14 September 2011

The perfect puffbird...ECUADOR (10 Sept)


Our afternoon along Ecuador's La Guatamala trail was superb. One person (aside from Andrew) was seen all day long, and plenty of birds were around. Hitting various flocks we picked up Fulvous-breasted Flatbill (a belated lifer for me), and Blue-browed Tanagers brightened the flocks too, along with a variety of flycatchers that were in attendance including a number of Ecuadorian Tyrannulets. Also amongst the flocking birds were several Equatorial Graytails, and on one occasion a Gray-mantled Wren for direct comparison too. Sadly the hoped for Spectacled Prickletail was just glimpsed and heard. A lifer, but one that will creep onto my list under cover of darkness in shame at the poor views that led to this!

The rushing Rio Zunag hosted a fine pair of Torrent Ducks, and a bounty of bright pink flowers along the trail drew in hummingbirds, from Long-tailed Sylphs to Greenish Pufflegs and Green-fronted Lancebills. However, the best bird of the afternoon for me was this fierce looking Black-streaked Puffbird that hissed at us as only a puffbird can!


Another day on the trail the following day yielded a giant surprise...

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