Country: Brazil

Sossego Waterfall Hike

Pequi Lodge PM

During the afternoon, we venture onto the tracks surrounding the lodge in search of some of the region’s most iconic wildlife. Giant Anteaters are a particular focus, while Red-legged Seriemas, Greater Rheas, and other inhabitants of the Cerrado grasslands provide rewarding photographic opportunities throughout the softer evening light.

Salesópolis

Secas

Night Walk in Search of Owls, Nightjars & Forest Life

Once darkness settles over the forest, an entirely different community begins to emerge. Equipped with flashlights, we'll explore quiet trails at a slow pace, listening as much as watching for the calls of nocturnal birds and other wildlife. Owls and nightjars are among our main targets, but the experience extends far beyond birds. Tree frogs, insects, spiders, and other nighttime creatures reveal a side of the forest that few visitors experience, making this a rewarding opportunity for both observation and low-light photography.

Morning Photography at Forest Feeders

The first hours after sunrise are among the most productive for photography. Carefully maintained feeding stations offer exceptional opportunities to observe species that normally remain hidden deep within the understory. Patient observation often rewards us with remarkably close views of elusive birds, while hummingbirds, tanagers, and other colorful visitors create a constant flow of photographic opportunities. Working with natural light and minimal disturbance, we'll focus on behavior, composition, and capturing intimate moments that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Exploring Forest Trails in Search of Atlantic Forest Endemics

Today's exploration takes us through a variety of forest habitats, following trails where the composition of birdlife changes with elevation, vegetation, and light. We'll spend time searching for mixed-species flocks, one of the most fascinating features of the Atlantic Forest, where dozens of birds move together through the canopy and mid-story. The pace remains flexible, allowing us to stop whenever interesting behavior unfolds. Along the way we'll also look for mammals, butterflies, orchids, and the many smaller details that make these forests so rich beyond their birdlife.

A Second Night in the Forest

No two nights in the forest are ever the same. Returning after dark gives us the chance to search for species that eluded us previously while experiencing how dramatically wildlife activity can change from one evening to the next. We'll revisit productive areas and remain attentive to new sounds, fresh tracks, and unexpected encounters. Whether we find owls, nightjars, amphibians, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the forest after dark, this slower, quieter experience offers a fitting complement to our daytime explorations.

Wetlands & Forest Edge Wildlife Photography

The transition between forest and water creates a different set of photographic opportunities. Around ponds, marshes, and open clearings, we'll search for kingfishers, herons, jacamars, flycatchers, and other species that favor these more open habitats. The changing scenery also encourages a different photographic approach, from reflections and wider compositions to birds perched in softer, more open light. It's a welcome contrast to the dense forest while adding greater diversity to our observations.