Tapichalaca...(S Ecuador): 28-30 January 2010

Several days were spent in the wet temperate forests of Tapichalaca, on the east slope of the Andes in the province of Zamora-Chinchipe. Of course the focus was on the Jocotoco Antpitta, a species discovered here in 1997. These days getting it has become way too easy. On one day we were literally stalked by the extremely approachable juvenile (bottom photo), and on another morning the adults came in close to check us out (top photos). Other highlights included two other antpitta species (Rufous Antpitta and the diminutive Slate-crowned Antpitta) Orange-banded Flycatchers (a restricted range species), and perhaps best of all an amazing Ocellated Tapaculo, the large and distinctive cherry-faced, polka-dotted tapaculo of the Andes that looks so out of place in this otherwise dowdy family. Next up was the foothills of the east slope and the wonderful Copalinga Lodge...