27 October 2012
Amazon Sunset (Ecuador)
This is the view over Garzacocha from La Selva Lodge in the Amazon of Ecuador. At dusk Sand-colored Nighthawks glide high above the lake, Common Pauraques call loudly from the edges, and the incessant piping calls of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls could be heard calling the varzea forest on the verges.
La Selva Lodge (Ecuador)
The boisterous sounds of Black-capped Donacobious can be heard regularly around the verges of the lake as dawn breaks, while Hoatzins clumsily move around low to the water, ready to drop straight in at the first sign of danger. A magical setting for a lodge.
November 2011
Crane Country - USA
This is the scene that is left at Bosque del Apache (New Mexico) once the dawn lift off of Sandhill Cranes has left...beautiful. At this time, it is time to move on to the mass of Snow Geese grazing the fields, for yet more photo opps!
1 August 2011
Where Treerunners roam...(ECUADOR)
This is a shot of the Chical Road in the northern province of Carchi in Ecuador. This road was "discovered" (by Dusan Brinkhuizen) in 2010, and is now well-established on the birding circuit as it is home to a number of rare Choco species that are very easy and gettable here relative to all the other sites in Ecuador. The two biggest drawcards here are the Star-chested Treerunner and the Purplish-mantled Tanager that are easier here than anywhere else and visible from the road itself, with no difficult trekking required like some other sites for them. Other specialties and scarcities found in the area include Beautiful Jay, Pacific Tuftedcheek, Glistening-green Tanager, Rufous-crested Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Handsome Flycatcher (rare on the west slope), and Semicollared Hawk.
18 June 2011
Tandayapa Cloudforest (Ecuador)
This is a picture of the thick cloudforest than envelopes the lodge trails around Tandayapa Bird Lodge in the Tandayapa Valley of northwest Ecuador. Its location within the Mindo IBA and the Choco bioregion make this an incredible venue for birds, many of which are endemic to this endemic-rich Choco region. Such thrillers as Beautiful Jay and Toucan Barbet can be found in these forests, along with Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Moustached and Scaled Antpittas, Andean Cock-of-the-rocks, Golden-headed and Crested Quetzals and Olivaceous Piha among many others. The hummingbird feeders boast over 30 species including Choco hummingbirds like Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Empress Brilliant, and Western Emerald as well as the phenomenal Booted Racket-tail. At night the lodge trails hold Colombian Screech-Owls and Common Potoos. Simply put this is one of my favorite places to bird on Earth. I have been birding the Tandayapa region extensively for six years now and not even close to being bored!
5 June 2011
Flight of the Condor (Antisana, Ecuador)
Antisana Volcano towers some 5800m plus above sea level. The surrounding plains are high Andean grasslands known as paramo, that holds many special high Andean birds: most notably it is the best site in Ecuador for Andean Condor and Black-faced Ibis. It is also a great spot for Andean Lapwing, Andean Gull, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Aplomado Falcon,Paramo Ground-Tyrant, Streak-backed Canastero, Andean Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean (Slaty-backed) Coot, (Andean) Ruddy Duck, Grass Wren, both conclodes species and many more! It is also perhaps the best Ecuadorian site too for the Cinereous Harrier, which is a scarce bird even at Antisana. Furthermore, Antisana is a good location for the world's largest hummingbird, the aptly-named Giant Hummingbird.
5 June 2011
Andean Skies (Ecuador)
A nice skyscape taken at Antisana, Ecuador.
3 June 2010
Prayers Float onto the Wind (Balang Shan, China)
The top of Balang Shan, or Balang Mountain, is quite a sight. Even in June snow can fall on this 4600m high mountain pass. While the Tibetan prayer flags blow in the wind, (and release their prayers onto the wind as they do so), such beautiful birds as "Purple Ground-Tyrants" (better known as Grandalas, Tibetan Snowcocks, Red-fronted Rosefinches, and Snow Partridges and Snow Pigeons can be found right around the temple up there...magical setting and incredible birds.
3 June 2010
Prayers on the Wind
Balang Shan, Sichuan (China)
3 June 2010
Mighty Balang Shan (China)
This is another shot of one of my favorite birding spots on Earth, the mighty Balang Mountain in Sichuan. While the upper slopes play host to Tibetan Snowcocks and Grandalas, lower than this you find yourself in the country of Chinese Monals, White Eared-Pheasants, and the odd Verreaux's Monal-Partridge, in addition to Giant Laughingthrushes and a whole suite of rosy rosefinches.
8 June 2010
Sichuan Pheasant Country (China)
Gong Gang Lin Pass, is a low pass close to the scenically spectacular park of Jiuzhaigou in northern Sichuan. While the park holds such star-spangled birds as Rufous-headed Robin and Snowy-browed Nuthatches, this pass is home to the beautiful Blue Eared-Pheasant, the shy Severtsov's Grouse, and the adorable Crested Tit-Warblers can be found in spruces just behind the bus!
7 June 2010
Yaks, Larks and Motorcycles...(China)
This is a classic scene from the Tibetan Plateau, where open grassy plains, sprinkled with bright yellow flowers, extend to a towering horizon of snowy peaks. In the foreground lies a Tibetan Yak herders favored form of modern transport: the motorcycle, while his characteristic "chuba" coat lies abandoned on top. The photo was taken at one of the Tibetan Plateau birding hotspots, Flower Lake, near the bustling Tibetan town of Ruo Er Gai in Sichuan province. While the lake plays host to shorebirds, gulls, terns, and waterfowl, the open marshes and grasses around ring with the sound of Redshank, and larks display high over the plains. These include the widespread Oriental Skylarks and Horned Larks, and also one of the brutes among larks, the giant Tibetan Lark, one of the World's largest and heaviest. Not far from here such treats as White-rumped Snowfinches hang around pika colonies, and White-browed Tits inhabit the shallow valleys, while the telephone poles make convenient perching posts for hulking Upland Buzzards. The lake is also home to one of the most elegant birds of the Plateau: the regal Black-necked Crane.
10 June 2010
Pearl Sholes (China)
This impressive multi-layered waterfall is just one of many, many visual attractions in Jiuzhaigou National Park in northern Sichuan, one of China's most popular parks due to a myriad of strangely-colored lakes, and dramatic wooded valleys, dotted with colorful Tibetan villages. OK so what about the birds. The star among them is the little known as devilishly difficult to see Rufous-headed Robin, although such rarities as Sichuan Jay, and Blue Eared-Pheasant also reside in this magical valley. Along with abundant Chinese Leaf-Warblers that "rattle" from the treetops, and Chinese Song Thrushes whose melancholy song can be heard at dawn echoing from the tall spruce trees. Mixed flocks can be impressive here holding the endemic Sooty and Pere David's Tits, and even the Snowy-browed Nuthatch too.
10 June 2010
Valley of Robins, Pearl Sholes (China)
As you emerge from the very local breeding grounds of the rare and extremely shy Rufous-headed Robin, this is the sight that takes your breath away: the spectacular Pearl Sholes Falls, just one of the Jiuzhaigou National Park's many scenic attractions.
10 June 2010
The Top of the Pearl (China)
You have seen the impressive front side of Pearl Sholes Falls from Jiuzhaigou National Park in my other photos, although here is a view from the top, where White-throated Dippers dive into the rushing waters and White-crowned Forktails creep around the rocky edges.
October 2006
Blue Mountains (Australia)
October 2006
Duck Creek Road (Australia)
The sclorophyl forest along this famous birding road holds such avian treasures as Red-browed Treecreeper and Spotted Quail-Thrush, along with other thrilling birds like the common Spotted Pardalote, Bell Miner, Tawny Frogmouth, and also one of Australia's most famous mammals, the Koala.
October 2006
Lamington Rainforest (Australia)
This beautifully rich rainforest just a short drive from Brisbane, is home to some fabled Australian birds. Such cripplers as Albert's Lyrebird stalks this rainforest, along with Paradise Riflebirds, glowing Regent Bowerbirds, and the deafening cries of Eastern Whipbirds regularly emanate from the forest floor. One of the best rainforests on the continent.
October 2006
"Crane Swamp", Australia
This is a magical place to be at dawn or dusk when literally hundreds of Brolgas and Sarus Cranes dot this marsh. At such times they can be vocal and even be seen dancing on the fringe of the swamp. A truly magical scene at first light, when the light combines to make it a truly must-see venue.
5 October 2009
Lark Country: Wakkerstroom, South Africa
The rolling hills and grasslands of Wakkerstroom are a key area for highland specialties in Zululand in South Africa. In one afternoon we ran into Southern Bald Ibis, a number of Blue Korhaans, a Yellow-breasted Pipit, and drive right up to the rare Rudd's Lark.
5 October 2009
Lark Highway: Wakkerstroom, South Africa
Wakkerstrom is a key area on any birding trip that covers the eastern side of South Africa. In just a day and a half here we ran into several Yellow-breasted Pipits, Eastern Clapper Larks, a pair of Pink-billed Larks, the rare Rudd's Lark, Eastern Long-billed Larks, multiple Buff-streaked Chats, Barrow's and Blue Korhaans, a large group of Southern Bald Ibis, many Grey-crowned Cranes, and an African Rail. On top of all of that this quaint town with the English country feel about it has some superb restaurants one of which was decked out with fantastic artwork from a number of local artists.
14 October 2009
Drakensberg Country: Sani Pass, South Africa
The dramatic country that greets you in the Sani Pass that leads spectacularly up into the neighboring country of Lesotho, is a superb birding site. At the base of the pass Bush Blackcaps are possible (they were unfortunately not yet in when we visited), and as we climbed up to the pass we came across a majestic Lammergeier gliding overhead, a small flock of Drakensgerg Siskins feeding on a craggy hillside, and then just before the pass, a pair of Drakensberg Rockjumpers were found hopping around the boulders behind the Sani Top Chalet, the self-proclaimed "highest Pub in Africa".
14 October 2009
Higjland Drinks and Birds in Africa: Lesotho
As we climbed up to the Sani Pass, we passed through Lesotho immigration and crossed from South Africa into neighbouring Lesotho. Just across the border is the famous Sani Top Chalet, the highest pub in Africa. The back veranda of the pub provides great food and great birding, we watched a pair of Drakensberg Rockjumpers bounding around behind the pub, a Sentinel Rock-Thrush standing to attention on the roofs of the round Lesothan houses, and observed Drakensberg Siskins hopping around on rocks behind the chalet. Cape Buntings sang from boulders alongside the pub, while deeper into Lesotho we found the rare endemic Mountain Pipit performing display flights, and found a small group of Southern Grey Tits.
1 October 2009
Rockjumper Country III: Swartberg-Pass, South Africa
More dramatic mountain scenes from the Western Cape. The lower stretches below the pass are a good spot for Protea Seedeater (Canary), and the furtive Victorin's Scrub-Warbler, while at the top Cape Rockjumpers and Ground Woodpeckers can be found.
1 October 2009
Rockjumper Country II: Swartberg-Pass, South Africa
More pictures of a dramatic setting where Cape Rockjumpers and Ground Woodpeckers ply their trade.
1 October 2009
Rockjumper Country: Swartberg Pass, South Africa
The dramatic gorges and rocky canyons around Swartberg Pass not only provides a spectacular backdrop to a birding venue, but is also a genuinely great birding site. We picked up Victorin's Scrub-warbler as we climbed up towards the pass, along with a Protea Seedeater,and several Cape Rock-thrushes. Once we had reached the pass, and cracked open a bag of ostrich biltong, we eyed a Cape Rockjumper standing peering down at us from a high rocky perch, and a short walk around a bluff bought us our first Ground Woodpeckers, that dwell here in this craggy, treeless terrain.
2 October 2009
Karoo NP (South Africa)
The Karoo is arid and gives an impression of a desert like place, hinting at a low number of animals and birds. However, this impression is all wrong. The birding and wildlife here is superb, and the area is also floristically very diverse too. We enjoyed several days watching Cape Mountain Zebras prowling the "plains", flash lighting an Ardwolf on a night drive, and checking out some really special birds, like an Africa Rock Pipit crawling through the shrubbery, a Short-toed Rock-thrush standing guard, the distinctly unbunting-like Lark-like Bunting, and a sprightly Cinnamon-breasted Warbler hopping along the burnt orange rocks near the pass.
14 October 2009
Drakensberg Mountains (South Africa)
These impressive mountains are home to some real avian treats, namely the Orange-breasted (or Drakensberg) Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Barratt's Warbler, Buff-streaked Chat, Verreaux's Eagle, the mighty Lammergeier or Bearded Vulture, and the amazing Gurney's Sugarbird, the other half of this two-species, endemic African family.
14 October 2009
Sani Pass, Lesotho
Having driven up through the dramatic craggy valley from South Africa flanked by the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains we arrived at the infamous Sani Pass, site of the highest pub in all of Africa. Not only a great tourist attraction but a top birding venue in its own right. While we supped local Maluti beer on the balcony of the highest pub, we watched a pair of Drakensberg Rockjumpers hopping around the boulders behind the pub, and Drakensberg Siskins came and sung from the rocks beside us. Also in attendance were a couple of Cape Buntings, Sentinel Rock-thrush, and the bizarre Sloggett's Ice Rat. A little further into Lesotho we came upon a displaying Mountain Pipit, and Southern Grey Tit before we descended dramatically back into South Africa once more, enjoying Gurney's Sugarbirds feeding in the flowering proteas, and a Barratt's warbler singing from the brush, on this return leg.
13 September 2009
Volcan Antisana (seen from Papallacta) Ecuador
This was photographed from Papallacta from where you can see Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, and Andean Condor to name just a few of the special paramo birds at this high Andean site.
March 2009
Border Rapids (Chiapas, Mexico)
This was a river we just chanced upon while traveling between Lagos de Montebello to Las Guacamayos reserve in eastern Chiapas. After a morning watching ridiculous male Resplendent Quetzals flaunting their considerable tails at us, a Highland Guan displaying over the top of us, and racking up a sweet triplet of jays, (Azure-hooded, Black-throated and Unicolored) at Montebello, we headed to the "Scarlet Macaw" place, Los Guacamayos. Once we got there, (stopping for the odd White Hawk and Fork-tailed Flycatcher along the way), we swigged down a few chilled dark Bohemia beers while these giant red macaws sailed over the river, that we could handily see from the bar terrace. Great day.
This is the Río Ixcán viewed from Mexico's Federal Highway 307 on the S edge of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. As the river bridge where I took the photo from is slap bang on the border, most of what you see here is on the Guatemalan side.
August 2008
Gardens of Paradise (Papua New Guinea)
The Tari Valley in the highlands of Papua New Guinea is unquestionably one of the World's premier birding spots, and this garden on the Ambua Lodge grounds lies in the heart of this bird rich setting. The Tari valley has gained world fame as it is one of the best places anywhere to catch up with arguably the most extraordinary bird family on Earth, the Birds-of-paradise. While the valley as a whole abounds with these near-mythical creatures, a visit to Ambua's garden when there are trees in fruit can be mind boggling. I visited this lodge twice during 2008 and racked up quite a garden list. This included the seductive Blue Bird-of-paradise, a scintillating male Princess Stephanie's Astrapia, Lawe's Parotia, Superb BOP, Loria's BOP, and the strange Short-tailed Paradigalla. Aside from that the lawn can also be one of the better places to observe the bizarre dawn display of the Black Sicklebill, at one point during a post dawn vigil we scanned the treetops from the lawn to find three separate males in the full throws of their weird "spaceship" display. Aside from this star-studded cast there is a lot more on offer in the area, and I got my lifer Spotted Jewel-babbler right on the lodge grounds too, a true wraith of the forest understorey. Elsewhere in the valley such prizewinners as Wattled Ploughbill, Crested Berrypecker, Forbes's Forest-Rail, Mountain Kingfisher, and Northern Logrunner lurk. A dizzying array of astounding Papuan birds. A must-visit destination, if you have the cash!
December 2008
Birding the Mughal Empire (India)
OK so the Taj Mahal is not exactly a birding site, although for the fascinating historical and cultural significance of this exquisite building we do visit this awe-inspiring place on our bird tours, and yes we do see the odd bird. Black Kites regularly wheel and turn in the skies above the minarets, Hoopoes feed on the lush green lawns of the gardens within the grounds, while River Lapwings and other shorebirds line the Yamuna River just below the shimmering white marble temple. Indian Chats can also sometimes be found hopping about the surrounding buildings, and along the burnt red outer walls of the Taj itself.
June 2008
"Whitehead's Mountain" (Malaysia)
This impressive granite massif is Gunung or Mount Kinabalu, in the northernmost Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo. The distinctive peaks at the top can often be seen looming large in the distance from Sabah's small capital, Kota Kinabalu. It is the highest mountain between New Guinea and the Himalayas. Gunung Kinabalu is a diverse mountain holding a rich variety of plants, animals and birds. As well as being diverse it is also a major centre of endemism for both plants and birds. The flagship plants that are found there are the rafflesias, that produce the largest blooms of any flower on Earth (and can be seen regularly close to Poring Hot Springs, a major tourist site in the area). A photo of one of these impressive flowers is in the wildlife gallery on this PBase site. The cloudforest that cloaks this vast mountain holds some truly gorgeous endemic birds, and it is the famous Whitehead's trio that most people come seeking and are usually top of their hit lists - the strikingly patterned Whitehead's Spiderhunter, the vivid green Whitehead's Broadbill, and the vermillion Whitehead's Trogon. On the more common side other endemics include the Bornean Whistling-thrush that likes to hop around on the roads at dawn, roaming flocks of Chestnut-crested Yuhinas are hard to avoid feeding on the forested roadsides, alongside Bornean Whistlers and others.
May 2008
The Portal to the Chiricahuas (Arizona, USA)
This shot was taken just outside the tiny village of Portal, and is of part of the staggeringly scenic Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. This area is a Mecca for birding in the US, holding a dizzying variety of desert species in addition to woodland birds that take advantage of the "sky island" oases in the "sea" of desert that abounds there. Just a few of the magical birds that can regularly be found there include the showstopping Elegant Trogon, Flammulated and Elf Owls, Painted Redstarts and Red-faced Warblers all in the woods; while Bendire's Thrashers emerge onto the yucca tops in the early morning sun; and Greater Roadrunners make mad dashes across the desert-lined highways.
28 November 2007
Mountains of Pheasants (India)
This is the staggering view from the road leading up from Pangot up to Vinayak , near to Naini Tal in the foothills of the Himalayas in India. The fabled Cheer Pheasant hides on the grassy slopes in these high Himalayan pastures, and is the biggest avian prize in the area. More regularly seen are the Koklass Pheasants that roam the dark shadowy pine woods on the steep slopes, and flocks of Himalayan Accentors swirl and wheel in the wind, often dropping down onto the craggy outcrops on the hillsides, while huge Himalayan Griffons soar majestically on the thermals above. A magical Indian experience.
June 2005
"Conebill Lake" (Ecuador)
This high Andean lake is located in the paramo near Papallacta Pass in Ecuador. Tawny Antpittas bounce around on the high paramo grasslands surrounding the lake; Sedge Wrens sing from the thick tussocks of grass; Ecuadorian Hillstars probe the orange chuquiragua flowers that are scattered over the grasslands; while the water itself holds some classic high elevation waterbirds, including Andean Duck, Yellow-billed Pintail, Silvery Grebe, and Andean Teal. However, it is arguably more important what lurks in the dense stands of polylepis woodland that dot the hillsides on the fringes of the lake. It is here where most birders focus their efforts on the lookout for the nuthatch-like Giant Conebill, a red, white-and-blue "tanager" that creeps along the flaky red bark gleaning bugs off these distinctive polylepis trees. This type of forest that is found above the normal treeline in areas of high paramo like this is a highly threatened habitat due to the scarcity of other resources for firewood in such areas.
December 2005
Birding Highs in the Andes (Ecuador)
This photo was taken from near the pass (4,000m) at Papallacta. This high moorland country, or paramo, is the haunt of some cool high Andean birds, like Ecuador's national bird, the mighty Andean Condor, as well as the exquisite Ecuadorian Hillstar, and the grouse-like Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. If the weather behaves it is well worth being up there for this alone, a staggering view of the neighboring Antisana Volcano (Ecuador's fourth largest).
20 October 2006
Birding Aboriginal Country (Australia)
Ayer's Rock is the must see tourist destination of Australia, so thankfully the area also holds some birds too, like Budgies, Galahs, Mulga Parrots, comical Crested Pigeons and others. The ultimate Aussie spot for a "sundowner".
19 October 2006
Birding the "Moon" (Australia)
It may not look like much other than a moonscape, but this is the realm of some of the coolest Outback species like Banded Whiteface, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Crimson Chat, the ventriloquist Crested Bellbird, Chiming Wedgebill, and others. Well worth a check as you drive towards Uluru (Ayer's Rock).
3 June 2009
Antpittas Lurking in the Crater (Ecuador)
Pululahua is a dormant volcanic crater some 20 km or so northwest out of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. This Andean setting has always been a big draw for tourists, as it is is perched almost slap bang on the equator and boasts some impressive scenery. However, for birders it was not until after 2003 that this volcanic site started to creep onto birders itineraries, after a bird guide (Nick Athanas) discovered Rusty-breasted Antpittas lurking on the bamboo-choked Andean slopes, a species previously unknown from Ecuador, and therefore completely omitted from the field guide. (Shots of the antpitta can be found in the Ecuador Gallery).
27 April 2006
China's Heavenly Mountains (China)
This awe-inspiring scene in China's "Heavenly Kingdom" is surely one of the most impressive birding settings anywhere in the World. It is the realm of such avian treats as the glittering Chinese Monal, purple Grandala, dazzling Himalayan Rubythroat, and the cute pink-and-blue White-browed Tit-Warbler.