Given the recent weather we have been much confined to barracks but, despite the lowest Hit Count across the whole of our history (just 77) we still endeavour to please hence the following is something of a 'filller'!
Refugio Paz is a private farm in Ecuador inherited by Angel Paz and converted into a nature reserve. The farm was subdivided among the children through inheritance. Angel preserved his land while his brothers largely cleared their tracts. His land remains mostly forested and in quite pristine condition. Angel has gained substantial fame for developing a technique for conditioning extremely rare Ant-pittas and other rare birds to come out onto the trail. There is also an active Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek part way down the trail to the river. The trail is quite steep and often muddy so it can be difficult for people who have ankle or knee problems. Visits must be arranged in advance, as Angel strictly limits the number of visitors allowed on the property each morning so as not to disturb the birds. This is just a small part of my day there!
from left son Vinicio, Moi and Angel
(male)
one of only 2 of the family group the other being
recorded in Suriname some years later.
constantly circling overhead.