Country: Colombia

Day 1 Afternoon — Feeders & Forest Edge Birding (Serranía del Perijá)

After arriving at Chamicero del Perijá, we spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding forest edge and feeders. This first session introduces the reserve’s montane birdlife across the Perijá foothills and Andean forest, with opportunities to look for hummingbirds, tanagers, flowerpiercers, and the range’s localized endemic species.

Orange-winged Amazon

Stygian Owl

White-tipped Quetzal Nesting Site

Before departing El Dorado, we make one final stop near the reserve entrance to visit a known White-tipped Quetzal nesting site. During the breeding season, pairs can often be observed attending the nest, offering a wonderful opportunity to photograph one of the Neotropics’ most iconic birds while maintaining a respectful distance.

Rusty-margined Flycatcher

Morning at the Lodge Feeders (El Dorado ProAves)

The lodge’s gardens and fruit feeders provide excellent opportunities for close-up bird photography in the soft morning light. Santa Marta Brushfinch, Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager, Acorn Woodpecker, Crimson-backed Tanager, and several hummingbird species are regular visitors, making this a rewarding session before heading back into the forest.

Birding at La Laguna Sagrada

San Lorenzo is one of the most rewarding birding locations in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Around the lagoon and high-elevation cloud forest, we search for many of the region’s endemic species, including the Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Antpitta, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, Brown-rumped Tapaculo, and Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager.

Nocturnal Owl Search

After dinner, we head out in search of the Sierra Nevada’s nocturnal birds. Quiet walks and short drives around El Dorado Lodge offer opportunities to listen for and, with luck, observe species such as Santa Marta Screech-Owl, Rufous-banded Owl, Mottled Owl, and Black-and-white Owl.

White-rumped Hawk