Country: Ecuador

Canopy Observation Deck Photography at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid and Bird Lodge

In the afternoon, photograph birds from the lodge's multi-level observation deck overlooking the surrounding forest canopy. This elevated perspective offers opportunities to capture species such as Broad-billed Motmot, Collared and White-tailed Trogons, Blue-necked and Bay-headed Tanagers, Guayaquil Woodpecker, and, with some luck, the remarkable Long-wattled Umbrellabird moving through the treetops.

Banana Feeder Bird Photography at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid and Bird Lodge

The fruit feeders attract a colorful mix of Chocó specialties throughout the day. Pale-mandibled Aracari, Chocó Toucan, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Red-headed Barbet, Rufous Motmot, Emerald Tanager, Lemon-rumped Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Thick-billed and Orange-crowned Euphonias, Buff-throated and Black-winged Saltators are among the regular visitors, while the elusive Indigo-crowned Quail-Dove occasionally appears beneath the feeders.

Chocó Hummingbird Photography Session

The lodge's feeders and flowering gardens offer excellent opportunities to photograph a remarkable diversity of Chocó hummingbirds. Regular visitors include White-whiskered Hermit, Green Thorntail, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Green-crowned Brilliant, White-necked Jacobin, and, at times, Long-billed Starthroat and Tooth-billed Hummingbird. Natural perches and soft forest light create ideal conditions for intimate portraits and behavioral images.

San Jorge de Milpe Orchid and Bird Lodge

San Miguel de los bancos

Empress Brilliant & Velvet-purple Coronet Photography

In the afternoon, we visit a hummingbird feeding station renowned for close photographic opportunities. This site is especially known for two Andean specialties: the dazzling Empress Brilliant and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, often regarded as one of Ecuador's most spectacular hummingbirds. With birds frequently approaching just a few meters away, there is plenty of time to experiment with different compositions and capture intimate portraits in natural light.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock Lek Photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa Hummingbird Sar

Before sunrise, we head to a traditional 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 orange birds as they call, display, and occasionally chase one another through the forest. Along with one of Ecuador's most iconic birds, the surrounding forest may also reveal a variety of cloud forest species.

San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary

Afternoon Hummingbird Photography Session at San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa

Spend the afternoon photographing hummingbirds from carefully prepared natural perches around the lodge, where flowering plants and feeders attract a remarkable diversity of species. Western Emerald, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Buff-tailed Coronet, White-necked Jacobin, Purple-throated Woodstar, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Booted Racket-tail, and Violet-tailed Sylph are among the regular visitors, offering a wide variety of colors, behaviors, and photographic opportunities. Those who wish can also explore the nearby forest trails, where the cloud forest may reveal species such as Scaled Antpitta, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Golden-headed Quetzal, White-winged Tanager, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Immaculate Antbird, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive White-faced Nunbird.