Update from Ecuador NW Andes in Summer

On our "Northwest Ecuador in Summer" tour, we inevitably see a lot of amazing birds, but then there are some that stand out as truly iconic, the kind of birds that make your jaw hang open in wonder when you see them for the first time. Our visit to the famous Refugio Paz de las Aves near Nanegalito was a day to remember, as we were lucky to see several of those most spectacular species that will surely be imprinted among the most vivid memories of the trip. We began with an early morning visit to a lek of the bizarre Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and then with patience and the help of the Paz brothers, we were able to see three species of secretive antpittas. Finally, in the afternoon, we finished off the day at a small private reserve near Mindo, which is currently hosting an active Sunbittern nest. 

We had to be in place before sunrise to view several Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock displaying noisily at their lek.

Scott Olmstead

This Giant Antpitta, affectionately nicknamed "Maria", could be considered the grand prize of a visit to Refugio Paz.

Scott Olmstead

We felt extremely fortunate to see the Giant Antpitta, since it hadn't been seen in almost a week.

Scott Olmstead

Sunbittern is a unique Neotropical species classified in its own family, and to see one at its nest provisioning its nine-day-old nestling was a rare opportunity.

Scott Olmstead