Sorry for our absence! We have been experiencing internet connection problems here in the rainforest!

We have been busy with various groups over the past three weeks, with many highlights. Firstly our pair of Black and White Hawk Eagles are still at the nest, there is no sign of any young birds yet, but watch this space. There are now many species with young birds in the grounds of the lodge including Brazilian Tanagers, Green headed Tanagers, Red-necked Tanagers, Blue Manakins, Gray-hooded Flycatcher and Spot-billed Toucanets. Main highlights have included great views of Brown Tanager in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Shrike-like Cotinga on the Theodoro Trail, Swallow-tailed Cotinga on the High Altitude Excursion and Toco Toucans on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion.

Other highlights have included:

Serra dos Orgaos National Park: White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Pale-browed Treehunter, Variegated Antpitta, Hooded Berryeater, White-necked Thrush, great views of Brown Tanager and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Portao Azul Excursion: Laughing Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, Green-barred Woodpecker, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Ferruginous Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant (thanks Jeff!), Shear-tailed Gray Tyrant, Rufous-headed Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Buffy-fronted Seedeater and Temmincks Seedeater.

Macae de Cima Excursion: Plovercrest, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin and Chestnut-headed Tanager.

High Altitude Excursion: Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet and Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant.

Theodoro Trail: Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, White-throated Woodcreeper, Giant Antshrike, Bertonis Antbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Shrike-like Cotinga and Oustalets Tyrannulet.

Next week we shall give you an update on the highlights from our other excursions!

Toco Toucan on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion. Dave Peters©