Just returned from a checking out a new site that we hope to be running excursions to soon. This was our second visit and we are already building up a respectable list of endemics! The highlights from todays visit included Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, White-eyed Parakeet, Scale-throated Hermit, Planalto Hermit, Black Jacobin, Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-throated Hummingbird, Versicolored Emerald, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Gray-bellied Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, amazing views of a male Tufted Antshrike, several pairs of Serra Antwrens (we have only previously recorded these from our Jacamar excursion), Ferruginous Antbird, Drab-breasted Bamboo Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Chestnut-headed Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager and Uniform Finch.

Yesterday we took our High Altitude Excursion Upper Section and had great views of Itatiaia Thistletail, a male Black and Gold Cotinga at close quarters, stunning views of a male Plovercrest, Brazilian Ruby, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Red-eyed Thornbird, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, White-rimmed Warbler, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

The lodge feeders remain busy with daily visits from the Slaty-breasted Wood Rails, Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Red-cronwed Ant-Tanager (strange record for the feeders!), Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Blue Dacnis and Green Honeycreeper.

Brazilian Tanager on the lodge feeders. Cristina Foster

Blond-crested Woodpecker on the lodge feeders. Cristina Foster