Author Archives: Richard

Sani Lodge – Boat Trip

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Richard

On day three, we trekked over to Rio Napo, by canoe, then walking, to board the big motorized boat to see some parrots. We had to leave very early because there is only an hour window or so when parrots … Continue reading →

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Sani Lodge – Observation Tower

Posted on April 15, 2018 by Richard

As I mentioned in the last post, I am a pilot who is afraid of heights. No fire tower climbing for me, thank you, and I have to watch out for any hikes that have drop-offs, and I usually drive … Continue reading →

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Sani Lodge

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Richard

After a three hour bus ride to the city of Coca, a gritty city built up in the 1990’s oil boom, we waited around for other passengers who would make the 3.5 hour trip down the Rio Napo to the … Continue reading →

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Isidro -2

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Richard

This was not a “roughing it” trip — no sleeping on mats or eating rice and beans.  We birded pretty intensely at times but always returned to great meals and nice beds. Even the box lunches were pretty amazing. Isidro … Continue reading →

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Cabanas San Isidro

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Richard

After some last minute hummingbird feeder checks, we boarded the bus for another scenic but windy trek featuring trailer trucks and buses and blind curves and “watch for birds, not the road ahead.” Off to the south the massive peak … Continue reading →

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Guango Lodge

Posted on April 8, 2018 by Richard

Located next to a busy highway and disturbed by recent pipeline work, Guango Lodge was not our favorite stay, although the food and accommodations were fine. We opted out of the bus trips and spent several nice walks on the … Continue reading →

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Crossing the Andes

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Richard

We left the lush western slope of the Andes, heading toward Quito. As we descended into arid conditions caused by the mountains and warmed up for the first time in days as we took a short walk, spotting among other … Continue reading →

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A Trip to Paz de las Aves

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Richard

Well before dawn, we boarded the bus for a trip to Refugio Paz de las Aves, where Angel Paz, a local farmer, has developed a modest but spectacular birding site. We arrived early to see the Andean Cock-of-the-walk display on the lek … Continue reading →

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Photos by Sally

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Richard

On our second day at Tandayapa, Sally decided to spend a day birding at the lodge and took some great photos with her IPhone. Sally watched this Toucanet snatch and devour a hummingbird — “That’s nature.” When we returned to … Continue reading →

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Some Flowers from Ecuador

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Richard

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