We arrived in Quito Sunday night and have spent a couple of days at the Tandayapa Lodge from where we have visited several local hotspots. Here are just a few shots to give an idea of the neat birds we are seeing.
The back of a Shining Sunbeam hummer
A striking Toucan Barbet
The front of a Shining Sunbeam
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan
Black-capped Mountain Tanager
Tomorrow we head eastward to new environs and a whole array of new bird species.
After a few days at Fontainbleau State Park and a nice reunion in New Orleans with Vermont friends, we headed northward and endured a long trip on busy but dry roads back home. The van ran well and aside from a last day long trek, we kept the legs reasonable with motel stays along the way. Since then, it’s been a lot of catch-up work and a series of Nor’easter snowstorms, including 12-14 inches last night. The Sprinter isn’t going anywhere soon.
The Florida van had -30 temperatures before we left and several feet of snow since we returned.
I am including a couple of bird photos — two from Louisiana and one from Vermont.
This Loggerhead Shrike (or its cousin) was on the same power line last year.
It will be a while before we see Eastern Bluebirds here.
However, some American Robins are hanging in there in wintry Central Vermont.
Now we are packing for a two-week birding trip to Ecuador with a group from the North Branch Nature Center. I expect to be offline until early April but will share a few shots from this exciting adventure.
We said goodbye to Texas today in a typical fashion – 70 mph on I-10 with too-many trailer trucks, a very gusty crosswind, and 80 degree temperatures. We are in Louisiana for a few days (Hi American Robins, Blue Jays, American Crows) before turning northward toward home. Here are some shots, all taken with at least 15-20 knots of wind buffeting the camera, of some Texas birds we’ve seen in the last few days.
Lesser Goldfinch riding out the wind
It is neat to see Altimira Orioles in natural settings instead of at a feeder
We saw a dozen Monk Parakeets at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse trail
Whether “kiting” or perched, White-tailed kites are special.
These White-faced Ibis make one think of their prehistoric ancestors.
We never tire of seeing the regal Great Blue Heron.
Some birds, like these Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Great-blue Heron, stand still and suddenly strike their prey.
Great Egrets and Snowy Egret.
Great Blue Heron
The Reddish Egret is known for its “dancing” to scare up fish. This guy was resting when we saw him.
This Tri-color Heron was stirring up fish with its feet and using the wing shadows to spot fish.
Too many bird pictures, too little time – the story of birding in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
This House Wren looked in a nesting mood.
A school (?) of Black-necked Stilts with their Snowy Egret teacher.
Neotropic Cormorants discussing the latest tweet?
Mottled Ducks – male has bright yellow beak.
Orange-crown Warbler eating fruit.
Camera-shy Clapper Rail.
Sally spotted a Green Heron while we were birding at South Padre Island Birding Center and we watched him get lunch.
When he leaned way over, he nearly toppled and I missed the shot because I laughed, but he recovered with a tasty treat that he promptly swallowed.
So often when birding, you get a quick look at a bird and suddenly it has moved or just gone, so you grab what shots you can get. Here are a few recent ones.
Common Pauraques, a nightjar that we heard in early evening last year at Goose Island State Park, is tough to find during the day. Earlier this week at Estero Llano Grande State Park, a birder from South Dakota put us on to this one resting right near the path.
Just across the Rio Grande from Big Bend NP is the tiny community of Boquillas de Carmen, which for decades, had a close relationship with park visitors – until 9-11.
Then, in early 2002, the crossing was closed and remained closed for eleven years. The residents moved away and worked and lived elsewhere, most 250 kilometers distant. Only since early 2013, have visitors been once again allowed to cross. The community, while still very poor, is rejuvenated. We had a wonderful visit – the highlight of our Big Bend trip.
You start with a rowboat across the Rio Grande. ($5 round trip)
Then take a burro, horse, or pickup to town. ($5 round trip)
Plodding along on a burro on a dusty trail in 80 degree temperatures, it was not hard to think about how long it would take to reach the distant mountains in the 1800’s.
We hired Estoban, a guide, to support the local economy and because he was helpful – Sally got in some good Espanol practice.
Some village scenes
We had a nice lunch in the shade – I had the goat tacos which were good, and about as adventurous as I get culinary speaking.
Many of the residents sell crafts – Sally bought from this woman’s family.
It was a great experience and a reminder of how good our relations have been, and are, with our Mexican neighbors.
We just are finishing a road trip up to Big Bend National Park to get some sun and warmth and so we did – 37 degrees at night and mid-80’s during the day. We stopped at Casa Blanca SP and Seminole Canyon SP coming and going. Lots of straight driving at 75 but a good venture.
This is a view of the "Window" at the Chisos Basin
The Rio Grande
I’ll cover our international expedition next post.
