The Wetland

Tropical Screech Owls

Before breakfast a Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture circled over the garden, dipped its wings and then soared away.   After a leisurely breakfast with Swallow-tailed hummingbird bumping all contenders from the feeders in the garden both Glittering-throated Emerald and Violet-capped Woodnymph trying to outwit the bullies, we were off to the wetland for a gentle stroll.    Reddish Hermit was feeding on the nectar rich flowers along the drive, Tropical Kingbird sallied out from the treetops feeding on passing insects.   Kiskidee called its distinctive song.

White-faced Whistling-ducks

Near the office our guide, Adilei pointed out a pair of Tropical Screech Owls, roosting under cover in a broad leaved tree.   [On previous visits they have been in the area, but different trees and branches – just to keep us guessing].

Behind the volunteer accommodation Chalk-browed Mockingbird and Creamy-bellied Thrush showed well.   Nearing the wetland, Campo Flicker flew from the trees in typical woodpecker style.   Black-legged Dacnis were spotted in the top of a tree, a flock of about seven birds were present.   Not an easy bird to see, but seemingly on the increase here.   Saffron Finch, Swallow Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, and Brazilian Tanager kept us busy as we wandered along towards Amanda’s hide.   Blue-winged Parrotlet mingled with the Swallow Tanager and Blue Dacnis – adding to confusion.   Red-legged Honeycreeper and Yellow-headed Caracara took attention high whilst Ruddy Ground Dove brought us back down to earth.

It's not all birds!

From the hide where we spent some time Social Flycatcher, Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, Picazuro Pigeon, and Wattled Jacana entertained us.    House Wren called from just outside the hide, giving great views.    Continuing along the edge of the wetland we made very slow progress due to the number of birds we encountered.   Yellow-lored Tody-flycatcher, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Euler’s Flycatcher, White-bearded Manakin, Chestnut-vented Conebill were all flitting in the trees along the edge of the path, whilst Masked Water-tyrant, Muscovy Duck, Rufescent Tiger-heron and Black-crowned Night Heron were taking advantage of the trees around the water.  

Further along the track Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Smooth-billed Ani, White-winged Becard, and Fuscous Flycatcher were added and then a Capped Heron flew in, joining several others in a tree on the opposite side of the water.   Noisy Red-rumped Cacique squabbled in the tree tops, as black vulture soared overhead.

Dragonfly

A White-headed Marsh-tyrant gave us some entertainment – mainly as we had about 20 attempts at the correct order for the four words and two hyphened name – we got there eventually!   More flycatcher confusion arrived in the shape of Planalto Tyrannulet which eluded us for some time before finally admitting that we were worthy of its presence.

Great White Egret, Striated Heron and Snowy Egret were much easier to sort out, but then back to the challenge of White-flanked Antwren.   White-tipped Dove flew up ahead of us, and Social Flycatcher bewildered some as they tried to sort out these yellow-fronted and brown-backed flycatcher group.   A male White-bellied Seedeater made identification of himself and more importantly its mate, easy.   By now we were reaching a point where we needed to turn back, but as we had just decided to do so Rufous-sided Crake called.   As we played the tape several responded, and with patience and skill our guide brought four birds out to the edge of the reeds for us all to see.   Not easy to spot initially, as we watched they moved stealthily about and we gradually pieced them together.   Whilst we stood watching the Crakes, Wing-banded Hornero were flying across in front of us going from left to right and back again between perches.

The Wetland

Looking across the top of the reeds a Black-capped Donacobius called.   Maroon-bellied Parakeets flew overhead, and Yellow-browed Tyrant was spotted by some.   A Fine-barred Piculet pecked away on a small tree in front of us, giving a great acrobatic display.   Short-crested Flycatcher, Rusty-margined Flycatcher and Southern Rough-winged Swallow completed our pre-lunch session.   Not a bad start.   On the journey back to the lodge we stopped to inspect the footings for the new viewing platform - another great addition to this ever changing reserve.

New platform going in

After lunch we decided to relax around the pool, and a Rufous-tailed Jacamar fed in the garden, taking advantage of flies and insects resting in the heat of the day.

Some decided to go back down to the wetland in the afternoon, whilst others relaxed at the lodge.