Ecuador2010-1

Ecuador from Quito: January to May, 2010
with Likely Extension

We offer several excellent trips to Ecuador each year. The best time
of year for birding in Ecuador is January to May.

Our main trip itinerary for these trips is based upon our initial
exploratory trip, improvements over the years, and the experience of
the guides of Neblina Forest Tours. Our first trip resulted in 570
species of birds being observed or heard in 14 days. Since then,
our trips have just gotten better. The main trip (without the extension
trip to the Amazonian basin) yielded 440 species. By adding an
extension in the Amazonian basin at one of the great lodges there,
this full trip with an extension may yield 600 species. Participants
will likely see over 40 hummingbird species and over 70 tanager
species.

Any of our base Ecuador trips (6 to 9 days) can include extension
trips. One trip can be added to the Amazonian Rainforest. Also
most groups consider 2 or 3 day additional days at San Isidro.

Our April 2010 trip will be hosted by Ted Floyd with excellent bird
guiding by Xavier Munoz. Ted Floyd is the editor of Birding
Magazine (the flagship publication of the American Birding
Association) and the author The Smithsonian Field Guide to the
Birds of North America (HarperCollins, 2008). Ted hosted our trip to
Bolivia several years ago and is anxious to enjoy another excellent
trip to South America.

Favourite Itinerary for Ecuador

April 3 and 4: Arrival and Off to Mindo and Start of NW
Ecuador Bird Watching

On Saturday, participants will fly to Quito (most
flights arrive in the late evening). No matter your
flight plans, we will have a representative meet you
outside of customs gate and take you to the local
hotel.

On Sunday morning, we will start early for the Mindo
and then the Milpe area. Our guide will know a
number of good bird watching stops along the way.
These stops will make the short trip go by even fast,
as at each stop will add a number of life birds for
each trip participant.
The group will make several stops in the Mindo area
on the way to Milpe. One trip, we found Broad-billed
Motmot, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Beryl-spangled
Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Palm Tanager and
nearly a dozen tanager species, and much more in
the Mindo area.
Later in the day, the group will bird in the Milpe area.
Upon arriving at the lodge in Milpe on our last trip,
we found the fantastic Glistening-green Tanager,
Choco Toucan, and a large mixed flock of about
fifteen other species.
That night, the lodging will be at nice eco-lodge (one
of our customer's favorites) in a nice preserved
forested area. The birding is good at the lodge.
Getting to bed at a reasonable hour is a good idea to
start the morning early at Paz de las Aves.

April 5: Refugio Paz de las Aves

On Monday morning, the Refugio trip will begin just
before dark as we walk to the Andean Cock-of-the-
Rock lek. Besides seeing and hearing these
beautiful birds, we will also see several other
species, such as Toucan Barbet and perhaps
Crimson-rumped Toucanet.
The Refugio is world famous for opportunities to see
Antpitta species. With some luck, we will be able to
see Giant Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, and
Moustached Antpitta. We may also see Dark-backed
Wood Quail and one or two more species.
Other fantastic species occur here including Fawn-
breasted Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Lemon-
rumped Tanager, and Golden-headed Quetzal to
just name a few.
Like many other parts of Ecuador, large flocks of
multiple species can be found. On the 2007 trip we
found a flock with over 20 different species, proving
over one hour of fantastic bird watching.
Hummingbird species found at their feeders include
Empress Brilliant, Tawny-bellied Hermit, and
Collared Inca, and several others.
After enjoying the Refugio and once the birding
slows down, we will head back towards the lodge for
birding in that area.

Continued below the Honey Creepers.

Brief Itinerary for April 3 to 11, 2010

Sat. April 3, 2010: Fly to Quito
Sun. April 4: Mindo area birding and transfer to Milpe (and Sacha Tamia Lodge)
Mon. April 5: Refugio Paz de Las Aves
Tues. April 6: Rio Silanche and Milpe Area
Wed. April 7: Milpe Reserve
Thur. April 8: Bellavista Reserve and Tandayapa Valley
(great hummingbird feeders in the Valley)
Fri. April 9: Yanacocha Reserve (or optional rest day in Quito)
Sat. April 10: Antisana Ecological Reserve
Sun. April 11: Papallacta Pass and Guango Lodge/Reserve

Likely Extensions:

Any trip participant can add 4 to 5 days at Sani Lodge in the Amazonian
Rainforest. Why not add 150 to 200 species to your trip list? We are
recommending a pre-trip, but a post-trip is possible.
Depending upon group interest, we will likely add several days at San Isidro,
Guacamayos Trail, and the Antisana National Park.

Please see "Note on Flights" below and contact us, before booking your flight.

Itinerary for Ecuador - Continued -

April 8: Bellavista, Tandayapa Valley:

On Thursday, we will start birding early at the areas surrounding our
lodge. Some of the species we are more likely to see include
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Plain-
breasted Hawk, Blue and White Swallow, Plain-tailed Wren, Sickle-
winged Guan, Great Thrush, Plumbeous Pigeon, Glossy-black
Thrush, Red-billed Parrot, Turquoise Jay, Spectacled Whitestart,
Band-winged Nightjar (hopefully more than a song), Slate-throated
Whitestart, White-collared Swift, Russet-crowned Warbler, Masked
Trogon, Grass-green Tanager, Dusky Bush-Tanager, Plate-billed
Mountain-Toucan, Rufous-chested Tanager, Crimson-mantled
Woodpecker, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Powerful Woodpecker,
Thick-billed Euphonia, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Orange-bellied
Euphonia, Montane Woodcreeper, Golden Tanager, Azara's Spinetail,
Flame-faced Tanager, Red-faced Spinetail, and Beryl-spangled
Tanager, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Blue-and-black Tanager, Rufous-
collared Sparrow, Spillmann's Tapaculo, Chestnut-capped Brush-
Finch, Green and black Fruiteater, White-winged Brush-Finch, Streak-
necked Flycatcher, White-sided Flowerpiercer, White-tailed
Tyrannulet, Masked Flowerpiercer, Cinnamon Flycatcher, and Smoke-
coloured Pewee.
Several hummingbird feeders in the area can be accessed, and we
are likely to add an additional ten to twenty species to the trip list
here, including Velvet-purple Coronet, Sparkling Violetear, Buff-tailed
Coronet, Gorgeted Sunangel, Purple-bibbed White-tip Fawn-
breasted Brilliant, Booted Racket-Tail, and Purple-throated Woodstar,
Andean Emerald, Speckled Hummingbird, Violet-tailed Sylph, and
Brown Inca.
Other birds which we may find in the area include Rufescent Screech-
Owl, White-faced Nunbird, Cloud Forest Pygmy-Owl (likely to hear),
Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Ocellated Tapaculo, and Green-fronted
Lancebill. We will also look for Crested Quetzal, Plushcap, Tanager
Finch, and Beautiful Jay.
We will end the evening back in Quito.

April 9: From Quito: Yanacocha or Take a Break in the City: On Friday,
participants will have a choice between taking a break from bird-watching or
continue bird watching.

For those embracing another day of bird-watching and a brisk early
start, Friday starts with an early breakfast as we head towards the
Yanacocha Reserve or “Inca Ditch”.
Yanacocha is famous for high elevation hummingbirds (such as
Giant Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing,
Sapphire-vented Puffleg and many more). We may also see White-
crested Elaenia, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Brown-
bellied Swallow, Black-crested Warbler, Masked Flower-Piercer,
Glossy Flower-piercer, Black Flower-Piercer, Scarlet-bellied
Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Grassland Yellow-
Finch, Stripe-headed Brush-Finch, Hooded Siskin, and more.
On the trip back to Quito, we will also stop along the way to bird some
additional key habitat in the mountainous and foothills areas above
Quito.

For those needing a break from birding, the day can be spent
however you like, including sleeping in and exploring Quito.

Continued below the Many-striped Canastero.

Photo by J. Drummond.

Photo by J. Drummond.

One of over 40
hummingbird
species possible
during first ten
days in Ecuador.

Black-chinned Mountain
Tanager is one of over 70
tanager species to be seen
on the trip.

Golden-headed
Quetzal.

Photo by J. Drummond.

For more information
(including an easy to
print itinerary),
contact us at
1-888-203-7464 or by
email at
i nfo@pibird.com .

Photo by J. Drummond.

Many-striped Canastero on Papallachta Pass.

Keys to Our Successful Trips in Ecuador:

1. Our partnership with Neblina Forest Tours (the largest and most
experienced South American birding tour company and based in Quito).
2. Northwest Ecuador with a touch of the east. The itinerary described
here is much like that of our Ecuador trips over the years, and this plan
has been the foundation for many bird watchers starting out in South
America. You can honestly find 400 to 600 species in two weeks.
3. Excellent guides, including Lelis Navarrete and other experience and
well-trained Neblina Forest guides.
4. Many Options: Besides this northwest Ecuador route (with a touch of
the east), you can add an extension to the Amazonian basin with
several fine lodging options there. We also have fine Southern
Ecuador itinerary.

April 6 and 7: Rio Silanche Reserve and Milpe Reserve

On Tuesday, we will go to Rio Silanche, an area preserved by
the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation. This area includes Choco
lowland forest at about 1000 to 1200 feet above sea level. The
reserve is comprised of a mixture of primary forest,
regenerating forest, with some grassland and former
plantation. In addition to the canopy observation tower,
extensive trails and a footbridge make for easy exploration of
the forest.
An early morning start is warranted to reach the top of the tower
at sunrise. From the top of the tower, we saw 80 species
between 6 AM at 9:30 AM in April 2007. We saw several new
hummingbird species in a nearby tree, including Purple-
chested Hummingbird. Great looks were had of Dot-winged
Antwren, Purple Honeycreeper, Green Honeycreeper and the
spectacular Scarlet-breasted Dacnis. Griscom's Antwren, Slate-
throated Gnatcatcher, Scarlet-and-White Tanager, Guira
Tanager, Blue-whiskered Tanager, Purple-throated Fruitcrow,
Chestnut-fronted Macaw and Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher
could also be seen from the tower.
Watch the guide as he visually sorts large flocks and listens
carefully to allow the bird-watching participants the opportunity
to see new species.
A short walk down the trail included Bar-bellied Woodpecker,
Black-striped Woodcreeper, Plain Xenops, Pacific Antwren,
Immaculate Antbird, Western Woodhaunter, Russet Antshrike,
and Blue-crowned Manakin. In one 20 foot segment of the trail
we added Western White-tailed Trogon, Collared Trogon,
Broad-billed Motmot, White-whiskered Puffbird, and Scale-
crested Pygmy-tyrant to our day list which reached 139 species.
We will spend the night at back at the nearby eco-lodge.

On Wednesday, the main destination for the day will be the
Milpe Bird Sanctuary in the Andean Foothills. This sanctuary is
located in a Birdlife International Important Bird Area (IBA), Los
Bancos—Milpe. The sanctuary has an altitudinal range from
3350-3770 feet and includes two small rivers that converge in a
steep, forested valley. Many birders consider this one of the
finest sites in all of Ecuador. Many of the most spectacular
Choco Endemics occur here: Plumbeous Forest-Falcon, Moss-
backed Tanager, Choco Trogon, and Club-winged Manakin.
At some point, we may see Chocó Toucans and Pale-
mandibled Araçaris in the more open areas.
This sight is long famous for good tanager viewing days. The
road hosts good mixed flocks, and new trails in the reserve
allow access to the forest. We can expect a host of tanagers,
including Ochre-breasted Tanager, Rufous-throated Tanager,
Lemon-rumped Tanager, and we may get lucky and find the
dazzling Grey-and-gold Tanager. Over twenty species from this
spectacular family are possible here in a day.
On our last trip, we found Choco Toucan, Choco Warbler,
Yellow-tufted Dacnis, Thick-billed Euphonia, Bay Wren, Rufous-
throated Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Yellow-throated Bush-
Tanager, Yellow-bellied Siskin, Tri-colored Brush-Finch, Striped
Cuckoo, Chestnut-collard Swift and Russet Antshrike. We will
also add a few more species of hummingbird species,
possibly Purple-crowned Fairy, Green-crowned Brilliant ,White-
whiskered Hermit, and Green-crowned Woodnymph. In total,
the day could reach 100 species.
We may have time to cool off at nearby restaurant where up to a
dozen species of tanager come to feed on the bananas put out
for them. Several species which come here include Emerald
Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, and
several others. A number of hummingbird species (including
Green Thorntail) can be seen here. In addition, we may find
Crimson-rumped Toucanet. This both leisurely and productive
stop is a hit with all bird watchers.
Once the birding has slowed down in the Milpe area, we will
then head towards the Tandayapa Valley for the night so that we
may have an early start at the great birding in that area. We will
likely see a few more great birds as we drive about one to one
and one-half hours, and the feeders at the lodge are always
worth checking out.

Continued to the right and above near the top of the page (and to the
right of the Golden-headed Quetzal.

Photo by J. Drummond.

Orange-breasted
Fruiteater.

Note on Flights: Please call us before
booking your flight, or you may have additional
lodging and transfer costs. Many flights
depart late at night, allowing for a full day of
birding on the last day of the trip (either April
11 for the main trip or April 14 on the San
Isidro extension). If you want a morning flight,
please plan to depart the following day, but
reasonable additional lodging and transfer
costs will be incurred. Please contact us to
discuss your arrival and departure plans.

Click here to learn
about extension
trip options to
Sani Lodge and a
chance to add 200
more species to
your trip list.

Guango and San Isidro Extension: April 12 to 14

If you choose the Guango and San Isidro extension trip (and most participants find the time to do so), Sunday late afternoon
includes additional birding on the grounds of the Guango Lodge reserve, a very nice supper and a good nights sleep at Guango
Lodge.

Monday begins with two options. (1) you may choose to take the opportunity to sleep in later than usual. (2) On, you may get up
and bird the reserve surrounding Guango Lodge. For those going birding early, Xavier will help participants find a number of birds
of particular interest, including Andean Guan, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Turquoise Jay, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Gray-
hooded Bush-Tanager, Black-headed Hemispingus, Black-capped Hemispingus, and Black-eared Hemispingus. In 2007, we
also saw Plushcap and had great looks at White-capped Dipper (see picture to right) and Torrent Duck.
Additional species of tanager can be found on the east slope, and some species are easier to find here. In 2007, we added
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager and others .
Once finished with breakfast at the Guango Lodge, we will try a few spots with great potential east of Guango as we head towards
San Isidro lodge along the Baeza-Cosanga road. This busy road links Papallacta to the main birding areas of Alder forest,
Polylepis and premontane cloudforest. The whole road has birding potential with stops anywhere between Papallacta and
Cosanga being fruitful. On the 2007 trip, we found Blue-and-Black Tanager, Inca Jay and Olivaceous Siskin and then found a
huge flock of 20 plus species, including Streaked Xenops, Golden-eared Tanager, Orange-eared Tanager, and Fulvous-breated
Flatbill.
We overnight in San Isidro Lodge. The montane cloudforest around this lodge supports similar species to the Cordillera de
Huacamayos and the lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the area. Upon arriving at San Isidro in 2007, we added Bronzy
Inca to our burgeoning list of over 40 species of hummingbirds. We also added Highland Motmot and Andean Solitaire. The
resident bird guide (who I never tipped well enough) called in Chestnut-crowned Antpitta and White-bellied Antpitta before I had to
leave to catch my flight.

On Tuesday, the trip will continue at San Isidro. Other potential trip birds likely to be added in the morning at San Isidro include
White-capped Parrot, Powerful Woodpecker, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Inca
Jay, Black-billed Peppershrike, Saffron-crowned Tanager and hundreds of other species.
A short walk from the cabins, the forest awaits, where mixed understory and canopy flocks seemingly drip from the foliage. Lelis
will be along to help find Masked Trogon, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Streak-capped Treehunter, Striped Treehunter, Long-
tailed Antbird, and Barred Antthrush. Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant, Variegated Bristle-Tyrants and Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet are a
few of the list of varied tyrannids to be found in the mixed species flocks. Also be on the look out for Black-chested Fruiteater,
Dusky Piha, Pale-footed Swallow, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, and Golden-collared Honeycreeper. Also a wonderful
selection of colorful tanager species can be found, including Red-hooded Tanager and White-capped Tanager. Also, the
gregarious Northern Mountain Cacique and Subtropical Cacique should be found. All of these species, among many others, are
residents here and are frequently seen by visiting birders.
San Isidro birds include a few rarities, which may be found, including Highland Tinamou, Greater Scythebill, Bicolored Antvireo,
Peruvian Antpitta, Giant Antpitta, White-rimmed Brush-Finch, and maybe the White-faced Nunbird.
A few more hummingbirds may also be added to the trip list including Bronzy Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, Chestnut-breasted
Coronet, Long-tailed Sylph, Gorgeted Woodstar and likely a few more species.

You will also have an opportunity for some great night birding at San Isidro where Andean Potoo (though rare) is sometimes
staked-out and where Rufous-bellied Nighthawk is often found, along with Rufous-banded Owl, and Mottled Owls. In recent
years, a large and beautiful species of owl (though similar in appearance to the Black-banded Owl, may be new to science)
emerges in the early evening and then hunts right next to the cabins on a nightly basis.

On Wednesday, the trip will continue birding around and near San Isidro lodge/cabins. Locations which may be birded include
nearby Guacamayos trail and the Sumaco National Park.
New birds added to the trip in 2007 included Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant, Yellow-throated Tanager, Red-breasted Blackbird, Black-
and-Chestnut Eagle, Emerald Toucanet, Subtropical Cacique, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia,
Saffron-crowned Tanager, White-capped Parrot, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Black-streaked Puffbird, Rufous Spinetail, Bluish
Flowerpiercer, Russet-backed Oropendola, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Yellow-green Bush-Tanager, Scaly-naped Amazon,
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer, Handsome Flycatcher, and Golden-collared Honeycreeper
In addition, more hummingbird species were seen including Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and White-tailed Hillstar.
At 3 PM the tour will continue back to Quito so that participants can catch their late flight back home.

Note on Additional Options from Here:

A morning flight (Thursday morning) is available on one airline. We can arrange for an additional night in Quito and a
morning transfer to support this option.
Starting on Thursday, April 15, you can also arrange for an extension trip to Sani Lodge in the Amazonian Rainforest.
Learn more at www.sanilodge.com. We recommend a 4 or 5 day extension trip to Sani Lodge.

Last Few Days on the Main Trip Itinerary:
High Altitude Species and East Slope of Andes

April 10 and 11: East of Quito: Antisana Ecological Reserve, Papallachta
Pass, Hot Springs Area, and Guango Lodge

On Saturday, we start early for the western entrance of Antisana
Ecological Reserve for a great day of bird watching. Birdlife
International categorizes Antisana as an Important Bird Area and the
area is part of The Nature Conservancy's Condor Bioreserve. A mix of
elfin forest below and grassland páramo above makes for a productive
mix of new trip birds. The former yields many high elevation cloud-forest
and treeline species such as Shining Sunbeam, Pearled Treerunner,
White-throated Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-tyrant, Unicolored (Blackish)
Tapaculo, Plain-colored Seedeater, Cinereous Conebill among others.
Beyond and above, the páramo proper yields Bar-winged Cinclodes,
Stout-billed Cinclodes, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Páramo Pipit and
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch. Here we also see Ecuadorian Hillstar feeding
on the orange thistle-shrubs (Chuquiraga) while Many-striped
Canasteros and Andean Tit-Spinetails skulk in the bushes. Tawny
Antpittas call all around.
Higher up on the plateau, we scan for Andean Lapwings, Páramo
Ground-Tyrant. We should find the local specialty, the Black-faced Ibis.
This isolated population is at the northern extreme of the species range
and is considered endangered in Ecuador. Black-winged Ground-Dove
is abundant in flocks along with Eared Dove. Streak-backed Canasteros
haunt the drier areas. Carunculated Caracaras are seen in large
numbers often walking and scratching in the fields. Puna Hawks are
also commonly seen soaring along the ridges and hovering. Given
good visibility, we have a good chance of seeing Andean Condor, one of
the largest populations found in Ecuador as well as Black-chested
Buzzard-Eagle. With more luck we might see the rare Cinereous Harrier
and Aplomado Falcon (subspecies pichinchae).
Also, large mammals which are notoriously shy in the tropics are often
seen at the reserve such as the South American Fox and White-tailed
Deer.
At some point as we drive to our lodge for the night, we will find time for
a productive stop at Like Mica (elevation at over 12,500 fee). We will
likely find Andean Gulls and will scan the lake and look for Andean
Coots, Andean Teal, Andean Ruddy Ducks, and Yellow-billed Pintails.
This is also the best place in Ecuador to observe closely the Silvery
Grebe.
After much productive birding, we head to Thermas Pappalachta (a
beautiful high altitude hot springs and lodge) to wrap up the day.

On Sunday morning, we will look around the lodge for Red-crested
Cotinga, Spectacled Whitestart, Brown-bellied Swallow, Cinereous
Conebill, Blue-backed Conebill, Black Flowerpiercer, Plain-collared
Seedeater, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, and Hooded Siskin. We may also
get better looks at Pearled Treerunner, White-crested Elaenia, White-
banded Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant,
Turquoise Jay, Mountain Wren, Citrine Warbler, Mountain Cacique, and
Superciliaried Hemispingus.
As time allows, we will explore other areas around Papallacta Pass.
The pass is the highest easily accessible point in Ecuador, and links
Quito and the eastern lowlands. This area has an excellent selection of
montane species. As we travel around and over the pass, we can
access tundra-like páramo and scattered patches of Polylepis
woodland. Lower down, elfin forest and montane cloudforest occur.
These areas support interesting species, including Blue-and-yellow
Tanager, Band-tailed Seedeater, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Black-
billed Shrike-Tyrant, Curve-billed Tinamou, Caranculated Caracara,
Black-chested Eagle, Puna Hawk, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Plain-
breasted Hawk, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant,
Andean Condor, Giant Conebill, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, Rufous-
bellied Seedsnipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Tit-Spinetail and others.
Before the end of the day, we will have the opportunity to bird the feeders
at Guango Lodge. The hummingbird feeders can be seen at anytime
and include some world famous looks at Swordbill Hummingbird, Long-
tailed Sylph, Tourmaline Sunangel, Glowing Puffleg, and Mountain
Avocetbill. We may also find Mountain Velvetbreast, and Tyrian Metaltail
hummingbirds in the area.

At about 4 PM on Sunday, main trip participants will continue back to
Quito with Ted. The plan will be to catch a flight home that evening
(most flights leave after 8 PM). For those wanting to spend the night in
Quito and take a morning flight home, this is possible with one airline
(an additional night of lodging in Quito with a reasonable additional cost
can be arranged to support this option).

Also, please consider a trip extension.

Guango/San Isidro Extension: Most of our Ecuador bird
watchers prefer a post trip from Guango lodge to San Isidro,
coverning additional birding at the Guango Lodge, along the
Baeza-Cosanga road, and the San Isidro Reserve, and nearby
Antisana National Park.
We encourage birders to enjoy a pre-trip or post-trip extension at
Sani Lodge in the Amazonian Rainforest. Please check out
www.sanilodge.com. We recommend a 4 or 5 day extension trip
to Sani Lodge. The lodge represents the best of ecotourism, as
it is owned and run by the local Sani people and offers access to
additional great birding. Arranging for one of the very good lodge-
based guides will support your efforts in finding another 150 to
200 species for the trip. Please let us help you arrange this trip
with other birders and to help with assuring the assistance of a
lodge-based bird guide.

Ecuador 2010

Great Bird Guides for Ecuador Birdwatching:

Two key bird guides for our Ecuador trips include Lelis Navarrete and
Xavier Munoz.

Lelis: Recognized by many as one of the best bird guides in all
of South America. When not travelling throughout the rest of
South American, he is available to bird in his home country.
Lelis, along with Robert Ridgely , found the Jocotoco Antpitta, a
bird new to science. Besides being a fantastic bird guide, Lelis
supports a number of conservation efforts. By my estimates
and experience, Lelis' skills will allow you the opportunity to see
another 10 to 30 species more per day than other bird guides.
Xavier: Xavier has been guiding for nearly 15 years and has
been a tour leader and/or guide for Naturetreks, Wings, and
other major tour companies. His guiding experience covers
Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. He is the co-founder of Neblina
Forest birding tours. Xavier participates in a number of
conservation efforts and is currently the Vice President of the
Jocotoco Foundation. Xavier will be the bird guide on the Ted
Floyd hosted trip April 3 to 11, 2010.
The experience of other Ecuador birding guides can be found
on our website under "Trip Leaders and Staff".

All photos by
Murray Cooper,
except those
indicated by John
Drummond.

Photo by J.
Drummond.

Photo by J. Drummond.