Colombia Mega II 1st 30th November 2016 (30 Days) Trip Report

Transcription

1 Colombia Mega II 1st 30th November 2016 (30 Days) Trip Report Black Manakin by Trevor Ellery Trip Report compiled by tour leader: Trevor Ellery

2 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Top ten birds of the trip as voted for by the Participants: 1. Ocellated Tapaculo 2. Rainbow-bearded Thornbill 3. Multicolored Tanager 4. Fiery Topaz 5. Sword-billed Hummingbird 6. Blue-and-yellow Macaw 7. Red-ruffed Fruitcrow 8. Sungrebe 9. Buffy Helmetcrest 10. White-capped Dipper Tour Summary This was one again a fantastic trip across the length and breadth of the world s birdiest nation. Highlights were many and included everything from the flashy Fiery Topazes and Guianan Cock-ofthe-Rocks of the Mitu lowlands to the spectacular Rainbow-bearded Thornbills and Buffy Helmetcrests of the windswept highlands. In between, we visited just about every type of habitat that it is possible to bird in Colombia and shared many special moments: the diminutive Lanceolated Monklet that perched above us as we sheltered from the rain at the Piha Reserve, the showy Ochre-breasted Antpitta we stumbled across at an antswarm at Las Tangaras Reserve, the Ocellated Tapaculo (voted bird of the trip) that paraded in front of us at Rio Blanco, and the male Vermilion Cardinal, in all his crimson glory, that we enjoyed in the Guajira desert on the final morning of the trip. If you like seeing lots of birds, lots of specialities, lots of endemics and enjoy birding in some of the most stunning scenery on earth, then this trip is pretty unbeatable. The Tour in Detail Brown-breasted Parakeet by Trevor Ellery The trip started in the eastern Andes near Bogota, where we quickly found our first endemic when a pair of Silverythroated Spinetails showed well just after dawn. We then moved on and a brief stop in the Paramo was very productive; adding Great Sapphirewing, White-chinned Thistletail, Rufous Wren, Golden-fronted Whitestart, Slaty Brushfinch, Goldencrowned Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill and Black-headed Hemispingus. After this, we dropped down to the temperate forest zone and were pleased to quickly locate one of our main targets - a superb group of Brown-breasted Parakeets flew in and began feeding on some flowering trees right in front of us. We then added some showy Black-billed Mountain Toucans and Northern Mountain Caciques; while other species encountered included Andean Teal, Andean Siskin, several

3 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II soaring Black-chested Buzzard-Eagles, a superb male Golden-headed Quetzal, Pale-bellied Tapaculo and a selection of hummers, including Mountain Velvetbreast, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, both Coppery-bellied and Glowing Pufflegs and several each of Purple-backed Thornbill and White-bellied Woodstar. We also encountered several great mixed flocks which held a good mix of Andean species, including Pearled Treerunner, Streaked Tuftedcheek, a pair of Strong-billed Woodcreepers, White-throated, Whitebanded and Black-capped Tyrannulets, Smoky Bush Tyrant, both Rufous-breasted and Brown-backed Chat-Tyrants, Redcrested Cotinga, Superciliaried Hemispingus and Hooded, Scarlet-bellied and Buff-breasted Mountain Tanagers. In the afternoon, we made another stop in the Paramo and were very successful in locating a brief Bronze-tailed Thornbill and we followed this with a rather obliging Rufous-browed Conebill. In the late afternoon, we visited a marsh where we enjoyed good views of Bogota Rail and also added Andean Duck, a few commoner herons, American Coot, a couple of Noble Snipe, Yellow-hooded Blackbirds, Grassland Yellow-finches and a surprise Yellow-billed Cuckoo - quietly feeding in a hedgerow. Black-bellied Thorntail by Trevor Ellery White-bellied Dacnis by Trevor Ellery The next morning, we had a very early start and then trundled down the eastern Andes to the Llanos gateway town of Villacincencio. A quick early morning roadside stop produced our only Cliff Flycatchers of the trip; while we also added Bare-eyed Thrush, Swallow Tanager and Crested Oropendola. We then headed to the forest, but not before another unscheduled stop at a spectacular fruiting tree added hordes of Violaceous Jays, some obliging Speckled Chachalacas, a Wedge-billed Woodcreeper and our first Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers. Our morning in the forest was to be quite productive and we enjoyed good views of White-chinned Jacamar, Double-toothed Kite, Amazonian Trogon, Gilded Barbet, both Lettered and Chestnut-eared Aracaris, Scaled Piculet, Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Plain Antvireo, Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, Pectoral Sparrow, a showy Red-stained Woodpecker and a skulking Black-faced Antbird. We then made a short side trip to a nearby site which held a unique

4 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II combination of Orinoco Goose and Hoatzin, along with bonus Black-throated Antbird and Lesser Kiskadee, before heading to the airport for out flight. Our flight was on time and after dumping our stuff in the Hotel, we were off to the always productive Urania. Here we managed to locate both Black and Red-throated Caracaras, a brief group of Red-fan Parrots and a nice set of showy Amazonian Antshrike, Amazonian-streaked and Cherrie s Antwren s and Amazonian Inezia - all seen from pretty much the same spot. A fruiting tree held Yellow-crested Manakin, Flame-crested Tanager, Yellow-bellied Dacnis and Rufous-bellied Euphonia; while nearby, tall trees produced several White-browed Purpletufts and Spangled Cotingas. Overhead, Greater Yellowheaded Vultures were common and we also picked out Greyrumped, Short-tailed and Neotropical Palm Swifts. As the light was fading we added a tiny Rusty-fronted Tody-Flycatcher and we finished the day with both Common and Short-tailed Nighthawks on the drive back. Our first full day at Mitu was spent at Bocotoma Trail. This quickly produced a rather smart male Black-bellied Thorntail and we followed this with Amethyst Woodstar and Glittering-throated Emerald. In the end, we were to spend the entire day on the trail and we racked up an impressive list of species. Black-bellied Cuckoo was seen well we came across Several Green-backed Trogons, and we managed a nice triple of Yellow-billed, Paradise and Great Jacamars. An early Spotted Puffbird was followed by great looks at a couple of Pied Puffbirds and we also found a Chestnut Woodpecker. Parrot action included our first looks at Cobalt-winged Parakeets; while both Southern Mealy Amazon and Black-headed Parrot were also seen. One of our main targets had been Grey-bellied Antbird and we enjoyed good looks at this localised species. We didn t stop there, and during the day we picked up Grey, Imeri- Warbling and White-cheeked Antbirds and both Grey and Spotbacked Antwrens. Flycatchers were represented by White-eyed Tody-tyrant and both Dusky-chested and Yellow-throated Flycatchers. A vocal Citron-bellied Attila gave brief views and we managed looks at Screaming Piha; while, of the several Fasciated Antshrike by Trevor Ellery Golden-headed Manakin by Trevor Ellery Pompadour Cotingas we saw, the full male was clearly the most appreciated. We had a minor Manakin-fest, managing to find Saffron-crested Tyrant, Blue-crowned, White-crowned and

5 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Black. Brown-headed Greenlet were somewhat elusive but eventually seen well and we also added both Green and Olive Oropendolas, Paradise, Masked and Opal-rumped Tanagers and Rothschild s Grosbeak. Our second day was spent at Ceima Cachivera. Firstly, we spent some considerable time at a fruiting tree which attracted Many-banded Aracari, Magpie, Fulvous-crested, Turquoise, Green-and-Gold, Yellow-bellied, Masked and Opal-crowned Tanagers, Slate-colored Grosbeak and, perhaps best of all, a White-bellied Dacnis - a rare and erratic species. We also had a couple of fly over King Vultures, a flushed Blackish Nightjar - which was then seen well perched, and some more hummers, including Reddish Hermit, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and Paletailed Barbthroat. Hiking in the forest added White-fronted Nunbird, a couple of Orinoco Piculets and a pair of Little Woodpeckers. Plenty of Scarlet Macaws flew through and we also found a showy Fasciated Antshrike, both Dusky and Yellow-browed Antbirds, a vocal Wing-barred Piprites, and the highlight for many, several male Guianan Cock-of-the- Rock. A male Western-striped Manakin showed briefly; while good looks at Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Chestnut-crowned Beard, Coraya Wren and Epaulet Oriole rounded off a great day. Fiery Topaz by Trevor Ellery Azure-naped Jay by Trevor Ellery On our third day, we made a very early start and were at a well-known stakeout by dawn, where we enjoyed fantastic views of several male Fiery Topaz s as they danced around in front of us. A Fiery-tailed Awlbill was a bonus and we followed this with a Tawny-tufted Toucanet, which we scoped in the canopy. We then spent much of the morning birding a very productive trail. First up was a very obliging male Black Bushbird, which not only allowed great views, but even allowed itself to be photographed. A skulking pair of Eastern Woodhaunters followed and we also managed to find Slender-billed Xenops and Amazonian-barred Woodcreeper. We ran into some mixed flocks, which held both Dusky-throated and Cinereous Antshrikes; while our Antwren haul consisted of Rufous-tailed, Moustached, White-flanked, and Long-winged. A male Black-headed Antbird showed superbly and we added Rufous-tailed

6 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Flatbill and White-breasted Wood Wren; while a Chestnut-capped Puffbird on the walk back was a real highlight. The afternoon was spent birding a few different trails, which produced Pale-bellied Mourner, a very obliging Rusty-breasted Nunlet and a surprise Spectacled Owl that was out hunting before dusk. The next day began with an early morning boat ride, which allowed us superb views of Band-tailed Nighthawks as they hawked overhead in the early morning gloom. We followed this with some nice views of Amazonian Umbrellabirds and then, just as we were disembarking, a surprise Sungrebe was spotted - leading to much jubilation. The morning continued with a high-quality theme as we soon enjoyed a confiding group of Azure-naped Jays, we also found a pair of Bronzy Jacamars and then topped things off with extended views of a couple of Tiny Hawks a species which can often be secretive. A group of Orange-cheeked Parrots dashed past, and we added Olivaceous and Straight-billed Woodcreepers, Plain-winged Antshrike, a flighty Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-chinned Antbird and a singing Chestnut-belled Seedfinch. We made some detours during the return boat Little Hawk by Trevor Ellery journey, which allowed point blank views of a pair of Blackish-grey Antshrikes, followed by some handsome White-banded Swallows and a shoreline Drabwater Tyrant. After lunch, a short spell of birding in the town added Red-bellied Macaw and a very showy Point-tailed Palmcreeper. We then made a second visit to Urania, where we managed good views of more Amazonian Umbrellabirds and an obliging pair of Plumbeous Euphonias. White-mantled Barbet by Trevor Ellery Our final morning in the Mitu area was spent at Ceima Cachivera, where we added Amazonian Motmot, a pair of Scale-breasted Woodpeckers, Spot-winged Antshrike, White-plumed and Scale-backed Antbirds, Greyish Mourner and a skulking Musician Wren. We then returned to Bogota after a somewhat delayed flight. We had a final morning in the Bogota area before our flight north to the Cerulean Warbler Reserve. First, we visited a marsh on the edge of the city where we enjoyed good looks at Apolinar s Wren, Subtropical Doradito and Spot-flanked Gallinule. We also found a range of commoner species, including Pied-billed Grebe, Bare-faced Ibis, Purple and Common Gallinules and a hunting Merlin. We finished

7 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II the morning at a nearby cloud forest reserve where the main target, Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, performed well on the feeders. Other hummers that were visiting included Buff-tailed Coronet, Collared Inca, Tourmaline Sunangel and Glowing Puffleg. A little birding along the entrance track was very productive as we found White-throated Toucanet, Plushcap and both Moustached and Pale-naped Brushfinches. We then came across a great mixed flock which held Cinnamon Flycatcher, Ashy-throated Bush Tanager, a nice hat-trick of Black-capped, Black-eared and Superciliaried Hemispinguses, Capped Conebill and, best of all, a Striped Treehunter - which showed briefly, but well. We then had to catch a late morning flight to Bucaramanga and spent the afternoon driving to the reserve, managing one, short, roadside stop. This produced Red-rumped Woodpecker, the near-endemic Bar-crested Antshrike, Jet Antbird, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Long-tailed Tyrant, Black-bellied Wren and a nice selection of migrant American Warblers. Laughing Falcon by Trevor Ellery Our first day in the Cerulean Warbler reserve started in the garden, where we quickly found two endemics, Turquoise Dacnis and Indigo-capped Hummingbird. Other hummers at the feeders included Green hermit, Brown Violetear, Crowned Woodnymph, Andean Emerald and Green-crowned Brilliant. We then spent much of the day birding the Coffee plantations below the reserve. Highlights were many but included another endemic hummingbird, Chestnut-bellied - at another set of feeders, good, if brief, views of the endemic Niceforo s Wren and great looks at a group of three endemic White-mantled Barbets. The supporting cast included Striped Cuckoo, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, several Olivaceous Piculets, Golden-olive, Spot-breasted, Red-crowned and Lineated Woodpeckers and our first Orange-chinned Parakeets and Blue-headed Parrots. We also had good looks at the near endemic Spectacled Parrotlet and a showy Ash-browed Spinetail and added both Cocoa and Streak-headed Woodcreepers. Flycatchers included Slateheaded Tody-Flycatcher and a surprise White-throated Spadebill; while a Bright-rumped Attila was also rather obliging. We also found several key species, including Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo, Rufous-naped Greenlet, Speckle-breasted Wren (of the endemic colombianus subspecies) and a couple of White-eared Conebills. As Chestnut-fronted Macaws by Trevor Ellery

8 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II always, the coffee plantations were swarming with a large selection of boreal migrants, including several Cerulean Warblers, Baltimore Orioles and plentiful Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Tanagers were represented by Plain-coloured, White-shouldered, Speckled, Scrub and Guira; while other highlights included Yellow-tailed Oriole, Hook-billed Kite, Yellow-tufted Dacnis, and a selection of seedeaters, including Grey and both Large-billed and Thick-billed Seedfinches. For many, this was one of the best days of the trip, and we rounded it off with an obliging Tropical Screech Owl in the lodge garden! The next morning involved a pre-dawn hike up to the forest and although we got very close, we only managed to hear and not see a Cinnamon Screech Owl. We then spent some time at some seed-feeders, where all enjoyed good views of a Lined Quail-Dove, Greycheeked Thrush, Chestnut-capped Brush-finch and a American Pygmy Kingfisher by Trevor Ellery couple of very brief Gorgeted Wood Quails. Next to the seed feeders were some hummer feeders, which held the endemic Black Inca, along with Booted Racket-tail and Speckled Hummingbird. We then spent the rest of the day birding the forest where we found Collared Trogon, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Spotted Barbtail, Montane, Buff-fronted and Lineated Foliage-gleaners, Streaked and a surprise Plain Xenops, Black-banded, Olive-backed and Montane Woodcreepers and a much appreciated Brown-billed Scythebill. We had both mixed canopy and understorey flocks, and these produced Uniform Antshrike, Slaty and Rufous-rumped Antwren s, a skulking pair of the endemic Parker s Antbird, Plumbeous-crowned and Rufous-browed Tyrannulets, Variegated Bristle Tyrant, Golden-winged Manakin, Inca Jay, Three-striped Warbler, Common Bush, Blue-winged Mountain, Golden and Metallic-green Tanagers and a Black Hawk Eagle, which was seen overhead. Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher by Trevor Ellery We had one final morning to bird the lower elevation coffee zone below the Cerulean Reserve before making the long drive south to Paujil. We managed to pick up a number of new species with perhaps pride of place going to Double-banded Greytail, which we eventually found after much searching. We also added Collared Aracari, Brown-capped Tyrannulet,

9 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Scrub Greenlet, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Black-striped Sparrow, Colombian Chachalaca and Greyheaded Tanager. The journey to Paujil was enlivened with a few roadside birds, including our first Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, a surprise Long-winged Harrier, Plumbeous Kite, Savanna Hawk, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Black-capped Donacobius, Norther Screamers and Ruddy-breasted Seedeater. The final part of the journey along a dirt track is always productive, and we managed to add Crested Bobwhite, Rufescent Tiger and Capped Heron s, Yellow-crowned and Orange-winged Amazons, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Pied Water Tyrant and White-headed Marsh Tyrant. Lineated Woodpecker by Trevor Ellery Our full day at Paujil began around the clearing, where we soon enjoyed superb views of the female Blue-billed Curassow that has become habituated. We followed this with a nice perched American Pygmy Kingfisher, a Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher and our first Black-chested Jays. We then headed to the tower, where we found several Barred Puffbirds, scoped a Citronthroated Toucan and enjoyed point blank views of Fulvousvented Euphonia and Golden-hooded Tanager. Much of the rest of the morning was spent walking the trails and this produced Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Black Antshrike, Bare-crowned and Chestnut-backed Antbirds, Yellow Tyrannulet, Southern Bentbill, Black-billed Flycatcher and a couple of Purple-throated Fruitcrows. In the afternoon we crossed the river, where we found White-whiskered Puffbird and Lesser Greenlet and upon our return, we had good views of the male Blue-billed Curassow that had been absent for much of the day. Our day finished at the hummer feeders, where we found Rufous-breasted Hermit, Shining-green Hummingbird and Blue-chested Hummingbird and we tried a spot of Owling, which resulted in flight views of a Black-and-white Owl and superb views of a perched Choco Screech Owl. Golden-hooded Tanager by Trevor Ellery Our final morning at Paujil was spent walking the road, where we found lekking Stripe-throated Hermits, Whitetailed Trogon, a very obliging Broad-billed Motmot and Yellow-throated Toucan. A couple of Blue-and-yellow Macaws, which perched up to dry after a rain shower, were later voted as one of the birds of the trip and we also

10 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II had good perched views of Red-lored Amazon. The understorey produced Black-crowned Antshrike, Checker-throated Antwren, a skulking Southern Nightingale-Wren and, best of all, a couple of groups of the endemic Sooty Ant Tanager. As we returned to the lodge, a couple of Russet-crowned Crakes were glimpsed by some and we also found Bicolored Antbird, Russet-winged Schiffornis and a Beautiful Woodpecker - a species which had been eluding us for much of our stay. The drive out was broken up with a brief stop, which added Yellow-chinned Spinetail, and we arrived at Rio Claro by dusk. We spent the morning at Rio Claro, birding a flat trail where we eventually found some obliging Grey-cheeked Nunlets. We also added our first Rufous-tailed Jacamar and a Dotwinged Antwren. We then transferred to the main part of Rio Claro, where we found Tawny-crested and Dusky-faced Tanagers, Pale-bellied Hermit, Pacific Antwren, Bay Wren and after some searching, a pair of Antioquia Bristle Tyrants. In the afternoon we took a walk to the Oilbird cave, where we enjoyed good views of the Oilbirds and also added Bandbacked Wren. Blue-chested Hummingbird by Trevor Ellery We spent a few hours at Rio Claro this morning, which added Fasciated Tiger Heron, Magdalena Antbird, Olivaceous Flatbill, One-coloured Becard, Blue-black Grosbeak and Chestnut Woodpecker. We also had good looks at the endemic White-handed Titi Monkey before making the long drive to the Piha Reserve, adding Swallow-tailed Kite during the journey. Broad-billed Motmot by Trevor Ellery We spent a full day in the forest at the Piha Reserve and came back with a haul of really special birds. A quick dawn look in the garden added Steely-vented Hummingbird, Purplethroated Woodstar and Black-winged Saltator. We then birded along the road, where we found a nice group of Redbellied Grackles. After this, we headed into the forest proper where we all managed good looks at Chestnut-crowned Gnateater (a male), the charismatic Lanceolated Monklet, a confiding and critically endangered Chestnut-capped Piha and a couple of brief Multicoloured Tanagers. The backup cast

11 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II included Red-headed Barbet, Azara s and Red-faced Spinetails, Streak-capped Treehunter, Dusky Leaftosser, Stile s Tapaculo, Golden-breasted Fruiteater and lots of Yellow-throated Bush Tanagers; while a superb male Scarlet-and-white Tanager was a real highlight. We finished the day at the waterfall, where we enjoyed good views of Green-fronted Lancebill. We enjoyed a final morning birding down from the Piha Reserve before the long journey to Las Tangaras. We started off pre-dawn but were unable to locate Lyre-tailed Nightjar. We did, however, manage to find Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, Blue Lored Antbird, Slaty Spinetail, Moustached Puffbird and a Northern White-crowned Tapaculo - which perched out and allowed itself to be photographed. Another highlight was a day roosting Tropical Screech Owl, expertly spotted by Pat - not a new bird for the trip but it s always great to see Owls in the daytime. A short second visit to the forest added Western Woodhaunter, our first Andean Motmot, a brief Fulvousbreasted Flatbill and a surprise Pale-eyed Thrush. We then made the long drive to Las Tangaras Reserve, adding Least Grebe, White-tailed Kite and Tody Motmot en route and fitting in some Acorn Woodpeckers during our lunch stop. A day at Las Tangaras is always spectacular and so it was, with an onslaught of birds from dawn to dusk. We had good views of Mottled Owl on the drive up, and then spent the early morning on the road, where we quickly picked up a few Rufous-tailed Jacamar by Trevor Ellery mixed flocks before heading up the trail. We managed to find Masked Trogon, Toucan Barbet, Starchested Treerunner, Pacific Tuftedcheek, Uniform Treehunter, Yellow-breasted Antwren, Narino Tapaculo, Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, Olivaceous Piha, Black-billed Peppershrike, White-headed and Sepia-brown Wrens, Black Solitaire, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Olive Finch and White-naped and Choco Brush-finches. The reserve lived up to its name regarding Tanagers, as we found Dusky-bush, Rufouscrested, Black-and-gold, Black-chinned Mountain, Purplish-mantled, Glistening-green and Saffroncrowned Tanagers. We also found a pair of Goldencollared Honeycreepers and several Indigo Flowerpiercers. In the afternoon we visited the hummingbird feeders, where we added White-tailed Hillstar, Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, Moustached Puffbird by Trevor Ellery Brown Inca, Purple-bibbed Whitetip and Violet-tailed

12 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Sylph. In the evening we returned to the lodge, where we had good views of Sickle-winged Guan. The next morning we climbed a higher elevation, high above Tangaras, where we were to target a small set of specific species. We soon managed to find Munchique Wood-wren and then, despite some pretty heavy rain, we found a nice pair of Tanager Finch. Other species that we picked up included Rufous and Whitebrowed Spinetails, Yellow-bellied and Slatybacked Chat-Tyrants, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Barred Becard, Citrine and Russetcrowned Warblers, Grey-browed Brush-finch and Grey-hooded Bush, Lachrymose Mountain and Grass-green Tanagers. We also added a Slaty Spinetail by Trevor Ellery couple of Pale-footed Swallows overhead. In the afternoon, we returned to Las Tangaras Reserve, which allowed us to pick up Goldringed Tanager, White-capped Dipper, Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Bronze-olive Pygmy Tyrant and a superb Ochre-breasted Antpitta at an ant swarm. We finished the day with a rather elusive Crested Ant Tanager and a roosting Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Grey-cheeked Nunlet by Trevor Ellery The next morning, we left pre-dawn and headed to the Cauca valley. Here we were in a completely different habitat and were quickly racking up a new set of endemics. Apical Flycatcher, Greyish Piculet and Antioquia Wren were all seen well; while a Black-billed Cuckoo was only the third that I had seen in eight years of living in Colombia, and was a new species for the mega tour. Other new species included Goldencrowned Warbler, Greenish Elaenia, Yellow-green Vireo and some fly-over Scarlet-fronted Parakeets; while we also enjoyed good looks at our second Hook-billed Kite of the trip. A short bathroom stop then added White-tailed Hawk, picked out by Pat. We then followed the Cauca River south before leaving the western Andes and climbing into the central Andes, where we spent the afternoon birding the lower section of the Rio Blanco Reserve. Here we found Wedge-billed Hummer, Bronzy Inca, some especially obliging Andean Motmots, our first Grey-throated Toucanet, Streak-headed

13 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Antbird, a pair of Oleaginous Hemispingus, and a brief fly-past by a Powerful Woodpecker. We spent a full day at Rio Blanco reserve. We divided our time between the morning s Antpitta show and an afternoon looking for mixed flocks. The morning s Antpitta-ing produced Chestnutcrowned, Brown-banded, Slaty-Crowned and the sometimes tricky Bicoloured - with fantastic, close-up views had of all. We then had great views of an Ocellated Tapaculo - which was to be voted bird of the trip. The mixed flocks held Bar-belled and Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, White-tailed Tyrannulet and Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher. We also managed good looks at Dusky Piha and a day roosting Stygian Owl. The day finished with a Lanceolated Monklet by Trevor Ellery White-throated Screech Owl and Band-winged Nightjar; while some of the group also saw a Rufous-banded Owl at this point, I was involved in helping to dig out the minivan which the driver had got well and truly stuck it took four hours, and the intervention of a tow truck, to free it from the mud. The next day was another pre-dawn start and we were up on the high Paramos of Nevado del Ruiz for first light. Unfortunately, the endemic Rufous-fronted Parakeets were not on their roost and despite much searching, we were only to hear them during the day. We moved on to higher elevations and were soon enjoying fantastic views of the endemic and highly charismatic Buffy Helmetcrest. The supporting cast included several obliging Tawny Antpittas, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Many-striped Canastero, Viridian Metaltail, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Plain-coloured Seedeater and Paramo Tapaculo. We then dropped down to some hummingbird feeders that rank amongst the best in the world. Here we enjoyed brilliant close up views of Black-thighed and Goldenbreasted Pufflegs, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Shining Sunbeam and the indescribable Rainbow-bearded Thornbill - which was voted second favourite bird of the trip. After this, we headed to Otun Quimbaya, with a late afternoon stop adding a Silver-throated Tanager by Trevor Ellery party of Torrent ducks and Torrent Tyrannulet.

14 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Another pre-dawn start had us looking for Hooded Antpitta, which, while being very vocal, proved frustratingly difficult to see - although several group members did manage brief but good looks when it perched on a branch. A couple of Moustached Antpittas were also seen and we added Cauca Guan, Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Chestnutcollared Swift, Marble-faced Bristle-tyrant and a skulking Chestnut-breasted Wren. We then had to catch a flight to the north coast, where we were to spend a night in the hot, steamy and colourful Barranquilla. Our first day on the Caribbean coast started at the break of day we were on a tight schedule and wanted to see the endemic Chestnut-winged Chachalaca as early as possible. As it was, we spotted a group perched up from the moving bus and they lingered long enough for all to disembark and enjoy brilliant views. We then headed to the mangroves, where we added Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird before we made our way into the marshes. This day is always on of the birdiest of the tour, and this was no exception. Russet-throated Puffbirds and garrulous Stripe-backed Wrens were everywhere and we added a plethora of wetland birds, including Fulvous and Lyre-tailed Nightjar by Trevor Ellery White-faced Whistling Ducks, Snail Kite, White Ibis, some handsome Roseate Spoonbills, Green, Tricoloured and Great-blue Herons, Large-billed, Yellow-billed, Gull-billed and Black Terns, Limpkin and Black-necked Stilts. Plenty of Lesser-Yellow-headed Vultures cruised overhead and we also added Black-collared Hawk and Peregrine. A pair of American Wigeons and a Northern Shoveller were bonus birds; while the scrub produced Scaled Dove, Caribbean Hornero, Groove-billed Ani, Brown-throated Parakeet, Black-crested Antshrike, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Grey Kingbird and Yellow Oriole. A return trip to the mangroves added Common Black Hawk, Panama Flycatcher, Golden-green Woodpecker, Bicolored Conebill, Chestnut Piculet and plentiful Prothonotary Warblers. We then began working our way east, towards the Santa Marta mountains, with roadside stops adding White-cheeked Pintail, Yellow-crowned Night-heron, Reddish Egret, Brown Pelican, Magnificent Frigatebird, Pearl Kite, Black Skimmer, Laughing Gull, Caspian and Royal Terns and a host of wader Golden Tanager by Trevor Ellery species, including Wilson s Plover. We finished the

15 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II day in the foothills of the Santa Marta Mountains, where we managed to add Whooping Motmot and several small flocks of Military Macaws heading to roost. The next morning we were up and birding the coffee plantations above Minca, which once again produced a slew of new species. We managed to add skulking Rosy-thrush Tanager, both Rufous-breasted and Rufous-and-white Wrens, a very obliging Golden-fronted Greenlet and the much wanted Golden-winged Sparrow. We followed this with Keel-billed Toucan, Long-billed Gnatwren, a surprise Orangecrowned Oriole, several Black-headed Tanagers and both Barred and Black-backed Antshrikes. The feeders back at the Hotel added Pale-bellied Hermit and Long-billed Starthroat. Saffron-crowned Tanager by Trevor Ellery We then had a minor disaster when it was clear that Peter needed to make a non-urgent hospital visit. A replacement guide was quickly rustled up to take the group up to the lodge while I spent the rest of the day in Santa Marta hospital, eventually arriving at the lodge near midnight, having had to leave Peter in the hospital to undergo necessary but non-emergency treatment. The following day, another pre-dawn start found us climbing to the San Lorenzo ridge - a focal point for many of the Santa Marta endemics. We had a great morning, quickly finding Santa Marta Warbler, Yellow-crowned Whitestart, Hermit Wood Wren, Santa Marta Bush Tyrant, Santa Marta Mountain Tanager, a pair of Smoky-brown Woodpeckers, some large groups of Scaly-naped Amazons, both Rustyheaded and Streak-capped Spinetails and a couple of Flammulated Treehunters, which showed very well for this skulking species. We also added Brown-rumped Tapaculo, Paramo Seedeater, Golden Grosbeak and a surprise Aplomado Falcon probably a first for the reserve. All of this was set against the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Andean Motmot by Trevor Ellery Santa Marta Mountains the highest peaks in Colombia. In the afternoon we birded below and around the lodge, adding Band-tailed Guan, Lazuline Sabrewing and Black-hooded Thrush.

16 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Our penultimate day was a catch-up day as we tried to find a few things we had missed on the ascent when I had been absent. We started with Grey-throated Leaftosser and then worked our way down the mountain, adding Santa Marta and Groove-billed Toucanets, Santa Marta Tapaculo - which showed superbly, Rusty-breasted Antpitta, White-lored Warbler, Sierra Nevada Brush-finch, Santa Marta Antbird, a male Santa Marta Woodstar, a skulking pair of Santa Marta Foliage-gleaners and Orangebilled Nightingale and White-necked Thrushes. Eventually, we had to tear ourselves away and head east to the Guajira peninsula, where we found some Lesser Nighthawks hawking over the main road at dusk. Our final morning was spent in the Guajira which, after heavy rains, was the greenest I had ever seen it. Our first stop produced good views of Rufous-vented Chachalacas after we waded through waist high vegetation along what is normally a bare path - crazy. We had a lot of birds to see today and we set about birding the scrub with the help of a local guide. We managed to find many of the specialities, including Orinoco Saltator, Vermilion Cardinal, a skulking Tocuyo Sparrow, Green-rumped Parrotlet, a pair of Doublestriped Thick-knees, Bare-eyed Pigeon, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, White-whiskered Spinetail, Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, Slender-billed and Pale-tipped Inezias, Pearly-vented Tody- Tyrant, Ochre-lored Flatbill, Trinidad Euphonia, a surprise Magnolia Warbler and Grey-pileated Finch. We caught a mid-day flight back to Bogota but, rather than return to the Hotel, the group was offered the Buffy Helmetcrest by Trevor Ellery chance to visit a Hummingbird garden near Bogota during the last afternoon, and that is where we added the last new birds of the trip, with both Black-tailed and Green-tailed Trainbearers, a fly-through Plain-breasted Hawk and a heard only Streak-throated Bush Tyrant. There was then time to return to the Hotel for a final dinner and a reflection on all the species we had seen and sites we had visited on one of the world s greatest birding adventures.

17 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II ANNOTATED LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient Birds Tinamous Tinamidae Great Tinamou (NT) Heard at Paujil Highland Tinamou Heard at the Cerulean Reserve Little Tinamou Heard quite commonly at several lowland sites Tinamus major Screamers Anhimidae Nothocercus bonapartei Crypturellus soui Northern Screamer (NT) Chauna chavaria Good views roadside in the Magdalena Valley and on the drive to Paujil and then a couple seen distantly at the Barranquilla Marshes Ducks, Geese and Waterfowl Anatidae White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata A couple seen at Barranquilla Marshes Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis A few flocks roadside in the Magdalena Valley and a couple of singles on the north coast Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor A single bird seen well in the Barranquilla Marshes Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Great views of a family party at Otun Quimbaya American Wigeon Anas americana A pair in the Barranquilla Marshes were a real surprise and only the second the second time the guide has seen this species in 8 years in Colombia Blue-winged Teal Anas discors A single bird in marshes near Chingaza was followed by wintering flocks at La Florida and Barranquilla. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata A single bird in the Barranquilla marshes - this is a scarce winter visitor to Colombia. White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis A small group on coastal lagoons Andean Teal Anas andium A pair in the marshes near Chingaza - the subspecies involved has occasionally been

18 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II mooted as a split as 'Merida Speckled Teal' Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea A single bird near Chingaza and large numbers at La Florida Orinoco Goose Neochen jubata An apparently wild pair near Villacincencio. Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows Cracidae Chestnut-winged Chachalaca Ortalis garrula Great views at a stakeout on the north coast. Rufous-vented Chachalaca Ortalis ruficauda Great views at dawn on our final morning despite having to wade through some waist high vegetation. Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata Good views of small groups at both Villacincencio and Mitu. Colombian Chachalaca Ortalis columbiana After our first sighting in the Coffee plantation below the Cerulean Reserve we then further groups at Paujil and very confidingly on the fruit feeders at the Piha Reserve Band-tailed Guan Penelope argyrotis Extremely tame and abundant at El Dorado Lodge. Actually starting to become a pest in the way that they dominate the seed feeders. Cauca Guan (EN) Penelope perspicax Good views of this endemic at Otun Quimbaya Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii First seen in the garden at Las Tangaras lodge it was then found to be plentiful at Rio Blanco and we then had superb views of tame individuals feeding on the road at Otun Quimbaya Blue-billed Curassow (CR) Crax alberti A habituated pair were seen well around the lodge in Paujil New World Quail Odontophoridae Crested Bobwhite Colinus cristatus A couple seen well from the bus as they crossed the road on the drive in to Paujil and a pair seen in the Guajira. Chestnut Wood Quail (NT) Odontophorus hyperythrus Heard at Rio Blanco and Otum Quimbaya Gorgeted Wood Quail (EN) Odontophorus strophium Mostly heard at the Cerulean Reserve but a single bird was seen briefly.

19 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Grebes Podicipedidae Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus A single bird on a roadside pool on the drive from Piha to Las Tangaras. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Quite common at La Florida and a single bird in the Barranquilla Marshes. American Flamingo Three birds seen in the Guajira Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Phoenicopterus ruber Wood Stork Small numbers on the north coast. Storks Ciconiidae Mycteria americana Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis Good views of a couple at Mitu. Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus Seen commonly at a number of sites. American White Ibis Eudocimus albus A single bird in the Barranquilla Marshes. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Nice views in the Barranquilla Marshes. Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum Good views on the way in and out of Paujil Reserve. Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum Superb views of a single bird at Rio Claro. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Small numbers at Chingaza and La Florida and somewhat commoner at Barranquilla. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea Small numbers on the north coast. Green Heron Butorides virescens A single bird on the north coast. Striated Heron Butorides striata Scattered sightings throughout. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Common throughout.

20 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Small numbers on the north coast. Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Small numbers in the Magdalena valley and Barranquilla Marshes. Great Egret Ardea alba Seen commonly throughout. Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus A single bird at Villacincencio was followed by several on the journey in and out of Paujil Reserve. Reddish Egret (NT) Egretta rufescens A couple on the north coast. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Common in the Barranquilla marshes. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea A single bird in the Magdalena valley was followed by a couple at the Barranquilla marshes. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Fairly common roadside in the Magdalena and Cauca valleys and on the north coast. Brown Pelican Common on the north coast. Magnificent Frigatebird Common on the north coast. Pelicans Pelecanidae Frigatebirds Fregatidae Pelecanus occidentalis Fregata magnificens Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Scattered roadside sightings and common on the north coast. New World Vultures Cathartidae Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common, almost daily sightings throughout Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus Common on the drive into Paujil and at the Barranquilla Marshes Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus Sighted daily in small numbers at Mitu.

21 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Black Vulture Abundant virtually daily sightings except at Mitu. King Vulture Several sightings at Mitu, Paujil and Rio Claro. Coragyps atratus Sarcoramphus papa Western Osprey Scattered sightings Osprey Pandionidae Pandion haliaetus Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Single roadside sighting near the Piha Reserve and in Bogota on our last day. Pearl Kite Gampsonyx swainsonii A pair seen roadside on the north coast. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus Single birds seen at the Cerulean Reserve and in the Cauca Valley. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus A single bird seen roadside near Rio Claro. Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus Single seen at the Cerulean and Piha Reserve and heard at Rio Claro. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus A confiding individual at Villacincencio and another at Rio Claro. Tiny Hawk Accipiter superciliosus One of the highlights of the trip were prolonged views of a confiding and probably nesting pair at Mitu. Plain-breasted Hawk Accipiter ventralis A single bird seen briefly during a little extra birding on our last afternoon. Long-winged Harrier Circus buffoni A single bird roadside in the Magdalena Valley - a scarce bird in Colombia. Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea A single bird roadside in the Magdalena Valley. Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis A couple in the Barranquilla Marshes. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Common in the Barranquilla Marshes. Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus A single bird in the Mangroves near Barranquilla. Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis A couple of roadside birds in the Magdalena valley and a single bird in the Guajira.

22 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Roadside Hawk Seen almost daily in small numbers. White-tailed Hawk A single soaring bird in the Cauca Valley. Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Small numbers at Chingaza and Nevado del Ruiz. Grey-lined Hawk A single bird heard near Minca Broad-winged Hawk Scattered sightings mainly in the subtropical zone. Short-tailed Hawk A single soaring bird at El Paujil. Rupornis magnirostris Geranoaetus albicaudatus Geranoaetus melanoleucus Buteo nitidus Buteo platypterus Buteo brachyurus Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Russet-crowned Crake Laterallus viridis Mostly heard at Paujil but was glimpsed by a couple. White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis Heard roadside in the Magdalena Valley. Bogota Rail (EN) Rallus semiplumbeus Singles seen near Chingaza and at La Florida. Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Heard at Paujil. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica A couple at La Florida and a single bird on the drive into Paujil. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Scattered sightings at several wetlands. Spot-flanked Gallinule Porphyriops melanops Good numbers at La Florida - the geographically isolated 'bogotesnsis' subspecies is a potential split. American Coot Fulica americana A couple near Chingaza and good numbers at La Florida. The morphologically distinct, geographically isolated and non-migratory subspecies that is endemic to the highlands of Colombia is sometimes suggested as a potential split. Limpkin Small numbers in the Barranquilla Marshes. Limpkin Aramidae Aramus guarauna

23 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Thick-knees Burhinidae Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus Great views of a pair at a regular spot in the Guajira. Black-necked Stilt Very common in the Barranquilla Marshes. Southern Lapwing Seen commonly throughout. Grey Plover Small numbers on the north coast. Semipalmated Plover Small numbers on the north coast. Wilson's Plover Small numbers on the north coast. Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Himantopus mexicanus Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Jacanas Jacanidae Vanellus chilensis Pluvialis squatarola Charadrius semipalmatus Charadrius wilsonia Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana A single bird at Mitu and then common in the Magdalena Valley and north coast. Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Noble Snipe (NT) Gallinago nobilis A couple near Chingaza and heard at La Florida. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Small numbers on the north coast Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Small numbers on the north coast. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca A single bird at La Florida and small numbers at wetlands in the Magdalena Valley and then common on the north coast. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Common on the north coast Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria A single bird at Mitu and small numbers at La Florida and then common in the Barranquilla Marshes. Willet Tringa semipalmata Common on the north coast

24 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Spotted Sandpiper Ruddy Turnstone Small numbers on the north coast. Sanderling Small numbers on the north coast. Semipalmated Sandpiper (NT) Common on the north coast. Western Sandpiper Small numbers on the north coast. Least Sandpiper Small numbers on the north coast. Actitis macularius Arenaria interpres Calidris alba Calidris pusilla Calidris mauri Calidris minutilla Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Black Skimmer Rynchops niger A nice flock on the north coast. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Fairly common on the north coast. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Quite common at the Barranquilla Marshes - probably the largest numbers recorded there. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Common on the north coast. Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Common on the north coast. Cabot's Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus Fairly common on the north coast. Yellow-billed Tern Sternula superciliaris Fairly common on the north coast Common Tern Sterna hirundo Fairly common on the north coast Black Tern Chlidonias niger Several individuals at the Barranquilla Marshes - mainly a passage migrant in Colombia. Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex A couple feeding in the rain over a lake as we passed Pablo Escobar's old ranch in the Magdalena Valley were followed by large numbers at the Barranquilla Marshes. Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Scattered sightings of Feral Pigeons throughout. Columba livia

25 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa One seen briefly at Mitu. Bare-eyed Pigeon Patagioenas corensis A single bird seen briefly in the Barranquilla Marshes was followed by much better views of another in the Guajira peninsula. Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Scattered sightings throughout - mainly in the highlands. Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Scattered sightings in Mitu, the Magdalena Valley and on the coast. Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Heard on a couple of days at Mitu. Ruddy Pigeon (VU) Patagioenas subvinacea Seen at the Cerulean Warbler Reserve and the Piha Reserve. Scaled Dove Columbina squammata Small numbers at Barranquilla and Rioacha. Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Small numbers in Mitu and on the north coast. Plain-breasted Ground Dove Columbina minuta Small numbers on a couple of days at Mitu. Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Scattered sightings throughout. Blue Ground Dove Claravis pretiosa Small numbers seen at Mitu. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Scattered sightings throughout. Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla Small numbers at Mitu. Lined Quail-Dove Zentrygon linearis A couple showed well at the seed feeders on the Cerulean Warbler Reserve. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Seen commonly at a number of sites. Hoatzin Opisthocomidae Hoatzin A nice group next to the Zoo near Villacincencio. Cuckoos Cuculidae Greater Ani Scattered sightings with largest numbers at Paujil. Opisthocomus hoazin Crotophaga major

26 Trip Report RBL Colombia - Mega II Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Seen commonly at a number of sites. Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Seen commonly at Barranquilla and the Guajira. Pavonine Cuckoo Dromococcyx pavoninus Seen well at Cerulean and heard at a couple fo other sites. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Widespread sightings. Black-bellied Cuckoo Piaya melanogaster A couple seen well at Mitu Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Single birds at Chingaza, Rio Claro and on the north coast. Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus A single seen well in the Cauca Valley. Only the third time the guide has seen this species in eight years in Colombia. Owls Strigidae Santa Marta Screech-Owl Megascops gilesi Heard at El Dorado Lodge but despite some effort, we were unable to get any views. Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba After a showy individual in the Cerulean Lodge grounds at dusk, we enjoyed two day roosting birds discovered by chance near the Piha Reserve. Cinnamon Screech Owl Megascops petersoni Heard very close at the Cerulean Warbler Reserve but we were unable to get any views. Choco Screech Owl Megascops centralis Fantastic views of a single bird at Paujil Reserve. White-throated Screech Owl Megascops albogularis Good views of a single bird at Rio Blanco. Mottled Owl Strix virgata Heard at the Cerulean Warbler Reserve and then a single seen on the drive up to Las Tangaras Reserve. Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsis A single seen by some of the group while Trevor was helping to dig out the van at Rio Blanco. Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata A vocal bird seen several times in flight at Paujil Reserve was followed by good looks at three day roosting birds near Minca while Trevor was at the Hospital. Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata A single bird out hunting just before dusk was a highlight at Mitu. Andean Pygmy Owl Glaucidium jardinii Despite much effort a calling bird at Nevado del Ruiz remained hidden.