Today we were spending back on the REGUA reserve. Some had a guided walk on the 4x4 Trail,
Pauline decided to take Raquel up on her offer of a botany walk and John went
with Jorge to hunt for butterflies.
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| A gang of Guira Cuckoo |
Nicholas drove the walkers up to the far end of the 4x4 track near
Casa Anibals, and within moments we heard Spot-billed Toucanet. It took some persistence, but eventually Adilei tracked the bird down in the canopy of a nearby tree. A Blue-manakin lek was our next
diversion. We carefully pushed through
the undergrowth to get nearer to the action, but it was too dense to get good
views and we were mindful not to disturb these delightful birds, so eventually
after enjoying listening to their display sounds we took our leave. Red-crowned Ant-tanager were noisily heading
up a flock in a nearby tree, with Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Black-throated
Trogon, Green-headed Tanager and Bananaquit all spotted. Scaly-headed parrots shot overhead – their
shrill call giving the only clue of their whereabouts.
As Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl entered into a conversation with
our Guide, Tropical Parula, Olivaceous Woodcreeper and Chestnut-bellied
Euphonia all reacted to the sound.
Plain Parakeet were next to join in, calling as they landed in the top
of a nearby tree, just within view if you were prepared to crane your neck
enough. Slaty-bristlefront was heard
but carried on through.
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| Black-throated Trogon |
At the banana stand where the view opens up the usual
Long-tailed Tyrants were using the tree tops as perches for feeding
sallies. Black and Turkey Vulture
circled overhead, gaining height as the thermals developed with the gradual
warming of the day.
Moving back into the forest Unicoloured Antwren,
Ochre-breasted Flycatcher, Streaked Xenops, Yellow-eared Woodpecker and
Rufous-headed Tanager were our next sightings.
Red-rumped Cacique chattered in a tree nearby and disturbed a Squirrel
Cuckoo – amazingly difficult to see for such a large bird. Flame-crested Tanager maintained our tanager
numbers and Blonde-crested Woodpecker (one of the most distinctive and
delightful birds) flew around us just long enough to ensure everyone noticed
how handsome it was.
Scaled Antbird was our next distraction, closely followed by
the next flock, comprising Yellow-backed Tanager, Blue-naped Chlorophonia,
Tropical Pewee, Rufous-browned Peppershrike and Spot-breasted Antvireo, A Black Hawk-Eagle soared above the forest,
visible in the gaps between the canopies.
Guianan Squirrel was our mammal
sighting for the day.
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| Three-toed Sloth |
As we descended, Yellow-legged Thrush, Eye-ringed
Tody-Tyrant, Black-goggled Tanager, were seen and Rufous-winged Antwren and
Greyish Mourner were heard. White-bearded Manakin were lekking nearby. A juvenile male Blue Manakin caused us some
identification queries until Adelei stepped in to correct our spurious claims
of a new species to science.
By now we were at the base of the hillside, and were walking
through what was pasture land until a couple of years ago. Amazingly the newly planted trees are
towering above us, providing much needed shade from the heat of the day. Although we have now lost Yellowish Pipit
and other pasture loving species from this area, yet another vital piece of the
forest jigsaw has been put in place, providing a corridor for species to
flourish in the future. The pasture
lovers are moving into new areas nearby – we just have to look a little harder
for them.
We re-grouped back at the lodge for a late lunch with
everyone keen to share their stories of the day.
And the weather finally held for us.
