Animals of El Dorado Lodge & ProAves Reserve

The Unique Biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

You are about to enter the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain range. This isolation has made it a global center of endemism, a living laboratory of evolution where many species are found and nowhere else on Earth. During your time here, you will journey through a remarkable gradient of ecosystems, ascending from the humid lowland forests into the high-altitude cloud forest that envelops the El Dorado lodge, a world of mist, moss, and unique life.

This fragile and irreplaceable environment is protected through the critical conservation work of the ProAves Reserve. Your visit directly supports their efforts to safeguard the habitats of the many endemic species you are here to see.

Avian Jewels of El Dorado: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Prepare your checklist, as you are visiting one of the most important birding sites in the Americas. El Dorado is renowned for its incredible concentration of endemic and near-endemic birds. The lodge’s strategically placed feeders provide unparalleled, close-up views of many species, creating a perfect stage for both observation and photography.

Santa Marta Endemics: The Crown Jewels

These are the “must-see” species that draw naturalists and photographers from around the globe. Finding these birds, which exist only in this small mountain range, is the primary objective for many visitors and a truly special experience.

• Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata)
• Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant (Myiotheretes pernix)
• Santa Marta Antpitta (Grallaria bangsi)
• Santa Marta Tapaculo (Scytalopus sanctaemartae)
• Santa Marta Sabrewing (Campylopterus phainopeplus)
• Santa Marta Blossomcrown (Anthocephala floriceps)
• White-lored Warbler (Myiothlypis conspicillata)
• Santa Marta Warbler (Myiothlypis basilicus)
• Santa Marta Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus melanogenys)
• Santa Marta Brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus)

Stars of the Lodge Feeders

The hummingbird and fruit feeders at the lodge are a constant source of activity and color. They offer some of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife photography opportunities of the entire trip, allowing you to capture stunning images with relative ease as birds come and go throughout the day.

• White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata)
• Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica)
• Lazuline Sabrewing (Campylopterus falcatus)
• Blue-naped Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia cyanea)
• Black-fronted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus atrifrons) – often seen foraging on the ground below feeders.
• Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus)
• Golden-breasted Fruiteater (Pipreola aureopectus)

Nocturnal Birds

The wildlife activity does not stop when the sun goes down. After dinner, there are often opportunities to search for owls and other nocturnal species in the immediate vicinity of the lodge, guided by their distinct calls.

• Santa Marta Screech-Owl (Megascops gilesi) – a recently described endemic species!
• Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba)
• Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota)

Mammals of the Cloud Forest

While birds are the main attraction, the cloud forest is also home to a variety of mammals. Sighting them often requires patience, a bit of luck, and quiet observation, as they tend to be shy. The best times for potential sightings are during the tranquil hours of the early morning and on guided night walks.

More Commonly Sighted Mammals

• Red-tailed Squirrel (Sciurus granatensis) – frequently seen around the lodge grounds.
• Tayra (Eira barbara) – a large weasel species, sometimes seen moving through the forest during the day.
• Kinkajou (Potos flavus) – this nocturnal mammal can sometimes be spotted in the trees at night.

Elusive Forest Dwellers

• Colombian Night Monkey (Aotus lemurinus)
• Puma (Puma concolor) – very rarely seen by visitors, but camera traps within the reserve confirm their presence.
• Collared Peccary (Dicotyles tajacu)
• Brown-throated Sloth (Bradypus variegatus) – typically found at the lower elevations of the reserve.

Amphibians, Reptiles, and Insects

The forest floor and vegetation harbor a rich diversity of “herps” (reptiles and amphibians) and insects, presenting a dream for the macro photographer. The unique, colorful frogs are a particular highlight of the region’s smaller-scale biodiversity.

The reserve is a known hotspot for endemic frogs, many of which are critically endangered and subjects of important conservation studies.

Near streams and moist areas, keep an eye out for the Santa Marta Poison Frog (Colostethus ruthveni).

At night, the lodge often sets up a white sheet with a light that attracts a spectacular and diverse array of moths and other insects. This provides a fantastic and easily accessible opportunity for macro photography.

Various lizards and snakes also inhabit the reserve. This includes the beautiful but venomous Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii). Please be cautious at all times and never approach or handle any wildlife without your guide’s explicit instruction and supervision.

Photography Tips for El Dorado

To help you make the most of the incredible photographic potential, we have compiled a few practical tips. Having the right equipment and approach can make a significant difference in the quality of your images.

Recommended Gear

• Telephoto Lens: A 300mm lens or longer is essential for capturing frame-filling shots of birds on the feeders and in the forest canopy.
• Macro Lens: This is ideal for documenting the incredible details of frogs, insects, and the region’s unique orchids.
• Tripod: A tripod is very helpful for achieving sharp images in the low light of the forest interior and for recording stable video.
• Flash: A flash with a diffuser or extender can help to gently illuminate subjects in the dark forest understory without being harsh.

Key Techniques

• Hummingbird Feeders: Use a high shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze the rapid motion of the birds’ wings. The softest, most appealing light is typically in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Fruit Feeders: Patience is the key. Find a comfortable position with a clear view of the feeders and wait for the tanagers, chlorophonias, and toucanets to arrive.
• Forest Trails: Walk slowly and listen attentively. You will often hear birds and monkeys before you see them. Be prepared for low-light conditions by being comfortable increasing your camera’s ISO.

Capture Your Colombian Adventure

The wildlife of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta offers a once-in-a-lifetime photography experience. If you have been inspired by the incredible biodiversity you are about to witness, consider joining a dedicated photography tour to hone your skills and capture even more stunning memories with expert guidance.

Book a photography tour with Remote Expeditions. We have tours specialized in birds and wildlife, but also communities and landscapes.

Find more information at: https://remote-expeditions.com/tours/?_country=colombia