Country: Ecuador

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.

Vista del Condor (Laguna secas, quito, Ecuador)

Tapichalaca hummingbird garden Reserva Tapichalaca – Casa Simpson- Fundación Jocotoco

Afternoon in the garden photographing Flame-throated Sunangel, Long-tailed Sylph, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca and Gorgeted Sunangel.

Santa Cruz Highlands Giant Tortoise Reserve activity

Visit the Santa Cruz highlands; photograph giant tortoises in the wild and Darwin's finches at El Chato ranch.

Copalinga fruit feeders & Gray Tinamou blind

Spend morning photographing tanagers and Rufous-headed Chachalaca at banana feeders; hide in the blind to watch Gray Tinamou come to corn.

Buenaventura feeders & Umbrellabird lek

Watch hummingbirds and tanagers at fruit feeders while dining. At dawn visit a lek of Long-wattled Umbrellabird and search for El Oro Parakeet and El Oro Tapaculo.