Country: Ecuador

Afternoon at Wild Sumaco Lodge

We explore the habitat around Wild Sumaco Wildlife Sanctuary with a wider naturalist eye. Birds remain central, but we also leave room for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, plants, and small details that help tell the story of the place. Birds and wildlife we may look for include San Isidro Owl, White-bellied Antpitta, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould's Jewelfront, Many-banded Aracari, tanagers, fruiteaters, and antbirds.

Wildsumaco Night Birding

We head out after dark around Wildsumaco for a short nocturnal search. The pace is careful and low-impact, with respectful use of light and attention to sounds from the forest edge or trail. Birds we may look for include Pale-vented Pigeon, Subtropical Pygmy-Owl, and White-tailed Kite. Depending on conditions, the evening may also reveal frogs, insects, and the quieter side of the habitat.

Antpitta Feeder Photography (WildSumaco)

We look for antpittas and other shy forest birds around WildSumaco, usually along shaded trails, ravines, or carefully managed feeding areas. The pace is slow and deliberate, with long pauses and quiet positioning so the birds can approach on their own terms. Birds and wildlife we may look for include San Isidro Owl, White-bellied Antpitta, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould's Jewelfront, Many-banded Aracari, tanagers, fruiteaters, and antbirds.

Wayra Quail Feeders

We spend time around the feeders, gardens, or lodge grounds at Wayra Quail Feeders / Ollin Waterfall, where birds often return to familiar perches and flowering plants. This is a close-range photography session focused on clean backgrounds, patient observation, natural behavior, and the small adjustments that make a portrait feel alive. Birds we may look for include Green-and-black Fruiteater, Handsome Flycatcher, Rufous Wren, Grass-greenTanager, Northern Mountain-Cacique, and Greater Scythebill.

San Isidro Reserve Night Birding

We head out after dark around San Isidro Reserve for a short nocturnal search. The pace is careful and low-impact, with respectful use of light and attention to sounds from the forest edge or trail. Birds and wildlife we may look for include San Isidro Owl, White-bellied Antpitta, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould's Jewelfront, Many-banded Aracari, tanagers, fruiteaters, and antbirds. Depending on conditions, the evening may also reveal frogs, insects, and the quieter side of the habitat.

Cock-of-the-rock Lek Photography (Concierto de Aves / Baeza Valley)

We make an early, quiet visit to a display area around Concierto de Aves / Baeza Valley. Once in position, we keep movement low and let the birds set the pace. Some mornings are active, others more subdued, but the experience is always about patience, respect for the site, and watching behavior unfold naturally. Birds we may look for include Andean Motmot, Andean Cock of the Rock, Montane, Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, and Black-billed Peppershrike.

Antpitta Feeder Photography

We look for antpittas and other shy forest birds around Eastern cloud forest birding from Cabañas San Isidro, usually along shaded trails, ravines, or carefully managed feeding areas. The pace is slow and deliberate, with long pauses and quiet positioning so the birds can approach on their own terms. Birds and wildlife we may look for include San Isidro Owl, White-bellied Antpitta, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould's Jewelfront, Many-banded Aracari, tanagers, fruiteaters, and antbirds.

Coca

La Mica High-Andean Wetlands (La Mica Lake / Antisana)

Hike around Laguna Mica – Easy walk along the lake shore to photograph Silvery Grebe, Andean Coot and Andean Teal.