The weather over the past week has become much cooler and mixed flocks are becoming more abundant. We have recently set up 2 new feeding stations, the first being a banana feeder mid canopy on the forest edge to try and attract Channel-billed Toucans and other shy species closer to the lodge, this can be seen clearly from the veranda and patio area with a scope. Within the first week this has already attracted Spot-billed Toucanets and Plain Parakeets…so watch this space! The second new feeding station is a collection of fruit and vegetable waste located in a quiet spot on the extension trail, this is aimed at attracting Tinamous, Spot-winged Wood-Quails, Rufous-capped Antthrush and other species to feed on any insects that will slowly accumulate in this area, we also hope to attract some of the smaller mammal species.

We are looking into offering a new half day excursion, this will be in a private area close to Nova Friburgo and offer some excellent birding at around 1600m in altitude. Recent exploration trips there have already found a stronghold for the endemic Half-collared Sparrow, Dusky-tailed Antbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner and a new species for the lodge list, a White-bellied form of the Yellow-bellied Seedeater.

Blake Maybank has left us after a 7 week stay and having brought along 3 groups of mostly Canadian birders. Keep checking his website as at some stage it will have a detailed report of his trip together with all of the groups sightings and other useful information. His site also offers a wealth of birding information for Canada, North and South America.

The feeders continue to be very busy with Azure-shouldered Tanagers visiting regularly together with the usual collection of several other Tanager species, Spot-billed Toucanets and of course the Blond-crested Woodpecker putting in its usual daily appearances! 7 species of hummingbirds have been recorded on the hummingbird feeders this week including the now resident Brazilian Ruby.

Azure-shouldered Tanager. Andy Foster©

Brazilian Ruby. Andy Foster©