Monday 30th Nov. A short flight east from Quito to Coca, transfer to a motor canoe for a three hours fast drive down the Napo River, mostly in the rain. A ten minute walk through the forest to another canoe to be hand paddled to Sani Eco-Lodge.
Napo River transport
Sani Lodge is delightfully located on a backwater in Amazonia. All wood and thatch, comfortable, relaxing and surrounded by wildlife. I liked it right away.
The boat landing at Sani Lodge
Just walking around in the grouds revealed a pair of Tropical Screech Owls roosting in a dark nook under the palms.
Tropical Screech Owls
A Sungrebe swam across the lake close to the Lodge.
Sungrebe
Yellow Rumped Caciques flew back and forth to their nests swinging from the trees outside my cabin.
Yellow Rumped Cacique
and a Russet Backed Oropendola shared the tree with the Caciques.
Russet Backed Oropendola
and a totally tame Grey Winged Trumpeter wandered around with the guests like a pet, weird! the fieldguide describes this as shy and easily frightened off, well not this baby, you could tickle its chin.
Grey Winged Trumpeter
After a late lunch my bird Guide Domingo suggested a paddle around the lake and up the creeks to see what we could find. I was all for it. First up was a nice White Winged Swallow perched conveniently on a dead branch protruding from the water as we paddled by.
White Winged Swallow
It was still raining and the light was poor, but I had my poncho and as usual this weather seemed to bring the birds out so there were a good many in plain view, such as this stunning Masked Crimson Tanager, perhaps the largest Tanager I had seen so far. and what a colour.
Masked Crimson Tanager
These two White Eared Jacamars were definitely enjoying a shower as the rain came down, no seeking shelter for them.
White Eared Jacamar
A Striated Heron crept along the bank looking for food in the mud...
Striated Heron
...and I caught sight of one of the most interesting Herons I have ever seen, a Boat Billed Heron, standing on a branch under the forest canopy in one of the small creeks. I was lucky to get this shot as I never had another sighting.
Boat Billed Heron
Back out in the open there was just enough light to snap these two delightful Crested Guans perched on a bare branch enjoying a shower in the rain.
Crested Guans
Last shot of the day in rapidly diminishing light was this Ruddy Pigeon perched on another open branch. It seemed to have a warm rosy glow which made a nice image.
Ruddy Pigeon
After a superb dinner I retired to my cabin for an early night as Domingo wanted to get going before first light. Good, I awaited the morning with great anticipation, what sights and birds awaited me tomorrow.
