09 December 2010

From one owl to another...ECUADOR (Dec 3, 2010)


Just started a "hard core" tour chasing the scarce, tough, and down right tricky to see, in Ecuador. We begun in the Choco region again of the endemic-rich northwest, and visited the remote Playa de Oro ("beach of gold") in the wild province of Esmeraldas, a rare area of lush, thick rainforest stretching as far as the eye can see. This feels like Amazon jungle, but it is far from there, that lies hundreds of kilometers to the east. It is also loaded with birds that are a far cry from there, holding a number of Choco endemics, like this friendly Choco Screech-Owl that was hanging out behind the lodge on several nights (photo), as was another endemic nightbird the Choco Poorwill that was more camera shy...

Owls remain my favorite family, it is always amazing to see one, and often (unlike this very obliging bird) a struggle and a challenge too!

1 comment:

JRandSue said...

Stunning shot.
John.