The Lincolnshire Bird Club

A visit for the first time to south America with a Naturetrek group was thoroughly enjoyable, altitude range 0 - 4200m, temperature range 2 degC to 35degC. Trip list was about 380, of which some 340+ were lifers. Highlights included 8 species of Ant Pitta, 2 Fruiteaters, Cock of the Rock lek, many Choco and Tumbesian endemics, Ecuadorian Piculet, among others. Very friendly throughout and spectacular scenery. Oh...and just a single Andean Condor, in the foothills north of Pifo. Had days at Papallacta (c.4000m) but very poor weather prevented us getting on to the paramo 400m higher up there, so didn't get the chance to get RB Seed Snipe. Oh well, another trip I guess...

Best wishes for 2010,

Phil

PS - Ed - are you OK in Peru in the wake of the Machu Pichu flooding ?

Hi Phil - thanks for the concern.You seem to have had a good trip to Ecuador - I was up in the border area in December. I know where not to risk being at this time of the year in Peru!! - I'm staying on the dry west slope and enjoying the coast. It is an El Nino year though and there seem to be very few Terns about anywhere - on the plus side Magnificent Frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies are turning up in Lima. Off to Paracas for the week next week.

Edmund

you seem to be going for it this year ed its about time you came home i am getting to jealous but i did see the seed snipe at the papallacta pass, it was very foggy but the seed snipe 3 off were right at the base of the radio mast, off the main drag and up the cobble road to the mast. we had them down to 10yds. i am getting ready for another trip, do not no where too, finking bout it, oh happy days
terry whalin