Country: Ecuador

Mashpi-Amagusa Choco Endemics – Feeders (Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve)

The day starts back at the lodge's feeding areas, waiting patiently for additional understory species to come in. Feeders reward stillness, and the early hours are when the shyest birds tend to appear.

Las Orquideas

Pichincha

Giant Hummingbird & Great Sapphirewing Photography

In the afternoon, we visit a small hummingbird feeding station overlooking the surrounding Andes. Giant Hummingbird—the world's largest hummingbird—and the impressive Great Sapphirewing are regular visitors, offering a fitting finale to our journey through Ecuador's remarkable diversity of birdlife.

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.

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.

Guacamayos 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.

Cloud 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.

Morning 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.