I’ve been a bit disappointed with how few birds I’ve seen in Ecuador. Even on the farm, which seemed like an ideal environment for bird life, there were only a few species, mostly hummingbirds.
So for the next 4 days, I’m switching gears and going all out on the birding front. I will be staying at a lodge that is a birding hotspot, Refugio Paz De Las Aves (Bird Refuge), and have signed up for daily field trips that are specifically for us twitchers. The days will begin at 5:30 AM and will continue into the night for owl-spotting. No more getting distracted with turquoise waters, snow-capped volcanoes, or giant tortoises. The next 4 days are going to be a birding marathon!
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I consider it a good omen that this Blue-winged Mountain Tanager was pecking at my window when I arrived at the lodge.
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It’s especially appropriate because today is Global Big Day for us birders, an annual event where birders all around the world are encouraged to submit their checklists as a celebration of the birds around us. I’ll be doing my part!
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