We were hopeful that the rain had now gone, and decided that
we had to go off-site for some higher altitude birding. We left in the mini-bus with Alcenir our
driver in charge. As we approached
Guapi Assu we spotted a hawk (either Mantled or White-necked) in the top of a
tree with Yellow-headed Caracara either side.
After about an hour, the mobile phone rang and it was our guide to find
out where we were, he had missed us at the lodge and arranged a rendezvous with
the driver. We hopped from the bus and
did a bit of birding by the side of the road, Southern Lapwing were within feet
of us and Feral Pigeons flew around the petrol station over the road.
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| Sunrise over REGUA |
Within minutes Leonardo had caught up with
us and we were all on our way. As is our habit, we called at the Banana Stop on the main
road to Nova Friburgo. Here the owner of a small stall at the side of the road puts out bananas for the birds to eat and attracts lots of
passing birdwatchers, to add to the main customer base of drivers stopping for a quick coffee or snack. Today Blue-naped
Chlorophonia were in high numbers, Green Honeycreeper shared their spoils. Ruby-crowned Tanager was a little shyer, as
was Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.
Scaly-headed parrot flew overhead in a noisy squawking group. A Violet-crowned Woodnymph flitted around
the heliconia flowers.
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| Blue-naped Chlorophonia |
Soon it was time to move on and within a few minutes we were
at the start of this new trail. It
follows a line of an old railway, and the path is metalled, but after all the
recent rain we were effectively walking along a small stream. The birds went quiet for a while, but then a
Uniform Finch popped up on the trail just ahead of us, it fed from one side to
the other for some time before disappearing into the undergrowth – everyone had
great views. A Star-throated Antwren called
but refused to move, unlike White-collared Foliage-gleaner which came
close. Plain Antvireo, Golden-crowned
Warbler and Black-goggled Tanager followed a Brassy-breasted Tanager flock
feeding in the canopy of nearby trees, they gave a great view. A Female Pin-tailed Manakin buzzed around us
and a White-tipped Dove flew off the track.
The delightfully named Eared Pygmy-Tyrant was our next addition, closely
followed by Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet and Oustalet’s Tyrannulet – an excellent
spot by Leonardo. Olivaceous
Woodcreeper and Lesser Woodcreeper fed on nearby trees, Blue Manakin lekked
just beyond the first bank of trees, but occasionally gave good views. A Yellow-legged Thrush stayed on a branch
just long enough for two to see it then disappeared for good into the tangles
of leaves and branches. Grey-hooded
flycatcher showed very well, closely followed by Grey-capped Tyrannulet and
Black-Throated Grosbeak. A male Pintail
Manakin gave stunning views as it bounced from branch to branch, delighting all
of us with its black, white and red plumage.
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| Wild Strawberries - lovely! |
We finally returned to the bus for our picnic lunch and a
bit of sun worshipping before we moved to another new trail just a little below
the first on an old private road.
White-throated Spadebill was our first afternoon bird, with Red-necked
Tanager looking superb with the sun glinting on their mantles. Blue Dacnis, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Plain
Parakeet and Saw-billed Hermit all joined the day’s tally. Plain Xenops called but refused to show
well.
Suddenly we noticed that the clouds were gathering and
decided to beat a hasty retreat. Not a
moment too soon as the inevitable occurred and we got caught in a
downpour. Luckily we were soon back in
the shelter of the bus and Alcenir drove us back to the Lodge in good time, so
that we could take tea on the verandah and discuss our luck in avoiding the bad
weather.
