Country: Ecuador

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

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