Country: Ecuador
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Rainbow-bearded Thornbill quest at Papallacta Pass
At nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, Papallacta Pass offers exceptional opportunities to photograph some of Ecuador's most specialized high-Andean birds. Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, and Ecuadorian Hillstar are among the highlights, while Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Giant Conebill, Many-striped Canastero, and Andean Tit-Spinetail may also be encountered. The dramatic páramo landscape provides a striking backdrop for both bird and landscape photography.
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Eastern Andean Cock-of-the-rock Lek Photography
Before sunrise, we visit the lodge's Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek, where males gather to perform their remarkable courtship displays. From a well-positioned hide, you'll have the opportunity to photograph these brilliant birds as they call, display, and interact against the backdrop of the eastern cloud forest.
Read MoreGuacamayos Hummingbird Photography
The lodge's feeders and flowering gardens attract a diverse collection of eastern-slope hummingbirds. Long-tailed Sylph, Greenish Puffleg, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, and Gorgeted Woodstar are among the regular visitors, providing excellent opportunities for close portraits and behavioral photography.
Read MoreCloud Forest Balcony Bird Photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos
The lodge's balconies overlook fruiting trees and forest edge, attracting a colorful mix of cloud forest birds throughout the day. White-capped Tanager, Yellow-throated Tanager, Orange-eared Tanager, Vermilion Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Deep-blue Flowerpiercer, and Black-chested Fruiteater are among the species that may visit within easy photographic range.
Read MoreMorning Cock-of-the-rock Photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos
A second morning at the lek provides another opportunity to photograph displaying Andean Cock-of-the-rocks under different weather and lighting conditions. Each visit offers a unique combination of behavior, perch selection, and forest atmosphere.
Read MoreEastern Slope Hummingbird Photography San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos
In the afternoon, we visit another hummingbird feeding station featuring a different assemblage of eastern Andean species. Highlights may include Collared Inca, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Green-fronted Lancebill, and Green-backed Hillstar, each offering fresh photographic opportunities in a new setting.
Read MoreTorrent Duck Photography Along the Mountain Rivers
Before returning to the lodge, we spend time along one of the clear mountain rivers in search of Torrent Duck. These fast-flowing streams also provide opportunities to photograph other riverine birds while enjoying the rugged scenery of Ecuador's eastern Andes.
Read MoreBird Photography Around the Reserve
Beyond the hummingbirds, the reserve's forest edge and gardens attract a rich variety of Amazonian birds. Opportunities may include Red-crested Finch, Silvery-beaked Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Lafresnaye's Piculet, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Spotted Tanager, and Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail. More elusive species such as Military Macaw and Orange-breasted Falcon are occasionally encountered.
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Narupayacu Hummingbirds Garden
A short drive brings us to a hummingbird reserve in the lower Guacamayos Valley, where flowering gardens attract an impressive diversity of eastern Andean species. Regular visitors include Wire-crested Thorntail, Napo Sabrewing, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Black-throated Brilliant, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Gould's Jewelfront, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Green Hermit, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Piedtail, and Pink-throated Brilliant. With some luck, the dazzling Spangled Coquette may also make an appearance.
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