Hato Pinero - Buenos Vista

I'm getting a little out of kilter with the dates, being 5 hours behind if I post before 19-00 local time the UK date is wrong, simply I want to post the day I am in and not UK time which is still on my lap-top! Sorted?

Thomas, a huge, jolly bloke, arrived at 05-58 and within, given it is Sunday, 15 minutes we were clear of Caracas and starting our 370 Km drive to Hato Pinero. For the most part we were on well maintained duel carriageway, but when we arrived at Terecay we left the main highway for what was more pot-hole than road. This only lasted about an hour until we met the sign saying Hato Pinero 22Km, and turned onto a dirt road that was easy to drive on.

Whistling Heron

The problem arrived when we had to leave the sanctuary of the A/C and venture into a 90F furnace, and after meeting the Warden, Leo and Housekeeper, Margaret I decided to brave the elements while my cabin was made ready. That lasted no time at all as the searing heat drove me back. However, I had already made images of Whistling Heron and Scarlet Macaw, both seen in the past, and scored my first 'lifer' with Buff-necked Ibis. There were good numbers of White-tailed deer within the ranch house garden, with Yellow-headed Caracara (a raptor) being the most common bird around, things had started well.

White-tailed Deer

Scarlet Macaw first seen in Guatamala in 2002.

Scarlet Macaws in flight, it is hoped better shots will follow.

By now I had met most of the other guests, a couple each from Austria and France and about 8 Venezuelan lads, all seemed surprised but happy that I am a dedicated 'birder'. The subject matter never changed, they were getting well into it and I was glad of such fellow company. Unfortunately, they were just leaving and when I emerged for the late afternoon open top lorry drive they had been replaced by quite a different bunch. One lad about 20 and accompanied by his mum and dad (that says something) was a little loud, but interested enough in the photography side of things as he had a video camera himself. Similarly, the GP was partly interested but extremely loud and need politely telling that quiet would be of great importance. One of the benefits (or otherwise) of this stay is that all drinks are included in the price and the younger fella was barely out of the car before he started tucking in. Now, just because this is an 'alcohol free' trip for me doesn't mean everyone else need comply, but the more he had the louder he became and the more he was determined to be my amigo! Before we left, he and I had a walk around the gardens where we found the Currasow pictured below, but 'chiefy' soon put that to flight. Great oportunity to bend his ear, which I did.

Yellow-knobbed Currasow (female) hope to get the male next, complete with knob!

Buff-necked Ibis the first 'lifer' at this site.

Before we left in the large, open-topped wagon Leo asked if the was anything I particularly wanted to see, so I asked him about availability of Hoatzin, Sun Grebe, Horned Screamer and Sunbittern all birds I had fantasized about as a boy and while watching them featured on various Attenborough's. All were certainly available, and with the exception of the Grebe seen that very day, I didn't have to wait long. Still within view of the ranch we stopped at a very shallow pool and there for a few seconds in full view the Bittern, what a beauty. It stayed long enough for the Doctor to finish his compulsive yell, cue another bollocking!

Sunbittern (retreating)

Venezuelan Caimen with a decent catch, possibly Orinoco Perch??

Horned Screamer (2 down, 2 to go)

To be fair, these people were townies and just out for a bit of fun and I'd managed to curb the shouting so we were all enjoying ourselves for different reasons. Then we came across a 'herd' of Capibari by a small lake, where the Caiman had just caught his tea, right place, right time, but they too were put to flight by the hoard as I had my own agenda trying to get close enough to photograph a Screamer. Partly successful, I returned to find a juvenile had been headed off from the pack, and was being pursued from both sides by the noisy photographers. It was plainly obvious what was about to happen as the Capibari had the choice of the humans or the Caimen. It took the later, and I watched helplessly as the Crocs closed in. The small mammal dived and eventually got out at the other side of the pool, but not without sustaining damage to its front left leg. I had a word with Leo, who in turn had a word with them but not much changed.

The hapless juvenile entering the water to escape the humans, I was thinking about following it!

White-headed Marsh Tyrant

Yellow-browed Sparrow - not at all obliging.

Back at the transport Leo had found a pair of Y-b Sparrows and I caught up by finding the Tyrant, both additions to the world list, before pushing on the the far east corner of the reserve. Here the first birds we encountered were a family party of the totally unusual Hoatzin, and all I can say is I hope to bring photographs later. Here also is another lake overflowing with Cattle and Great Egrets, Glossy, Bare-faced, Scarlet Ibis, a massive bonus by way of a single Sharp-tailed Ibis (another 'lifer'), Roseate Spoonbills, Wattled Jacana, Great Blue, Cocoi & Little Blue Herons plus White-faced and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. However, pride of place had to go to the 'big daddy' of them all a pair of enormous Jabiru and if seeing them at distance were not enough, they obligingly took off and flew right over our heads. Daylight was now rapidly fading, and as if to cap an already perfect afternoon, 'wildlife' wise, a six or seven foot Anaconda slowly slithered through the grass heading for the lake.

Brown-throated Parakeet

Sharp-tailed Ibis

On the way back to camp, in the gloom, headlights were left on full beam, while a hand held 'spot' also assisted in trying to find a Common Pauraque or White-tailed Nightjar, but what some of us got is what dreams and these type of trips are made of. From out of the bushes at the side of the road, and no more than 12 feet away strolled a full blown 'Jaguar'. The driver and Ranger in front said they had seen 2, but for yours truly this single, magnificent beast was more than enough - I don't want to go to bed tonight Mummy!

Trip Additions

BUFF-NECKED EGRET*
YELLOW-KNOBBED CURASSOW*
SCARLET MACAW
SUNBITTERN*
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW*
HORNED SCREAMER*
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT*
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD*
RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHARACA*
PLAIN-CRESTED ELAENIA*
PALE-EYED TODY TYRANT*
PLAIN-FRONTED THORNBIRD*
SHARP-TAILED IBIS*
JABIRU
WHITE-BEARDED FLYCATCHER*
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING DUCK*

Total Trip List - 639 Total 'Lifers' - 442 Total Endemics - 50

Ever Onward

Alejandro Humbolt - This bust stands outside of the Planetarium (in the Park) that bears the name of the German Naturalist and Explorer. Well worth the look inside.

The jusy is still out on this Raptor, but I cannot think it's anything but a Roadside Hawk?

Comments would be appreciated.

Ditto

Bare-faced Ibis

The good news is I've received a phone call in the last hour to say that a driver has been found, so I should start for the 'outback' at 06-00. I thought it best to issue a post as I have no idea if there is WiFi access (or any other for that matter) at the Hato, but it will be short you'll be pleased to know. Maybe this is a good opportunity to catch up on the Venezuelan leg of the Bird List. I will keep a personal list of everything seen, but see little point in writing in Cattle egret for every country. So these are the birds that have been added to the Trip List while in this country.

Totals carried over from the Colombia leg of the trip.

Trip Ticks 526 'Lifers' 349 Endemics 32
CRESTED BOBWHITE*
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW*
LILAC-TAILED PARROTLET*
YELLOW-SHOULDERED PARROT* (E)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI
STRIPED CUCKOO*
GREY-CHINNED HERMIT*
BLUE-CHINNED SAPHIRE*
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD*
SHINING-GREEN HUMMINGBIRD* (E)
COPPER-RUMPED HUMMINGBIRD
GROOVE-BILLED TOUCANET*
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL* (E)
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL* (E)
CRESTED SPINETAIL* (E)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE
GREAT ANTSHRIKE*
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN*
LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD*
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH*
SOUTHERN BEARDED TYRANNULET*
TAWNY-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT*
MARACAIBO TODY-FLYCATCHER* (E)
GREY KINGBIRD
CHESTNUT-CROWNED BECARD*
SCALED FRUITEATER*
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER*
GLAUCOUS TANAGER*
SPECKLED TANAGER*
VERMILION CARDINAL*
ORIOLE BLACKBIRD*
VENEZUELA TROUPIAL*
OCHRE-BREASTED BRUSH-FINCH*
AMERICAN FLAMINGO*
SCARLET IBIS*
PEREGRINE
PLAIN-FLANKED RAIL* (E)
PURPLE GALINULE
CAYENNE TERN*
BARN OWL
SCALED PICULET*
CARIB HORNERO*
FOREST ELAENIA*
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET*
GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET*
LANCE-TAILED MANAKIN
GOLDEN WARBLER*
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
BICOLOURED CONEBILL*
FACIATED TIGER-HERON*
GREY-NECKED WOODRAIL
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY OWL
GREEN KINGFISHER*
GUTTULATED FOLIAGE GLEANER*
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER*
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER*
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER*
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL*
BLACK-FACED ANT-THRUSH*
SHORT-TAILED ANT-THRUSH*
MARBLED-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT*
TROPICAL PEWEE
VENEZUELAN FLYCATCHER* (E)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN*
SOUTHERN NIGHTINGALE WREN*
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH*
FLAVESCENT WARBLER*
RUFOUS-CHEEKED TANAGER* (E)
BLOOD-EARED PARAKEET* (E)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK*
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER*
SCHWARTZ'S (Scalloped) ANT THRUSH*
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER*
WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN*
COMMON BRUSH TANAGER
BLACK-and-WHITE HAWK EAGLE*
MOTTLED OWL*
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT*
WEDGE-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD*
RUFOUS-SHAFTED WOODSTAR*
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT*
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER*
VENEZUELAN ANT-VIREO* (E)
BLACK-HEADED TANAGER*
PLAIN-BRESTED GROUND-DOVE*
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER*
BARE-EYED THRUSH*
MALLARD
BLUE-and-YELLOW MACAW*
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON
YELLOW-CROWNED AMAZON*
ORANGE-WINGED AMAZON*
MASKED CARDINAL*
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER*

Additions to Trip List - 97 Additional 'Lifers' - 79 Additional Endemics - 11 Total Trip List - 623 Total 'Lifers' - 428 Total Endemics - 50

The 'Ant Swarms' worked very much in our favour, with this huge party on a hunting mission. The ants chase the grasshoppers and spiders which jump to get out of the way, the birds see the movement and close in. The same goes for us, we closed in. At the end of this short clip you will note and ant bridge, where the swarm fill a depression in the earth for ease of access for the others.

Parque Del Este

Made a determined effort late yesterday afternoon to find out where the Psittacines roost, and had a good deal of success. The Chestnut-fronted Macaws, the noisiest of the lot, started their pre roost feed and were easy to locate and photograph. The others were a little more flighty, but I managed to find a Ring-necked Parakeet's nest and simply staked that out for a short while. I could only locate a pair of Orange-chinned Parakeets, and even then only one was 'playing ball' and showing itself. Finally, about 2 dozen Orange-winged Amazons started zooming around all over the place, and while not difficult to locate with their raucous calls, they were never stationary for more than a few minutes. As you can see I managed to photograph them all (but at a distance) while Red-billed Parrot was only seen as 'fly-overs', with the small number of Lilac-tailed Parrotlets stayed out of sight as they have the last 2 days. As darkness fell I sat, still waiting for Zep, and noted the first 'fingernail' of the new moon cupping Jupiter, as dozens of small bats filled the air with many of the Passerines still heading for roost. Maybe surprisingly, given the amount of fruit, there has been no sign of any Flying Foxes, but I was ready for a second cup of probably the best coffee I have ever sampled, so took one home with me!

Ring-necked Parakeet - if I'd have know this, I would have stayed at home, saved all that money and gone to Studland on my 'Bus Pass'.

Ring-necked Parakeet - a bit of daring aerobatics as this individual drops to the nest site.

Orange-chinned Parakeet

Ditto

Orange-winged Amazon

Ditto

There is never a perfect substitute for Plan A, but in this case The Park has been a real boon. Big enough to spend a full 90 minutes walking around the perimeter, it is well patronised by the locals. In the main joggers and walkers, but very few of the 'athletic' kind, with groups of school children probably being brainwashed by the Socialist, supporting Chavez, identified by their red T-shirts. There are also 5-a-side football, basketball and baseball pitches, the latter be very popular in Venezuela. Again I was there soon after 07-00 and found most of the birds I had seen before, plus another Iguana. As with yesterday a single species saved me from a 'blank' lifer day as Slaty-capped Flycatcher went into the log, unfortunately too quick for a photograph. In all I managed 59 species of which 10 were new for the trip, including 5 'lifers'. I am going to have a relaxed afternoon as Pinero Hato awaits, but that's only if I can get transport which is by no means certain yet!

Iguana Sp

Three-toed Sloth

I managed to find 2 today

but unlike others I have seen in the likes of Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua neither had algae growth on their fur.

The Definitive List of Birds Recorded in Colombia

I will be writing a full and detailed description of each, and posting them on this Blog in the near future (yeah alright!).

* = a Lifer (E) = Endemic (NE) = Near Endemic. Totals are noted at the bottom of the List

PIED-BILLED GREBE
OLIVACEOUS CORMORANT
COCOI HERON
GREAT EGRET
SNOWY EGRET
LITTLE BLUE HERON
GREEN HERON
STRIATED HERON
WESTERN CATTLE EGRET
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
LEAST BITTERN*
BARE-FACED IBIS
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK
MERIDA TEAL*
BLUE-WINGED TEAL
PINNATED BITTERN*
CINNAMON TEAL
TORRENT DUCK
ANDEAN DUCK*
TURKEY VULTURE
BLACK VULTURE
OSPREY
AMERICAN SWALLOW-TAILED KITE
WHITE-TAILED KITE*
SNAIL KITE
ROADSIDE HAWK*
BROAD-WINGED HAWK
WHITE-TAILED HAWK*
NORTHERN CARACARA*
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA
AMERICAN KESTREL
MERLIN
APLOMADO FALCON
CAUCA GUAN* (E)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN*
LIMPKIN
BOGOTA RAIL* (E)
PURPLE GALLINULE
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE*
MOORHEN
AMERICAN COOT
WATTLED JACANA
BLACK-NECKED STILT
SOUTHERN LAPWING
SOLITARY SANDPIPER
LESSER YELLOWLEGS
GREATER YELLOWLEGS
SPOTTED SANDPIPER
WATTLED GUAN*
LEAST SANDPIPER
NOBLE SNIPE*
FERAL PIGEON
BAND-TAILED PIGEON
PALE-VENTED PIGEON*
EARED DOVE
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET*
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET*
SPECKTACLED PARROTLET*
BLUE-HEADED PARROT
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT*
DWARF CUCKOO*
SQUIRREL CUCKOO
GREATER ANI
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI
COMMON (Grey) POTOO*
COMMON NIGHTHAWK
STYDIAN OWL*
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT*
GREY-RUMPED SWIFT
GREEN HERMIT
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL*
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN
BROWN VIOLETEAR*
GREEN VIOLETEAR
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR
BLACK-THROATED MANGO
VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH*
ANDEAN EMERALD*
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD
STEELEY-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER*
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT*
WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR*
BRONZY INCA*
BROWN INCA*
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET*
GLOWING PUFFLEG*
COPPERY-BELLIED PUFFLEG*
GREENISH PUFFLEG*
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL*
TYRIAN METALTAIL*
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH*
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR*
COLLARED TROGON*
RINGED KINGFISHER
AMAZON KINGFISHER
HIGHLAND MOTMOT*
RED-HEADED BARBET*
GREYISH PICULET*
EMERALD TOUCANET*
MOUSTACHED PUFFBIRD*
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER*
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER*
LINEATED WOODPECKER
ACORN WOODPECKER
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER*
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER
MONTANE WOODCREEPER
AZARA'S SPINETAIL*
SILVERY-THROATED SPINETAIL*
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL*
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL*
PACIFIC TUFTEDCHEEK*
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER*
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER*
UNIFORM TREEHUNTER*
STREAKED XENOPS*
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE*
PLAIN ANTVIREO*
JET ANTBIRD*
ASH-COLOURED TAPACULO
STILE'S TAPACULO* (E)
MATTORAL TAPACULO* (E)
ANDEAN COCK-of-the ROCK
GREEN and BLACK FRUITEATER*
GOLDEN-BREASTED FRUITEATER*
RED-RUFFED FRUITCROW*
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET*
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET*
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET*
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA*
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA*
TORRENT TYRANT*
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER*
VARIAGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT*
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT*
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER*
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER
ORNATE FLYCATCHER*
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER*
BRAN-COLOURED FLYCATCHER*
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER*
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER*
VERMILLION FLYCATCHER
PIED-WATER TYRANT
CATTLE TYRANT
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER
GREAT KISKADEE
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER*
WESTERN WOOD PEWEE
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER*
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER
TROPICAL KINGBIRD
GREY-BREATED MARTIN
BROWN-BELLIED MARTIN
BLUE-and-WHIE SWALLOW
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW*
BARN SWALLOW
INCA JAY*
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER
SHARP'S WREN*
APOLINAR'S MARSH-WREN (E)*
SOUTHERN HOUSE WREN
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN*
GREY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN*
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD
BLACK SOLITAIRE*
SWAINSON'S THRUSH
GREAT THRUSH
GLOSSY THRUSH*
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH*
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE*
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO*
RUFOUS-NAPPED GREENLET*
SCRUB GREENLET*
BLACK-and-WHITE WARBLER
TROPICAL PARULA
YELLOW WARBLER
CERULEAN WARBLER*
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
CANADA WARBLER
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER*
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER*
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER*
BANANAQUIT
INDIGO FLOWER-PIERCER*
BLACK FLOWER-PIERCER*
WHITE-SIDED FLOWER-PIERCER*
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
GREEN HONEYCREEPER
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER*
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA*
YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA*
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA*
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER*
GLISTENING-GREEN TANAGER*
MULTICOLOURED TANAGER*
GOLDEN TANAGER*
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER*
FLAME-FACED TANAGER*
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER*
BAY-HEADED TANAGER*
SCRUB TANAGER*
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER*
PURPLISH-MANTLED TANAGER*
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER*
BLUE-WINGER MOUNTAIN-TANAGER*
BLACK-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER*
GOLD-RINGED TANAGER* (E)
BLUE-GREY TANAGER
PALM TANAGER
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (E)*
LEMON-RUMPED TANAGER*
HIGHLAND HEPATIC TANAGER*
SUMMER TANAGER
CRESTED ANT-TANAGER* (E)
GREY-HEADED TANAGER
STREAKED SALTATOR
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
RED-CAPPED CARDINAL
MOUSTACHED BRUSH-FINCH*
BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT
GREY SEEDEATER*
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER*
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT
SAFFRON FINCH
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW
ANDEAN SISKIN*
LESSER GOLDFINCH
SHINY COWBIRD
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD*
YELLOW ORIOLE*
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE*
EASTERN MEADOWLARK
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET*
GREEN VIOLETEAR
BRONZY INCA*
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL*
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER*
MONTANE WOODCREEPER*
AZARA'S SPINETAIL*
STREAKED XENOPS*
STILE'S TAPACULO* (E)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER*
VARIAGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT*
CERULEAN WARBLER*
MULTI-COLOURED TANAGER* (E)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER*
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER*
ASH-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER*
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR*
BLACK-and-WHITE SEEDEATER*
RUFOUS-BELLIED NIGHTHAWK*
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT*
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD*
COLLARED INCA*
BUFF-TAILED CORONET*
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL*
LONG-TAILED SYLPH*
PURPLE-BACKED THORNBIRD*
MASKED TROGON*
BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN*
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER*
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER*
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER
BAR-BELLIED WOODPECKER*
PEARLED TREERUNNER*
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA*
BROWN-BANDED ANTPITTA* (E)
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA*
BLACKISH TAPACULO*
BARRED BECARD*
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET*
ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET*
DUSKY PIHA*
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-TYRANT*
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER*
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE*
GOLD-FRONTED REDSTART*
WHITE-CAPPED CONEBILL*
BLUE and BLACK TANAGER
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER*
GREY-HOODED BUSH-TANAGER*
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS*
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS*
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS*
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER* 300
SLATY BRUSH-FINCH*
STRIPE-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH*
MASKED SALTATOR*
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN*
ANDEAN TEAL*
ANDEAN LAPWING*
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG*
RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL*
BEARDED HELMETCREST*
BLACK-THIGHED PUFFLEG*
STOUT-BILLED CINCLODES*
ANDEA TIT-SPINETAIL*
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO*
TAWNY ANTPITTA*
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET*
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-TYRANT*
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT*
GRASS WREN*
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL*
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER*
BLACK-BACKED BUSH-TANAGER*
PALE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH*
PLAIN-COLOURED SEEDEATER*
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH*
PARAMO TAPACULO*
REDDISH EGRET*
COMMON BLACK HAWK
CHESTNUT-WINGED CHACHALACA*
WILSON'S (Thick-billed) PLOVER*
WESTERN SANDPIPER
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER
CASPIAN TERN
FORSTER'S TERN
GREAT BLUE HERON
TRICOLOURED HERON
WHITE IBIS
WOOD STORK
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
HARRIS HAWK
GREAT BLACK HAWK
GREY PLOVER
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
COLLARED FOREST FALCON*
WILLET
HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL
LAUGHING GULL
ROYAL TERN
SANDWICK TERN
BARE-EYED PIGEON*
BUFFY HUMMINGBIRD*
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET*
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET
LESSER NIGHTHAWK
RED-BILLED EMERALD*
WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR*
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD*
CHESTNUT PICULET* (E)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER*
WHITE-WHISKERED SPINETAIL*
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE*
NORTHERN SCRUB FLYCATCHER*
SLENDER-BILLED INEZIA*
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT*
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT*
ORINOCO SALTATOR*
TOCUYO SPARROW*
PILIATED FINCH*
SHORT-TAILED HAWK*
BLOSSOMCROWN* (E)
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT*
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN
SPOTTED BARBTAIL*
SLATY ANTWREN*
SANTA MARTA FOLIAGE-GLEANER* (E)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER*
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER*
MASKED TITYRA
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH*
GREY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER*
BLACK and CHESTNUT EAGLE*
LINED-QUAIL DOVE*
SANTA MARTA PARAKEET* (E)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT*
WHITE-TIPPED QUETZAL*
SANTA MARTA TOUCANET* (E)
RUSTY-HEADED SPINETAIL* (E)
BROWN-RUMPED TAPACULO* (E)
SANTA MARTA BUSH TYRANT* (E)
YELLOW-CROWNED REDSTART* (E)
SANTA MARTA MOUNTAIN-TANAGER* (E)
PARAMO SEEDEATER*
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD
ZONE-TAILED HAWK*
BLACK-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL*
SCALED DOVE*
RED-BILLED PARROT
SOOTY-CAPPED HERMIT*
WHITE-TAILED STARFRONTLET* (E)
SANTA MARTA WOODSTAR* (E)
STREAK-CAPPED SPINETAIL* (E)
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA*
SANTA MARTA TAPACULO* (E)
GOLDEN-BREASTED FRUITEATER*
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER
BICOLOURED WREN*
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN*
RUFOUS-and-WHITE WREN*
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH
BLACK-HOODED THRUSH*
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN*
TENNESSEE WARBLER
WHITE-LORED WARBLER* (E)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER*
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA*
SANTA MARTA BRUSH-FINCH* (E)
GOLDEN-WINGED SPARROW*
CRESTED OROPENDOLA
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD
SAVANNA HAWK*
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE*
TODY MOTMOT*
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL*
WHITE-HEADED MANAKIN*
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA*
GREY-CHEAKED THRUSH
AMERICAN REDSTART
MOURNING WARBLER
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER*
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREPER
SOOTY ANT-TANAGER* (E)
GUIRA TANAGER*
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW*
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE
KING VULTURE
GREY HAWK*
GREATER ANI
OILBIRD*
LONG-BILLED HERMIT*
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT*
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY*
WESTERN WHITE-TAILED TROGON*
NORTHERN VIOLACIOUS TROGON*
RUFOUS-TAILED JACANA*
WHITE-MANTLED BARBET* (E)
COLLARED ARACARI
CITREON-THROATED TOUCAN*
GREY-CHEEDED NUNLET*
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER*
COCOA WOODCREEPER
WHITE-FLANKED WOOD-WREN*
DOT-WINGED WOOD-WREN*
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD*
CINNAMON BECARD*
ONE-COLOURED BECARD*
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER*
ANTIOQUIA BRISTLE-TYRANT* (E)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER*
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER
BLACK-CHESTED JAY
BAND-BACKED WREN*
BAY WREN*
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER*
YELLOW-TUFTED DACNIS* (E)
FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA*
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER*
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER*
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER*
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER*
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK
SLATY GROSBEAK*
LESSER SEEDEATER*
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA*
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE
PEARL KITE*
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET*
COMMON PAURAQUE
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD*
LONG-TAILED TYRANT*
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER*
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH*
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER
SWALLOW TANAGER
PLAIN-COLOURED TANAGER*
GREYISH SALTATOR*
ORANGE-CROWNED ORIOLE*
HOOK-BILLED KITE
PLUMBEOUS KITE
PLAIN-BREASTED HAWK*
YELLOW-EARED PARROT* (NE and seriously threatened)
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST*
DUSKY STARFRONTLET* (E)
GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL*
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL*
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA*
OCELLATED TAPACULO*
RED-CRESTED COTINGA*
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET*
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET*
SMOKE-COLOURED PEWEE*
RUFOUS-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT*
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT*
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT*
STREAKY-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT*
MUNCHIQUE WOOD-WREN* (E)
BLUE DACNIS
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER*
HOODED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER
WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER*
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA*
NORTHERN MOUNTAIN CACIQUE
RED-BELLIED GRACKLE*
BAT FALCON
WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE*
CINEREOUS BECARD*
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER
STREAKED FLYCATCHER
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER*
RED-EYED VIREO
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER
BLUE DACNIS*
OLEAGENOUS HEMISPINGUS*
PLUSHCAP*
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR*

Trip Ticks - 526 'Lifers' - 349 Endemics - 32

Another Stroll in the Park

Yes I know, it's a White Ibis. Lack of concentration and too much time enjoying myself, I labeled the White Ibis a Wood Stork but the appropriate amendment has been made. I bet Julie didn't get any sleep last night as she's such a stickler for making sure my bird notes are correct ("White Ibis"? "here Miss" - te he ay Ju?)

The more affluent part of Caracas, built to be able to look down on the lowly!

It was more of the same today, so after breakfast I headed for the park. The morning wasn't quiet so hot, only about 72F, and the sky was completely covered so made ideal conditions for birding. It was a hour into the session before I picked up a new bird, another small reminder of home, Ring-necked Parakeet. Sharing the same status here as the Studland birds it has been added to the Trip List. Up until mid-day a total of 45 species were seen, 2 of which were new for the trip (the afore mentioned Parakeet and a pair of stunning Masked Cardinals which were also a 'lifer'. Most species were the same as yesterday, except for those already mentioned, plus Ringed Kingfisher and Black-faced Grassquit (a late identification of yesterdays bird, seen again this morning) which were added to the Park List, yes 'Park List', sad what you get up to when your on your own!!!!

Distantly, the Ghetto area of Caracas. I hadn't realised yesterday the views available from the main road footbridge from where these images were taken.

Anyway, by noon I was glad of 2 little inventions they have come up with out here. Firstly the coffee, of which I havn't had a bad cup, and 'siesta'. The first I got from the cafe across the road from the hotel, I ordered 'grande' as the usual serving doesn't fill a thimble, and was by far the best all trip. The Colombian freshly ground takes some beating (in fact I think I'll use it exclusively when I get home) but this was 'home produced' and OK at 4 quid for a large mug a bit expensive, but worth every penny. Sleeping at lunch time has never been my thing, but to return to the cool sanctuary of the hotel room is bliss and this is where I'll stay until 'birding part II' at 16-00. Asta la Vista.

These little beauties were not only extremely handsome to view, but saved the day as far as a 'lifer' was concerned. A day hasn't gone by yet when a new species has been missed, but this one could easily have been overlooked! On first sight I thought it was Red-capped Cardinal which I have seen before in Buenos Aires, but luckily a flick through the Field Guide revealed its true identity.

Masked Cardinal

Great Kiskadee, more like a Kingfisher than a Flycatcher.

The Chestnut-fronted Macaws were showing much better today, hence another photo. Their cousins, Blue-and-Yellow also put in a brief appearance.

Ringed Kingfisher

Thought worthy of another shot in preening pose.

Terrapin Sp relaxing in the cool, clear waters of the local lake.

Tropical Mockingbird, should have been on yesterday's list.

A trio of 'head shots'

Green Iguana

Black-crowned Night Heron

Rufescent Tiger Heron

A very nice man with pencil moustache, pork-pie hat and pinstriped suit came up to me in the street and said he had a ticket for the Zeppelin in the Park Concert yesterday afternoon. He assured me that Bonzo would be making a special guest appearance on drums, so how could I miss such an opportunity. I parted with my $200 and took my place as the photo shows. So far none of the other 'ticket holders' have arrived, and nor for that matter have Led but I'll stick it out for another hour or so and see what transpires. I'm glad I didn't buy the other ticket to Heaven via the specially constructed Stairway as the man put it!

First Day Solo Birding

I have decided on 3 full days and 4 nights in Caracas, mainly to take a little time out to relax, and decide what to do next, before continuing my adventures. The Continental Hotel on the main square isn't cheap but the room is spacious, clean and has Internet access and the breakfast is the best yet in South America. I opted to eat in the garden this morning ,with temperature at about68F, overcast sky and no wind, the day started with a dozen chestnut-fronted Macaw flying over while Great Kiskadee, Pale-bellied Thrush and a pair of Plain-breasted Ground Doves capitalised on the table scraps. It was now time to decide just what I am going to do, now with a few extra days on my hands, I referred to the backup notes I'd brought along with me. This is part of the description I downloaded.

With its expansive area and diverse habitats, Hato (Ranch) Piñero is one of the best bird watching locations in the world. Here, it is not uncommon to observe more than 100 species of birds in a single day. Just outside of your guest quarters it is easy to spot numerous types of egrets and herons; White, Scarlet, and Glossy Ibis; osprey; macaws; parrots; various hawks; black vultures; and hummingbirds among others. With the aid of a biologist guide, at every turn along the forest paths, you will run across a different species of animal- quite sociable and clearly unaware of the danger normally associated with man's presence. Lazy giant tortoises leave their mark as they cut a path through the bamboo. The storks' flight bothers neither the herds of zebus grazing up in the lush green hills, nor the graceful white-tailed deers or peccaries down below on arid lands turned red by the afternoon sun.

Add to that a very good chance of seeing Hoatzin (the only pre-historic bird surviving in the world today) and Sungrebe, I made a few phone calls. High season, as it is, is always dodgy but I managed to get a room and to make sure I get there I won't risk the 'chicken buses' but try to arrange private transport. I leave, hopefully, early Sunday morning.

After breakfast I decided to try one or two of the cities parks and was not disappointed. Walking via the square it was less than a mile to Central Park, not as big as its namesake in The Apple but just as many, if not more birds. This was my first day without a guide and it was interesting to find out what I had learnt over the past 3 weeks. I had been advised to keep a low profile and camara and bins well hidden, but it was considered safe once inside the park. In all I saw 44 species of which I am confident of 42 as to identity, the 2 remaining being a raptor which I am trying to 'string' into a Double-toothed Kite (which it certainly looks like, but more importantly it's a 'lifer') plus a little grey effort with a black face which I saw briefly while eating. The full list is as follows with 'lifers' marked with an *

Chestnut-fronted Macaw - Great Kiskadee - Plain-breasted Ground Dove* - Pale-breasted Thrush - Bananaquit - Ruddy Ground Dove - Carib Grackle - Feral Pigeon - Blue-Grey Tanager - Red-crowned Woodpecker - Spot-breasted Woodpecker* - Blue & White Swallow - Saffron Finch - Bare-eyed Thrush* - Squirrel Cuckoo - Greyish Saltator - White Ibis - Black-crowned Night Heron - Scarlet Ibis - Neotropic Cormorant - Mallard? - Glossy Cowbird - Blue-and-Yellow Macaw* - Black Vulture - Yellow-headed Caracara - Tropical Kingbird - Great Egret - Cattle Tyrant - Red-billed Parrot - Southern House Wren - Common Tody Flycatcher - American Redstart - Rufescent Tiger Heron - Roadside Hawk - Yellow Oriole - Swallow Tanager - Oriole Blackbird - Brown-throated Parakeet - Orange-chinned Parakeet - Yellow-crowned Amazon* - Orange-winged Amazon* - Scaled Dove

Day Total - 43 Lifers - 6

Central Square, Caracas, Venezuela

The Obelisk

All of the photographs below were taken in the park

Roadside Hawk

Southern House Wren

Chestnut-fronted Macaw

Chestnut-fronted Macaw

Scaled Dove

Swallow Tanager

Swallow Tanager - couldn't resist posting 2 images of this little beauty.

Neotropic or Olivaceous Cormorant

Oriole Blackbird

Spot-breasted Woodpecker

Red-crowned Woodpecker

Great Egret (as they call it)

Scarlet Ibis

White Ibis

Yellow-headed Caracara

male Carib Grackle displaying

Bare-eyed Thrush

Greyish Saltator

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw again

Rufescent Tiger Heron

Squirrel Cuckoo

Yellow Oriole

Red-tailed Squirrel

Brown-throated Parakeet

Common Tody Flycatcher about the size of a Wren