This week we have seen the arrival of some much needed rain! During the past 3 weeks we have seen nothing more than a few drops, but last night the heavens opened and we are still experiencing light rainfall today.

Now beginning to see some good mixed flocks in the forest as we are rapidly coming to the end of the breeding season. We had a great day on our High Altitude excursion this week with Grey-winged Cotinga showing well, our driver Aldo managed to pick it up in the scope after a mere 30 seconds of trying! Other highlights from the day included 3 Red-legged Seriema, great views of Plovercrest, White-throated Humingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Rufous Gnateater, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, 2 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, Black and Gold Cotinga, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-rimmed Warbler, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Thick-billed Saltator.

Thick-billed Saltator. Steve Bird.

The feeders at the lodge have been busy over the past few days, highlights have included Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail (strange record for the feeders, but happily there each morning!), Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, and Green-headed Tanager.

Ruby-crowned Tanager next to the lodge feeders. Steve Bird.

The humingbird feeders have also been busy with Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Brazilian Ruby all being recorded today.