Search This Blog

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Ecuador2016 6/6

Sep 7
WildSumaco
Golden-tailed Sapphire
 Gorgeted Woodstar
 Wire-crested Thorntail
 Black-mandibled(Yellow-throated) Toucan
Russet-backed Oropendola

Antisana/Guaytara
Antisana is a high volcano near Quito, its vicinity to the capital city made it a great place for the Ecuadorian people to see their national bird, Andean Condor. Most parts in the area are over 3000m above sea level, some are over 4000m. 
 Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant
 Chestnut-winged Cinclodes
 Eared Dove
 Great Thrush
also a mammal

Sep 8
Antisana/Guatara

Andean Condor
The national bird of Ecuador. It is also on their flag.


Juvenile does not have the white collar. This one is tagged and it say ''12'' on both wrists.
Carunculated Caracara

Variable Hawk
The difference in size and coloration made me think I had at least 2 species, turned out they are just variable.


Black-faced Ibis
Andean Lapwing
Southern Lapwing


Laguna Micacocha at Antisana
Ticked off a few more birds on this scenic drive to and at the alpine lake.

Silvery Grebe
 Andean Coot
White-browed Ground-Tyrant
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch
female

Of course, there were also other smaller birds at Antisana.
Ecuadorian Hillstar
male
female
In this Sierra climate, hummingbirds are still able to live on a few flower species.
Giant Hummingbird
The biggest of all hummingbirds. It is about 16 cm in length


Tyrian Metaltail
Shining Sunbeam is not very shiny from the side and through the window.
Black-tailed Trainbearer

Black-winged Ground-Dove

Black Flowerpiercer
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant
Tawny Antpitta
Plain-coloured Seedeater
male

female
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch
Male
female

Antisana is a good last location for our trip because we were able to go back to Quito for the next day or the same day's flight at the international airport in less than 3 hours.
Quito
I took my last chance to look for birds at the hotel where we waited for our flights. Vermillion Flycatcher was a welcomed lifer.
Vermillion Flycatcher

Hooded Siskin
Great Thrush

To sum up what I think are most memorable of each location.

Las Gralarias- Violet-tailed Sylph, tanagers, frogs and Jane's impressive bird book collections
Paz de las Aves- Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
Milpe- Club-winged Manakin
Alambi- most birds are common, but the backgrounds here are different for better or worse.
23 Junio- Long-wattled Umbrellabird
Chontal- Oilbird
Guango/Palpallacta Pass- Sword-billed Hummingbird
San Isidro(the only disappointing location, though would not mind giving it another try)- San Isidro Owl
WildSumaco- Wire-crested Thorntail
Antisana/Guaytara- Alpine species

Lastly, just some pictures I couldn't squeeze into the previous posts.

Group photo at Las Gralarias
Our main guide Mauricio Ruano(left 5) driver/secondary guide Nestor Alban(left 3) helped us find almost all of our target species over the two weeks.
Driver and new bird enthusiast Milton Delgado(right 1) also helped us find birds at Las Gralarias.
 Jane correcting my frog identification at Las Gralarias
 Las Gralarias
Guango
where you need a fireplace on the equator.

 Guango lodge
 WildSumaco
 Antisana




Dad, Liu and me, left to right.

Thanks to all of the guides and drivers for making this an unforgettable experience.
And thanks for watching.
Might get to start posting photos from Metro Vancouver soon.