculo, giving incredible views. A White-tailed Hawk drifted over and a Swainson’s Flycatcher and Euler’s Flycatcher popped up briefly in the trees.
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| Rufous-headed Tanager |
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| Streamcreeper (Ashley Saunders) |
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| White-breasted Tapaculo (Ashley Saunders) |
We then took another small side trail, where the aptly named Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant gave us the run around for some time before finally showing itself well enough for all the group to see. A Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet was easier to find, and a Rufous Gnateater skulked low in the undergrowth.
Returning to the lodge, we had a refreshing cup of tea, then moved to the nearby verandah overlooking the valley, to scan for raptors. It was quiet on that front, but in the nearby bushes a White-winged Becard and Scaled Woodcreeper were added to our tally and Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant perched in a tree, making occasional sallies from its branch to catch an insect.
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| White-winged Becard |
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| Scaled Woodcreeper |
We returned to the lodge for lunch, and a rest in the heat of the sun before reconvening late in the afternoon. From the terrace we had some White-eyed Parakeets fly over, and an impressive Black Hawk-eagle, around five Swallow-tailed Kites, and a Roadside Hawk were all seen flying over the valley. There was plenty of activity around the feeders too with a variety of Hummingbirds and Tanagers showing obligingly for photos, together with other typical species such as Bananaquit and Kiskadee.
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| Brazilian Ruby |
Our second session of the day was hard work for little reward. We were trying for some ground-hugging secretive birds, the Cryptic Ant-thrush and Variegated Antpitta, but although we heard them calling, neither was sighted. We were asked to stand very quietly, and we really struggled to keep completely still without crackling any leaves under our feet for a considerable amount of time. It was quite a relief when the decision was made to give up and return to the lodge. A Variable Antshrike was the only compensation for our efforts.
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