Panama La Verde Birding Circuit!

(birdingtotheedg.blogspot.com) On Monday, I embarked on a journey through the finest birding destinations in Panama. I was invited down to the lovely country by the tour operators of Panama La Verde birding circuits. The circuit is run through RECONTUR out of Panama City. Thus far through the trip we have seen many birds and some of the accomodations thus far have been splendid. Los Quetzales Lodge and Spa was our first traditional stop in western Panama to visit the highlands of Chiriqui. This place is amazing birding, but also hosts activities for those of a non-birding nature. I know some of our participants endulged in the famous one-hour massages there. They came out and went to dinner as loose as they could be. Three full-course meals were served daily with homemade bread (HEAVENLY), jam, veggies, and meat all grown on site. The owner, Carlos Alfaro is a savoy/enjoyable person whom knows how to cater to the vacationers. There is plenty of room and they welcome backpackers with plenty of dorm space as well.

There are eight participants invloved with this tour. The two photographed above are Kees Van Berkel (tour operator) with Ecotourist Services and Liz Payne (writer/operator/guide). Both of which have been a blast to travel with and I look forward to the next few days to finish out the trip with them.

There are so many things to talk about, but the birds will be my focus.

Green Violet-Ears are some of the most common birds in the garden along with Long-tailed Silky-Flycatchers, Slaty Flowerpiercers, and Silver-throated Tanagers. Notice the overall green irridescence with the purple eardrop pattern on the auriculars. Not much stands in the way with identification problems with these guys.
The Slaty Flowerpiercer is a common resident that will certainly greet you as you walk about the luxorious gardens. The male shown above is all slate-blue with a sharply hooked bill for which it impales the bottom of the flower to, "steal," the nectar. The female is a mix of dull brown and gray for which is used as a defense against predators as it incubates the nest. Got to stay hidden!

As you move up in elevation to Volcan Baru National Park; you will encounter some exquisite rustic cabins from which to bird from, that Carlos Alfaro owns. He redefines the term, "rustic!" it is really a resort in the rainforest. You literally can have Resplendant Quetzals outside your window and the staff will deliver a catered service to your door to keep you birding around the clock with a full belly. Birds seen at these cabins included Large-footed Finch, Yellow-thighed Finchs, Slaty Finches, Zeledonia Wrenthrushes (the only one of its kind in the world), Prong-billed Barbets, etc.

The Fiery-throated Hummingbird pictured above is a local endemic and the bird really stands out. A beautiful array of colors on the gorget along with its size sets it aside from the rest. One of the cabins has a massive hummer collection that includes the beauty above, Violet Sabrewings, White-throated Mountain-Gems, Magnificent Hummingbird, Green-fronted Lancebill, Green-crowned Brilliant, etc. It was amazing that we saw these birds given the fact we were there in the heart of rainy season and believe me, it rained. In fact, it poured...all day! That was a true testiment to the birding wonders this place offers. I can't wait to see what it is like in good weather if the birding was this incredible during downpours and cold temperatures.

This lovely thrush sang all around the cabins and certainly was one of the more common birds there. The flute-like conglomeration of notes that this bird rips off adds to the beauty of this high-elevation, mature rainforest. Every once and a while one pops out for a show....certainly I was the beneficiary. The Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush (LOL.....what a great name) is principally gray below with gray auriculars and is rich rufous above all the way up the the cap. The throat is a lighter shade (sometimes white). They are secretive for the most part, but not impossible to see. The chorus of this guy is usually accompanied by others including Black-faced Solitaire, Resplendant Quetzals and Silvery-fronted Tapaculo. Trust me folks, these are just a few of the creatures you will see and hear there. Built by the hand of Mother Nature.

I really do not think that you could possibly be more comfortable while birding anywhere else in the world. To top all of these little tidbits off; the guides speak english (including Carlos the owner) and if you get Ito...your experience will be unforgettable. Get there if you can! We spent one and a half days there and it wasn't even close to being enough. Make resevations in advance, because they get booked quickly. Never having met Carlos or his staff before I was delighted to see the lodge uses Nikon optics for their adventures. We look forward to supplying optics to them in the future. Thanks for taking the time to read this first post of a few from my Panama adventures. Also, a huge thank you goes out to Yenia and Ana Maria at RECONTUR for inviting me to this hidden treasure they call Panama!