| Leading
Tours since 1987

CARAJAS
2007
...with
Chris Bradshaw & Guy Kirwan |
Carajás
in eastern Amazonian Brazil has, as yet, been visited by rather
few birding groups, despite a large bird list that exceeds 575
species, and, unlike most birding trips, this tour is notable
for the fact that we spent almost the entire trip at a single
location, offering a welcome break from the typical change of
location every few days common to most trips. We added several
species to the Carajás list during our stay and others
will undoubtedly follow as more birders discover what an excellent
area this is. Doubtless the area will become a major destination
for birders in the coming years.
When
faced with a long list of great birds seen during a tour it is
often difficult to pick out the main highlights and this is certainly
the case here. Personally, mine included great views of Guianan
Red Cotinga, plus other Cotingidae such as Purple-breasted, White-tailed
and Spangled Cotingas, and White-browed Purpletuft. The rather
infrequently seen Black-chested Tyrant is reliably found only
at Carajás and we had great views of this gem of a bird.
We also enjoyed our encounters with Bare-faced Curassow, Red-throated
Piping-guan, White-crested Guan and especially Dark-winged Trumpeters.
In the forest undergrowth we teased out Chestnut-belted and Black-bellied
Gnateaters, Black-spotted Bare-eye and a multitude of other antbirds.
Other particularly enjoyable species included four species of
macaw, Chestnut-throated Spinetail, Black-and-white Tody-tyrant,
Ash-throated Casiornis, Blackish Pewee, Great Jacamar, Yellow-shouldered
Grosbeak, Black-faced Dacnis and Rose-breasted Chat.
Apart
from birds, Carajás also offers opportunities to see some
interesting mammals. Red-handed Howler Monkeys were recorded almost
daily, numbering several entertaining encounters with small groups,
even in the town square. Brown Capuchin, Squirrel Monkey and Red-rumped
Agouti were also enjoyed. Best of all though were our encounters
with Brazilian Tapir, including one particularly memorable sighting
on the road early one morning, a brief view of a Jaguar before
it headed off the road into the forest, and a Jaguarundi seen
by Marion and Christine.
During
our trip we encountered 376 species. Of these 11 were seen only
by the leader, whilst a further 21 were heard only.
September
1st: Journey to Brasilia
After
meeting at London we boarded an Air Portugal flight bound for
Lisbon with a connection to Brasilia. A surprisingly eventful
flight demonstrated the extent to which some clients might go
to in order to grab the attention of the leader, the rest of the
group and the cabin crew. It did allow us to jump the queues for
our connecting flight from Lisbon to Brasilia and then the immigration
queues at Brasilia. However, we were nevertheless relieved to
arrive in Brasilia and the comfort of our hotel for the night,
and this leader would prefer a less eventful flight next time.
September
2nd: Flight from Brasilia to Maraba. Travel to Parauapebas. Trail
along Rio Parauapebas.
Weather: Hot and humid.
A
leisurely start to the day began with a medical check for one
member of the group, whilst others managed some birding in the
car park of our hotel. Birds noted here included Bananaquit, Swallow-tailed
Hummingbird, Chalk-browed Mockingbird, Grey-breasted Martin and
Rufous Hornero. The journey to the airport added Southern Lapwing
and Burrowing Owl, whilst Buff-necked Ibis could be seen as we
taxied to the runway.
Our
flight to Marabá proceeded smoothly and we arrived on schedule
around lunchtime. A Greater Yellow-headed Vulture was at the airport
on arrival. We headed into town to grab some lunch at a restaurant
close to the river (where Short-tailed Swifts were noted) before
heading off in the direction of our final destination, Parauapebas.
Along the way we made occasional stops for birds. Our journey
took us through a rather depressing landscape of agricultural
fields, where once (quite recently) some wonderful forest would
have stood. The bird highlights of the journey were sightings
of Horned Screamers on a couple of occasions. Flocks of Turkey
and American Black Vultures cruised overhead. A Savanna Hawk was
perched in the top of a tree and small pools held Wattled Jacana,
Southern Lapwing and Striated Heron. Great Kiskadees and Tropical
Kingbirds were a regular sight.
We
arrived in Parauapebas in the late afternoon and we quickly checked
into the simple and friendly hotel that was to be our home for
the next 10 days or so. Eager to get some birding done we made
the short journey to the edge of town and walked a wide trail
through the riverside forest alongside the Rio Parauapebas. Highlights
of the next hour or so included Black-fronted Nunbird, a smart
and obliging Black-faced Antbird, Black-necked Aracari, fine scope
views of Red-fan Parrot, Bright-rumped Attila and Olivaceous Woodcreeper.
September
3rd: Morning spent along the Rio Parauapebas trail. Afternoon
along a trail near Carajás airport.
Weather: Hot and humid. A few spots of rain around midday.
We
spent the morning birding along the same trail as the previous
evening. Never overwhelming, we nevertheless enjoyed a steady
flow of great birds, making this a fine way to ease ourselves
into our birding in this unfamiliar place. On arriving we noted
Roadside Hawk and heard a Cinereous Tinamou. Early highlights
of our walk included a good display from 2 Point-tailed Palmcreepers,
2 very obliging Cinereous Antshrikes, prolonged scope views of
a stunning Bluish-necked Jacamar, White-browed Purpletuft, Yellow-olive
Flycatcher and White-lored Euphonia. In a clearing a small feeding
flock contained Tropical Kingbirds, Great Kiskadee, Silver-beaked
Tanager, Squirrel Cuckoo, Streaked Flycatcher and, nearby, a Sulphury
Flycatcher. By the river we found several Greater Yellow-headed
Vultures and hirundines that included Southern Rough-wing. After
the trail narrowed we stopped at a regular location for the relatively
little-known and infrequently seen Black-chested Tyrant. Soon
we had all had at least a glimpse of this once near-mythical and
stunningly attractive bird, and some of us had managed extended
views. The return walk was quiet, but as is usually the case produced
some additional good sightings, with White-throated Woodpecker,
Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, an obliging Coraya Wren and a Brown
Capuchin monkey providing sufficient entertainment for us all.
The
afternoon session was spent along a circular trail through the
forest near the airport. We enjoyed some cracking views of a pair
Natterer’s Slaty-antshrike that reacted nicely to recordings.
A group of Red-handed Howler Monkeys obliged us as they moved
through the trees and a smart Gould’s Toucanet put on a
good show, performing its strange bowing displayed in a tree.
A Lineated Woodpecker, Grey Hawk, Amazonian Swift, Lesser Swallow-tailed
Swift, Spangled Cotinga and a number of hummingbirds were the
supporting cast, and provide a very pleasant end to an absorbing
first full day in the field.
September
4th: Águas Claras Trail, Esteril Sul Reservoir
Weather: Hot, sunny and humid.
We
began the day by heading to a trail through the forest at Águas
Claras. On the drive to the trail we paused to enjoy excellent
views of Bare-faced Curassow by the roadside. Another roadside
stop produced Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Lettered Aracari, Double-collared
Seedeater and Long-tailed Tyrant. We entered the trail soon after
7am surrounded by the calls of many Screaming Pihas, so loud you
could barely hear yourself think. Our walk provided regular encounters
with some great birds. The pretty Rose-breasted Chat and skulking
Black-bellied and Chestnut-belted Gnateaters were early highlights.
Other goodies included Eastern Long-tailed Hermit, White-fronted
Nunbird, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Plain-winged Antshrike, Pygmy
Antwren, Plain-brown, Brigida’s and the only recently described
Carajás Woodcreepers, the endemic Pará Foliage-gleaner,
Ochre-bellied and Sulphur-rumped Flycatchers, Opal-crowned and
Red-headed Manakins, and Red-billed Pied Tanager.
We
took lunch in a restaurant in the nucleo at Carajás where
Pale-breasted Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Palm Tanager and
Great Kiskadee were among other visitors dining at the establishment.
Overhead Plumbeous Kite and Pale-rumped and Short-tailed Swifts
were seen.
In
the afternoon we birded the road down to the Esteril Sul Reservoir.
In scrubby vegetation we found White-fringed Antwren and Ash-throated
Casiornis. Down by the reservoir we observed Least Grebe, Capped
Heron and amongst a flock of Cattle Egrets a single Snowy Egret,
perhaps remarkably a new bird for Carajás. A Ringed Kingfisher
and White-winged Swallow were also seen, whilst large numbers
of Grey-breasted Martins congregated in the trees by the reservoir.
A walk along the edge of the reservoir produced Little Chachalaca,
the widespread but extremely local Blackish Pewee (another species
for which Carajás is probably the best place in the world
to find it) and a Blue-chinned Sapphire.
September
5th: Upper Salobo road, Esteril Sul.
Weather: Hot and sunny.
Our
day started with some early problems with our vehicle. Fortunately
these were right by the hotel and not in some far-flung piece
of forest, so it was not long before had it replaced and were
on our way to our first birding site and in the field by 7.30am.
We made a roadside stop where we located Yellow-headed Parrot,
Hellmayr’s Parakeet, a superb male Spangled Cotinga, White-browed
Purpletuft and Swallow-wing, We birded a piece of the canga along
the upper Salobo road before heading into some forest. The canga
was rather slow, but interesting birds included King Vulture.
Continuing
from the canga, the road ran through some forest and here we found
a skulking Striped Cuckoo, Guira Tanagers, a showy male White-tailed
Cotinga, another male Spangled Cotinga and Green Honeycreeper.
Along a trail into the forest we found little of interest, but
after returning to the road we heard a rustling in the leaf litter
that betrayed the presence of Marbled Wood-quail. Sadly they scuttled
off into the undergrowth before everyone had enjoyed good views.
However, we were soon distracted from this disappointment when
we heard the calls of Dark-winged Trumpeters close to the trail
we had so recently left. Returning to the trail and following
a game of hide-and-seek, we eventually obtained reasonable views
of this most special bird. After returning to the road we were
soon called back to watch the whole flock of eight birds walk
one by one across the path. Fantastic! On the other side of the
road a further 4 birds were found. Back on the road itself we
found a feeding flock that included Grey Antwren, Carajás
Woodcreeper and Rufous-bellied Euphonia.
In
the afternoon we again spent some time birding the road at Esteril
Sul. Here we enjoyed a Short-tailed Hawk overhead, whilst Squirrel
Monkeys were in nearby trees. In the woodland we saw White-fronted
Nunbird, Rufous-winged Antwren, Yellow-margined Flycatcher, Fuscous
Flycatcher, another Ash-throated Casiornis and Flame-crested Tanager.
Sadly a Yellow-throated Woodpecker did not linger, but two Bluish-necked
Jacamars concluded another interesting day in Carajás.
September
6th: Aguas Claras road, Salobo Canga
Weather: Hot and sunny.
Our
first target this morning was to try and see Guianan Red Cotinga
in an area where a lek had recently been found. Within 20 minutes
of arrival we had all enjoyed scope views of this stunning gem
of a bird. Unfortunately, the rest of the morning failed to live
up to the high standards set by this excellent start, although
of course we managed to find quite a number of interesting birds.
We saw our first Screaming Pihas – a classic case of the
better the song, the drabber the bird. Some members of the group
who had missed it previously were pleased to catch up with Black-bellied
Gnateater. Other good birds during the morning included White-throated
Woodpecker, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Spix’s Woodcreeper
(the form here might be better regarded as a separate species),
Pará Foliage-gleaner, Coraya Wren, White Hawk, White-crested
Guan and Ruddy Quail-dove. Sadly a Brazilian Tapir rustling in
the bushes and seen by me sloped off deeper into the forest and
was not seen by the group.
In
the afternoon we visited a marshy area in the Salobo canga. Grassland
Sparrow, Red-breasted Blackbird, the first White-tailed Kite for
Carajás, Great Black Hawk and Southern Caracara were among
the first birds we found here. A Solitary Sandpiper and an adult
American Golden Plover were on the edge of the marsh, and a territorial
pair of Southern Lapwings had at least 2 young. Fork-tailed Flycatchers,
Lesser Kiskadee, Yellow-chinned Spinetail were also out in the
marsh and in the nearby scrub we found Rusty-margined Flycatcher,
Sooty-throated Spinetail and Black-faced Tanager. This had been
a pleasant break from constant craning of our necks to peer up
into the canopy or searching the undergrowth for skulkers!
September 7th: Morning spent along the Rio Parauapebas
trail. Afternoon along a trail near Carajás airport.
Weather: Overcast in morning with a heavy shower, then hot and
humid.
Our
day began in slightly cooler overcast conditions along the Rio
Parauapebas trail. Guy and Gill headed straight to the Black-chested
Tyrant territory as Gill had missed this previously. Marion, Chris
and I took a slightly more leisurely walk and saw Red-necked Woodpecker
and Red-throated Caracara en-route. Gill and Guy safely secured
Black-chested Tyrant. Slowly birding our way back to the car we
enjoyed a flow of good birds including Amazonian and Glossy Antshrikes,
Greater Ani, Red-stained Woodpecker, Cinnamon Attila, Chestnut-vented
Conebill, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet and Slender-footed Tyrannulet.
Sadly heavy rain intervened and we were soon walking briskly back
to the vehicle, by which time we resembled a bunch of drowned
rats! Back to the nearby hotel then, to dry out and have coffee
and cake! Most welcome. Returning to the field for the late morning,
it was much hotter and very humid and we found rather few birds.
After
lunch we again tried the circular trail near the airport. A productive
session produced a number of good birds and we did not complete
the circuit as the number of birds prevented us from making much
progress! A feeding flock kept us busy for quite a while. Herein
we found Flame-crested Tanager, a much-wanted Sharpbill, Red-necked
Woodpecker, Straight-billed Woodcreeper and Rufous-rumped Foliage-gleaner.
Best of all, though, was a great performance by a Rufous-capped
Antthrush showing well as it walked through the leaf-litter, looking
a little like a small crake. A cracking way to end the day.
September
8th: Salobo road and Granite mine road.
Weather: Overcast morning, then hot and sunny in the afternoon.
Today
our destination was the Salobo road. We never walked very far
as the bird interest was excellent and there was plenty to keep
us occupied. Early good birds included Black-faced Antbird, Masked
Tanager, White-vented Euphonia and an obliging Laughing Falcon.
A Blue-black Grosbeak taunted us from cover and refused to show.
Continuing down the road we found a pair of calling Grey Antbirds
that were lured down from their high-rise home in a dense tangle
of leafy vines way up in a tree. Red-throated Piping-guan was
seen feeding in a tree, before flying off across the road. Little
Woodpecker, Black-tailed Tityra, Cinereous Becard and Rose-breasted
Chat were all enjoyed in a small area nearby. Thrush-like Wrens
performed well for us, calling high in the treetops in response
to a recording. A short diversion down a trail into the forest
produced the desired effect with good views of Black-and-white
Tody-tyrant, whilst Plain-throated Antwren moved through the undergrowth.
Other good sightings included Purple-breasted Cotinga and Striolated
Puffbird.
After
our regular lunch-stop at the ‘Biscuit’ restaurant
in the nucleo, the afternoon was spent exploring the road to the
granite mine. Here we enjoyed some interesting species that included
White Hawk, Blue Dacnis, Golden-winged Parakeet and White-winged
Swallow. A Rufous-tailed Jacamar was seen well with a Yellow-bellied
Elaenia also nearby. We had fun scrutinising the swifts feeding
around the clearing, identifying Band-rumped, Pale-rumped, Sooty
and Amazonian. As we began our journey back to the hotel, we paused
for excellent scope views of another superlative male Purple-breasted
Cotinga and then an immature male White Bellbird; a splendid way
to end a fine day.
September
9th: Pojuca, Salobo canga
Weather: Hot, humid and sunny.
An
excellent day began with another early start and a slightly longer
than usual drive to get to our chosen area for the morning. The
effort was well worth it! An early sign of what was to be an excellent
day came in the form of a Brazilian Tapir initially on the road,
then seen very well from the bus in the forest edge; a wonderful
way in which to start the day. A little further along the road
we stopped for Amazonian Razor-billed Curassow, but this was less
obliging. Compensation came in the form of a Red-throated Piping-guan
in nearby trees. Chestnut-fronted Macaws flying overhead were
also new. On reaching the trail at Pojuca, the birds kept on coming
thick and fast and it took us an hour and a half to move just
50 metres or so. A Peruvian Recurvebill tantalised in the dense
tangles of vines, but most of us got at least some kind of a view.
A smart and quite showy White-browed Antbird was lured into view,
whilst a Fiery-capped Manakin was rather less co-operative. A
feeding flock contained a number of now increasingly familiar
species, but Black-banded Woodcreeper was an addition to our ever-growing
list. A little further along the trail we heard Black-faced Antthrush
and some of us managed to get views of this species. A distant
raptor perched in a tree proved to be an immature Black-faced
Hawk, a rare and quite poorly known species not previously recorded
at Carajás, and still known from very few localities south
of the Amazon. New flycatchers for the list involved Grey-crowned
and Dusky-chested. Returning along the trail to the bus we paused
for a Great Jacamar, with a Chestnut Woodpecker nearby also obliging
us. Just before lunch we travelled in the van to a jacamar stakeout.
On the way a large cat walking down the road towards the bus before
heading into the forest proved to be a Jaguar – an amazing
stroke of luck! On arrival at our stakeout for jacamars, we enjoyed
both Paradise and Brown with excellent views obtained.
A
picnic lunch was taken in the forest and after a short siesta
we walked to a forest pool, passing a huge toad on the way, where
we found a small group of Hoatzins; a bird much desired by at
least one member of the group. On returning to the bus, we were
called back for our first Scarlet Macaws of the trip. These were
scoped up as they perched high up in a tree looking down at us.
Wonderful.
Beginning
the journey back to the hotel, we made various roadside stops.
One such stop was notable for an Orange-breasted Falcon, which
although distant was well received. A Long-tailed Tyrant performed
for the digiscoper. More Scarlet Macaws were noted flying past
and we continued to an area of canga. Here we found Pearly-vented
Tody-tyrant, Flavescent Warbler and an obliging Rufous-winged
Antshrike, which gave good views at close range. A short walk
to a viewpoint overlooking the nearby forest allowed us to enjoy
some rather distant adult White Bellbirds; a wonderful way in
which to end what had been the best day of the trip so far.
September
10th: Salobo Road, Águas Claras.
Weather: Hot and sunny, but increasing cloud in the afternoon
and a few spots of rain.
A
somewhat slower day than yesterday began in the canga along the
Salobo road. Early birds included Scaled Pigeon, Red-eyed Vireo,
a small flock of Black-faced and Blue Dacnis, flyover Jandaya
Parakeets, White-backed Fire-eyes at an ant swarm, White-bearded
Hermit, and Black-banded and Spot-throated Woodcreepers. White
Hawks and King Vulture were seen flying overhead. A visit to a
stakeout for Banded Antbird proved fruitless, so we birded another
stretch of road hoping for some good species. Things turned out
to be a bit slow here too, but we were still able to enjoy Bluish-cheeked
Jacamar, a Short-tailed Pygmy-tyrant nest-building, a female White-tailed
Cotinga and a Versicoloured Emerald. With the birding rather slow
we elected to take an early lunch.
After
lunch we visited the Águas Claras area again. Here we managed
to find and see well in the scope a Dwarf Tyrant-manakin. Red-necked
Woodpecker and a number of tanagers were also seen, along with
Violaceous and White-lored Euphonias. Things were however still
hard going and with rain clouds threatening we decided to slowly
return towards the hotel making occasional birding stops on the
way. The last of these stops was the most productive with a White
Hawk seen perched and then a Red-crested Finch popped up –
another new bird for the Carajás area. The last bird of
the day was a couple of Mealy Parrots.
September
11th: Pojuca, Salobo Canga
Weather: Hot, humid and sunny.
Today
we revisited the excellent trail at Pojuca. We again had a great
time here, with many excellent encounters with some good birds.
On arrival we enjoyed Yellow-olive Flycatchers and a singing Black-faced
Antthrush, whilst Black-and-white Tody-tyrant and Slate-coloured
Grosbeak were nearby. Our morning walking the trail was punctuated
by interesting finds at regular intervals, with highlights including
Chestnut Woodpecker, Striolated and Pied Puffbirds, White-eyed,
Grey, White-flanked and Ornate Antwrens, Rufous-faced Antbird
(a recent split from Spot-winged), Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner,
Slender-billed Xenops, a delightful Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Dusky-capped
Flycatcher, Cinereous, Green-backed and Pink-throated Becards,
Rufous-browed Peppershrike, A Lesser Seed-finch was also new to
our list and we saw another Rose-breasted Chat. Returning to the
bus soon after midday, three of the endemic Pearly Parakeet enlivened
our lunch stop.
After
lunch and a rest period during the middle of the day we headed
to the marshy area in the Salobo canga. Much the same species
that had been present on our previous visit to this area were
seen again, but we did add South American Snipe, Brown-chested
Martin and Barn Swallow. We also enjoyed a good performance by
a Bat Falcon, before deciding that we were very content with our
day and decided to have a slightly earlier finish than usual.
September
12th: Águas Claras
Weather: Hot, humid and sunny.
Our
destination today was a repeat visit to Águas Claras. We
birded a section of road that was initially rather quiet. However,
with persistence we started to find some interesting birds. A
White-naped Jay gave us a bit of a run around before eventually
giving itself up and offering nice views. White-bellied Parrot
fed in a tree, whilst nearby a Blue-headed Parrot posed for the
digiscopers. Small flocks included Long-billed Gnatwren, Natterer’s
Slaty Antshrike, Spot-winged Antshrike, Spix’s Warbling
Antbird and Green-backed Becard. A Greyish Mourner came in to
the tape. Later a female White-tailed Cotinga appeared and then
a Blackish Pewee was well seen. Walking downhill we paused for
a Sharpbill, much wanted by some in the group. We also noted breeding
behaviour by Dusky-chested Flycatcher, a species about which little
is known of its breeding ecology.
As
had become the norm, the afternoon was typically slow. A Red-headed
Manakin taunted us, but compensation came in the form of extended
scope views at close range of a Great Jacamar. Apart from that
though, there was little to detain us, so we decided to head back
to the hotel.
September
13th: Pojuca, Granite Mine Road
Weather: Hot, humid and sunny.
Our
final full day at Carajás was spent along our favourite
trail at Pojuca. White-crested Guan was seen well close to the
road before reaching the trailhead. On arrival we could hear Peruvian
Recurvebill, but despite much effort we failed to get a good view
of this difficult species. Whilst the quest to get views of this
was continuing, Gill and I had brief views of Fiery-capped Manakin.
Walking the trail we encountered a number of notable species.
Chestnut-throated Spinetail was a species that had previously
always eluded Guy, but brief views of a spinetail in the undergrowth,
followed by the judicious playing of the relevant recordings eventually
provided us with excellent views of this fine bird. Other good
finds included the difficult to find Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak
high up in a Cecropia, a Gold-fronted Piculet amongst a small
feeding flock, a singing White-fringed Antwren singing in the
open and two Blue-and-yellow Macaws doing a flypast. A Sclater’s
Antwren was seen quite well, the form occurring here having vocalisations
unlike Sclater’s Antwrens elsewhere. The supporting cast
included Plain Xenops, White-bellied Tody-tyrant, Ruddy-tailed
Flycatcher, Chestnut-crowned and Green-backed Becard, Purple-throated
Euphonia, and Swallow Tanager.
During
the lunch period a feeding flock provided us with views of Rufous-rumped
and Buff-throated Foliage-gleaners, whilst Marion and Christine
saw a Jaguarundi. After lunch we revisited the Hoatzin stakeout,
enjoying further views of this prehistoric looking bird. A White-thighed
Swallow, Capped Heron and Least Grebe were also present. Our final
stop of the day along the Granite Mine road was rather quiet,
so we soon headed back to the hotel, a tired but extremely contented
group.
September
14th: Rio Parauapebas trail. Travel to Marabá. Flight to
Brasilia.
Weather: Hot, humid and sunny.
Guy
and Gill spent the early morning birding the Rio Parauapebas trail,
while Marion, Christine and I took the luxury of a lie in and
a leisurely breakfast. Highlights of Guy and Gill’s walk
were Grey-headed Kite, Black-tailed Trogon, Cinnamon-throated
Woodcreeper, both Waved and Ringed Woodpeckers responding well
to the tape, an obliging Ruddy Spinetail, several Red-fan Parrots
prospecting suitable nest sites, and a Forest Elaenia. Unfortunately,
due to the tight schedule, both Short-billed Leaftosser and Scale-backed
Antbirds remained heard only.
The
journey to Marabá proceeded smoothly and we arrived in
good time to have lunch before taking our onward flight to Brasilia.
September
15th: Brasilia National Park.
Weather: Hot, humid and sunny.
Our
final morning birding was spent at the Brasilia National Park.
Initially we had some fun and games trying to get into the park,
being sent from one entrance to another. While Guy wrestled with
the entrance formalities we noted Crowned Slaty Flycatcher, Blue
Dacnis, Scaled Dove and Southern Caracara. Although busy with
local people visiting the swimming pool here, we enjoyed a fairly
productive time. On arrival we heard and quickly lured in a Helmeted
Manakin that showed very well. We then located our main target
species, the Brazilian endemic White-striped Warbler, which also
showed very well at close range to the delight of us all. Slowly
birding a trail through some woodland we found a steady flow of
interesting species that included Planalto Foliage-gleaner, Black-capped
Antwren, Burnished-buff, Sayaca, Black-faced and Hooded Tanagers.
In more open areas we noted small numbers of Blue-and-white Swallow.
Soon it was time to head back to the hotel for lunch and then
onwards to the airport, where we caught our flight to Lisbon and
onwards to Heathrow, where the tour concluded.
For details of
the full species list or to request further information about
the next time we will be offering this trip. Contact us at enquiries@birdwatchingbreaks.com.
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