Country: Ecuador

Chamanal

Long-wattled Umbrellabird Lek Photography

Before sunrise, we head to a traditional lek of the Long-wattled Umbrellabird, one of the Chocó's most distinctive endemic birds. From a dedicated hide, you'll have the opportunity to photograph displaying males as they perch, call, and move through the canopy. The surrounding forest may also produce species such as Gartered Trogon, Golden-headed Quetzal, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, and, with some luck, Ornate Hawk-Eagle.

Afternoon Hummingbird Photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe Day 3 PM

After lunch, enjoy one final photography session from the lodge's restaurant and gardens. The feeders remain active throughout the afternoon, offering another chance to photograph Chocó hummingbirds and refine compositions.

Humming Bird Feeders at Refugio Paz de las Aves

Photograph Velvet‑purple Coronet, Brown Inca and Booted Racket‑tail at the reserve’s feeders

Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Photography at Balcón Tumpiki

One of the highlights of the morning is the chance to photograph the striking Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan from a well-positioned hide. The feeders also attract species such as Sickle-winged Guan, Blue-capped Tanager, Dusky Bush Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, and, with a bit of luck, Beryl-spangled Tanager.

Balcón Tumpiki bird feeders

We visit the bird feeders at Balcón Tumpiki, a rewarding stop on the western slope of the Andes. Set against the cloud forest, these feeders attract a variety of Chocó and Andean species, providing excellent opportunities for close, natural-looking photographs.

Nanegalito Hummingbird Photography

The hummingbird feeders offer a different collection of western Andean specialties. Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, and Speckled Hummingbird are regular visitors, while the localized Hoary Puffleg occasionally makes an appearance. The combination of natural perches and soft cloud forest light creates excellent conditions for intimate portraits.

Afternoon Photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe

After returning to the lodge, the afternoon is free to continue photographing the gardens and feeders at your own pace. The hummingbird stations, fruit feeders, and surrounding forest provide another opportunity to work with Chocó specialties or simply enjoy a relaxed session as activity builds toward the late afternoon.

Nanegalito