Serra dos Tucanos

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T08:51:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update to wish everyone a very Happy New Year for 2012!

We are currently closed for the Christmas and New Year period and re-open to guests on the 12th January.

Brazilian Tanager in the lodge garden. copyright Rod Sheppard

The last group of 2011 was a group from Rockjumper, they stayed for a total of 7 nights and saw just over 230 species!

Main highlights for their trip included the following:

Whistling Heron, Grey-bellied Goshawk, White-rumped Hawk, Red-legged Seriema, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Blue-winged Macaw, White-eyed Parakeet, Peach-fronted Parakeet, Pileated Parrot, Saw-billed Hermit, Scale-throated Hermit, Planalto Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Rufous-capped Motmot, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Black-necked Aracari, Saffron Toucanet, Spot-billed Toucanet, White Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Pallid Spinetail, Firewood Gatherer, Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Planalto Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Scaled Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Large-tailed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Serra Antwren, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, both Rufous and Black-cheeked Gnateaters, Slaty Bristlefront, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Drab-breasted Bamboo Tyrant, Vermilion Flycatcher, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, White-winged Swallow, Long-billed Wren, White-rimmed Warbler, Half-collared Sparrow, Cinnamon Tanager, Olive-green Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Rufous-headed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Temmincks Seedeater and Thick-billed Saltator.

The feeders at the lodge remain very busy for this time of year with all the usual daily visitors and our Channel-billed Toucans are getting bolder and coming to the main feeders now!

Burnished-buff Tanager at the lodge feeders. copyright Rod Sheppard

We are soon to have our feeder webcam up and running, it currently live streams to our office but we are hoping to soon get it set up online! Watch this space!

Cotingas!

2011-12-07T03:52:00.000-08:00

A group from Birdfinders have just completed a 9 day stay with us. Although we seem to be going through an unusually wet and colder period for this time of the year is hasn’t really affected the birding that much.

The group had a great week with a combined total of 234 species. An excellent week for Cotingas with Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater and Bare-throated Bellbird all being seen well.

Other highlights over the past week have included Capped Heron, Masked Duck, Black and White Hawk Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Blue-ground Dove, White-eyed Parakeet, Peach-fronted Parakeet (a rare bird for this area, seen only occasionally on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion), Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Plovercrest (nice views of a male on the Macae de Cima excursion yesterday), Black-throated trogon, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Black-necked Aracari, Spot-billed Toucanet (almost daily on the feeders), Toco Toucan, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, White Woodpecker, Green-barred Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (reliable as ever under the bridge at the lodges entrance) Plain-winged Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Scaled Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Giant Antshrike (on a rather rainy day at the Serra dos Orgaos National Park), Large-tailed Antshrike, Star-throated Antwren, Serra Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, Brazilian Antthrush, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Attila, Long-billed Wren, a good number of Tanager species on the lodge feeders this week including Orange-bellied Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Olive-green Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager (now nest building in the lodge garden!), Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager and Green-headed Tanager.

Other Tanager highlights on the excursions included Yellow-backed Tanager, Diademed Tanager, Flame-crested Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Swallow Tanager.

Yellow-browed Woodpecker. copyright Rod Sheppard

A great mammal sighting this week was of a very rare Woolly Spider Monkey on the Theodoro Trail, this is an excellent indication that hunting is declining in the local area since the designation of the Tres PicosState Park. Other mammal sightings over the past couple of weeks have included Tufted-eared Marmosets, Buffy-tufted Eared Marmosets, Brown Howler Monkey, Brown Capuchin Monkey, Southern river Otter, Orange-spined Hairy-dwarf Porcupine, Brown-throated three-toed Sloth and Capybara.

Update!

2011-11-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

What a busy couple of months! We have had a steady flow of guests and Cirilo has been out guiding almost daily.

The lodge feeders and grounds are as good as ever as the forest begins to mature even more, we are even getting regular sightings of Blue Manakin from the veranda, also a regular visitor now is the Channel-billed Toucan! The feeders are attracting a great variety of species still and we have recently added a new feeder with crushed corn on, this has already attracted a new species for the lodge grounds, a Sooty Grassquit!

Channel-billed Toucan at the lodge feeders. copyright of Rodrigo Perez Grijalvo

Other highlights on the feeders at the moment include Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Saffron Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Pale-breasted Thrush, Creamy-bellied Thrush, White-necked Thrush, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Cholorophonia, Olive-green Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Black-goggled Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager and Green Honeycreeper.

There have been many highlights on our excursions also, here are a few:

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
White-tailed Kite, White-tailed Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Dusky-legged Guan, Blackish Rail, Blue-winged Macaw, White-eyed Parakeet, Frilled Coquette, Black-necked Aracari, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Scaled Woodcreeper, Yellow Tyrannulet, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Tawny-headed Swallow, Black-capped Donacobius, Curl-crested Jay, Magpie Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, White-bellied Seedeater and White-browed Blackbird.

Blackish Rail. copyright of Rod Sheppard

Portao Azul Excursion:
Black and White Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Kite, Black-Hawk Eagle, White-eyed Parakeet, White-throated Hummingbird, Amethyst Woodstar, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Giant Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Yellow Tyrannulet, Ochre-faced Tody Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Attila, Green-backed Becard, Yellow-legged Thrush, Rufous-headed Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Half-collared Sparrow and Green-winged Saltator.

Theodoro Trail:
Mantled Hawk, Barred Forest-Falcon, Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Black-throated Trogon, Surucua Trogon, Spot-billed Toucanet, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Pale-browed Treehunter, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, White-throated Woodcreeper, Giant Antshrike, Bertonis Antbird, Ferruginous Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, stunning close up views of Slaty Bristlefront, also good views of Shrike-like Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Sharpbill, White-rimmed Warbler and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Surucua Trogon. copyright of Rod Sheppard

High Altitude Excursion (Pico de Caladonia)
Black Hawk- Eagle, Red-legged Seriema (on the lower section), Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Pallid Spinetail, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Swallow-tailed Cotinga (now back for the summer), Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, Chestnut-headed Tanager (on the lower section), Diademed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

Wetlands Excursion (Regua)
Pied-billed Grebe, Capped Heron, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Masked Duck, Swallow-tailed Kite, Rufous-sided Crake, Tropical Screech Owl, Common Paraque, Tail-banded Hornero, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Common Tody Flycatcher, White-headed Marsh-Tyrant, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Chestnut-vented Conebill and Red-legged Honeycreeper.

Long-billed Wren. copyright of Rod Sheppard

Update!

2011-09-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is slowly arriving, although a cold front last week had the temperatures falling back down to 11 degrees centigrade at night!

The feeders at the lodge remain busy with daily visits from Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Plain Parakeets, Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale-breasted Thrush, Creamy-bellied Thrush, Bananaquit, Green Honeycreeper, Blue Dacnis, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Cholorphonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Olive-green Tanager and Shiny Cowbird.

Green Honeycreeper at the lodge feeders © Lee Dingain

New visitors to the feeders this month include Rufous-capped Motmot (seen feeding on bananas on two occasions), Black-goggled Tanager and White-necked Thrush!

The hummingbird feeders have been equally busy with daily sightings of Saw-billed Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, the Black Jacobins have returned after their usual winter break spent in the lowlands, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald, Sombre Hummingbird and Brazilian Ruby.

Brazilian Tanager at the lodge feeders © Lee Dingain

….. and all of the above seen from the comfort of the veranda with a cold beer or coffee in hand!!

Birding in the lodge grounds remain as good as always as birds start to breed, the Extension trail has been particularly productive this week with sightings of Brown Tinamou, Black-throated trogon, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Planalto Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Streaked Xenops, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Gray-hooded Attila (looks like it will breed in the lodge garden again this year), Eye-ringed Tody Tyrant, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Yellow-backed Tanager, Flame-crested Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak!

…….. and all of the above seen within a 20 minute walk from the lodge!

Violet-capped Woodnymph © Rod Sheppard

The Black and White Hawk-Eagle nest is visible from the lodge again this year allowing daily sightings of this fantastic bird, in addition to this the pair of Sharp-tailed Streamcreepers are resident again under the entrance bridge to the lodge!

Our guide Cirilo has been out leading excursions and showing some great birds to guests over the past month. A few highlights from the last couple of weeks include:

Black-Hawk Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Swallow-tailed Cotinga (back for the summer after their usual 3 months away), prolonged views (!) of Grey-winged Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrant Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Diademed Tanager, Green-winged Saltator and Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Giant Antshrike, Bertonis Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Rufous Gnateater, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird and Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant.

More sightings coming soon!

British Bird Fair!

2011-08-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Time does fly! Another year has gone by and once again the annual Bird Fair in the UK is less than a week away!

As usual we will have a stand at the fair, we will be in Marquee 6, stand number 35, so please pop by and say hi! Myself and Cristina wont be at the stand this year, but our good friend Tony Kay of Kay Optical will be there looking after it for us!

We have just had a group from Birdfinders with us, they stayed a total of 9 days and saw in excess of 240+ species! Highlights amongst others included Mantled Hawk, Black and White Hawk Eagel, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Black Jacobin, Plovercrest, Rufous-capped Motmot, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Saffron Toucanet (both at our feeders), Blond-crested Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, White-throated Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (under the lodge bridge as usual!), Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Gray-winged Cotinga, Black and gold Cotinga, Pin-tailed Manakin, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Grey-hooded Attila, Yellow-lored Tody Flycatcher, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Curl-crested Jay, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Olive-green Tanager, Black-throated Grosbeak and Half-collared Sparrow.

Brazilian Tanager by Rod Sheppard (top) can be seen daily at the lodge feeders and Red-legged Seriema (above), seen on the High Altitude and Jacamar excursions. Rod Sheppard.

We have had a new mammal for the lodge grounds, a Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, its still hanging around (literally!), so hopefully it will stay for some time!

Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth. Andy Foster

Three-toed Jacamar (below). Rod Sheppard

Bananas!

2011-07-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Serra dos Tucanos has now re-opened after our annual months holiday in June. This doesnt mean to say that the birds have been on holiday as well though! With night time temperatures now dropping down to 9 degrees centigrade the bird feeders are busier than ever. A mixture of 15+ species are ploughing their way through over 20 kilos of bananas a day!

Blue-naped Chlorophonia. copyright - Rod Sheppard.

On the feeders daily there are up to 8 Spot-billed Toucanets, 4 Saffron Toucanets, 20+ Plain Parakeets, 20+ Reddish-bellied Parakeets, Azure-shouldered Tanagers, Olive-green Tanagers, 10+ Blue-naped Chlorophonias, 15+ Green-headed Tanagers, Ruby-crowned Tanagers, Chestnut-bellied Euphonias, Violaceous Euphonias, Orange-bellied Euphonias, Purple-throated Euphonias, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Brazilian Tanager, even Red-necked Tanagers have been on the feeders, only the second time we have ever seen this!

Blond-crested Woodpecker. copyright - Rod Sheppard

A pair of Giant Antshrikes have also been seen on the lodges Extension Trail together with Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Scaled Antbird, Scaled Woodcreeper and Rufous-capped Motmot. The Crescent-chested Puffbird has been hanging around the hummingbird feeders (not sure why!), together with Brazilian Ruby, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Sombre Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph and Saw-billed Hermit.

Our guide Cirilo has went up on the High Altitude excursion yesterday and had good views of Diademed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet and Black and Gold Cotinga among others.

British Airways are offering very good deals from London Heathrow - Rio de Janeiro at the moment, so if you are considering a trip to Brazil within the next 6 months or so take a look at their website http://www.ba.com/

Another new species!

2011-05-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, in the space of just one week we have added another new species to the Serra dos Tucanos bird list...... this time its a Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), once again seen by Ian Hillery and Jim France together with our guide Cirilo. The bird was observed on the return journey from our Serra dos Orgaos National Park excursion.

The feeders in the lodge grounds remain very busy with up to 15 Olive-green Tanagers visiting daily, a common visitor at this time of year. Its getting colder now with temperatures at the lodge falling to 14 degrees centigrade at night, this cold weather is however providing the most glorious clear sunny days! Golden-tailed Parrotlets are flying over the lodge grounds daily, although as usual they are very difficult to locate once they land! Also had a pair of Black and White Hawk eagles displaying above the lodge, joined briefly by a Black Hawk Eagle!

The hummingbird feeders are also busy with regular visits from Saw-billed Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Sombre Hummingbird and Brazilian Ruby.

Saw-billed Hermit© Rod Sheppard

The trails in the lodge grounds remain busy with sightings of Dusky-throated Hermit, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Giant Antshrike (rare for the lodge trails), Star-throated Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Pin-tailed Manakin, Blue Manakin, Gray-hooded Attila, Red-necked Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager (only a winter visitor in the lodge grounds) and Black-throated Grosbeak amongst others!

Black-cheeked Gnateater© Rod Sheppard

New species for SDT list!

2011-05-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks has seen a nice dry period, with clear blue skies and cooler temperatures. Cirilo has been out guiding over the past few days, he has taken guests to the Three-toed Jacamar area and to the High Altitude excursion lower and upper sections.

We have added a new bird for the Serra dos Tucanos list (getting increasingly harder nowadays)! Cirilo and guests Ian Hillery and Jim France found a Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) on the High Altitude Excursion lower section, although find in other areas of south-east Brazil this is the first record on our “local patch”!

Other highlights have included Short-tailed Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Red-legged Seriema, Blackish Rail, White-eyed Parakeet, Plovercrest, Glittering-belled Emerald, Sapphire spangled Emerald, Three-toed Jacamar, Tail-banded Hornero, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Scaled Woodcreeper, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Velvety Black Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Black and Gold Cotinga, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Tawny-headed Swallow, Yellow-legged Thrush, White-rimmed Warbler, Cinnamon Tanager, Diademed Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

The feeders at the lodge remain very busy with all of the usual visitors coming by on a daily basis. Other highlights in the lodge grounds over the past few days have included Mantled Hawk, Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Plain Parakeet, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Attila, Long-billed Wren, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Brazilian Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager and Burnished-buff Tanager.

Autumns arrival!

2011-04-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Its now beginning to cool down here in south-east Brazil as autumn slowly approaches. On our open country excursions both the Fork-tailed and Myiarchus Flycatchers have moved on and some of the birds from higher altitude areas are beginning to move down the slopes into lower areas as temperatures start to fall.

Golden-chevroned Tanager at the lodge feeders. Andy Foster

We are noticing the usual seasonal changes at the lodge feeders with the arrival of both the Azure-shouldered and Olive-green Tanagers, and also with the arrival of Brazilian Ruby hummingbirds and the fewer sightings of Black Jacobins. Also at the lodge feeders regularly at the moment is the Blond-crested Woodpecker, slightly larger flocks of Plain and Reddish-bellied Parakeets (probably due to the diminishing amount of natural fruit in the forest), Spot-billed Toucanet, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-legged Thrush, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Green Honeycreeper, Blue Dacnis, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Brazilian Tanager and Ruby-crowned Tanager. Blond-crested Woodpecker at the lodge feeders. Andy Foster

Blue-bellied Parrots are being seen and heard more regularly in the lodge gardens at the moment as they come down to feed on the fruiting orange trees, also the resident pair of Tawny-browed Owls are now calling nightly, although difficult to see its nice to know they are there!

Plain Parakeets at the lodge feeders. Andy Foster Reddish-bellied and Plain Parakeets at the lodge feeders. Andy Foster

We are soon to do an exploratory visit to some good quality lowland forest, we hope to find some new species there to add to the Serra dos Tucanos bird list and to offer it as another full day excursion…….watch this space!

Mantled Hawk and trip reports!

2011-03-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just had a Mantled Hawk over the lodge, although seen from the lodge regularly it rarely comes this low!

Mantled Hawk. Andy Foster

There are now two new Serra dos Tucanos trip reports online, one by Blake Maybank who led 3 groups here from 18^th March – 29^th April 2008. As Blake was based here at the lodge for over 6 weeks and undertook each excursion on various occasions he has made some very interesting comparative trip lists for most of our excursions. Please click the link below to see further details.

http://maybank.tripod.com/SouthAmerica/Brazil-03-2008.htm

A more recent trip report has just been published by Neil Westwater on the Birdfinders website of a Birdfinders trip based at Serra dos Tucanos from the 16^th – 24^th January 2011. Please click the ink below to see further details.

http://www.birdfinders.co.uk/pdf/brazil-jan-2011.pdf

Serra dos Tucanos Lodge from the back garden

A group from Naturetrek have just departed after an 8 days stay with us. They saw a combined total of 219 species, of which 71 were Atlantic forest endemics! Highlights from the some of the trails were as follows:

Serra dos Tucanos Feeders and hummer feeders

Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Olive-green Tanager (up to 4), Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager (first records now coming in for this year as the weather gets cooler), Golden-chevroned Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager and Green Honeycreeper.

Serra dos Tucanos Extension Trail

Scaly-headed Parrot, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Streaked Xenops, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Star-throated Antwren, Scaled Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, White-throated Spadebill, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Three-toed Jacamar

Whistling Heron, White-tailed Hawk, Blackish Rail, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, 6 White Woodpeckers, Red-eyed Thornbird, Scaled Woodcreeper, White-rumped Monjita, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tyrant and Black-capped Donacobius.

Portao Azul

Amethyst Woodstar, Surucua Trogon, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Green-barred Woodpecker, Chicli Spinetail, Rufous-capped Spinetail, White-collared Foliage-Gleaner, Black-billed Scythebill, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Yellow Tyrannulet, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Yellow-legged Thrush, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Magpie Tanager and Temmincks Seedeater.

High Altitude Excursion

3 Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Hooded Berryeater (this is the first record ever on our High Altitude Excursion), Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Diademed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

Wetlands Excursion

Black-bellied Whistling Duck (now becoming increasingly common at the wetlands), Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture, Rufous-sided Crake, White-eyed Parakeet (first record of this species on our Wetland Excursion), Tropical Screech-Owl, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicolored Antwren, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Swallow Tanager, Chestnut-capped Blackbird and White-browed Blackbird.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park

Mantled Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, Ruddy-Quail Dove, Toco Toucan (first record of this species for us on the southern side of the mountains), Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Ochre-rumped Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Whiskered Flycatcher, Sharpbill (2!), Yellow-backed Tanager and Yellow-Green Grosbeak.

New hot water system installed!

2011-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

We have just had a new hot water system installed in the lodge, this uses a combination of both solar power and gas. This way we can guarantee hot water is available for guests 24 hours a day, basically if the sun isnt strong enough to heat the water through the solar system the gas system will cut in and heat the water.

After the very heavy rains of several weeks ago we are now experiencing somewhat of a dry period, very unusual for this time of year. The birds have just about finished breeding with large family groups of Green-headed Tanagers practically resident on the fruit feeding tables in the lodge grounds, dispersed occasionally by the female Barred Forest Falcon that now seems to be resident in the lodge gardens. Other regular visitors to the lodge feeders at the moment include Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Plain Parakeets, Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker (this has now reappeared after an abscense of several weeks, presumably whilst breeding), Great Kiskadee, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale-breasted Thrush, Bananaquit, Green Honeycreeer, Blue Dacnis, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Burnished-buff Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Olive-green Tanager (usually just a winter visitor to the lodge feeders, but has been visiting regularly in small groups) and Shiny Cowbird.

Spot-billed Toucanet. Richard Hall

Our guide Cirilo has been out with with various groups and individuals over the past few weeks, highlights have included:

High Altitude Excursion: White rumped Hawk, Black-Hawk Eagle, Aplomado Falcon, Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, Brazilian Ruby, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Red-eyed Thornbird, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Black and Gold Cotinga, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, White-rimmed Warbler, Cinnamon Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling Finch.

Black Hawk Eagle. Richard Hall

Theodoro Trail and Macae de Cima: Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Scaled Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Buff-browed Foliage Gleaner, stunning views of White-bearded Antshrike, Rufous backed Antvireo, Bertonis Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Brazilian Antthrush, Rufous Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront (at peoples feet!), Eared Pygmy-Tyrant and Yellow-legged Thrush.

Serra dos Tucanos Lodge Trails: Frilled Coquette, Amethyst Woodstar, Black-Hawk Eagle, Saw-billed Hermit, Spot-billed Toucanet, White-barred Piculet, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Planalto Woodcreeper (becoming more common now), Plain Xenops, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush (almost guaranteed on the extension trail!), Black-cheeked Gnateater, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Yellow-backed Tanager, Black-goggled Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Black-goggled Tanager. Richard Hall

Portao Azul Trail: White-tailed Hawk, Slaty-breasted Wood-rail, White-eyed Parakeet, Scale-throated Hermit, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Saffron Toucanet, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Long-tailed Tyrant, Eulers Flycatcher, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow Tyrannulet, Gilt-edged Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow and Green-winged Saltator.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park: Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, stunning views of White-bibbed Antbird, White-rimmed Warbler, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Brown Tanager (good views of this usually very difficult bird).

Wetlands Excursion: Least Grebe, Anhinga, White-faced Whistling Duck, Masked Duck, Lesser-yellow-headed Vulture, Tail-banded Hornero, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, White-bearded Manakin, Chestnut-vented Conebill, Giant Cowbird and Lined Seedeater.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion: Whistling Heron, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Striped Cuckoo, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, White Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Gilt-edged Tanager and Half-collared Sparrow.

Excursions

2011-02-11T12:28:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update regarding the excursions. We are happy to say that all of our excursions are now possible after the flooding a month ago. Just to reassure you all the lodge was unaffected by the flooding and as far as the excursions go everthing is now back to normal. We were concerned that the Three-toed Jacamar area could be non-existent after the flooding, but the good news is that three were observed yesterday in our usual reliable spot just the other side of the town of Sumidouro.

Three-toed Jacamar

We have just purchased a new 16 seater minibus, this will allow us to offer more comfort, reliability and safety whilst out on the excursions. It also offers air conditioning like you've never felt it before!

The new Serra dos Tucanos minibus!

Floods.

2011-01-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

As you have all probably seen on the news there has been serious flooding in the areas of Teresopolis, Nova Friburgo and Petropolis. Heavy rainfall has caused many landslides and unfortunately loss of life. Thank you all for your e-mails to see if we were all ok here at the lodge, it was much appreciated.

Thankfully these heavy rains have not affected the lodge at all and all but one of our excursions are possible. We will know about the other excursion over the weekend and will update this page with further news.

Last week we had a group from Birdfinders staying with us for 8 days, we saw a total of 222 species, of which amazingly 80 were Atlantic forest endemics!

Highlights included 2 Mantled Hawks, 3 Crowned Eagles, Barred Forest-falcon, Plovercrest, Dusky-throated Hermit, Brazilian Ruby, Rufous-capped Motmot, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Planalto Woodcreeper, Tail-banded Hornero, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Tufted Antshrike, Spot-backed Antshrike, stunning views of a male White-bearded Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, 6 species of Drymophila antbirds - Ferruginous, Bertonis, Rufous-tailed, Ochre-rumped, Dusky-tailed and Scaled, White-bibbed Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Rufous-capped Anttrush, Slaty Bristlefront, Black and Gold Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Green-backed Becard, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Attila, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Planalto Tyrannulet, White-necked Thrush (first for the lodge feeders!), Red-necked Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Thick-billed Saltator and Half-collared Sparrow.

We have been experiencing problems with responding to some e-mails, basically they are being returned to us as "delivery failed".

Can Tony Godfrey please send us another e-mail with a telephone contact number or a different e-mail address to reply to. Thanks.

Breeding birds!

2010-12-15T08:42:00.001-08:00

The first heavy summer rains have just begun, with torrential rain being almost a daily occurrence anytime after 17.00! Thankfully this doesnt really interfere with the daily birding excursions!

The last couple of weeks Cirilo has been out guiding the last two groups of 2010! As usual the weekly totals were around the 250 - 260 different species seen, and around 65-70 Atlantic forest endemics.

Highlights have as usual been numerous, most exciting of all has been the number of species being seen breeding within the lodge grounds. Confirmed records of breeding birds within the lodge grounds for 2010 include Solitary Tinamou, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Ruddy ground- dove, Grey-fronted Dove, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Sombre Hummingbird, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, White-barred Piculet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Plain Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Chestnut-crowned Becard, White-winged Becard, Crested Becard, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Masked Water-tyrant, Tropical Kingbird, Social Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Grey-hooded Attila, White-throated Spadebill, Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Yellow-lored Tody-flycatcher, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Blue and White Swallow, House Wren, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale-breasted Thrush, Creamy-bellied Thrush, Bananaquit, Blue Dacnis, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Shiny Cowbird, Black-throated Grosbeak and Saffron Finch!

Thats a grand total of 63 species!

The lodge feeders remain busy, providing good photographic opportunities from our photo hide that is located in front of the feeders.

Blue-naped Chlorophonia at the lodge feeders. Jose Maria Fernandez

The Serra dos Orgaos National Park excursion is still providing some great sightings from the canopy walkway that is now a regular route for us on this full day trip.

Canopy walkway in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park. Jose Maria Fernandez

Giant Antshrike taken along the canopy walkway. Ian Hardy©

100 on the Jacamar excursion!

2010-11-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Three-toed Jacamar excursion is always a challenge! Firstly there is the pressure of finding the Three-toed Jacamar (especially as the excursion is named after it!), secondly there is a handful of other "targets" for the day, and finally its always fun to try and see over 100 species during the day! The record currently stands at 124 species, but its always a very good total to see 100+ species. Last weeks Birdfinders group (Brian and Christine Shaw, Robert and Elizabeth Wilson, David and Mary Tanner, Ken and Lilian Parker, John Cresswell and Nicholas Aebischer)managed to see exactly 100 species with our guide Cirilo at the helm!

Its quite a tiring but rewarding day, we cover some 200km in a round trip (weather permitting!) and pass through mainly open countryside with some wetlands and fragmented forest areas also. Some of the days highlights included White-tailed Kite, Aplomado Falcon, Blackish Rail, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Planalto Hermit, Three-toed Jacamar, Toco Toucan, Firewood Gatherer, Tufted Antshrike, Rio de Janeiro Antbird (new site found for this difficult endemic), Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black-capped Donacobius, Curl-crested Jay, Wedge-tailed Grassfinch and Grassland Sparrow.

The group spent 8 days at the lodge and saw a total of 252 species, of which 66 were Atlantic forest endemics!

Streamer-tailed Tyrant taken on the Jacamar excursion

Richard Hall

Blackish Rail taken on the Jacamar excursion -Richard Hall

Update!

2010-10-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, its been a busy month with several tour groups coming through and some great birding going down in the process! Cirilo has been out guiding on almost a daily basis and been busy showing guests numerous different species!

The lodge feeders have also been busy with plenty of Tanger, Toucanet and Slaty-breasted Wood-rail sightings. Yesterday also saw a visit from a family of 3 Tufted-eared Marmosets. As usual the photo hide is proving popular with guests with some great photos being taken. During an average week the following species visit the feeders in front of the hide on a regular basis:

Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Saffron Toucanet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale-breasted Thrush, Creamy-bellied Thrush, Bananaquit, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager, Blue Dacnis and Shiny Cowbird!

The photo hide!

Spot-billed Toucanet from the photo hide

Andy Foster

Green-headed Tanager from the photo hide
Andy Foster

Brazilian Tanager from the photo hide
Cristina Foster

Blond-crested Woodpecker from the photo hide

Cristina Foster

Plenty of breeding birds in and around the lodge grounds at the moment, the most exciting record is of a Solitary Tinamou nest where six eggs have hatched out! The Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper is busy carrying food in and out of its nest just under the bridge by the lodges main entrance and the now resident Long-billed Wren is still calling for a mate! Grey-hooded Attila is also nesting in the grounds as are several species of Tanagers and Rufous-capped Motmot.

Highlights from the various excursions have recently included Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Black Hawk-Eagle, Bat Falcon, Red-leged Seriema (now with 1 chick in the nest!), a flock of 16+ Blue-winged Macaws, great views of a male Plovercrest on the Macae de Cima excursion, Amethyst Woodstar, Three-toed Jacamar, Buff-bellied Puffbird (from the lodge grounds), Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Pallid Spinetail, Itatiaia Thistletail, Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, Black-billed Scythebill, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, Serra Antwren (now being seen on the Jacamar excursion again), Dusky-tailed Antbird, Scaled Antbird (on the lodges extension trail), Rufous-capped Antthrush, Brazilian Antthrush, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, both Blue Manakin and Pin-tailed Manakins (lekking on the lodges extension trail), Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Eye-ringed Tody Tyrant, great views of Brown Tanager (in the Serra dos Orgaos National park), Gilt-edged Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow and both Green-winged and Thick-billed Saltators on the High Altitude Excursion.

More birds.......

2010-09-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks has seen the onset of the breeding season! There are several species of birds already feeding young in the lodge gardens, these include Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale-breasted Thrush, Violaceous Euphonia. There are two pairs of Yellow-lored Tody Flycatchers with nests and also a Grey-capped Tyrannulet constructing a nest in a tree close to the swimming pool.

Cirilo guided a group from Birdfinders last week, seeing a total of 248 species, of which 77 were Atlantic forest endeimcs! Highlights included all the usual suspects (!) but also Spot-flanked Gallinule, Black Hawk-Eagle, Barred Forest Falcon, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Blue-winged Macaw, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Planalto Hermit, Amethyst Woodstar, Black-billed Scythebill, Itatiaia Thistletail, Giant Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, Unicolored Antwren, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird (looking down on it from the canopy walkway in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park), Rufous-capped Antthrush, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Hangnest Tody-tyrant, Serra dos Mar Tyrannulet, Sharpbill, Gilt-edged Tanager, Yellow-green Grosbeak, Half-collared Sparrow!

Swallow-tailed Cotinga© Adam Riley (Rockjumper Birding Tours)

As many of you know we are corporate sponsors of the Neotropical Bird Club, at the 2009 British Bird Fair we donated a prize to the Neotropical Bird Clubs raffle of a stay at Serra dos Tucanos Lodge for two people for 7 nights including birding excursions. This prize was won by Christine Lynn who was joined by Ian Cox for her stay a few weeks ago. They had a great stay and saw lots of good birds! Christine is due to write a short report of her stay, we will publish it on this page once we receive it!

Ian and Christine enjoying some relaxation!

Please visit the Neotropical Bird Clubs website, and if you are not already a member you can join online!

Please see below the benefits of becoming a Neotropical Bird Club member!

NBC members receive two volumes of Neotropical Birding and one bumper volume of Cotinga. The two publications are complementary, and both fill unique niches in the bird publications market:

Cotinga is now well established as a leading forum for publications of studies on Neotropical birds. Papers and short communications present new information on distribution, seasonality, biology and taxonomy. There is a special accent on globally threatened species. Cotinga is one of the few international journals partially or wholly devoted to Neotropical ornithology which still publishes avifaunal lists for sites or regions. Contributions are peer-reviewed and material is published in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Neotropical Birding is the only birding magazine to focus exclusively on the Neotropics and is packed with articles on all aspects of birding in the region. Features on rare birds and conservation sit alongside overviews of birding sites and identification workshops, accompanied by mouthwatering colour photographs throughout.

Recent sightings!

2010-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Another busy week has passed by with plenty of birding action!

Cirilo has just finished guiding a group from Naturetrek, with a weeks total of 250 species! The weeks excursions included Theodoro Trail, Lodge grounds, Portao Azul, Cedae Trail, High Altitude Excursion, Wetlands Excursion, Serra dos Orgaos National Park and the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion to Sumidouro.

Highlights for the week included the following:

Brown Tinamou, Capped Heron, Buff-necked Ibis (only the 2^nd record for the Serra dos Tucanos list), White-necked Hawk, Harris’s Hawk (again, only the 2^nd record), Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, Frilled Coquette, Black-throated Trogon, Three-toed Jacamar, Black-necked Aracari, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Itatiaia Thistletail, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (now breeding under the bridge at the lodge), Black-billed Scythebill, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Unicolored Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga (Cirilo picked this some distance away giving good scope views, afterwards one was located closer), Bare-throated Bellbird, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Eye-ringed Tody Tyrant, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Attila, Long-billed Wren (still living by the pool in the lodge grounds!), White-necked Thrush, Yellow-backed Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Uniform Finch, Half-collared Sparrow, Black-throated Grosbeak, Green-winged Saltator and Thick-billed Saltator.

Grey-winged Cotinga© on the High Altitude Excursion. Richard Hall

Payments – Just to let you know that we can now accept Mastercard payments in addition to Visa cards.

News!

2010-08-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from the UK having exhibited at the Bird Fair again this year. It was great to chat to so many past guests and to meet people who are already booked to come this year and next! Serra dos Tucanos Lodge stand at the Bird Fair

Our guide Cirilo has just finished guiding a group from Birdfinders, they had an excellent week with a total of 245 species recorded, of which 77 were Atlantic Forest endemics!

The group managed to find a new species for the Serra dos Tucanos list (getting harder to do this now!), with Mottled Owl on the Portao Azul excursion!

Highlights from the 8 day trip included Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, Three-toed Jacamar, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Black-billed Scythebill, Itatiaia Thistletail, Whie-collared Foliage Gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Unicolored Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Long-billed Wren, Magpie Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Olive-green Tanager, Black-throated Grosbeak, Half-collared Sparrow and Bay-chested Warbling Finch!

Finally the Golden Lion Tamarins have made it onto our feeding platform! Two were seen a couple of days ago feeding on the upper platform together with some Buffy tufted eared Marmosets! Hopefully this will turn into a regular ritual!

Golden Lion Tamarin© photographed in the lodge grounds by Richard Hall

Bird Fair 2010

2010-07-31T11:44:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Bird Fair held at Rutland Water in the UK (20th - 22nd August) is now approaching fast! As usual we will have a stand at this great event, we will be located in Marquee 6, stand number 22. If you are visiting the Fair then please come by and see us!

For further information on the Bird Fair please visit their official website:

http://www.birdfair.org.uk/

Birds around the lodge grounds.

Today saw the return of the Black and White Hawk Eagles to their now annual nesting site that is visible from the lodge grounds. Located high in a huge emergent tree an adult bird was observed rennovating the nest presumably ready for this years breeding season that should commence next month. We have also been watching a pair of Black-Hawk Eagles flying daily over the lodge for the past few days, they have been giving great views!

Other species of note in the lodge grounds this week have included Solitary Tinamou, Brown Tinamou, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail (on the feeders as usual!), Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Saw-billed Hermit, Dusky-throated Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Black-thoated and Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, 2 Blond-crested Woodpeckers (on the feeders), Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (building a nest by the bridge at the front of the lodge), Thrush-like Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Gray-hooded Attila, Long-billed Wren, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Green-chinned Euphonia (on our upper canopy feeder), Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and amazingly.... Gilt-edged Tanager!

The Buffy-tufted eared Marmosets are back, 3 were seen "stealing" bananas from our canopy feeder yesterday, hopefully this will turn into a daily ritual for them!

Plain Parakeet taken from the photo hide. Cristina Foster

Update

2010-07-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Having had our annual months staff holiday in June we are now back out on the excursions and seeing some fantastic birds! Our new bird guide Cirilo Rodrigues Vieira who has been with us for the last 6 months is now leading the excursions and finding some great birds for our guests!

Some of this weeks sightings included the following:

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion – 12^th July

Always a popular excursion that involves a 180km round trip to look for the endemic Three-toed Jacamar. The record for this day trip currently stands at 124 species (set in the summer when there are some migrant species in the area), this week we managed 89! Highlights included Whistling Heron, Capped Heron, Crane Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, 2 Red-legged Seriemas, Blue-winged Macaw, 4 Three-toed Jacamars, 3 White-eared Puffbirds, White Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Serra Antwren, Sooty Tyrannulet, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black-capped Donacobius and Half-collared Sparrow.

High Altitude Excursion Upper Section – 14^th July

With rain at the lodge we decided to head up over the mountains to see if it could possibly be drier on the other side….. thankfully it was but cloud built up making visibility hard and rain set in late afternoon. Highlights included Scale-throated Hermit, 2 male Plovercrests, Pallid Spinetail, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Black and Gold Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrant Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, White-rimmed Warbler, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

Portao Azul – 15^th and 17^th July

Always a great excursion due to the mixture of different habitats with good primary forest, bamboo, secondary forest, scrub and some open water. Highlights from the 2 trips included Gray-headed Kite, Dusky-legged Guan, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, White-eyed Parakeet, Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-throated Hmmingbird, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, great views of Tufted Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Pin-tailed Manakin, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, 2 Gary-capped Tyrannulets, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Green-backed Becard, Gilt-edged Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow, Temmincks Seedeater and 2 Green-winged Saltators.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park – 16th July

A rather wet and cloudy day with temperatures below 14 degrees centigrade made birding a little hard. However we spent three hours in the lower park with good views of Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-throated Trogon, Surucua Trogon, Spot-billed Toucanet, 2 Yellow-throated Woodpeckers, Streaked Xenops, Lesser Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Star-throated Antwren, Yellow-backed Tanager, Flame-crested Tanager and Buff-throated Saltator. After a 20 minute drive we arrived in the upper park that’s at an altitude of approximately 1000 metres. We found ourselves in thick cloud but the birding remained good with sightings of Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Buff-browed Foliage Gleaner, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Scaled Woodcreeper, Ochre-rumped Antbird and amazing views of Brown Tanager.

Brown Tanager© Peter Royle

Serra Antwren - new site!

2010-07-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

Winter has arrived!

2010-06-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Winter has arrived! Temperatures last night fell to 7 degrees centigrade, the coldest temperature we have ever recorded here at the lodge! Consequently the bird feeders are extremely busy. Sightings at the feeders today have included 2 Slaty-breasted Wood-Rails, 20+ Maroon-bellied Parakeets, 15+ Plain Parakeets, 5+ Spot-billed Toucanets, 2 Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Great Kiskadee, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Yellow-legged Thrush, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale-breasted Thrush, Bananaquit, 15+ Olive-green Tanagers, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, 4 Azure-shouldered Tanagers, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, 10+ Blue-naped Chlorophonias, 20+ Green-headed Tanagers, 2 Burnished-buff Tanagers, Blue Dacnis and 3 Green Honeycreepers!

Burnished Buff Tanager at the Lodge feeders. Andy Foster

Maned Wolves!

2010-05-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Lots has happened since our last update! Sorry for the big gap in the latest news but we have been without internet for over 2 months, thankfully it has now returned and our WiFi connection for guests is also up and running again.

Birding at the lodge remains good with the feeders as busy as ever, and yes Lee, if you are reading this the Saffron Toucanets did appear, 3 days after your departure. Upto 4 Saffron Toucanets have been seen daily on our upper feeder, we will save them for your next visit!

We have had fewer guests staying with us over the past couple of months, always a quiet time of year as migration gets into full swing in other parts of the world. This has given us the opportunity to travel a little in Brazil (something we do little of)! We decided to travel with some friends up to the Monastery in Caraca, about 500km away from Serra dos Tucanos. The main reason of our trip was to see the Maned Wolves, famous for their nocturnal activities on the steps of the Monastery where they come to feed on leftovers from the kitchen! We were in luck on our first night, after dinner we joined the other guests and waited for this rather long legged creature to appear... amazing!

Maned Wolf by Andy Foster

The Monastery itself is a beautiful building thats over 200 years old. The church is still in use but the Monastery now provides accommodation for guests wishing to walk the extensive trail system in the local area and also for those that wish to see the Wolf!

The Monastery at Caraca. Cristina Foster

The avifauna of the local area is much the same as what we have here at the lodge as the habitat is still Atlantic forest together with Cerrado.

We are currently renovating one of our bedrooms making a small single room into a double/twin room, this will give us greater flexability with groups and make your stay more comfortable!

Highlights from the Three-toed Jacamar excursion yesterday included Capped Heron, Whistling Heron, Short-tailed Hawk, Bat Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, 3 Red-legged Seriemas, 4 Blue-winged Macaws, Three-toed Jacamar, Saffron Toucanet, Streamer-tailed Tyrant and Magpie Tanager.

Whistling Heron by David Russell

More birds!

2010-04-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

Now beginning to get cooler with temperatures falling down to 12 degrees centigrade at night! The feeding stations are beginning to get very busy again now with Spot-billed Toucanets being seen daily, Azure-shouldered Tanagers have come down from higher altitude. Other recent sightings at the feeders include Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Saffron Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale-breasted Thrush, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager, Blue Dacnis and Green Honeycreeper. The hummingbird feeders are also attracting good numbers of hummers including Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin (although smaller numbers now), Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Brazilian Ruby.

Black Jacobin© David Russell

Out on the excursions we have seen the following highlights:

Brown Tinamou, Mantled Hawk, Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Black Hawk-Eagle, Aplomado Falcon, Red-legged Seriema, 10+ Pileated Parrots (fantastic views on the Bamboo Trail), Blue-bellied Parrots (in the lodge grounds), Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Black-throated Trogon, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, a pair of Crescent-chested Puffbirds (daily in the lodge grounds), Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Red-eyed Thornbird, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Pale-browed Treehunter, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Scaled Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill (amazingly close views!), Spot-backed Antshrike, Giant Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo (now lower in altitude also), Ferruginous Antbird, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Scaled Antbird (great views on the extension trail), Brazilian Antthrush, Suchs Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Black and Gold Cotinga, Pin-tailed Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Attila, Long-billed Wren (still a single bird in the lodge gardens), Olive-green Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Uniform Finch, Half-collared Sparrow and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Unfortunately we are currently without internet at the lodge, therefore we may take a few days longer to reply to any messages that you send us. Hopefully this problem will soon be resolved!

We have just signed up for the Bird Fair 2010 at Rutland Water in the UK, once we are given our Marquee and stand number we shall post it on this page. For further details on the Bird Fair and the great work that it does for the conservation of birds and their habitats please visit their website:

http://www.birdfair.org.uk/

Scaled Antbird in the lodge grounds© David Russell

Sightings Update!

2010-04-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Mixed weather over the past couple of weeks and very heavy rain for the last 2 days has made birding somewhat difficult! However, we have been out on an almost daily basis covering the majority of our fixed excursions.

Highlights have included Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Black Hawk-Eagle, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail (still on the feeders daily), Tawny-browed Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Dusky-throated Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Plovercrest, Brazilian Ruby (nice male at the lodge feeders regularly), Three-toed Jacamar, 2 Crescent-chested Puffbirds (in the lodge gardens), Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets (daily on the lodge feeders), Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker and Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker (daily on the lodge feeders), a fantastic couple of weeks for Foliage Gleaners with the following being recorded; Sharp-billed Treehunter, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Buff-browed Foliage Gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage Gleaner, Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, White-collared Foliage Gleaner and White-eyed Foliage Gleaner! Also good for Wodcreepers with Thrush-Like, White-throated, Lesser and Scaled all being see in the past week.

Tawny-browed Owl© John O'Sullivan

Onto the Ant things! Spot-backed Antshrike, Giant Antshrike (amazing views of a male just a couple of metres away), Tufted Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Serra Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush (upto 6 in the lodge grounds at the moment), Brazilian Antthrush and Variegated Antpitta! Slaty Bristlefront has been giving great views on the Theodoro Trail, Black and Gold Cotinga, no less than 5 Grey-winged Cotingas giving fantastic views on our High Altitude Excursion, Bare-throated Bellbird (unusual record of a male for this time of year), Pin-tailed Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Greenish Schiffornis (first record for over 2 months), Long-billed Wren (still in the lodge grounds), White-rimmed Warbler, Chestnut-headed Tanager (both on the High Altitude Excursion and Macae de Cima), Olive-green Tanager, Diademed Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Uniform Finch, Half-collared Sparrow and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Sightings update!

2010-03-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Still been lots of rain around over the past week, but things seem to be slowly improving with the sun shining today!

The days are now becoming cooler and the activity on the lodge feeders is beginning to increase. We are now having daily sightings of both Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets and the Blue-naped Chlorophonias have also returned. Slaty-breasted Wood-Rails are now also using the feeders on a daily basis, where they learnt to eat bananas we will never know! Certain species have been moving in mysterious ways lately with birds turning up at altitudes that we dont usually expect to see them. The strangest record has to be of a Slaty Bristlefront on the Cedae Trail, we usually record this species above 1.100 metres, but we were lucky enough to see a female Bristlefront at just 600 metres in altitude!

Other highlights for the past have included Pied-billed Grebe, 3 Black and White Hawk Eagles over the lodge, 3 Red-legged Seriemas, 2 Tropcial Screech Owls on the Wetland excursion, 3+ male Plovercrests, Rufous-capped Motmot in the lodge grounds, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Yellow-eared Woodcpecker, daily sightings of Blond-crested Woodpecker on the lodge feeders, Sharp-tailed Streamcreepers under the bridge by the lodge, fantastic views of Black-billed Scythebill on the Cedae Trail, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, all 6 of our Drymophila antbirds - Ferruginous, Bertonis, Rufous-tailed, Ochre-rumped, Dusky-tailed and Scaled Antbirds, both Rufous and Black-cheeked Gnateaters, Slaty Bristlefront, Serra do Mar Tapaculo (for some!), 6+ Swallow-tailed Cotingas Black and Gold Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant and Chestnut-headed and Diademed Tanagers.

Yellow-eared Woodpecker. John O'Sullivan

Sightings update!

2010-03-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

Rain, rain and more rain over the past week! We have just had a group with a fixed itinerary for the past 7 days and spent most of our time trying to avoid the rain, however thankfully due to our local knowledge we managed to avoid the heaviest rain and see a good number of birds.

The first day of the week had to be the best, with 75 species being seen between the lodge grounds and the Cedae Tail. The highlights of this day included Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Palin Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald, Brazilian Ruby, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet on the lodge feeders, White-barred Piculet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Plain Xenops, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Salvadoris Antwren (only the fourth record for the lodge grounds), Ferruginous Antbird, great views of both male and female Scaled Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous and Black-cheeked Gnateaters, amazingly a Slaty Bristlefront on the Cedae Trail, we usually see this species only above 1000m, 500m higher than this record, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Gray-hooded Attila, Long-billed Wren (again a good record for the lodge grounds), Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed Tanager and Red-necked Tanager........ a truly amazing day!

Other highlights of the past week have included Red-legged Serema, Scale-throated Hermit, Dusky-throated Hermit, Reddish Hermit, 15+ Plovercrests on our High AltitudeExcursion, White-throated Hummingbird, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Yellow-browed Woodcpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Pale-browed Treehunter, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch and Half-collared Sparrow.

Blue Manakin. Jon Burrell

Grey-winged Cotingas!

2010-02-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

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.

Golden Lion Tamarins return!

2010-02-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

Great news! The Golden Lion Tamarins have returned to the lodge grounds, what appears to be a pair were seen close to the swimming pool area on Monday and heard again on Tuesday, this shows that the habitat surrounding the lodge must be what these tiny primates require, hopefully they will stick around!

Been out on the Portao Azul excursion this morning, highlights included 1 Short-tailed Hawk, 2 Scale-throated Hermits, Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-throated Hummingbird, Surucua Trogon, 2 Yellow-eared Woodpeckers, Rufous-capped Spinetail, 2 Pallid Spinetails, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage-Gleaner, fantastic views of a Black-billed Scythebill, 2 Ferruginous Antbirds, 1 Dusky-tailed Antbird, 2 White-shouldered Fire-eyes, Rufous Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Yellow Tyrannulet, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, 2 Fuscous Flycatchers, White-winged Becard, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, great views of Half-collared Sparrow and Green-winged Saltator.

Brassy-breasted Tanager © Steve Bird

WiFi at Serra dos Tucanos!

2010-02-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

After 7 years (!) of trying to get broadband internet installed we are now happy to be able to offer our guests free WiFi internet connection at the lodge. Its available in the main lounge, verandas, patio and swimming pool area. So, for those of you that wish to keep up to date with work, check e-mails or see what birds you are missing at home (!) you will need to bring your laptop with you!

Red-legged Seriema. Jon Burrell.

Had a couple of busy weeks, lots of birds as usual, highlights are as follows:

Whistling Heron, Capped Heron, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Mantled Hawk, Slaty-breasted Woodrail, great views of Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, 6+ Red-legged Seriemas, 12+ Blue-winged Macaws, Marron-bellied and Plain Parakeets at the lodge feeders, juvenile Tawny-browed Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, Frilled Coquette in the lodge garden, Brazilian Ruby in the lodge garden, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Crescent-chested Puffbird, both Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets, Yellow-eared and Yellow-browed Woodpeckers, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Itatiaia Thistletail after a lot of effort on our High Altitude Excursion, great views though! Sharp-billed Treehunter, Black-capped and White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, White-throated Woodcreeper, 2 Black-billed Scythebills, Star-throated Antwren, Serra Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Brazilian Anttthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Eye-ringed Tody Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant, Brazilian Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch and Half-collared Sparrow.

Shrike-like Cotinga in lodge grounds!

2010-01-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

Having returned from a good (but cold!) Christmas break we are back out on the trails and enjoying the birds of Brazil once again!

You would have probably all seen the news regarding heavy rainfall in the state of Rio over Christmas and the New Year period, thankfully this has not caused too much damage to the trails on the excursions that we offer.

Today we spent the morning on the Extension Trail that starts at the back of the lodge. The most exciting record (and first for the lodge grounds) was of two Shrike-like Cotingas, also known as the Elegant Mourner. They were heard making a contact call previously unheard by ourselves (now on tape!) and were feeding about a foot above the ground, which is also quite strange!

Other highlights from this morning included 2 Rufous-capped Motmot, Lesser Woodcreeper, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Plain Xenops, Spot-breasted Antvireo, 2 Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, a stunning male Pin-tailed Manakin, several Red-necked Tanagers, Brazilian Tanager,

Many species appear to have finished breeding and we are already seeing our first mixed flocks, highlights of the last few days have included:

High Altitude Excursion Upper Section:
Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Giant Antshrike Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, Diademed Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Buffy-fronted Seedeater and Thick-billed Saltator.

Portao Azul:
Grey-headed Kite,Black and White Hawk-Eagle, White-eyed Parakeet, White-throated Hummingbird, Saffron Toucanet, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Tufted Antshrike, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Brasy-breasted Tanager and Half-collared Sparrow.

Lodge gardens and trails:
Solitary Tinamou, Mantled Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Sombre Humingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker at the feeders daily, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Long-billed Wren (on the patio believe it or not!), Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

Just a quick message to wish all of our past and future guests a

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We look forward to welcoming new guests in 2010!

Sightings update!

2009-11-21T09:59:00.000-08:00

Another couple of busy birding weeks here at Serra dos Tucanos! We have been out on all of the usual trails and seeing some wonderful birds!

Highlights from the last couple of weeks are as follows:

High Altitude Excursion:

White-rumped Hawk, Black-Hawk Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Itatiaia Thistletail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Black and Gold Cotinga, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, White-rimmed Warbler, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Diademed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

Wetlands Excursion:

Spectacular views of 2 Crowned Eagles, Greater Ani, Tropical Screech-Owl, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren and Long-billed Wren.

Tropical Screech-Owl© Steve Bird

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:

Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Ash-throated Crake, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, White Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Firewood Gatherer, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Serra Antwren, Southern Antpipit, Crested Black Tyrant, Magpie Tanager and Gilt-edged Tanager.

Ash-throated Crake© Steve Bird

Serra dos Orgaos National Park:

Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Lesser Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Brazilian Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Hooded Berryeater, Sharpbill, Gray-hooded Attila, White-rimmed Warbler, Red-necked Tanager and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Lodge grounds:

The feeders are still attracting Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets (4 this afternoon on the canopy feeder), Blond-crested Woodpecker, Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Plain Parakeets, Brazilian, Golden-chevroned, Ruby Crowned, Green-headed and Sayaca Tanagers, Chestnut-bellied, Violaceous and Orange-bellied Euphonias.

The Extension trail is producing some great birding at the moment with Solitary Tinamou, Blue-bellied Parrot, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Scaled Antbird, both Rufous and Black-cheeked Gnateaters, Blue Manakin and Pin-tailed Manakin, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

The Golden Lion Tamarins have been around in the grounds again, together with the Buffy-tufted-ear Marmosets.

Golden Lion Tamarin in the lodge gardens© Ron and Lyn Caygell

We have also had some really nice sightings and close encounters with Brown Howler Monkeys on our Portao Azul Excursion.

Brown Howler Monkey© Steve Bird

GOLDEN LION TAMARINS!

2009-11-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update with a fantastic sighting for the lodge gardens. A Birdfinders group came across 2 Golden Lion Tamarins, they were together with 5 Buffy-tufted-ear Marmosets. Both of these species are Alantic forest endemics! They were also seen later in the day at various spots around the garden, and heard this morning also!

Golden Lion Tamarin © Cristina Foster

Sightings Update!

2009-11-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

Highlights from the last few days have included some spectacular views of 2 Grey-winged Cotingas on our High Altitude Excursion, the closest we have ever seen them! After using playback we had 2 birds come in extremely close, giving some great views! Also in the same area, 3 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, several Bay-chested Warbling finches, Itatiaia Thistletail, Large-tailed Antshrike, Diademed Tanagers and Black and Gold Cotinga.

Brazilian Laniisoma (Shrike like Cotinga) gave excellent views on the Theodoro Trail together with Bertonis Antbird and Slaty Bristlefront, and on our Portao Azul excursion Half-collared Sparrow, Tufted Antshrike, Lineated Woodpecker and Yellow-eared Woodpecker all showed well.

The feeders at the lodge remain busy with Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets visiting occasionally, Blond-crested Woodpecker daily together with Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Brazilian, Green-headed, Golden chevroned, Ruby-crowned Tanagers, Chestnut-bellied, Violaceous and Orange-bellied Euphonias and Blue-naped Chlorophonia. At the hummingbird feeders on a daily basis are Saw-billed Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Sombre Hummingbird, Black Jacobin and Versicolored Emerald.

Saw-billed Hermit in the lodge garden. Andy Foster

Not just birds!

2009-10-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

The bird feeders in the lodge grounds not only attract birds! Over the past couple of months we have been getting daily visits by 3 Guianan Squirrels (Sciurus aestuans), and over the past week we have had our first visits by the endemic Tufted-eared Marmoset (Callithrix aurita). A small family of marmosets have been visiting daily and feeding on the bananas...photos to come soon!

Guianan Squirrel. Cristina Foster

A rare bird to the lodge feeders is the Olive-green Tanager, usually winter visitors to the lodge grounds a small party of 10 - 15 birds visited the feeders recently causing much excitement for the guests!

Olive-green Tanagers taken from the photo hide. Andy Foster

Three-toed Jacamar record...broken again!

2009-10-14T13:59:00.001-07:00

The Three-toed Jacamar excursion record hás been broken again! A group from Birdseekers managed to record a total of 123 species during the day! Highlights included 1 Aplomado Falcon, great views of Ash-throated Crake, 3 Blue-winged Macaws,1 Red-legged Seriema on the nest, 4 Three-toed Jacamars, 2 Toco Toucans, 1 Green-barred Woodpecker, great views of both the rarely recorded Lineated and Robust Woodpeckers, 1 Red-eyed Thornbird, 2 Firewood Gatherers, 1 Serra Antwren, 1 Southern Antpipit (first record for this excursion), 2 Streamer-tailed Tyrants, Tawny-headed Swallow, 2 Gilt-edged Tanagers, 2 Rufous-headed Tanagers, 1 Chestnut-bellied Seedfinch and 2 Yellow-rumped Marshbirds.

Other highlights throughout the week included 1 Solitary Tinamou on the lodges extension trail, White-necked Hawk and Mantled Hawk, Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Blond-crested Woodepcker (voted bird of the trip), Crescent-chested Puffbird in the lodge garden, Saffron Toucanets (keep the faith!), Spot-billed Toucanets, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Black-billed Scythebill and Tufted Antshrike on our Portao Azul excursion, White-bearded Antshrike, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Black and Gold Cotinga, great views of Swallow-tailed Cotingas, Gray-hooded Attila, Long-billed Wren, Brazilian Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Black-throated Grosbeak, Green-winged Saltator and Thick-billed Saltator.

Green-headed Tanager from the photo hide. Andy Foster

Sightings update

2009-10-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy and bird filled couple of weeks! Despite some persistant rain we have managed to avoid the worst of it and experienced mostly dry days with some light showers.

There are many species of bird now breeding in the lodge grounds including Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Surucua Trogon, White-barred Piculet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Plain Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Rufous Gnateater, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin (regularly seen lekking), Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Yellow-lored Tody Flycatcher, Masked Water-Tyrant, Great Kiskadee, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Crested Becard, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Pale- Breasted Thrush, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed Tanager and Red-necked Tanager.

Other sightings from the lodge grounds over the past couple of weeks have included Black and White Hawk Eagle (still nesting), Black Hawk-Eagle, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Saw-billed Hermit, Scale-throated Hermit, Black Jacobin (now back in good numbers), Frilled Coquette, Rufous-capped Motmot (upto 3 pairs in the lodge grounds, although proving difficult to see!), Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet (4 at our canopy feeder), Spot-billed Toucanet, White-throated Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Gray-capped Tyrannulet, Gray-hooded Attila and Azure-shouldered Tanager.

Birding on our various excursions has also been very productive, highlights are as follows:

Bamboo Trail:

Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Black-throated Trogon, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Sharp-billed Treehunter, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Black-billed Scythebill, White-bearded Antshrike, Bertonis Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Spotted Bamboowren, Slaty Bristlefront, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Black and Gold Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Drab-breasted Bamboo Tyrant, Greenish Schiffornis and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

High Altitude Trails, Upper and Lower combined:

White-rumped Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Pallid Spinetail, Itatiaia Thistletail, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Swallow-tailed Cotinga (several seen on both the upper and lower areas, and observed nest building), Black and Gold Cotinga, stunning views of Grey-winged Cotinga (upto 3 pairs on the upper section), Serra do Mar Tyrant Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, Chestnut-headed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Half-collared Sparrow and Thick-billed Saltator.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park:

Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Lesser Woodcreeper, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Streak-capped Antwren, White-rimmed Warbler, great views of Brown Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Yellow-backed Tanager, Flame-crested Tanager and Red-necked Tanager.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:

Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture, Gray-headed Kite, Aplomado Falcon, Bat Falcon, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, 20+ Blue-winged Macaw, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, 6 Three-toed Jacamars, White-eared Puffbird, 8 + White Woodpeckers, 10+ Toco Toucans, Serra Antwren, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyant, Tawny-headed Swallow, Gilt-edged Tanager and Half-collared Sparrow.

Portao Azul:

Saffron Toucanet, Green-barred Woodpecker (nesting in the same tree as last year!), Gray-bellied Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Black-billed Scythebill, amazing views of a male Tufted Antshrike, both male and female Giant Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Rufous-headed Tanager and Gilt-edged Tanager.

Theodoro Trail:

Mantled Hawk, Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, White-bearded Antshrike, Bertonis Antird, Short-tailed Antthrush, Brazilian Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren, great views of Elegant Mourner, Bare-throated Bellbird, Gray-hooded Attila, Sharpbill, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Wetlands Excursion:

Whistling Heron, Capped Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Masked Duck, Tropical Screech-Owl, Pauraque, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicolored Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Long-billed Wren and Chesnut-vented Conebill.

Three-toed Jacamar record broken!

2009-09-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

During the last few weeks our Three-toed Jacamar record has been broken...twice! The Three-toed Jacamar is a south-east Brazilian endemic, found only in sections of dry fragmented forest near a small town called Sumidouo. On our excursion to look for the Jacamar we have devised a circular route that covers several different habitats and gives the opportunity of seeing anything between 65-100+ species in a day. The old record was of 109 species, but our Birdfinders group that visited from the 12th - 22nd August broke this record with a very respectable 112 species! The following week we had another group from Birdfinders who managed to better this total and record 114 species! Highlights from the Jacamar excursion over the last few weeks have included Gray-headed Kite, Black and White Hawk Eagle, Bat Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Planalto Hermit, Three-toed Jacamar, Toco Toucan, White Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Red-eyed Thornbird, Black-billed Scythebill, Tufted Antshrike, Serra Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, White-rumped Swallow, Tawny-headed Swallow, Chestnut-vented Conebill, Magpie Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Oranage-bellied Euphonia, Gilt-edged Tanager and Half-collared Sparrow.

Tail-banded Hornero© Tim Keller

Magpie Tanager© Tim Keller

Other highlights from the past few weeks have included:

Bamboo Trail: Pileated Parrot, Plovercrest, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Black-billed Scythebill, Giant Antshrike, White-bearded Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertonis Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Spotted Bamboowren, Black and Gold Cotinga, Hoded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Attila, Greenish Schiffornis, Green-winged Saltator and Thick-billed Saltator.

High Altitude Trails: White-rumped Hawk, Crowned Eagle, Black-Hawk Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Itatiaia Thistletail, Pallid Spinetail, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Greywinged Cotinga, Chestnut-headed Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling Finch.

Lodge gardens and grounds: A good number of guests have found time to walk the lodges trails over the past couple of weeks, bringing in some great sightings on a daily basis, some of these have included Solitary Tinamou, Brown Tinamou, Mantled Hawk, Black and White Hawk-Eagle, our first record of Aplomado Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Blue-bellied Parrot, Tawny-browed Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Brazilian Ruby, Rufos-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Chicli Spinetail, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Blue and Pin-tailed Manakin, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Attila, Rufous-headed Tanager, Olive-green Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager (for once showing its ruby crown, see photo below!), Brazilian Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Ruby-crowned Tanager© Tim Keller

British Bird Fair

2009-08-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Firstly we must apologise for our abscence, but our internet connection hás been worse than usual, relying on a mobile phone with an aerial!

Bird Fair….win a weeks birding trip for two to Serra dos Tucanos!

Unfortunately we will not be attending the British Bird Fair this weekend (21st-23rd August) as we have done so in recent years, however we do hope to return for 2010. For those of you visiting the Bird Fair you can purchase raffle tickets from the Neotropical Bird Club (Marquee 4, Stands 27&28), first prize is a weeks accommodation and guiding here at Serra dos Tucanos for two people! So, if you fancy winning a birding trip to Brazil please visit the Neotropical Bird Club Stand, dig deep and purchase as many tickets as you can!!

Please also visit film maker Malcolm Rymer at the Bird Fair (Marquee 4, Stand 40) if you wish to purchase the Birds of the Atlantic Rainforest DVD (featuring Serra dos Tucanos Lodge) and showing some great footage of the birds and surrounding s that we have here.

Now well into our spring here in Brazil we are seeing the first signs of displaying birds and nest building, and our first summer migrants are being recorded by Pete out on the excursions. The birds seem to be starting to breed and display earlier every year, last year Star-throated Antwrens were seen nest building around the end of August, this year local birder Peter Lewis-Jones observed a male Star-throated Antwren nest building at the beginning of August! Yellow-lored Tody Flycatchers, Green-headed Tanagers and Brazilian Tanagers are also currently building nests in the lodge gardens. Our pair of Black and White Hawk Eagles are also showing daily at the nest site, giving some good views. One of the adult birds visiting the garden one morning gave an unsuspecting Channel-billed Toucan the shock of its life, but did however delight our guests who were watching the toucan!

Yellow-lored Tody Flycatcher© Tim Keller

2 male Frilled Coquettes have been impressing guests by displaying in front of the photo hide, together with great views of the endemic Olive green tanager, a bird often difficult to see away from the Cedae Trail with numbers reaching 10+ birds on the feeders. Other good sightings in the lodge garden over the last couple of weeks have included Buff-bellied Puffbird, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets, Gilt-edged Tanagers, Grey-hooded Attila (will hopefully breed in the lodge gardens again this year) and a pair of Sharp-tailed streamcreepers have once again taken up residence under the lodge bridge and are busy with nesting material.

Pete has been busy out on the excursions, some of the highlights have included White bearded Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, Brazilian Antthrush, Slaty Bristlefront, Spotted Bamboo Wren, Bare-throated Bellbird, Bertonis, Ochre-rumped, Ferruginous, Dusky-tailed, Rufous-tailed and Scaled Antbirds, Pin-tailed Manakin, Black and Gold Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, great views of a pair of Crowned Eagles, Three-toed Jacamar, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, White-collared Foliage-Gleaner, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Long-billed Wren, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Rufous-headed, Azure-shouldered, Red-necked, Brassy-breasted and Gilt-edged Tanagers.

Three-toed Jacamar© Tim Keller

We have been exploring a new area of lowland forest and hope to make a new half day excursion to this area, species of note that we have recorded so far include Reddish Hermit, Glittering-throated Emerald, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Salvadoris Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Southern Antpipit, Grayish Mourner, Moustached Wren and Long-billed Wren.

Bananas!

2009-07-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, we’ve reached that time of year again when the bird tables are overwhelmed with large numbers of birds! Over the past 3 days there has been 27 different bird species feeding at the tables, consuming a massive 15 kilos of bananas per day!

Orange-bellied Euphonia at the feeders. Andy Foster©

Green-headed Tanger at the feeders. Andy Foster©

Sightings of Black and White Hawk Eagle are now increasing and 1 adult bird has been seen regularly re-building the nest, presumably in preparation for nesting later this year, the nest can be seen through a scope from the comfort of our patio!

We are noticing seasonal movements in quite a few species of birds at the moment, Gilt-edged Tanagers, Brassy-breasted Tanagers and Brazilian Rubys are being recorded in the lodge grounds, usually all of these species are found above 1000 metres in altitude, but due to the drop in temperatures they have come down some 600 metres in altitude for a slightly warmer environment! Green-chinned Euphonias are also on the feeders at the moment, usually a difficult bird to see in this area. Other sightings in the lodge grounds this week have included Giant Antshrike, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Mantled Hawk, Yellow-backed and Flame-crested Tanagers, Green-backed Becard and Black Hawk Eagle.

Recent sightings on some of our excursions have included the following:

Portao Azul:
15+ Dusky-legged Guans, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Blackish Rail, Blue-winged Macaw, White-eyed Parakeet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Variable Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Green-backed Becard, Rufous-headed Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager and Half-collared Sparrow.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
Capped Heron, Aplomado Falcon, Ash-throated Crake, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, White-eyed Parakeet, Barn Owl, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Tail-banded Hornero, Firewood Gatherer, Tufted Antshrike, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Ochre-faced Tody Flycatcher, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Gilt-edged Tanager and Half-collared sparrow.

Trip report

2009-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

The following trip report outlines a visit by Brian and Linda Carthy to Serra dos Tucanos Lodge in March and April 2009.

Please click on the link below to download the report.

Trip report-Brian and Linda Carthy.doc

The feeders remain very busy as usual with Spot-billed Toucanets, Blond-crested Woodpeckers and several bright tanager species visiting daily. Other good records for the lodge grounds include a female Giant Antshrike, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Brown and Solitary Tinamou, Mantled Hawk, Black-Hawk Eagle, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Spot-backed Antshrike and Ferruginous Antbird.

Brazilian Tanager from the photo hide© Andy Foster

Sightings update.

2009-06-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

We are now nearing our shortest day of the year. Temperatures have dropped and its down to around 12 degrees centigrade during the night. The lodge feeders are now as busy as ever with daily visits from Saffron Toucanets, Spot-billed Toucanets, Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Plain Parakeets, Pale-breasted and Creamy-bellied Thrush, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager, Blue Dacnis and Green Honycreeper.

Birding on our excursions has been just as productive with the following highlights being seen:

High Altitude Excursion (Upper and Lower combined)
Black-Hawk Eagle, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Red-legged Seriema, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Brazilian Ruby, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Gray-bellied Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Black and Gold Cotinga, Gray-winged Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, White-rimmed Warbler, Diademed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

Portao Azul
Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Surucua Trogon, Red-eyed Thornbird, Lesser Woodcreeper, Scaled Woodcreeper, Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Attila, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow and Ultramarine Grosbeak.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park
Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Sharp-billed Treehunter, White-browed Foliage-Gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Black-capped Foliage-Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-Gleaner, Thrush-Like Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Hooded Berryeater and Yellow-legged Thrush.

Bamboo Trail
Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Robust Woodpecker, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertonis Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Such’s Antthrush,
Hooded Berryeater, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Saffron Toucanet on the lodge feeders©. Andy Foster

New Trip Report

2009-05-12T06:22:00.001-07:00

Please click on the link below to open the trip report by Paul Gaffan et al from their visit to the lodge in January 2009.

Serra dos Tucanos Jan09.doc

Now seen daily on the lodge feeders, Blond-crested Woodpecker©. Cristina Foster

This weeks sightings!

2009-05-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Within the 50 acre forested grounds of the lodge we offer a variety of trails. Sightings over the past week on these have included Solitary Tinamou, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Blue-bellied Parrot, Saw-billed Hermit, Dusky-throated Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Black-throated Trogon, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, White-barred Piculet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail (a new record for the lodge grounds), Streaked Xenops, Buff-fronted Foliage Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Spot-backed Antshrike, both Spot-breasted and Plain Antvireos, Star-throated Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue and Pin-tailed Manakins, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Eye-ringed TodyTyrant, Sharpbill, Golden-crowned Warbler, Flame-crested Tanager, Ruby-Crowned Tanager, Black-goggled Tanager, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Black-throated Grosbeak and Crested Oropendola.

Eared Pygmy-Tyrant. Andy Foster

The lodge feeders are now becoming busier as the amount of natural fruit in the forest declines. Regular sightings over the past week have included Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-belied Euphonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager and Blue Dacnis.

Other sightings from the lodge gardens have included Mantled Hawk, Barred Forest Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Streak-capped Antwren, Planalto Tyrannulet, Grey-capped Tyrannulet,Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Chestnut-crowned Becard and Sharpbill.

Our hummer feeders are currently getting regular visits from Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Brazilian Ruby.

Recent sightings!

2009-04-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks we have had some great birding with some unexpected birds turning up on some of the excursions and also in the lodge grounds.

The feeders remain fairly quiet although Spot-billed Toucanets are now daily visitors together with several Tanager species and both male and female Blond-crested Woodpeckers. Yellow-throated Woodpecker yesterday was the third record for the lodge grounds in 6 years, although this can be seen more often on our Serra dos Orgaos National Park excursion, another unusual record for the lodge grounds was Uniform Finch last week. Crescent-chested Puffbirds are still around together with good views of the endemic Black-throated Grosbeak, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rails feeding in front of the lodge and Sharpbill.

Other highlights have included the following:

High Altitude Excursions:
The best views ever (!) of a perched White-rumped Hawk, 2 Red-legged Seriemas, White-throated Hummingbird, Grey-bellied Spinetail (only the 2nd record from this excursion), Pallid Spinetail, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dushy-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Black and Gold Cotinga, excellent prolonged scope views of 2 Grey-winged Cotingas!, Serra do Mar Tyrant Manakin, 2 Serra do Mar Tyrannulets, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrants, Chestnut-headed Tanagers and a small flock of Bay-chested Warbling finches.

Macae De Cima Excursion:
Black and White Hawk-Eagle, 6+ Plovercrests, Scale-throated Hermit, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, great views of the very skulky Spotted Bamboowren, Bare-throated Bellbird, Giant Antshrike, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, White-rimmed Warbler and Green-winged Saltator.

Theodoro Trail:
Saffron Toucanet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-throated Woodcreeper, Bertonis Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, 2 Brazilian Antthrush, Rufous Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Pin-tailed Manakin, 4 Azure-shouldered Tanagers, Green-chinned Euphonia and 20+ Brassy-breasted Tanagers.

Portao Azul Excursion:
Once again this very popular and productive half day trip performed well with good sightings of the following: Dusky-legged Guan, Amethyst Woodstar, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Ferruginous Antbird, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, Grey-hooded Attila, Green-backed Becard, Gilt-edged Tanager and amazing views of Half-collared Sparrow.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, 3 Blue-winged Macaws, 8+ White-eyed Parakeets, Planalto Hermit, Glittering-bellied Emerald, 3 Three-toed Jacamars, 5 White-eared Puffbirds, White Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Green-backed Becard, Black-capped Donacobius and Gilt-edged Tanagers.

Garden birding!

2009-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

The lodge gardens are currently full of fruiting trees! The bulk of the fruiting trees are goiabas, these are attracting large flocks of both Plain and Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Red-necked and Green-headed Tanagers.

Red-necked Tanager feeding on a goiaba. Andy Foster

Now that we are officially into our autumn there is very little evidence of any breeding birds, only the Rufous-bellied Thrush, House Wren and Masked Water-Tyrants are continuing and are probably on their final broods of the season.

Young Masked Water Tyrant. Cristina Foster

Large mixed flocks are now being seen daily on the lodge trails and out on the excursions. One mixed flock on the extension trail included Squirrel Cuckoo, Surucua Trogon, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Streaked Xenops, Black-capped and White-eyed Foliage-Gleaners, Olivaceous and Lesser Woodcreepers, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Plain and Spot-breasted Antvireos and Yellow-Olive Flycatcher!

A couple of weeks ago we had a Naturetrek group with us, please click on the following link if you wish to see the trip report.

Naturetrek Trip Report March 2009.doc

New species...White-breasted Tapaculo!

2009-03-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

The first new species of 2009 for the Serra dos Tucanos check list has been recorded on our Portao Azul Excursion. Pete had previously heard White-breasted Tapaculo in this area but it had been too far away to respond to tape playback. On Petes last visit to Portao Azul the Tapaculo was calling much closer, so after some playback the bird appeared and gave some great views, hopefully it will continue to do so!

Highlights over the past week on some of our other excursions have included:

High Altitude Excursion: 2 Red-legged Seriema, 2 Plovercrest, 3 White-throated Hummingbirds, 1 Yellow-browed Woodpecker, 3 Pallid Spinetails, 4 Red-eyed Thornbirds, 1 Rufous-capped Antshrike, 1 Rufous-tailed Antbird, 1 Dusky-tailed Antbird, 1 Serra do Mar Tapaculo, 1 Swallow-tailed Cotinga, 4 Black and Gold Cotingas, 3 Grey-winged Cotingas, 1 Velvety-black Tyrant, 3 Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrants, 2 Cinnamon Tanagers, an amazing count of 10 Diademed Tanagers, 20 Brassy-breasted Tanagers, 1 Bay-chested Warbling Finch and 6 Uniform Finches.

Serra dos Tucanos grounds and trails: 2 Blue-bellied Parrots, 1 Reddish Hermit, 6 Sombre Hummingbirds, 10+ Black Jacobins, 4+ Spot-billed Toucanets, 1 Yellow-eared Woodpecker, 2 Blond-crested Woodpeckers, 1 Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, 2 White-eyed Foliage Gleaners, 2 Sharp-tailed Streamcreepers still living under our bridge(!), 1 Thrush-like Woodcreeper, 1 Ferruginous Antbird, 2 Scaled Antbirds, 1 Streak-capped Antwren, 1 Unicolored Antwren, 3 Black-cheeked Gnateaters, 1 Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, 4 Yellow-backed Tanagers, 4 Flame-crested Tanagers, 20+ Green-headed Tanagers and 10+ Red-necked Tanagers feeding on fruiting trees in the garden.

Wetlands Excursion: 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 4 Whistling Herons, 1 Masked Duck, 2 Tropical Screech Owls, 1 Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, 1 White-flanked Antwren, 2 Yellow Tyrannulet, 1 Long-billed Wren and 15 Swallow Tanagers.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion: 1 White-tailed Hawk, 1 Blackish Rail, 1 Red-legged Seriema, 4 Blue-winged Macaw, 15 White-eyed Parakeets, 1 Glittering-bellied Emerald, 1 White-throated Hummingbird, 3 Three-toed Jacamars, 1 White-eared Puffbird, 1 Firewood Gatherer, 1 Ferruginous Antbird, 1 Pin-tailed Manakin, 1 Gray-hooded Flycatcher, 1 Grey Monjita, 1 White-rumped Monjita, 6 Streamer-tailed Tyrants, 3 Long-tailed Tyrants, 1 Green-backed Becard, 1 Chestnut-vented Conebill, 4 Gilt-edged Tanagers, 1 Sooty Grassquit and 1 Half-collared Sparrow.

Trip Reports

2009-03-05T04:25:00.001-08:00

We have now decided to publish all new trip reports on our Latest News page, they will remain here and also be added to our Trip Reports page at a later date. Please click on the title of the trip report you wish to see, this will then be opened as WORD document.

Birdfinders Trip Report 27th November-8th December 2008.doc

Birdfinders Trip Report 25th January-4th February 2009.doc

BirdfindersTrip Report 6th-16th February 2009.doc

Recent sightings

2009-02-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

Walking the lodge trails yesterday we have started to see mixed flocks, this shows that the end of the breeding season is almost upon us. Whilst walking the Extension Trail we encountered a small mixed flock that included Olivaceous Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, White-shouldered Fire-eye, both Plain and Spot-breasted Antvireos, Yellow-backed Tanager, Flame -crested Tanager and Red-necked Tanager. Other sightings included Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue-bellied Parrot and both Pin-tailed and Blue Manakins. There has been a large ant swarm on the circular trail over the past week, this has given good opportunities to see White-shouldered Fire-eye, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Red-crowned Ant Tanagers, Plain-winged Woodcreeper and Tawny-throated Leaftosser.

Sightings on the Cedae Trail have included Black-hawk Eagle, Reddish-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Ferruginous Antbird, Rufous-capped Motmot, White-eyed and Buff-fronted Foliage Gleaners. Blue Manakin on the Extension Trail by Cristina Foster©

Canada Warbler - 3rd record for Brazil!

2009-02-12T04:45:00.001-08:00

Amazingly within the space of just 4 years Serra dos Tucanos has seen both the 1st and 3rd records of Canada Warbler in Brazil! The latest sighting was last week within the grounds of the lodge. It was observed for a few minutes on the junction of our Extension and Circular Trails.

Now well into our summer here there are plenty of fruiting trees in the forest and in the grounds of the lodge. The lodge feeders although quieter than usual due the abundance of natural fruits are still attracting Maroon bellied and Plain Parakeets, both male and female Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Green Honeycreeper, Orange-bellied, Violaceous and Chestnut-bellied Euphonias, Green-headed, Sayaca, Palm, Brazilian, Golden-chevroned and Ruby-crowned Tanagers. Our Grey-rumped Swifts that nest in the lodge chimney every year have once again raised several youngsters and have been giving good views at dusk flying back into the chimney to roost.

Our hummingbird feeders have seen the return of the Brazilian Ruby, this species overwinters in the lodge grounds and although a little early its already ruling most of the feeders! Other hummers being recorded around the lodge at the moment include Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, up to 15 Black Jacobins, Frilled Coquette, Violet-caped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Sombre Hummingbird. The photo above is of a Violet-capped Woodnymph photographed in the lodge garden by Hop Hopkins.

Highlights on the trails over the past couple of weeks have included the following:

Serra dos Tucanos Lodge and Trails

We have had several sightings of Solitary Tinamou on the extension trail, Black and White Hawk Eagle, one Blue-bellied Parrot showed particularly well for a group last week, Spot-billed Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, 3 White-eyed Foliage Gleaners, Plain Xenops and 2 Tawny-throated Leaftossers, both Spot-breasted and Plain Antvireos, Star-throated Antwren, 1 elusive Giant Antshrike, 3 Scaled Antbirds on the Extension Trail has to be one of the main highlights together with both Black-cheeked and Rufous Gnateaters. Blue and Pin-tailed Manakins still remain common on the lodge trails. Tanager sightings have included Green-headed, Red-necked, Burnished Buff, Golden-chevroned, Red-crowned Ant and Flame-crested.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion

It looks like the record of 110 species for the day is proving hard to beat for this popular excursion! Some highlights include 3 Whistling Herons, 5 White-tailed Hawks, 2 Aplomado Falcons, 4 Slaty-breasted Wood Rails, 1 Blackish Rail, 2 Ash-throated Crakes, an amazing total of 6 Red-legged Seriemas, 20 White-eyed Parakeets, 1 Planalto Hermit, 2 Three-toed Jacamars, 5 White-eared Puffbirds, 2 Firewood Gatherers and 6 Streamer-tailed Tyrants.

Bamboo Trail

This great trail that leads through some fantastic primary forest provided some excellent birding for a small group last week, highlights included 2 Scale-throated Hermits, 1 Plovercrest, 1 Brazilian Ruby, both Black-throated and Surucua Trogons, 1 Yellow-eared Woodpecker, 3 Lesser Woodcreepers, Chicli and Rufous-capped Spinetails, 3 Pallid Spinetails, 2 Red-eyed Thornbirds, 4 White-browed Foliage Gleaners, 2 Buff-browed Foliage Gleaners, 2 Sharp-billed Treehunters, 3 Bertonis Antbirds, 1 Ochre-rumped Antbird, 1 Slaty Bristlefront, 2 Hooded Berryeaters, 1 Greenish Schiffornis, 3 Pin-tailed Manakins, 1 Yellow-legged Thrush, 3 Rufous-crowned Greenlets, 2 White-rimmed Warblers and 6 Brassy-breasted Tanagers. A total of 19 Atlantic forest endemics for the day!

Cedae Trail

Located just 10 minutes drive from the lodge this trail provides some great birding at approximately 600m in altitude. Although this is only a 200m altitude difference from the lodge the bird life is really quite different. Highlights included 2 Surucua Trogons, fantastic views of a Buff-bellied Puffbird, 1 Yellow-browed Woodpecker, 2 White-barred Piculets, Lesser Woodcreeper, Streaked Xenops, amazingly 1 Swallow-tailed Cotinga (this is usually a bird seen above 1600m in our local area), 1 Chestnut-vented Conebill, 6 Red-necked Tanagers and a party of 10 Olive-green Tanagers.

High Altitude Trails

Again some great birding has been had on our 2 High Altitude Trails, sightings have included White-tailed Hawk, 1 Red-legged Seriema, 2 Plovercrests, 3 Variable Antshrikes, 2 Rufous-backed Antvireos, 1 Dusky-tailed Antbird, 1 Serra do Mar Tapaculo, 7 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, 1 Large-tailed Antshrike, 1 Rufous-capped Antshrike, 2 Rufous-tailed Antbirds, 2 Serra do Mar Tyrannulets, 2 Velvety-black Tyrants, 1 Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, 2 Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrants, 1 Olivaceous Elaenia, 1 White-necked Thrush, 1 Diademed Tanager, 1 Chestnut-headed Tanager, 2 Cinnamon Tanagers, Thick-billed Saltator, Green-winged Saltator, 2 Bay-chested Warbling Finches and a small party of Hooded Siskins.

Mammal sightings over the past couple of weeks have included Tayra, Brown Howler Monkey, Capybaras and Guanian Squirrel.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

As you have probably guessed if you visit our updates page regularly we have been absent for the past few weeks. This has given all of us here at Serra dos Tucanos a nice break over Christmas and the New Year period. We are now all refreshed and ready to show all of you booked in for 2009 our diverse and wonderful variety of birds that we have here at the lodge and on the excursions we offer.

We have already been open for a week, highlights so far for 2009 have included the following:

Lodge grounds and trails:
Brown Tinamou, Black and White Hawk Eagle, Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Frilled Coquette, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Rufous-capped Motmot, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Rufous and Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Gray-hooded Attila, Brazilian Tanager, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Theodoro Trail:
Mantled Hawk, Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Black-billed Scythebill, Bertonis Antbird and Pin-tailed Manakin.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
Blue-winged Macaw, White-eared Puffbird, Three-toed Jacamar, Serra Antwren and Hangnest Tody-Tyrant.

High Altitude Excursions:
Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Pallid Spinetail, Itatiaia Thistletail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, great views of Grey-winged Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Diademed Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling Finch.

Gray-winged Cotingas!

2008-12-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have once again been very busy with people out on the trails everyday. The highlight of the past couple of weeks has to be a sighting of 3 Gray-winged Cotingas on our High Altitude Trail excursion last Sunday.

Other highlights have included:

Lodge grounds:
Mantled Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Brazilian Ruby, Sombre Hummingbird, Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette, Spot-billed Toucanet, Saffron Toucanet, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed, Red-necked, Golden Chevroned, Brazilian and Ruby-crowned Tanagers.

High Altitude Excursion:
Plovercrest, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Gray-winged Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Gray Tyrant, Diademed Tanager, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Theodoro Trail:
Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Frilled Coquette, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Bertoni’s Antbird, White-browed Warbler, and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park:
Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Pale-browed Treehunter, Unicoloured Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Hooded Berryeater, and Sharpbill.

Wetlands Excursion:
Capped Heron, Masked Duck, Tropical Screech-owl, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Long-billed Wren, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Pileated Finch, and Chestnut-vented Conebill.

Portao Azul and Macae de Cima:
Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, Blue-winged Macaw, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Scaled Woodcreeper, Grey-bellied Spinetail, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Black & gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Gilt-edged Tanager, and Half-collared Sparrow.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
Blackish Rail, White-eyed Parakeet, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Planalto Hermit, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Grey Monjita, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Crested Black Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black-capped Donacobius, Tawny-headed Swallow and Ultramarine Grosbeak.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all past and future guests a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This weeks update!

2008-11-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

Our guide Pete has just finished another week of guiding a group from the UK. Despite scattered rain throughout the week they managed to record an impressive 268 species during 8 days.

Highlights included Crowned Eagle, 2 Red-legged Seriema, 7 Blue-winged Macaws, 5 Blue-bellied Parrots (inc young on the extension trail by the lodge), Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (a new record for the lodge grounds), Plovercrest, Frilled Coquette, Amethyst Woodstar, 2 Rufous-crowned Motmot, 2 Three-toed Jacamars, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets (daily at the lodge feeders, both species with young), 4 Toco Toucans on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion (this came out on top as group bird of the trip), Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Serra Antwren, Southern Antpipit (this was a lifer for Pete… seeing as he has been after it for 2 years….well done!!), to top it off it was also a first record for the lodge grounds, it was seen on the extension trail, 5 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, Long-billed Wren, no less than 24 species of Tanager including Red-necked, Gilt-edged, Brassy-breasted, Azure-shouldered, Brazilian, Swallow, Chestnut headed, Cinnamon and an amazing flock of 23 Olive-green Tanagers!

Now that we are nearing the end of the year we shall shortly be updating our bird checklist with our 2008 additions, if you are booked in for a stay with us in 2009 you will receive an updated copy via e-mail towards the end of December.

Juvenile Spot-billed Toucanet taken

Saffron Toucanets.... you've got to have faith!

2008-11-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Many of our guests have "target birds" to see during their time with us, one of which is often Saffron Toucanet. This can be a very difficult bird to see, although recently they have been pleasing our guests by spending good amounts of time on our feeders in front of the lodge and also on our mid canopy feeder.

Our guide Pete has been out guiding a group from the UK this past week, although they experienced some rain they managed to see around 260 species, so all in all a very good week. Highlights included great views of female Giant Antshrike, 2 White-necked Hawks, Blue-winged Macaw, male and female Frilled Coquette in the lodge gardens, Plovercrest, Three-toed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird and Scaled Antbird, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Gray-hooded Attila, Rufous-headed Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Recent sightings!

2008-11-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

This last week has seen yet another cold front come in which has given us prolonged light rain for the last few days. Although light rain doesn’t stop us seeing birds, it can get somewhat frustrating!

However, the lodge feeders have been busy with visits from Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Plain Parakeets, Saffron Toucanet (on our mid canopy feeding station), Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Black-tailed Tityra (which is a first for our feeding stations) together with a visit from Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (!), Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager with their young Shiny Cowbird constantly begging for food, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia and Green-headed Tanager.

Guests birding the lodge trails have had some good records including Solitary Tinamou, Blue-bellied Parrot, a very brief view of Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Black-throated and Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Star-throated Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked and Rufous Gnateater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher and Gray-hooded Attila.

A new addition for our checklist this week was of White-thighed Swallow in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park.

Hummingbird records from the lodge for the past week have included Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Frilled Coquette, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Amethyst Woodstar.

Out on our excursions we have had the following highlights:

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion: Dusky-legged Guan, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Blackish Rail, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Planalto Hermit, Amethyst Woodstar, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Toco Toucan, White Woodpecker, Serra Antwren, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black-capped Donacobius, Gilt-edged Tanager and Ultramarine Grosbeak.

Cedae Trail: Swallow-tailed Kite, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, a nesting Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Ochre-breasted Foliage-Gleaner, Spot-backed Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Rufous-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Wetlands Excursion: Capped Heron, Masked Duck, Gray-headed Kite, White-necked Hawk, Pale-vented Pigeon, Tufted Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren and Lemon-chested Greenlet.

Sightings update!

2008-10-19T03:06:00.000-07:00

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!

Howler Monkey and Antpittas!

2008-09-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks has seen a flurry of activity! Firstly we have found a nest of Black and White Hawk Eagle that is visible from the lodge! We have been seeing the Hawk Eagles on and off over the past couple of weeks and suspected a nest could be close by. Having followed one of the adult birds through the scope to the same tree on three occasions we started to look harder... and there it was, a large stick nest in the middle of a huge forest emergent. One of the adult birds is currently on the nest whilst the other can be seen hunting regularly.

Another highlight has been our first sighting of Brown Howler monkey from the lodge. There was a small group calling just opposite the lodge and after a quick scan with binoculars we managed to locate a large male howler who spent the next hour watching us! Hopefully there will be further sightings of this fantastic mammal in the future!

Pete has had some great bird sightings over the past week whilst leading a group. Highlights have included Barred Forest Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, Blue-bellied Parrots, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, a new bird for the Serra dos Tucanos list was Buff-throated Woodcreeper in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, Rufous-headed Tanager and Gilt-edged Tanager.

Another highlight this week was getting best views ever of a Variegated Antpitta!

Recent sightings!

2008-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks we have been busy on our usual excursions. The breeding season is now well underway with various “lurking” species responding well to playback. Highlights have included Mantled Hawk, Red-legged Seriema, Dusky-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, Frilled Coquette, 5 Three-toed Jacamars, 2 Crescent-chested Puffbirds are still in the lodge grounds, Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Gray-bellied Spinetail, Tufted Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, White-bearded Antshrike, Serra Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, 6 Swallow-tailed Cotingas have returned to their breeding grounds on our High Altitude Excursion, Hooded Berryeater and Bellbirds are busy calling almost non-stop on the Bamboo Trail, Rufous-headed and Gilt-edged Tanagers on the Portao Azul excursion, Pete also heard the endemic Cinnamon vented Piha at this same location, a bird that we haven’t recorded for at least 6 years!

The photo hide continues to provide guests close up views of Blond-crested Woodpecker, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, 3 species of Euphonia, 3 species of Thrush, Plain and Reddish-bellied Parakeets.

Blond-crested Woodpecker, taken from the photo hide.

Andy Foster©

New photo hide!

2008-08-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Our new photo hide is ready for action! Located next to 3 feeding stations it offers guests the opportunity to get seriously close up to some of our rare and colourful endemics. There is enough space for 2 people to sit comfortably and a series of 6 openings in the front large enough to fit any size lens through.

Green-headed Tanager from the photo hide. Andy Foster©

Pete has been out guiding on the trails again this week, highlights have included:

Bamboo Trail.
Short-tailed Hawk, Black Hawk Eagle, Slaty Bristlefront, Bertonis Antbird, 3 Black and Gold Cotingas, Hooded Berryeater and 4 Buffy-fronted Seedeaters.

Cedae Trail.
Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Spot-backed Antshrike and 4 Rufous-headed Tanagers.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion.
4 Slaty-breasted Wood-rails, 4 Red-legged Seriema, Striped Cuckoo, Serra Antwren, 5 Magpie Tanagers and of course 4 Three-toed Jacamars.

High Altitude Excursion.
Plovercrest, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant and no less than 15 Bay-chested Warbling Finches.

Sightings from around the lodge have included Black Hawk Eagle, Mantled Hawk, Bare-throated Bellbird, Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeet, Blue-bellied Parrot, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanet, White-throated Woodcreeper, Scaled Antbird, Rufos-capped Antthrush, Brazilian Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Green-headed Tanager and Red-necked Tanager.

Recent sightings!

2008-08-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Now that spring is underway in south-east Brazil we are beginning to see the first signs of display and courtship between the birds! The endemic Yellow-lored Tody Flycatchers are flying around by the pool collecting nesting material and are once again going to nest in the same area this year. Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper appears to be holding territory just under the bridge by the lodge entrance, so hopefully this will once again use this area to nest and impress our guests with its daily 06.00 am display! Many other species are also beginning to build nests in the grounds of the lodge including Green-headed and Red-necked Tanagers.

Out on the trails Pete and a couple of lucky guests observed a pair of White-bibbed Antbirds displaying in the Serra dos Orgaos National park, also seen there was a very obliging Giant Antshrike. On our Macae de Cima Trail there were good sightings of Mantled Hawk, Giant Antshrike and Chestnut-headed Tanagers.

We are off to exhibit at the Bird Fair in Rutland Water today (thursday 14th August), we hope to see many of you there! Please visit the Bird Fair website for further information.

We shall be in Marquee 1, Stand 50.

New DVD!

2008-07-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

“ Birding Brazil - the Atlantic Rainforest” is a new birding DVD from birder & wildlife film-maker Malcolm Rymer http://www.wildlifevideos.net/ This two hour birding travelogue features 150+ bird species typical of the region, including footage of 47 endemics. The filming location was based at Serra dos Tucanos Lodge which gives ready access to this ever increasingly popular, endemic-rich rainforest environment. The DVD is to be launched soon and will be available from Malcolm at the Bird Fair (Marquee 4, Stand 27) or can be ordered through us at Serra dos Tucanos Lodge, please e-mail for further details.

Don’t forget that we shall also be at the Bird Fair, Marquee 1, Stand 50, see you there!

Recent sightings over the past week have included Buff-bellied Puffbird in the lodge grounds, 8 White-eared Puffbirds on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion, the first Bare-throated Bellbirds have already started to call on the Bamboo Trail and there was great views of a Black-Hawk Eagle over the lodge. The usual birds are still visiting the bird tables with highlights being Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Green-headed, Golden-chevroned and Ruby-crowned Tanagers.

Recent sightings etc!

2008-07-11T04:45:00.001-07:00

Over the past week highlights have included Brown Tanager and Black-legged Dacnis in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Serra Antwren and Gilt-edged Tanagers on the Three-toed Jacamar excursion, White-bearded Antshrike, Buffy-fronted Seedeater and Slaty Bristlefront on the Theodoro Trail, Orange-winged Amazon, Masked Duck, Scaled Antbird and Fawn-breasted Tanager on the Wetlands excursion. Tufted Antshrike, Gilt-edged Tanager and Greenish Schiffornis at the Portao Azul and on the High Altitude Lower Section Excursion Green-chinned Euphonia, Red-legged Seriema and Black-Hawk Eagle were seen.

The bird feeders have been busy with Green-headed Tanagers, Green Honeycreeper, Brazilian Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Violaceous, Orange bellied and Chestnut-bellied Euphonias, Spot-billed Toucanets and Blond-crested Woodpecker.

We are in the process of constructing a new photo hide, this is being built next to one of the bird feeders and will provide space for two people at a time to get seriously close up to some great birds giving the opportunity for some fantastic photos!

Birdfair!

2008-06-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

We shall be exhibiting once again this year at the British Birdwatching Fair in Rutland Water from the 15th – 17th August, we will be located in Marquee 1 stand 50, so please come along and see us!

During the past week we have once again seen some great birds! Excursions undertaken this week include the Bamboo Trail, Theodoro Trail, Macae de Cima Trail and the two High Altitude Trails. Birds of note have included White-necked and Mantled Hawk, we had great views from the side of the road of these two impressive raptors, White-rumped Hawk, Plovercrest, Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets on the bird feeders, Black-billed Scythebill, Bertonis, Rufous-tailed and Dusky-tailed Antbirds, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga on a rather cold and misty High Altitude excursion, Blue and Pin-tailed Manakins, Chestnut-headed, Red-necked and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Buffy-fronted and Temmincks Seedeaters and 100’s of Uniform Finches!

Stuart Elsom has written an article in the June issue of Birdwatch magazine about his trip to Serra dos Tucanos Lodge and birding the Atlantic forest… so go out and buy yourself a copy!

New excursions!

2008-06-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

We have just had a couple of weeks without guests here at the lodge, this has given us the opportunity to go on some exploration trips and try to add some more excursions to offer our guests. The Portao Azul excursion will soon be up and running, this will be a half day excursion and is approximately an hours drive from the lodge. The habitat is a mixture of mature forest with bamboo and some semi-open secondary growth. A visit there last week turned up Black-legged Dacnis, Temmincks Seedeater, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, White-bearded Antshrike, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Uniform Finch, Gilt-edged Tanager, Tufted Antshrike, Grey-bellied Spinetail and several sites for Half-collared Sparrow.

Ferruginous Antbird. Andy Foster.

On another exploration trip to a private farm the other side of Nova Friburgo we have found a stronghold for Serra Antwren, this is a bird that we have only recorded a handful of times on the Jacamar Excursion, the previous site wasn’t brilliantly reliable, however, at this new site we recorded over 5 individual pairs within a very small area. We intend to make further visits to this area so watch this space!

Sightings update!

2008-05-22T07:47:00.001-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks we have had some brilliant birding! We have had many highlights, some of which are listed below:

Blue-winged Macaw
Pileated Parrot
Blue-bellied Parrot
Plovercrest
Brazilian Ruby
Rufous-capped Motmot
Three-toed Jacamar
Crescent-chested Puffbird
Saffron Toucanet
Spot-billed Toucanet
Yellow-browed Woodpecker
Pale-browed Treehunter
White-collared Foliage Gleaner
Spot-backed Antshrike
Giant Antshrike
White-bearded Antshrike
Slaty Bristlefront
Grey-winged Cotinga
Black and Gold Cotinga
Hooded Berryeater
Bare-throated Bellbird
Oustalets Tyrannulet
Chestnut-headed Tanager
Olive-green Tanager
Azure-shouldered Tanager
Green-chinned Euphonia
Gilt-edged Tanager
Temmincks Seedeater
Half-collared Sparrow

For the full trip report please visit

http://www.surfbirds.com/trip_report.php?id=1381

The new bird table suspended mid canopy on the forest edge is already getting regular visits from a party of 6 Saffron Toucanets and up to 8 Spot-billed Toucanets! Channel-billed Toucans and Crested Oropendolas have also made brief visits to the trees close to the table, so fingers crossed these too will become regular visitors. The vegetable waste feeder hidden away inside the forest is beginning to attract Gray-fronted Doves, but not a lot else at the moment, we shall keep you posted!

New feeding stations

2008-05-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Petes lifer!

2008-04-19T05:50:00.001-07:00

This past week hás seen a mixed bag of weather making birding conditions somewhat difficult on a couple of days. Our guide Pete got himself a lifer (which is getting increasingly difficult to do so)! Spotted Bamboo Wren has only been recorded on our Macae de Cima Trail in the past so Pete was very happy to have had one on the Bamboo Trail. Other highlights on the Bamboo Trail included Pale-browed Treehunter, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, 5 White-throated Woodcreepers, Ochre-rumped and Bertonis Antbird, several Hooded Berryeaters, Black and Gold Cotinga and excellent views of a Black-Hawk Eagle.

Temmincks Seedeater was again seen at Serra dos Orgaos National Park, and in the lower section of the Park Salvadoris Antwren and Rufous-capped Motmot gave good views. On our High Altitude Excursion Upper Section Itatiaia Thistletail showed well and the group also got great views of a White-rumped Hawk.

There has been a large antswarm moving around on the lodge trails, although this has made trail walking somewhat hazardous (!) the rewards were many. Birds feeding around the swarm have included Surucua Trogon, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Thrush-like, White-throated, Lesser and Scaled Woodcreepers, Spot-breasted and Plain Antvireos and Black-cheeked Gnateater.

Autumn Birding!

2008-04-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Throughout this past week we are beginning to notice a real change in the seasonal movement of our resident birds. Temperatures are beginning to fall to around 12 degrees centigrade during the night but still climbing to the mid to high twenties during the day.

Due to this night time fall in temperature we have already seen an increase in the number of Brazilian Ruby Hummingbirds resident at the lodge together with our first record for the year of Azure-shouldered Tanager on the lodge feeders. Large mixed flocks, some containing over 15-20 species are now being seen regularly on most of the excursions.

Birds of note for the past week have included a pair of Tawny-browed Owls at the lodge, Saffron Toucanets and Oustalets Tyrannulet on the Cedae Trail together with a large mixed flock of Red-necked, Brassy-breasted and Green-headed Tanagers. On the Theodoro Trail we have recorded Spot-backed and Giant Antshrikes and White-collared Foliage Gleaner. On the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion Pete has been showing guests good numbers of White Woodpeckers, Black-necked Aracaris, Curl-crested Jay, White-vented Violet-ear and of course several Three-toed Jacamars!

This weeks sightings!

2008-03-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

During the past week Pete has been busy guiding a group of 11 Canadian birders, some of the highlights from this week include Mantled Hawk on our Macae de Cima trail, 4 Red-legged Seriema, several White Woodpeckers and 3 Three-toed Jacamars on the Jacamar excursion, Frilled Coquette and Crescent-chested Puffbird are still in the lodge gardens, Saffron Toucanets and Oustalets Tyrannulet on the Cedae Trail, Itatiaia Thistletail, 3 Swallow-tailed Cotingas and 5 Black and Gold Cotingas on the High Altitude Excursion, 7 Hooded Berryeaters, White-bearded Antshrike, Ochre-rumped and Bertonis Antbirds on the Bamboo Trail.

The fruit feeders at the lodge continue to attract vast numbers of birds as we are now heading into our autumn and fruit in the forest is becoming harder to find. This week has seen 2 Blond-crested Woodpeckers feeding regularly, up to 7 Spot-billed Toucanets, Green-headed, Golden-chevroned, Ruby-crowned and Brazilian Tanagers, Buff-throated Saltator, 2 Green Honeycreepers and several appearances by a couple of Blue-naped Chlorophonias. The hummingbird feeders are also busy with a pair of Brazilian Rubys, Saw-billed and Rufous-breasted Hermits, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, up to 8 Sombre Hummingbirds, 15+ Black Jacobins and several Violet-capped Woodnymphs.

High Altitude Birding

2008-03-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was spent on the High Altitude Trail Upper section. We had a great day even though the weather threatened to close in on several occasions. We saw some fantastic birds including small flocks of Bay-chested Warbling Finches, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, a pair of Rufous-tailed Antbirds, a stunning male Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Diademed Tanagers, Rufous Gnateater, Black and Gold Cotinga and Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant.

The two main target birds of this excursion are without doubt Itatiaia Thistletail and Grey-winged Cotinga, both discovered by us in the area a couple of years ago. These two birds are very range restricted and difficult to encounter elsewhere.

Thankfully we managed with a little effort and perseverance to see two Grey-winged Cotingas and one Itatiaia Thistletail, both great endemics of this region!

Bird tables

2008-03-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

A Naturetrek group has just departed after a 7 night stay, racking up over 200 species with a stunning endemic White-necked Hawk perched in the forest close to the lodge being their final bird this morning!

With rain set in for the weekend the bird tables are becoming busy and we are rapidly making our way through 10kg of bananas a day! Over 30 species visited the various feeding stations today, including Blond-crested Woodpecker, Green-headed Tanagers and a party of 5 Spot-billed Toucanets! Our feeders have been nominated by a reader of Winging-it (American Birding Association publication) as one of the best feeding stations in the world!!

Sightings update

2008-03-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Highlights for the first week of March have included the following:
Crescent-chested Puffbird and Frilled Coquette still present around the lodge gardens together with a handful of sightings of Blue-bellied Parrots on the Extension Trail. A male Brazilian Ruby is also spending time at the feeders in the lodge grounds and a Dusky-throated Hermit has been seen briefly on several occasions.

Great views of Large-tailed Antshrike on the High Altitude trail and Spot-winged Wood-quail at the Serra dos Orgaos National park. The Bamboo trail has been productive as normal with good views of the following; Ruddy Quail-dove, Slaty Bristlefront, Hooded Berryeater, White-bearded Antshrike, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Bertoni’s Antbird and Green-winged Saltator amongst many other species.
The photo below is of a Blue-bellied Parrot in the grounds of the lodge taken by John Rowlett from Field guides.

Crescent-chested Puffbird taken by Cristina in the grounds of the lodge.

Birds of Serra dos Tucanos

2008-02-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

You will see from our website that we have decided to re-publish our pocket field guide to the Birds of Serra dos Tucanos. The Birds of Serra dos Tucanos by Ber van Perlo and Andy Foster illusrates over 450 species of birds found around the lodge and on the excursions that we offer from the lodge, together with a brief description of each species and an abundance key.

This new edition includes several new plates of species recently added to our bird list, and is very useful in the field as it's dedicated to the birds of the region. Please note that the book is availabe pre-order only, please e-mail us for further details.

One of the plates from the field guide:

1. White-winged Becard
2. Black-capped Becard
3. Crested Becard
4. Green-backed Becard
5. Chestnut-crowned Becard
6. Swallow-tailed Cotinga
7. Black and Gold Cotinga
8. Grey-winged Cotinga
9. Bare-throated Bellbird
10. Hooded Berryeater

Welcome!

2008-02-11T15:06:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the new Serra dos Tucanos Lodge updates page. We are now in our 5th year of providing accommodation and expertly guided birding trips within the Atlantic rain forest of south-east Brasil. The aim of this blog page is to keep past and future guests informed of the latest sightings and news here at Serra dos Tucanos. Keep revisiting for further updates!

We are now in the midst of our summer and the majority of our birds are coming to the end of their breeding period. Many species have bred within the grounds of the lodge once again but particular species of note include Solitary Tinamou, Grey-rumped Swift Violet-capped Woodnymph, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Star-throated Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue and Pin-tailed Manakins, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Brazilian Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed and Red-necked Tanagers.

2007 saw an additional 17 new species recorded on the lodge excursions, these were the following:

Manx Shearwater, Swainsons Hawk, Spot-flanked Moorhen, Peach-fronted Parakeet, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Pearly-breasted Cuckoo, Black-capped Screech-Owl, White-vented Violet-ear, Salvadoris Antwren, Serra Antwren, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Green-chinned Euphonia, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Black-legged Dacnis, Long-tailed Reed-Finch and Buffy-fronted Seedeater.