After leaving the lodge we rushed to the upper valley to look for the rare Tanager Finch. Shortly after arriving the rufous and black bird sang its high pitched song endlessly as we got great looks at this rare Choco endemic. Other stops throughout the morning gave us our first looks at cloudforest birding as we enjoyed many upper valley species. Several of the experiences today were unforgettable. My frist ever toucan, a Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, blue bodied with a yellow, red, and black bill with yellow and blue around the eye, was studied at great length. At thesame time a female Masked Trogon, but hopefully we will see the male later. This also marked my first large mixed flock. We sifted through common species like the spotted Beryl-spangled, stunning Blue-winged Mountain, and glowing Grass Green Tanagers to find the less common Golden-naped and Blue-and-black Tanagers. Even though the tanagers were the most beautiful birds of the flocks, the flycatchers proved to be the toughest to identify. The highlight of the flycatchers was the tiny and feisty Rufous-crowned Tody-flycatcher. Pearl Treerunner and Powerful Woodpecker were also good finds in the morning flocks.
Of the bird groups in South America, none stands out as much as the hummingbirds. The Tandayapa Bird Lodge is one of the best places in the world to watch these little critters. The diversity is spectacular ranging from Violet-ears to Brilliants to the small Woodstars. Violet-tailed Sylphs are one of the main stars, showing off their long glowing blue and purple tails. Purple-bibbed Whitetip is another neat hummingbird that is very small and colorful. Other than the number of hummingbirds present, the ability to approach the feeders is even more amazing. While at the feeders I spent most of the time standing right next to the birds with an arm outstretched so some of the species would perch on my finger to feed. This is why the Booted Racket-tail was my favorite hummingbird of the day. They have great looks with their bright green throats, white puffy boots around their feet, and that long tail, thin until it reaches the blue rackets on the end. They also have a surprisingly energetic personality chasing away larger Coronets and Violet-ears before gently landing on the feeder. The feeling of a bird so small on my finger was undescribable.
 Buff-tailed Coronet
 Fawn-breasted Brilliant
  Booted Racket-tail
We left the hummingbirds late in the evening to try for a Lyre-tailed Nightjar down the road. Upon arrival, the bird was heard singing hidden in a tree. A little tape coaxed the bird out into the open allowing excellent views in flight. Next we were stunned to see the bird perch on dead branch, totally exposed. It was still light enough to see the bird plop its body down on the perch and have its long tail gracefully follow the body and gently float down to rest. An amazing way to end an amazing day. |
