Sunrise Birding, LLC - Birding & Wildlife Tours - ECUADOR Special - November 23

ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival Quito, Ecuador
After our evening arrival in Quito we will be met and transferred about 45 minutes to our accommodation on the outskirts of this vast city. Overnight in our guide's private guest house. Night at private guest house.

Day 2 - Jerusalem Reserve
It’s always nice to awake to new bird sounds when visiting a new country! In the gardens of our guest house we will soon have you watching gaudy Vermilion Flycatchers alongside Sparkling Violetear, Saffron Finch, Eared Doves, Rusty Flowerpiercer and even Golden-belled Grosbeak. After breakfast we will take a day trip to Jerusalem Reserve as yet visited by few outside birders. This unique reserve will soon become a regular site on the birding circuit in Ecuador, as it is located less than an hour from Quito and offers the best chance to see a good variety of highland species. This small reserve of dry highland forest represents one of the few places in South America where you can easily find birds such as Scrub and Blue-and-yellow Tanagers, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Giant Hummingbird, White-tipped Swift, Streaked Saltator, Harris's Hawk, Purple-collared Woodstar, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, Common Ground-Dove, Band-tailed Seedeater, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch and a few others. The acacia forest is home to a few rare birds like the Buff-Fronted Owl, but we would need to be lucky to encounter this! Night at private guest house.

Day 3 - Papallacta Pass / Guango Lodge
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. Photo by Steve Bird.

This morning after another fine breakfast we will drive to and bird the Papallacta Pass. This impressive high pass rises to 4000 meters and provides the capital’s only direct access to the vast eastern lowlands. The area is home to the magnificent Andean Condor so we will need to keep a vigilant watch on the ridges above. The lush vegetation, stunted Polylepis woodland, green hillsides and damp paramo play host to an exciting range of high elevation species and we will take time to look among the cushion grass for Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and Tawny Antpitta. Nearby we will look for Giant Conebill, Cinereous Conebill, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, White-chinned Thistletail, Red-crested Cotinga, Many-striped Canastero, Pearled Treerunner, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Paramo Tapaculo, Paramo Ground-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Glossy-black Thrush, Grass Wren, Scarlet-Bellied Mountain-Tanager, Variable Hawk and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle. Hummingbirds in the stunted paramo include Ecuadorian Hillstar, Shinning Sunbeam, Purple-backed and Blue-mantled Thornbills, Viridian Metaltail and possibly the largest of all, the Giant Hummingbird. Further on, a small area of bog could produce the elusive Noble Snipe before we make our way towards our pleasant lodge which is a simply a heaven for hummingbird lovers! Night Guango Lodge.

Day 4 - Guango Lodge
Collared Inca. Photo by Gina Nichol.

Today we have a full day to bird areas around and near to our lodge. Well known as a great place for hummingbirds, Guango Lodge is now considered the perfect place to stay to see a wealth of otherwise difficult species. First we will check the numerous hummingbird feeders that surround the lodge, with a cup of coffee in one hand and binoculars or camera in the other we can enjoy a frenzy of activity as these tiny jewels buzz past our ears before alighting on moss covered branches beside the feeders. Imagine seeing the incredible Sword-billed Hummingbird just inches away. Add to this White-bellied Woodstar, Speckled Hummingbird, Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Tourmaline Sunangel, Long-Tailed Sylph, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Glowing Puffleg, Mountain Velvetbreast and with luck we could see the gorgeous Gorgeted Woodstar or unique Mountain Avocetbill. We could also be entertained by the resident Chestnut-crowned Antpitta that has now gotten used to being fed by the lodge staff.

Down by the Rio Papallacta there are several trails which lead from the lodge, and here we can often come across good mixed species flocks. Among these birds we could find Spectacled Whitestart, Blue-backed Conebill, Slaty Brush-Finch, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, Pearled Treerunner, Montane Woodcreeper, Turquoise Jay, Inca Jay, Black-crested Warblers, Cinnamon Flycatchers, Masked Flowerpiercer, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Northern Mountain Caciques and with luck some of the more scarce birds that are actually more regular here than previously thought such as Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Andean Guan, Dusky Piha, Emerald Toucanet, Crested Quetzal, White-capped Parrot, Scaly-naped Amazon, and the fabulous Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan. On the river itself we can find the much sought after and simply amazing Torrent Duck. The male and female are very different in coloration, but equally astounding as they are masters of the fast flowing white water rapids. Night Guango Lodge.

Day 5 - Guango / Coca Cayambe / Baeza
Saffron-crowned Tanager. Photo by Steve Bird.

If we did not manage to visit yesterday then we will take a morning visit the entrance to the Coca-Cayambe Reserve, in search of the fabulous Crescent-faced Antpitta. This antpitta is known only to occur at a few remote sites within Ecuador and although it may prove very difficult we will give it a try! Nearby we can search for a few specialties such as Masked Mountain-Tanager, Golden-crowned Tanager, Rufous Antpitta, Viridian Metailtail, Sword-Billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, White-Browed Spinetail, Pearled Treerunner, Cinereous Conebill, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Black-backed Bush-Tanager and Pale-naped Brush-Finch.

After lunch we will drive toward Baeza, birding along the way could produce such species as Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Emerald Toucanet, Inca Jay, Long-tailed Antbird, Lineated Foliage-Gleaner, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Bluish Flowerpiercer, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, Black-eared Hemispingus, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Black-capped Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager and Scarlet-rumped Cacique.

We will stop along the Bermejo River road to search for Torrent Duck if we had missed it yesterday. This 10 kilometer section of road can be great for birding and we will try and find Highland Motmot, Roadside Hawk, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Rufous-crested Tanager, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Rufous crowned Tody-Tyrant, Tanager flocks and we have a slight chance to see Black-and-chestnut Eagle. In the evening we can try we can try for both Lyre-tailed Nightjar and the Rufous-banded Owl. Night Baeza.

Day 6 - San Rafael Falls (Coca Falls)
Coco Falls. Photo by Gina Nichol.

Today we spend a full day around the San Rafael Falls, Ecuador's most spectacular waterfall. It is not the tallest, but it is definitely is the most powerful, as the Rio Salado plunges down 150 meters in a two-tiered cascade, sending huge clouds of mist up toward the viewpoint. The area is alive with birds and as we make our way through the lush forest across several streams and eventually to these spectacular falls, we will search for a variety of special target species. Among the flowering Heliconias we will look for the White-tipped Sicklebill, a hummingbird that, as the name describes, has an outrageous hooked bill. This is, of course, an adaptation for it to fill a niche and these birds specialize in feeding on the Heliconias.

In this shadowy subtropical forest we will also seek the beautiful yet often wary Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, as well as Chestnut-tipped Toucanet and White-tailed Hillstar. In the forest clearings and edges we would hope to come across mixed flocks and if we do, a whole array of species will vie for our attention. Among the many possibilities are Tanagers galore - Paradise, Blue-browed, Golden-eared, Orange-eared, Magpie, Spotted, Summer, Golden, Blue-necked, and Green-and-gold as well as Coppery-chested Jacamar, Red-billed Parrot, Squirrel Cuckoo, Red-headed Barbet, Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager, Handsome Flycatcher, Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, Subtropical Cacique, Russet-Backed Oropendola, the superb Spotted Nightingale-Thrush and perhaps Military Macaw or Amazonian Umbrellabird. As we marvel at the thundering waterfall we can keep an eye out for White-tipped Swifts swirling in and out of the mist. We will eventually make our way back and return to Baeza. Night Baeza.

Day 7 - San Isidro / Guacamayos Ridge / Archidona
White-bellied Antpitta. Photo by Steve Bird.

White-bellied Antpitta. Photo by Steve Bird.

This morning we will arrive early at San Isidro where we will spend the morning birding the grounds and nearby road. The reserve is a birder's paradise with a large network of well maintained forest trails, a busy hummingbird garden, an excellent access road for birding, and several species of Antpitta that put on a show for a few worms. If we arrive early enough there is large overhead light attract an incredible amount of insects at night, and in turn many spectacular birds such as Masked Trogon, Highland Motmot, Black-billed Peppershrike, Emerald Toucanet, Spotted Barbtail, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Flavescent Flycatcher and Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch in the morning. Other species we may encounter during the morning could include Powerful Woodpecker, Golden-headed Quetzal, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Long-tailed Antbird, Marble-faced and Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, Golden-winged Manakin, Canada Warbler, Rufous-crested Tanager, Andean Solitaire, Pale-eyed and Glossy-black Thrushes, Streak-capped and Striped Treehunter.

The very rare and poorly known Peruvian Antpitta has bred here but our chances of finding one are very slim, while White-bellied and Chestnut-crowned Antpittas are much easier as they are now coming in for worms. The hummingbird feeders have attracted no less than 18 species including Sparkling Violetear, Speckled Hummingbird, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Bronzy and Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet (the rare eastern flavescens race) and Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Tyrian Metaltail, Long-tailed Sylph and Gorgeted Woodstar. Less than regular are Brown and Green Violetears, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Wedge-billed Hummingbird and White-bellied Woodstar.

White-capped Tanager. Photo by Gina Nichol.

After lunch we will head out and drive and bird the famous Guacamayos Ridge, where regular stops should provide a wealth on new and exciting birds. Guacamayos Ridge is an unusual outcrop of the eastern Andes that creates a habitat island of temperate forest surrounding by subtropical forest in the valleys below. This area abounds with birds and many very rare and unusual species occur although most of these are in remote areas far from the road. We hope to connect with a mixed flock or two and add species such as Blue-naped and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Andean Guan, Three-Striped Warbler, Grass-green Tanager, Yellow-whiskered Tanager, White-capped Tanager, Vermilion Tanager, Golden-eared Tanager and Yellow-throated Tanager, Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Northern Mountain Cacique and Dusky Piha. Other rare possibilities include Wattled Guan, Barred Antthrush, Slate-crowned Antpitta, Rufous Wren, Bi-colored Antvireo and Blackish Nightjar. Moving on we will keep a look out for Military Macaw as we near our lodge in a strategic location to start our journey to the Loreto Road and the Sumaco Lodge tomorrow. Night Orchids Paradise.

Day 8 - Loreto Road / Wild Sumaco
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager. Photo by Steve Bird.

We’ll have an early morning start as we set off toward the Loreto Road at an altitude of 1300 meters which will give us access to several Amazon species on the very edge of their range. Among the many colorful tanager species we will look for the stunning Paradise Tanager, as well as Orange-eared Tanager and the delightful Yellow-throated Tanager. Other birds include Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Cliff Flycatcher, White-capped and Magpie Tanagers, and a host of hummingbirds including one of our guide’s favorite hummingbirds, the attractive Wire-crested Thorntail. Perhaps today will be our lucky day for Orange-breasted Falcon!

Moving on we will visit a brand new lodge set in the forest in the eastern foothills near to the remote Sumaco Volcano. The hills below and around Sumaco are covered in lush primary forest, so remote and difficult to access that to this day they remain virtually unexplored, unmapped, and still a mystery. Wild Sumaco will occupy most of our day and has hummingbird feeders, plus several very interesting trails. Birds attracted to feeders and found nearby on forest trails may include, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Short-tailed Antthrush, Plain-backed Antpitta and the very rare Yellow-throated Spadebill, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Gray-tailed Piha, Wing-banded Wren, Ornate Antwren, Blue-browed Tanager, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, White-crowned Tapaculo, and maybe a day roosting Great Potoo, plus Spot-winged Parrotlet and the recently described Foothill Elaenia.

Nearby among the foothills of the volcano, the lush tropical foothill forest with tumbling streams and orchid covered trees, play host to an amazing assortment of rare and range restricted species such as Olive-chested Flycatcher, Blue-rumped Manakin and Olivaceous Greenlet. Roadside birding and forest trails should provide even more opportunities to look for specialties such as Buff-throated and Black-and-white Tody-Tyrants, Golden-winged Manakin, Olive Finch, Golden-olive and Smoky-brown Woodpeckers, Black-billed Treehunter, Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Yellow-breasted and Rufous-winged Antwrens, White-backed Fire-eye, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Slaty-capped and Lemon-browed Flycatchers, Coraya, Thrush-like and Wing-banded Wrens, Rufous-naped Greenlet, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer and Russet-backed Oropendola.

There are many other species in and around the lodge and we may encounter Sunbittern, Dusky-billed Parrotlet, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet or White-streaked Antvireo. In fact 22 species of hummingbird and no less than 400 species of birds have been recorded to date. Among the hummers we will look for Gould’s Jewelfront, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Napo Sabrewing, Violet-fronted and Black-throated Brilliant, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Racket-tailed Puffleg, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Gorgeted Woodstar and Gray-chinned Hermit. Whatever we see there are sure to be a few surprises and we are set for a fantastic day. Night Orchids Paradise.

Day 9 - Guacamayos / El Jardin
Andean Condor. Photo by Steve Bird.

Today we will slowly bird our way back over the Guacamayos Ridge and try for any birds we may have missed including many of those previously mentioned. As we come down from Papallacta we might also try again for Giant Conebill, Noble Snipe, Golden-crowned Tanager, Masked Mountain-Tanager, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, and Agile Tit-Tyrant among others. Continuing on we will slowly drive and bird the road back to our guest house outside Quito.
Night at a private guest house.

Day 10 - Departures
Today we will transfer out for international flights home.

Leader: Juan Carlos Calvachi
Juan Carlos Calvachi

Juan Carlos was born in Quito, Ecuador, where he studied English and Italian before working in the tourism industry. He then became involved in birding tours and was fortunate to be able to learn his skills from celebrated and knowledgeable birders and scientists such as Neils Krabbe (author of the Birds of the High Andes), Paul Greenfield (co-author of the Birds of Ecuador), Paul Coopmans, and several other experienced bird guides in Ecuador. He has subsequently been guiding professionally all over Ecuador and is widely regarded as the finest Ecuadorian bird guide, with exceptional field skills and an extensive knowledge of bird vocalizations. Juan is a good friend and valuable member of the Sunrise Birding team. His excellent field skills combined with a good sense of humor, and attention to detail have already earned him a good following among Sunrise Birding clients.

Sword-billed Hummingbird at feeders at Guango Lodge. Photo by Gina Nichol.

ECUADOR Special!
Registration Form>>
Hummingbirds, Tanagers,
Waterfalls & New Hotspots!
November 23 - December 2, 2012

TOUR PRICE: $2195.00 per person from Quito, Ecuador based on double occupancy.

Deposit: $500.00 per person

Single Supplement: $295.00 per person
(subject to availability)

Group size: Minimum for tour to go ahead 4 and maximum 10.

Included in cost: accommodation in twin rooms, mostly en-suite, some with shared facilities, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 10, ground transport throughout, entrance fees, water and snacks and services of leaders.

Not included: International flight, insurance, Passport/Visa fees, departure tax, drinks, tips, and items of a personal nature such as: laundry, telephone, beverages, gratuities for porterage, guides, drivers, and personal services.

Accommodation: Our hotels and lodges vary in quality from excellent to rather basic, but all are within easy reach of the areas we wish to bird, eliminating long traveling days. Note that depending on group size there may only be one single available at Guango Lodge. This will be taken on a first-come, first-serves basis and other singles ay have to share at this lodge depending on availability.

Tour Code: This is a standard birding tour with all day birding. We will generally take picnic lunches unless close to our lodge where we will take a restaurant lunch The weather can be unsettled at this time of year, so expect some cooler weather and possible cold weather at Papallacta with good chances of a shower or two. Note that birds are far more active in rain than in sunshine!

RESERVATIONS: To reserve your place on this tour, complete the Registration & Release Form and mail it with your deposit of $500.00 per person to Sunrise Birding, LLC. Instructions are on the form. Reservations are held with a deposit on a first-come, first-served basis. >Download & print the Registration Form.

Final payment is due July 23, 2012 and must be paid by check.

Cancellations and Refunds: Refunds, less a cancellation fee of $300.00 per person will be made only if Sunrise Birding, LLC is notified in writing of intent to cancel on or before July 23, 2012. No refunds will be made after July 23, 2012. All cancellations must be made in writing. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features.

Insurance: The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Sunrise Birding, LLC can not accept liability for airline cancellations or delays or penalties incurred by the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for this tour.

Questions? Contact Gina Nichol at gina@sunrisebirding .com
Phone: 203.453.6724