It was a long drive to our first stopping point on the Guajira Peninsula & for once, we arrived just after first light, rather than before dawn. However, it had only been light for a short period of time before we stopped. We started to see new Birds as soon as we were out of the minibus.
A habitat shot showing how dry & arid the site is
Soon after, a patch of flowering bushes which were hosting my first Buffy Hummingbirds & Red-billed Emeralds. However, the light was poor, everything was flighty & Janos was quickly moving us on. Given it was going to get hot very quickly, it was good to keep looking, before the activity dropped off. We were soon at a fairly large waterhole among the arid bushes. Obviously, this was a magnet for Birds.
Crested Bobwhite: The whiter faced male has just put its head up. This is the only Bobwhite species & it occurs from Guatemala to Colombia, Venezuela & the Guianas
Crested Bobwhite: I am assuming that the left hand individual is the female with the other back two being the youngsters
Pale-legged Hornero: This species occurs from Colombia & Venezuela to Ecuador & Brazil
Pied Water-tyrant: They are always a delight to see
Pied Water-tyrant: They look quite different as they turn
White Ibis
Scarlet Ibis: A well marked individual
Snowy Egret
Yellow-headed Caracara
It was time to move on to another local track. More in the next Blog Post.
Bare-eyed Pigeon: This is restricted to the arid coast of Northern Colombia, Venezuela & a few offshore islands
Bare-eyed Pigeon: Later in the morning, we had better views of this local speciality
The first Bare-eyed Pigeon, was quickly followed by a Vermilion Cardinal.
Vermilion Cardinal: This sign on a house gives you an idea of how bright they are
Pileated Finch: This had also appeared close to the Pied Water-tyrant for a drink
White-whiskered Spinetail: This must be one of the best-looking Spinetails. A pity it was skulking in the vegetation
White-whiskered Spinetail: Fortunately, we had better views of this cracking species later in the morning
Black-crested Antshrike: Female
Greyish Saltator
At the far end of the waterhole, was a mixed group of feeding White Ibis, Scarlet Ibis and Snowy Egrets.
White Ibis, a paler Scarlet Ibis & a Snowy Egret
