Sorry we've been unable to update the blog for a number of days but we've been unable to get internet access in the remote areas of Ecuador that we've been birding.    However we've been birding hard every day in a variety of habitats and altitudes and racking up some great birds.

Our last birding day in Ecuador started predictably at 5am and we hit the road.  Several roadside stops added new birds such as Stub-tailed Antbird.  We then went exploring a new trail that Nick and Sam had heard about which promised good birds.  Luckily the information also stated that Wellington Boots were essential, so we splashed out the 7 dollars a pair to kit ourselves out.  Just as well we did!  The trail was almost impassable, with almost knee deep glutinous mud that tried its hardest to steal our new boots from us.  Birding was unfortunately much slower than we hoped, mainly because all of our attention was focused on negotiating the terribly difficult terrain.  If we looked up on the move, we fell over!  It then began to rain (again) and we figured enough was enough and we struggled back to the road.  But we still managed to add new birds including Tiny Hawk and Red-rumped Cacique.

 Lunch was taken on the go beside a fruiting tree which held the most amazing array of great birds, such as Scaled Fruiteater and Scarlet-crowned Barbet, We then began the long drive back to Quito.  The journey was unexpectedly interrupted by the sighting of a juvenile Andean Condor well outside its normal range soaring with a bunch of Black Vultures right next to the road.

 We said goodbye to Nick Athanas and Sam Woods and our faithful driver Nestor and sorted out our luggage one last time for the flights home.

We'd like to say a huge thank you to Tropical Birding for all their support and companionship in January - Moez, Michael, Iain, Nick, Scott and Sam - it was a blast and you really helped us get those birds!  When we get back to the UK we'll be doing a full review of our first month on the road with much more detail of the birds, people and places so far.  If we've inspired you to get birding in Ecuador and beyond, then visit www.tropicalbirding.com for more info on the places we visited.  Our total bird list on leaving Ecuador stands at 1050.

Written 6.15am Quito Airport, Ecuador 28th January