I had been in discussion with Ian regarding do a South America trip in order to obtain a bucket full of birds and there were some early contenders for likely destinations. After reviewing various trip reports and field guides it seemed that Peru would be the ideal choice in terms of species per budget ratio. Initially we intended on undertaking a 10 day Naturetrek trip but they had discontinued their trips due to logistical problems so we were left with one of three choices, go somewhere else with Naturetrek, do it ourselves with a car hire or go with a local company. Although I have driven in Latin America before I felt that having some one else who knew the country and where the birds were would be more beneficial in our short 2 week trip. After some investigation cheapish flights were secured with Iberia Airlines, a draft plan of where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see was drawn up and local birding tour operators were investigated, see below. During this time Lee came enthusiastically on board and we were all set.
Logistics
• Travel: Getting to Peru
I booked our flight through Trailfinders (www.trailfinders.com) - Tel: 0207 9383939, a reliable and reputable company I have used on many occasions before. The flight from the UK to Lima, via Madrid, was with Air Liberia at a cost of £682 including taxes. I was apprehensive about flying with Iberia again as my previous flights with this airline were the only times I have ever been ill whilst flying, coincidence? Our outbound flights went without a hitch with a good connection in Madrid. The return flight from Lima to Madrid was also hassle free though had the same dull movies as the outward flight. We were delayed in Madrid as there was a problem the plane to the UK and we had to wait over four hours for a replacement to be arranged. The in flight meals were mediocre so I skipped those on the return flight.
If travelling from the UK no Visa is required to enter Peru.
• Travel: On the ground
The roads and tracks that we travelled faired from excellent, the Central and Pan American Highways, to potholed, dusty and generally poor dirt tracks. In some places tarmac would suddenly become uneven dirt where a landslide had clearly trashed the road at some point. The road up St Eulalia Valley goes through impressive scenery, albeit very slowly but the road to Pozuzo and the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
We had a Toyota 4x4 Van, which performed very well, much to do with our driver/guide Juve being a mechanic as well no doubt. The van also served as a restaurant where numerous early morning and afternoon meals were cooked up from.
• Ground Operator:
After checking out a number of local birding tour companies, as well as self drive hire, we decided upon using Tanager Tours (www.tanagertours.com). This was a company that was recommended by friends who had visited Peru a year or so before us whilst investigation on the Internet showed consistent glowing recommendations. The other bird tour companies were either to expensive for the same birding or have a few recommendations against them. Our ground tour price was $1920.00 per person with an additional $135 for the pelagic out of Lima, organised by Kolibri Expeditions. This price included guide, driver, accommodation, all meals and transport. A deposit of $400 per person was wire transferred with the balance paid on arrival. All of our ground arrangements were made by the very helpful Wim ten Have with tweaks made to the itinerary ahead of the trip. Our guide David Geale was excellent and his time in Peru certainly showed. He was very knowledgeable on calls, very quick to pick up on birds in dense foliage and the sites visited and is the primary leader for Tanager Tours, he is highly recommended. Juve, our driver, is also a birder though speaks very little English, not too much of a problem as David is fluent in Spanish. Juve was an excellent driver and would prepare breakfast and lunchtime meals whilst we birded. He managed to find both the Nunbird and the Monklet, contenders for birds of the trip.
• Money:
We paid deposit and balance for the ground trip in US dollars, which at the time was at a very good exchange rate of about 1.88 to the Pound. Very little was needed for expenses apart from buying additional alcoholic drinks, laundry and souvenirs. Dollars were really only used when we returned to the airport otherwise it is best to change a number up to local currency as soon as possible.
• Health:
For the areas that we birded only one area, Tingo Maria, was within the Malaria zone and as we were there for less than a day it was decided to use copious amounts of mosquito repellent rather than pay out a small fortune for the anti-malarial. Most injections that are required should be updated, Tetanus, Typhoid etc. There were no real health problem, a few minor bug bites and not too many mosquitos’s anywhere. The only problems encountered, and they were minor, were when we were at altitude where a few mild headaches slowed us down just a little. A combination of not drinking enough water and 4800mtrs are not good combinations.
• Weather
In all we were fortunate with the weather, often clear skies. There was some light coastal fog on the first day for the pelagic but this didn’t hinder us to much. Rain occurred overnight when we were at Tingo Maria and for a few hours at El Pajonal.
• References
Trip Reports: numerous trip reports were poored over in preparation for this trip in both assessing what birds would be at what sites and best route to take. There are hundreds of trip reports for Peru, mainly covering the Manu but some covered some of the sites we visited. Numerous websites were looked at for more information.
Books: there are numerous field guides to South America, most of which not to the standard of field guides to Europe and Africa.
A Field Guide to the Birds of Peru: James F. Clements and Noam Shany
At the time of writing this is the only comprehensive field guide to the country. I say comprehensive loosely as this field guide is woefully inadequate in terms of plate quality, accuracy, text and usability. Most of the plates are passable for identifying most birds but forget about families such as the tyrannies, some flycatchers, hummingbirds etc which can be written off if you don’t have a local guide to put you right. The nice looking plates are just that, nice looking plates. There are numerous errors in some of the features of some birds, which do not lend to firm field identification. Most of the plates are ‘okay’ but there are some truly dreadful illustrations, pelicans, swallows, siskins and the Rufous-crowned Tody-tyrant for instance, which look like they were drawn by a 5 year old wearing boxing gloves.
The plate layouts are also a mess. Several bird families can be found spread out over none consecutive and widely spaced pages. For instance ducks are on plate 6, 9 and 10. Even more bizarrely terns are spread out across plates 6, 9 and 23. It would seem that several plates are ‘fill the gap’ plates to cover missing or forgotten species. Plate 6 seems to be a dumping ground for these having pelicans, flamingos, penguin, coot, ducks, gulls, terns, petrels, cormorants and waders, an utter mess.
Just when you think there can’t be any more bad aspects to the book there are. Where the same species has been illustrated by different artists (White-bellied and Oasis Hummingbirds) they bear no resemblance to each other which raises the question, which one is accurate or are neither accurate, from experience it would be the latter of the two.
The text consists of not much more than four or five lines per species, which is just insufficient. There are also no range maps. The cost of this book is £40, which is extortionate considering what you’re getting for your money.
A new guide to the birds of Peru is due out in October 2007, which from early indications will be a far better book than this one and will almost certainly bring sales of this publication to an end. However until the publication of the new book this is the only guide to cover all of the birds of Peru so even a bad book is better than no book but in this case only just.
Birds of Chile: Alvaro Jaramillo, Peter Burke and David Beadle
This fine lightweight book was not taken to Peru but was used as a reference on some species. This is how to do a good field guide. The plates and illustrations in general are excellent with text and fine range maps on the facing page. A well thought out field guide.
The Birds of Ecuador, A Field Guide: Ridgley and Greenfield
A hefty 2 volume guide, plates and short species accounts in one and more detailed information in the second. Another guide that was not taken to Peru but used in reference. The illustrations are reasonable but some plates are more than just a little overcrowded making ease of use and reference difficult at times. A better quality book than the Peru guide.
Birds on Northern South America: Restall, Rodner & Lenmtino
A new guide covering the countries of northern South America, including Ecuador but excluding Peru. Another well thought out guide, which is also split into two volumes. The plates volume is light on text and the some of the illustrations are a bit on the ropy side but have useful ‘pointers’ to relevant identification points.
Birds of South America, None Passerines (Rheas to Woodpeckers): Mata, Erize & Rumboll
Covering all of South Americas non-passerines this guide has some of the better illustrations of Latin American species. Short text is on the facing page to the plates along with a range map. Again used as reference.
Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World: Derek Onley and Paul Scofield
Primarily referred to for the pelagic on the first day. This was timely published just a month before our trip. A good seabird guide and helped a long in the identification and discussion of some of the storm-petrels.
Where to Watch Birds in Peru: Thomas Valqui
A very useful site guide with lots of information including site maps, directions, what birds are likely to be encountered and when. Was used to research some of the trip.
• Accommodations
Hotel quality varied from very good to basic. Amongst the best were Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria complete with extensive grounds which you could spend several days birding and still see new species. Other enjoyable overnights were the Rapolla Lodge at Villa Rica. Individual bungalows here with some grounds to walk around and some great views of Oconal Marsh. Caramboma is a small town midway along the Santa Eulalia road was an experience. The town only has one phone so loudspeaker announcement are made across the town and valley when someone gets a phone call. Juve arranged a restaurant for us during our night’s stay, which turned out to be a woman’s living room in a private house. Apparently this is what some travellers do. It was actually very good and she was a very nice lady. The hotel here was the most basic, a concrete room with nothing in it except a bed and a light bulb. Great stuff.
The hotel at Huanaco was good enough with a decent Chinese restaurant just across the plaza. The worst hotels were in La Oroya, which was located on a busy road and suffered an early morning power cut and at La Merced, which had upper levels that were not enclosed so outside noise was easily heard. Dogs barking, chickens, traffic all conspired to make for poor night sleep. Here also, in my room at least, the overhead ceiling fluorescent light flickered all night, which was like trying to sleep in a disco.
We camped at Bosh Unchog. We drove to the end of the trail and Juve pitched our tents by the van and prepared our evening meal. It got cold quickly here but the night sky was stunning. A very good sleeping bag is required here as well as layers or thermals as the temperature can, and did, fall to freezing. There is a friendly dog here from the nearby village and kept us company in the campsite whilst we were there. She just loves birders as they tend to fuss and feed her.
• Birding:
Birding was superb. There were peaks and troughs in terms on numbers and variety seen each day, which was dependant on where we were at that time. For instance the birding around Tingo Maria, the Villa Jennifer and walk next day to the Oilbird caves, gave us new birds every few minutes or so where as Bosh Unchog we really had to work to find birds. Some locations were quiet until a bird flock was located and then it was feathers everywhere. Such flocks were encountered at the head of the Paty trail and at the clearing further down past the pylon, several smallish flocks at Carpish Tunnel on our second visit, numerous flocks along the La Merced to Pozuzo Road in the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park. High elevation birding was probably the toughest due to the shortness of breath but the bird was simply superb.
Grass-green Tanager at Carpish Tunnel, 16th June.
Day to Day Itinerary:
8th June: International flight from London Heathrow to Lima via Madrid: evening arrival
9th June: Pelagic Day: all day at sea.
10th June: Travelled up the lower Santa Eulalia Valley road. Overnight at Caramboma
11th June: Birded the upper Santa Eulalia Valley road to Marcapomacocha. Overnight was spent at La Oroya.
12th June: Early morning at Lake Junin before driving to a Polylepsis forest patch at La Quinua for afternoon birding. Drove onto Huanaco where we spent the night.
13th June: Morning spent at the Paty Trail followed by a drive to Tingo Maria with a short stop at the Irena National Park and evening birding around the grounds of the Villa Jennifer. Overnight at the Villa Jennifer.
14th June: Birding walk out to an Oilbird cave near the Villa Jennifer in the early morning. After breakfast had a few hours mid morning at Carpish Tunnel. Rest of afternoon spent driving to Bosch Unchog where a couple of hours was spent birding back along the approach road. Cold night in tents.
15th June: Birded to late morning at Bosch Unchog before heading back to Huanaco where we stayed overnight.
16th June: Morning again at the Carpish Tunnel trail, which was followed by long drive to La Merced where we overnighted.
17th June: Out onto the dusty road to Villa Rica with birding stops on the way. We had breakfast along a riverbank. Afternoon spent birding around nearby lake with overnight spent at the Rapolla Lodge with its views of the swamp.
18th June: Morning birded the trails at the Shade Coffee Plantations near Villa Rica with a layzee afternoon around the lodge and marsh, second night at Rapolla Lodge.
19th June: Long drive to Pozuzo via the El Pajonal elevational stunted forest. Had numerous birding stops along the road through the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park. Overnight at Frau Maria Egg Bungalows in Pozuzo (www.pozuzo.com) (fraumariaegg@pozuzo.com)
20th June: Return drive back up the road through the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park and trails. Returned to La Merced with birding stop back at El Pajonal forest. Overnighted at La Merced.
21st June: Virtually an all day spent driving with the exception of a stop at Ticlio Bog. Arrived at El Paraiso in time for half hours birding before reaching the town of Huanaco at 7pm.
22nd June: Early morning at El Paraiso until 10.30am before visiting Lomas de Lachay. In early afternoon headed back towards Lima with last birding at Pantanos de Villa. Late afternoon international flight to UK via Madrid arriving on the 23rd June.
The birding sites
Pelagic
Not much can be said about a pelagic other than you leave the shore just as it is getting light and return an hour or so before it gets dark. The boat is about 50feet long and can accommodate up to 20 birders. Snacks are supplied on board. It can be a little rocky and don’t be surprised if some one gets seasick. The cost of the pelagic is $135 per person and is bookable through Kolibri Expeditions.
Seabirds are on view from the bay right out to the edge of the continental shelf though numbers and variety diminish once you get beyond the islands. We encountered Humboldt’s Penguins, three species of Cormorant, Black-browed and Salvin’s Albatrosses, 5 species of Storm Petrels with Markham’s and Ringed being the pick of the bunch, Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters, Chilean and South Polar Skuas, plus a claimed possible Brown, Inca and South American Terns, Kelp, Grey, Belcher’s Swallow-tailed and Sabine’s Gulls, Diving Petrels, Boobies, and pods of Dusky Dolphins. Biggest disappointment was that the commonest albatross, Waved, was not seen.
Santa Eulalia Valley
This is a superb birding area. It is mostly dry valley with scrub and low bushes which, as you gain altitude, gradually fades away to open grassland plains and bogs. The vegetation with disappear altogether when you cross over the divide, which was at 4818mtrs. There was clearly a difference is species to the lower end of the valley to that found at the top, i.e. chat-tyrants vs. ground tyrants. The valley needs a minimum of 2 days to get the best out of it as travelling can be slow along the bumpy ‘road’. Some of the trips star birds came from various points along the valley: up to 10 Torrent Ducks (mostly in pairs), Diademed Sandpiper-plover (a pair with 3 juveniles at Marcapomacocha), up to 5 of the critically endangered White-bellied Cinclodes, Plain-breasted and Striated Earthcreepers, Streak-headed Ant-pittas, White-cheeked Cinclodes, adult and immature Andean Condor, Giant Hummingbirds, Andean Swifts, White-capped Dippers, Great Inca-finch, Rufous-breasted Warbling-finch, Grey-breasted Seed-snipe, Andean and Black-necked Flickers, Rusty-crowned and Streaked Tit-spinetails, White-browed ad D’Orbigny’s Chat-tyrants and 9 species of ground-tyrant. Even common birds, such as Mourning and Peruvian Sierra-finches were stars.
La Quinua
This is the location of a fine Polylepsis forest patch on a hillside just above the river an hour or so out from Lake Junin on the way to Huanaco. Some quality birds were found here with the highlight being the, eventually, very showing Giant Conebills. Other notable birds included the best of the Spinetails, Baron’s, a Rufous-webbed Tyrant, a Streak-headed Antpitta, a Black-crested Tit-tyrant and a pair of Green-headed Hillstars.
Lake Junin
This is a high elevation lake with a mountainous backdrop. The lake has several well reeded areas with the best at the west end near the railway line where good views of Many-coloured Rush-tyrant, Plumbeous Rail and Andean Coots we had. Also Wren-like Rush-bird could be heard here but where very difficult to see. The main reason for visiting this lake is for Junin Grebe. A bird that is only found here and in only small numbers. Generally most birders connect with this bird by means of a boat trip but we were able to scope one from the shore. The similarity to the much commoner Silvery Grebe are slight and careful scrutiny should be made. Other excellent birds around the best area to look for the grebe were a pair of Burrowing Owls, many Andean Negritos, Common Miners, Puna Teals, Yellow-billed Teals, a pair of Cinereous Harriers, several Black-billed Shrike-tyrants, two species of pipits, Puna Plovers and Chilean Flamingos. It can be very cold here first thing in the morning with frost on the ground, in fact we had ice on the inside of the van windows for a while.
Carpish Tunnel
A forested trail just above the tunnel itself. This was often slow, especially on the first visit, but when a bird flock is found multiple species can be seen in rapid success. Probably the best time to visit is in the early morning. We encountered several flocks, which contained many of the target birds, such as Yellow-scarfed, Grass-green Tanagers, Buff-breasted Mountain-tanagers, Unstreaked Tit-tyrants, Barred Fruiteaters and Peruvian Wren.
Paty Trail
Only a few kilometres from Carpish and at a slightly lower elevation this was quite hard work but when birds were around they were around in numbers. The entrance to the trail is via the school football field which is not much more than a small plot of grass. The trail descends to the valley bottom but we went only as far as the clearing a few hundred metres beyond the pylon. The trail was mostly dry. We had a good bird flock at the trail head first thing which contained Plushcap, Lacrimose, Blue-winged and Hooded Mountain-tanagers, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, many Spectacled Whitestarts, Citrine Warbler, Grass-green Tanager, White-browed, Oleaginous and Black-eared Hemispingus. Good birds were noted along the trail but the next best location was the clearing, which was viewed from above.
Quality birds here included Flame-faced and Blue-necked Tanagers, Streaked Tufted-cheeks, a pair of White-rumped Hawks and a host of other fine birds. Hummingbirds were well represented with several Long-tailed Sylphs, Collared Incas, a superb Sword-billed, numerous Speckleds and Chestnut-breasted Coronets which had a habit of flicking open their wings upon landing. A couple of White-eared Solitares were seen well back along the path whilst the distinctive calls of Peruvian Tyrannulet could be heard. Back at the trailhead a Black-and-chestnut Eagle was seen circling over the hillside on the other side of the valley.
This site was only visited the once but would surely benefit from multiple visits as we probably miss more than what we saw.
Tingo Maria
I have divided this region into two areas, the Irena National Park and the Villa Jennifer.
The National Park is located on the left as you approach Tingo Maria and is located on the other side of the river accessed by a rope bridge. Only a flying visit was made but there were few interesting birds seen which included an eye level and totally stunning Yellow-browed Tody-flycatcher and a smashing Sunbittern found from the bridge. Huallaga Tanagers were seen here as were White-banded Swallows and Neotropical Palm Swifts. The first Blue Morpho Butterflies were found here.
The grounds around the Villa Jennifer are a birding site in themselves and many superb birds were seen here. There are more open areas around the grounds and a trail that will take you to below the forest which gave us a wide spread of lowland ‘rainforest’ birds. In just a few hours in the evening we had superb views of Chestnut-eared Aracari, many Black-faced Nunbirds, Magpie Tanagers Violaceous Jays, Euphonias, Caciques, Oropendolas and Squirrel Cuckoos. Several days could be spent birding around here alone. There are several Tropical Screch Owls that ihabit the grounds at one was seen well by spotlight in the large central tree. Paraques can be found around the more open areas and again one was spotlit.
There s an Oilbird cave not far from the Villa which we walked to and although we picked up several good birds and Lee having an inpromptu dip in the river, it would have been quicker to drive to the end of the track and walk up. The first part of the walk passes through trashed habitat where Purple Honeycreeper, Pale-legged Hornero’s and Buff-rumped Warblers were found. After crossing a second log bridge the track passes steeply into secondary forest to the cave where we had probably 8-10 birds. The birding around the cave was excellent with parakeets, Pygmy Antwrens and amongst the birds of the trip, Black-and-white Tody-tyrants. There were certainly a lot of birds around.
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park / Pozuzo Road
A stunning and pristine mid elevation forest. The main way to bird the National Park is from the main track from La Merced to the town of Pozuzo. This road runs along the valley with its spectacle scenery. There are a couple of trails though we explored only one of these. The ‘roadside’ birding was at times highly rewarding with several very good bird flocks. Many tanager species were seen including Orange-eared, the stunning White-winged, Yellow-throated, Paradise, Gplden, Golden-eared, Flame-faced, Yellow-bellied, Rufous-crested and Blue-browed whilst Golden-collared Honeycreepers were not to be out done. Chestnut-tipped Aracari, Versicoloured Barbets, Lanceolated Puffbirds, Amazonian Umbrellabirds and Blue-naped Chlorophonias were not to be out done.
The main trail is wide and descends to a fast flowing stream along with its bouncy bridge and White-capped Dippers. Near to where the Cock of the Rock signs appear is a COTR lek. It was not the breeding season when we were here but we still managed to get three stunning males from the make shift hide. COTR’s were also noted from along the road and when birding the trail but they were a little more easily disturbed, a simply amazing bird.
The bridge that takes you over the river to the town of Pozuzo, the only place you can really stay if you don’t want to camp, produced at least 5 stunning Ladder-tailed Nightjars. We arrived in the half-light and had stunning views of birds feeding over the river and right beneath us, a real highlight of the entire trip.
El Pajonal
A stop off location on the way to Pozuzo. This fairly high stunted forest area had an impressive bird flock early in the morning whilst we were having breakfast. Numerous good birds were added to the trip list here. We made an late afternoon visit when we travelled back the following day. There is a trail that leads to and past a small boggy pool and there are several good advantage points but some of the slope have been recently and badly deforested. Of the best birds encountered here were the Band-tailed Fruiteaters, Black-winged Parrot, the Russet-crowned Warbler, the inquisitive Variable Antshrike, the fine Azara’s Spinetails, a Golden-headed Quetzal, Slate-throated Whitestarts, a White-eared Solitare and a Rufous-bellied Chat-tyrant
Bosch Unchog
To get Golden-backed Mountain-tanager this is the essential site to visit. There are no convenient places to stay so you are left with little option other than to camp. We camped at the far end of the road which at 3200mtrs was decidedly cold at night, I believe it dropped to zero over night. The very dusty switch back track from the highway to the top takes a couple of hours to traverse with little interest bird wise.
The first couple hundred metres back along the road end has some good birding and species such as Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager, Slaty Brush-finch and Red-crested Cotinga were all found along here. However the best birding area is a few hours walk into the valley. An early start is needed to get to the best area when the sun hits it. From where the trail begins to descend through bushes and trees is where the birds really begin to appear. Mountain-tanagers of several species were found as well as the first of about 5 endemic Bay-vented Cotingas. After the first most obvious switch back in the trail and down to the stream is Rufous-browed Hemispingus territory and we managed to see a pair here. Endemic number three is the dull coloured Parduso which can be found anywhere along here.
Where the trail opens out and there is a view of forest on the hillside this is the prime area to look for the Tanager. It can take some time but they are well worth it. We eventually had fine scope views of three birds for about 8 minutes before they disappeared.
Birding the valley can be slow work, often with little bird activity but the quality makes up for the lake of quantity. We were fortunate in getting all of the four target endemics by 11.30am, usually it takes 2 days, so we decided that spending another night under canvas was not needed and we headed for hot showers and hot beds.
El Paraiso
This is tidal bay several hours north of Lima on the edge of the desert. El Paraiso is clearly sign posted off the main highway. After taking the turn off the tarmac soon runs out and it becomes nothing more than a series of tyre marks in the sand. Follow the best and most recent looking tyre treads and you should reach the bay. We spent an hour in the evening and several hours the following morning birding here.
The more open mudflats held large numbers of pelicans, flamingos, White-cheeked Pintails, Cinnamon Teals, Snowy and Great Egrets and lots of Black Skimmers. Careful searching of the egrets resulted in a scarce Tricoloured Heron.
Birding along the edge of the marsh gave us many Snowy and Semipalmated Plovers, Killdeers, both Black-necked and White-backed Stilts, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers and Yellowish Pipits. Much more time could have been devoted to the site and more birds would surely have been found.
Lomas de Lachay
Located not to far from El Paraiso this is a more semi-desert habitat. The track to the main entrance, sign posted from the highway, gave us good views of our third seedsnipe species. Peruvian Meadowlarks, Croaking Ground and Eared Doves, Vermillion Flycatchers and Rufous-collared Sparrows were pretty numerous along the trails whilst Black-chested Buzzard-eagles soared around the rocky outcrops.
The entrance on the other side, via the obvious tarmac road off the main highway, brought us to more desert habitat. Searching of the cactus and rocky screes here gave us our target bird, Cactus Canastero. Other welcomed species in the rocky valley were Raimondi’s Yellow-finch, Short-tailed Field-tyrant and Greyish Miner. A couple of hours may be required to find the canastero.
Villa Rica
A small town that was reached via a rather dusty road. We had several stops along this road however which resulted a bird flock and some good additions to the trip. We stayed at the Rapallo Lodge just outside of town, which had excellent views over El Oconal Marsh. We also had the only Green Jays and Little Ground-tyrants of the trips in the grounds.
We explored two areas around Villa Rica, the El Oconal Lake/Marsh and the Shade Coffee Plantations.
El Oconal Marsh can viewed from a dusty and sometime fairly busy road which runs parallel to the more open areas on the west side. Birding was very good along here with a wide variety of species being noted. On the marsh there were Black Rails, Jacanas, Purple Gallinules, Striated, Cocoi and Little Blue Herons, Anhingas, many Least Grebes, Rufous-sided Crake and an out of place Crested Duck. There was no sign of the hoped for Hoatzin and Muscovy Ducks which leant to the theory that they were seasonal visitors here.
River midway between La Merced and Villa Rica
The bushes and scrub along the road also had excellent birding with many new birds being seen with. There is a track that leads all the way around the marsh but becomes more difficult to traverse on the far side. We spent an afternoon/evening here and it was time well spent.
Another good birding area is the Shade Coffee Plantations a short way out of town. Most of the time it was quiet birding but several areas had bird flocks or at least a lot of activity. This site produced some choice birds which included Black and Black-and-white Hawk Eagles, Chestnut-backed Antshrikes, Reddish Hermit, Lineated Woodpeckers, Rufous-capped Nunlet, Tataupo Tinamou and Stripe-chested Antwren to name but a few. There are a myriad of tracks that criss-cross the area and there are some good riverine valleys. An excellent mornings birding.
Pantanos de Villa
A small coastal wetland only 30-40minutes from Lima airport. We visited on our last morning in search of Peruvian Thicknees which can sometimes be found here but we had no luck. There are two areas. The first is the area of sedge and open water close to the beach. This is clearly viewable from the road and the car park from the end of the road. Here Wren-like Rushbird finally gave itself up and Wilson’s Phalarope and Yellow-hooded Blackbirds were added to the trip.
The second area is the reserve back along the road. There is an observation platform that looks out over the lake and reed bed but it is clearly viewable from several roads. Here our only Pied-billed Grebes were found. There were good number of Black-crowned Night-herons and Andean Duck whilst the reedbeds look like good crake habitat.
Species Checklist (Those marked with an astrix indicates that they were not seen by the report author)
1. Andean Tinamou
Only encountered in the Santa Eulalian Valley on the 10th June with at least 10 seen along the lower section of the valley including a family party included 4 chicks, which had been 5 until an American Kestrel was seen to take one.
2. Tataupa Tinamou
Only encountered at the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th where numerous birds were heard. The only bird seen was when one walked across the track in front of SA and David and despite it subsequently calling from only a few feet from the path it was not seen again.
3. Humbolt Penguin
Up to 15 were seen around the large island during the pelagic out from Lima on the 9th June . Most were distant sat out on the rocks but 3 were close to the bow of the boat which provided good views.
4. Least Grebe
Only found El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on the 9th & 10th where it was common: for instance our first afternoon walk resulted in an estimated 50 birds.
5. Pied-billed Grebe
Two were at Pantanos de Villa near Lima on the 22nd where they were scoped from the van on the reserves main lake by the observation tower and entrance.
6. White-tufted Grebe
At least ten breeding plumaged birds as well as a couple of juveniles were seen well at Lake Junin on the 12th. There were no further birds seen until at least eight were found on the main lake viewable from the road close to the viewing platform at Pantanos de Villa near Lima on the 22nd.
7. Silvery Grebe
23 on one of the high elevation lakes of Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June were the best view of the species during the trip. An estimated 15 were seen at lake Junin on the 12th June though the views were more distant than those yesterday
8. Junin Grebe
A single bird was identified from the shoreline at Lake Junin on the 12th and was eventually seen in direct comparison with the common Silvery Grebe. It was like comparing, in size/structure at least, Slavonian and Red-necked Grebes.
9. Black-browed Albatross
An immature was seen well on the return leg of the day long pelagic on the 9th June.
10. Shy / Salvin’s Albatross
Five were seen during the course of the days Pelagic out of Lima on the 9th June.
11. White-chinned Petrel
9th June: Pelagic: The first appeared after several hours of steady sailing. Thereafter numbers increased until we were out over the continental shelf. An estimated 50+ were noted during the trip.
12. Pink-footed Shearwater
Fairly numerous during the pelagic out of Lima on the 9th June. Once we were out for a few hours birds were seen passing the bow as singletons and was never seen as part of a larger flock. Most of the 50+ seen were in active wing moult.
13. Sooty Shearwater
9th June: Pelagic: After a few early singletons numbers steadily rose with several hundred being noted during the trip.
14. White-vented/Elliot’s Storm-petrel
9th June: Pelagic: Probably the commonest of the Storm Petrels once out into deep water with over 100 seen. Many were the typical pale bellied individuals though some showed only the slightest of pale belly patches which was not clearly, if at all, visible at range. These birds could be attributed to the race galapagoensis which are darker below.
A feature of some of the darker bellied storm petrels was the very obvious white central bar to the under-wing coverts, noted on several photographs of White-vented but note on Wilson’s Storm-petrels.
15. Wilson’s Storm-petrel
A common storm-petrel once out into deeper waters during the pelagic out of Lima on the 9th June with at least 40 seen, many around the boat during the chumming session.
16. Wedge-rumped Storm-petrel
Only three were picked out amongst the stormies, with one close during the chumming session, during the pelagic out of Lima on the 9th June.
17. Markham’s Storm-petrel
9th June: Pelagic: upto 20 of this impressively large and all dark storm-petrel were noted, several during the chumming session. None however came close enough or lingered to allow any decent photos to be taken.
18. Hornby’s / Ringed Storm-petrel
9th June: Pelagic: the best storm-petrel of the lot. six were seen out in deeper water though none lingered for to long around the boat but those that were seen were seen well.
19. Peruvian Diving Petrel
9th June: Pelagic: surprisingly commoner than expected. The first whizzed past the bow of the boat about an hour past the islands. After that about 15 birds were seen in flight and sat on the water resembling the northern hemispheres Little Auk
20. Peruvian Pelican
Common during the pelagic out of Lima on the 9th June. Was seen in large numbers throughout the voyage with the largest concentrations within an hour of land. Several large flocks were noted including at least 200 around the bow of a large ship in the bay.
The tidal bay at El Paraiso held several hundred birds in the evening of the 21st and the morning of the 22nd though most were generally distant and didn’t afford the same good views that were had during the pelagic.
21. Blue-footed Booby
Vastly outnumbered by Peruvian Booby during the pelagic on the 9th June with at least five being picked, mostly in deeper water.
22. Peruvian Booby
9th June: Pelagic: Common throughout the trip. Largest numbers were encountered close to and on the islands where they breed. Superb close views were had as birds passed close to the bow of the boat.
23. Neotropical Cormorant
Rather common around the coast.
Up to 50+ were in the inshore waters of the bay at Lima on the 9th June during the pelagic. Up to 150 were at the tidal shoreline of El Paraiso in the evening of the 21st June with around 200 there the following morning, though none were particularly close. Several were also noted around the coastal reserve at Pantanos de Villa near Lima in the early afternoon of the 22nd June.
Inland at El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica five were present on the marsh on both 17th & 18th June, seen perched on and swimming around the dead trees located around the swamp shoreline.
24. Guanay Cormorant
Only encountered in the more sheltered inshore waters out of Lima during the Pelagic on the 9th where 1200+ were estimated to have been on and around the islands.
25. Red-legged Cormorant
Only encountered in the more sheltered inshore waters out of Lima during the Pelagic on the 9th where it was rather scarce with only 15 birds being seen.
26. Anhinga
Three were at El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on both the 17th & 18th June.
27. Cocoi Heron
Uncommon with the first birds of the trip noted at El Oconal Marsh on the 17th June with ten being seen. Three were seen here again the following afternoon.
The only other bird seen was at El Paraiso on the 22nd June amongst Snowy and Great Egrets on the tidal flats.
28. Great Egret
Up to 20 were at El Oconal Marsh on the 17th & 18th June whilst five were at El Paraiso in the fading evening light of the 21st with at least 30 were present the following morning.
29. Little Blue Heron
Five were at El Oconal Marsh in the evening of the 17th June with two being seen the following evening. 50 were present in the morning at El Paraiso on the 22nd June with most were on the tidal mudflats.
30. Tricoloured Heron
One was picked out amongst the Little Blues Herons and egrets in the bay at El Paraiso on the 22nd June.
31. Snowy Egret
Five were at the El Oconal Marsh in the evening of the 17th with an increase to at least 10 the following day.
On the 21st June at El Paraiso at least 30 were seen in the fading light on the tidal mudflats. The following morning there was a minimum of 100 birds present, mostly on tidal flats.
32. Cattle Egret
Fairly widespread though only abundant in lowland areas.
The first of the trip were three near Lake Junin on the 12th June. At Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria there was a feeding flock of around eight in the grounds though this was eclipsed by the 50 or so that were noted going to roost later in the evening. 40 were seen during the walk to the Oilbird Caves and near to the Villa Jennifer on the 14th June.
Five were in a field with cattle at El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica in the evening of the 18th June.On the final day, 22nd June, around 50 were seen from the road at Pantanos de Villa near Lima.
33. Capped Heron
14th June: Tingo Maria: 3 flew over the road on our return from the Oilbird caves proved to be the only birds of the trip
34. Striated Heron
Only seen at El Oconal Marsh on 17th & 18th June with as many as 40 during our afternoon walk around the marsh on the 17th June with 20 being scoped from Rapallo Lodge in the afternoon the following day
35. Black-crowned Night Heron
Three early risers were noted pre-dawn flying over the quay at Lima on the 9th Juneas we waited to board the boat for the days pelagic trip
No further birds were seen until 17th & 18th June when 30 were estimated at El Oconal Marsh on both dates
The final birds of the trip were on the 22nd June at Pantanos de Villa near Lima were a whopping 120 were seen from the roadside near the reserve observation tower.
36. Fasciated Tiger-heron
The same stretch of river near Tingo Maria held a sub-adult on the 13th June and again on the 14th June along with a juvenile at point blank range on the latter date. Two were along a fast flowing river where we had stopped for breakfast whilst travelling to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June.
Fasciated Tiger Heron
37. Limpkin
Singles were seen in the Tingo Maria area on the 13th June at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria and on the 14th June during our return van journey from the Oilbird caves.
38. Andean Ibis
11th June – Two were in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June whilst a flock of 12 were seen well at Ticlio Bog on the 21st June whilst looking for White-bellied Cinclodes.
39. Puna Ibis
An estimated 100 were seen during the drive through the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June in small groups of 20-30. At least 100 were at Lake Junin on 12th June around the shores of the lake.
Seven were counted on the marsh at El Oconal, Villa Rica in the evening of the 17th.
On the 21st June at El Paraiso ten were seen in fading evening late but at least 60 were present early the following morning. At Pantanos de Villa, on the outskirts of Lima on the 22nd June several birds were seen during our late afternoon visit though no specific counts were made.
40. Chilean Flamingo
The three at Lake Junin on the 12th June were in flight only and very distant. This cannot be said for the birds at El Paraiso on the 21st & 22nd June where 20 were seen in the late evening light of the 21st June but at estimated 150+ were present the following morning on the tidal mudflats
41. Andean Goose
30 were along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June whilst 40+ were in fields along the road to Lake Junin on the 12th.
16th June: en route: 2 were seen from the van as we travelled from Carpish Tunnel to La Merced.l
42. Torrent Duck
Nine, mostly pairs, were seen along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. A lone female was seen by David the next morning shortly leaving Caramboma. Two were noted from the van whilst travelling from Carpish to La Merced on the 16th June and a lone female along the fast flowing river at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June was the last of the trip. Smashing birds.
Torrent Duck
43. Speckled Teal
Two were seen on one of the small lakes along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. Lake Junin had at least 20 on the 12th June. One was in the Bosch Unchog Valley on the 15th June as we made our way back to the campsite. Several were noted from the van whilst travelling from Carpish to La Merced on the 16th. Ticlio Bog had the last of the trip. 21st June: Ticlio: 20 were seen here and around the nearby high elevation bogs whilst travelling to the coast
44. Crested Duck
Up to 50 were noted during the drive through the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June whilst 40 were present at Lake Junin on the 12th. Two were seen from the van whilst driving from Carpish to La Merced on the 16th June. El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica proved an unusual location for this species with one here on both the 17th & 18th June. At least 20 were seen from the van when we were at altitude during the drive to coast 21st June.
45. Yellow-billed Pintail
An uncommon duck. Five flew past us at Lake Junin on 12th June and two were seen from the van on the 16th as we travelled towards La Merced from Carpish.
46. White-cheeked Pintail
Only encountered at the coastal lagoon of El Paraiso on 21st & 22nd June where it was common with probably in excess of 200 on both dates.
47. Puna Teal
Up to 50 were on lake Junin on the 12th June.
48. Cinnamon Teal
Another species only encountered at the coast with the largest numbers being at El Paraiso on 21st & 22nd June: El Paraiso. On the 21st four were found in the late evening but the following day revealed at least 50 in better light. Pantanos de Villa near Lima probably had 20+ scattered around the various pools on the 22nd June.
49. Andean Duck
30 were on one of the lakes at mid elevation as we made our way along the Santa Eulalai Valley on the 11th June. Lake Junin had probably 50 or more.
Pantanos de Villa, near Lima had 10+ on the lake viewable from the road by the reserve viewing platform on the 22nd June.
50. Black Vulture
Fairly common in the lowland areas where they were noted on 7 dates, often in flocks, especially around Tingo Maria.
51. Turkey Vulture
Common and more widely encountered than Black Vulture with birds noted on 11 dates, again often in small flocks
52. Andean Condor
11th June – Santa Eulalia Valley: an adult and immature were found soaring over the cliffs by the White-cheeked Cotinga site
53. Swallow-tailed Kite
This elegant raptor was first seen very briefly by SA on the 13th June from the van whilst driving from the Paty Trail towards Tingo Maria. Four were then seen over the Rapallo Lodge, Villa Rica on the 17th June with 10+ from here the following afternoon. 15-18 were seen in a valley on the edge of the Shade Coffee plantation in he morning on the 18th June. Two were on the edge of the town of Oxapampa on the 10th June.
54. Double-toothed Kite
A perch bird was seen from the trail at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on 20th June
55. Cinereous Harrier
Birds were seen at only two locations with by far and away the best views being the female and then subsequently the male at Lake Junin on the 12th June. A more distant ‘ringtai’l was seen at El Paraiso on the 21st June.
56. Plain-breasted Hawk
The only bird of the trip was seen circling near the head of the Paty Trail on 13th June
57. Black-chested Buzzard Eagle
Four were noted as we passed through the lower parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. At least ten were at the very dry Lomas de Lachay on the 22nd June.
58. Roadside Hawk
Fairly common and widespread
13th June – Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria: 2 during the evening walk around the grounds
17th -20th June – Seen daily from most locations visited with 10 on the 17th being the single highest day count thereafter 5 daily until the 20th
59. White-rumped Hawk
13th June – Paty Trail: a pair were seen in display flight over the clearing beyond the pylon by SA whilst the others were off in pursuit of an Antpitta. Fortunately a third bird was seen sat in a tree just by the Football pitch at the top of the trail on our return.
60. Red-backed Hawk
One was seen early on in the day as we travelled through the lower parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. The only other bird to be seen was at Lake Junin on the 12th June.
61. Puna Hawk
Two were noted by the Cotinga site in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June, one circling with the adult condor and a juvenile lower down over our heads. Two were then seen from the van whilst travelling to La Merced from Carpish on the 16th June. Three were seen as we crossed the higher points near Ticlio Bog on the 21st June.
62. Black-and-chestnut Eagle
13th June – Paty Trail: a distant bird was seen over the hillside on the other side of the valley when we returned to the Football pitch at the top of the trail
63. Black-and-white Hawk Eagle
18th June – Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica: a fortunate find late morning though was rather distant and not on show long
64. Black Hawk Eagle
18th June – Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica: a single bird was seen high up, was picked up on call.
65. Red-throated Caracara
Several were heard along the road during a birding stop on the 17th June whilst travelling from La Merced to Villa Rica. At least five were seen in a group on a distant hillside at the Shade Coffee Plantation, near Villa Rica on the 18th June, their distinctive calls first attracting our attention. Another heard only was at the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
66. Black Caracara
14th June – Tingo Maria: 3 were seen during the walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird cave, presumably they were leaving the roost
67. Mountain Caracara
A circling bird joined the Andean Condor at the cotinga site in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June. This was then followed by two birds further along the valley. A lone bird was seen from the van on the way to the lake Junin on the 12th June. Two early morning over the nearby hillside before were set off down the valley at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June.
68. Yellow-headed Caracara
One was seen during the evening walk around the grounds of the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 13th June. At least five were noted each day around Villa Rica area on the 16th & 17th June.
69. Slaty-backed Forest Falcon
17th June – El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica: a lone bird flew straight past us as we staked out hoped for nightjars
70. American Kestrel
Seen on six dates but, apart from Lomas de Lachay and nearby areas, was not particularly common. 5 were seen in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June, including one seen to take a very young Andean Tinamou chick, and 20 at Lomas de Lachay on 22nd June.
71. Aplomado Falcon
Two distant birds were seen as were watched the Diademed Sandpiper-plovers at Marcapomacocha on the 11th June. The following day a further distant and equally brief bird was at Lake Junin.
72. Speckled Chachalaca
One was found during the walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June. Ten were found around the El Oconal marsh, Villa Rica, in the late afternoon of the 17th June whilst the last sightings of the trip were at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica where at least 20 were found in our morning visit.
73. Andean Guan
14th & 16th June – Carpish Tunnel: one was seen briefly only on the 14th whilst two were seen were on the subsequent visit
74. Sickle-winged Guan
A fine showing individual was watched at length at the top of the trail at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
75. Rufous-sided Crake
17th June – El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica: many were heard, often at close range, but only two were seen and even they were brief.
76. Grey-necked Wood-rail
An apparently stunned bird was found stood in the middle of the ‘road’ to Villa Rica on the 17th June. It was very approachable and did not move when a rather large truck rumbled past close by. However it made a dash for the safety of the undergrowth when some rode past on their bicycle.
El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica, produced further, but much more lively, singletons later the same day and the following evening.
77. Blackish Rail
Two were seen in the water lilies El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica where they were scoped well on the 17th June.
78. Plumbeous Rail
Four cracking birds were seen very well on the 12th June at the far end of lake Junin around the reeded area.
79. American Purple Gallinule
17th & 18th June – El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica: This was the only site that we found this species at with at least 20 being noted on both dates
80. Common Moorhen
One or two at Lake Junin on the 12th June were the first of the trip. As many as 50+ were at El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on both the 17th & 18th June. In excess of 100 birds were present at El Paraiso on the coast on both 21st & 22nd June.
81. Andean Coot
Lake Junin had 300+, which is probably an under-estimate, on the 12th June. Close scrutiny of the closer birds around the reedbeds showed the two different forms, white shield and shield with brownish spot. Five were seen from the van whilst travelling from Carpish to La Merced on the 16th June. At El Paraiso on the 21st & 22nd June, like Moorhen, was also very common here with birds estimated in the hundreds
82. Giant Coot
11th June – Santa Eulalia Valley: 10 were found on one of the small high elevation lakes
12th June – Lake Junin: surprisingly only 2 were seen here
16th June – en-route: 3 were seen from the van whilst travelling from Carpish to La Merced
21st June – Ticlio Bog: a nesting pair +1 were on the small lake here
83. Sunbittern
Irena National Park near Tingo Maria on the 13th June produced a surprise bird which was seen well from the suspension bridge as it stalked amongst the river boulders. Another bird was along the river during our morning breakfast stop on the 17th June whilst we travelled from La Merced towards Villa Rica.
This was a species that we had considered unlikely for our trip so it was very pleasing to get two.
84. Wattled Jacana
An estimated 20 were seen from the road around the edge of El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica during our afternoon/evening circuit on the 17th with 5five being distantly scoped from the Rapallo Lodge the following day.
85. American Oystercatcher
Ten were scoped at great range at El Paraiso on the 22nd June.
86. Blackish Oystercatcher*
One was seen briefly by IP during the pelagic trip out of Lima on the 9th June.
87. Black-necked Stilt
Several hundred were estimated on both the 21st & 22nd June at El Paraiso.
88. White-backed Stilt
Over 20 were found in the marshier areas on El Paraiso on 22nd June. Perhaps an even more attractive bird than Black-necked due the amount white vs black on and around the head.
89. Andean Lapwing
Surprisingly only two were seen in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. Lake Junin on the 12th June, however, had 50 which were out along the edges of the lake and over the open boggy plains nearby. Ten were in thevalley at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June and two were at Ticlio Bog on the21st June. Surprisingly three were at the coastal wetland of El Paraiso on the 22nd June which seemed out of place as all the others had been at elevation
90. Grey (Black-bellied) Plover
Five at El Paraiso on the 22nd June were the only ones of the trip
91. Semipalmated Plover
Five at El Paraiso on the 21st June were the only ones of the trip
92. Killdeer
In the region of 20 were found at El Paraiso on the 22nd June, mainly located in the marshier areas
93. Snowy Plover
21st & 22nd June – El Paraiso: 5 were seen in the evening of the 21st but 20 or more were found in the marshier areas the following morning.
94. Puna Plover
Lake Junin had five along the lake edge on the 12th June where they proved difficult to photograph
95. Diademed Sandpiper-plover
Marcapomacocha on the 11th June had a pair and three fledged juveniles were seen and watched well at this most regular of sites in perfect light. Ticlio Bog on the 21st June had one which was a bit of surprise but gave the site a cracking hat trick of birds, (DSP, White-bellied Cinclodes and Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe)
Diademed Sandpiper-plover
96. Tawny-throated Dotterel
El Paraiso had three cracking performing birds next to van as we were departing on the 22nd June
97. Puna Snipe
11th June – Santa Eulalia Valley: 2 were seen in the damp areas at around 4800metres
98. Hudsonian Godwit
El Paraiso had three distant birds in the late evening of the 21st June
99. Hudsonian Whimbrel
El Paraiso had a single birds in the evening of the 21st June and the following morning
100. Greater Yellowlegs
El Paraiso had roughly in the marshier areas of the site on the 22nd June
101. Lesser Yellowlegs
El Paraiso had ten in the marshier areas of the site on the 22nd June
102. Willet
Two flew past us at El Paraiso on the 22nd June
103. Ruddy Turnstone
At least 20 were present at El Paraiso on the 22nd June.
104. Semipalmated Sandpiper
El Paraiso had at least 50+, which were seen flying off to roost in the evening of the 21st. However only ten were seen the following morning
105. Least Sandpiper
El Paraiso had five in the marshier areas on the 22nd June
106. Wilson’s Phalarope
22nd June – Pantanos de Villa, Lima: a single bird was seen well on a pool close to the road
107. Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe
21st June – Ticlio Bog: 2 pairs were found at this location
108. Grey-breasted Seedsnipe
An estimated 15 or more birds were found at about 4800metres along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
109. Least Seedsnipe
Three were seen along the approach track to the main entrance of Lomas de Lachay on the 22nd June, which were still present when we left a couple of hours later.
110. Chilean Skua
9th June – Pelagic: up to 20 birds were seen during the day, some being the classic gingery birds whilst some were a little less distinctive.
111. South Polar Skua
9th June – Pelagic: there was one that everyone on board were happy with, contrastingly pale below. A second bird was probably an immature though there was talk on board boat by some that it could have been a Brown Skua.
112. Pomerine Skua
9th June – Pelagic: one was seen on the return leg of the trip
113. Belcher’s Gull
9th June – Pelagic: 250+ were seen during the pelagic, most being within an hour or so of land. El Paraiso has several in the evening of the 21st June with at least five the next morning.
114. Grey Gull
9th June – Pelagic: as many as 200+ were seen during the course of the days pelagic with most seen within an hour or so of land. 20 were present at El Paraiso on the 22nd June.
115. Kelp Gull
The pelagic on the 9th June had an estimated 75 with most present around the islands.100+ were seen at El Paraiso in the evening of the 21st June whilst only 20 were noted the following morning.
116. Grey-headed Gull
Only about ten were encountered during the pelagic trip on the 9th June, An estimated 40 were at El Paraiso on 21st June which increased to around d 70 next day. The best views of this gull were at Pantanos de Villa near Lima on the 22nd June were probably 8-10 birds were present on the pools viewable from the end car park.
117. Andean Gull
Ten were seen from the van during the drive through the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June, noted along larger streams and around lakes. Lake Junin on the 12th June had at least 50 on several small pools and lakes during the drive from La Oroya as well as at the main lake. 20 were noted from the van whilst travelling from Carpish to La Merced on the 16th June. The trips final birds were near Ticlo Bog on the 21st June where around 15 were again seen from the van as we passed the highest point near the bog as we travelled towards the coast.
118. Swallow-tailed Gull
A cracking winter plumaged adult made a single brief pass of the boat during the pelagic on the 9th June.
119. Sabine’s Gull
A smashing adult winter bird was, as with the Swallow-tailed Gull, all to briefly seen when it was put up from the waters surface on the return leg of the pelagic on the 9th June.
120. Gull-billed Tern
El Paraiso produced three on the 21st & 22nd June visits.
121. Royal Tern*
Five were seen distantly at El Paraiso on the 22nd June
122. South American Tern
One definite was seen briefly sitting on a piece of floating wood during the outward part of the pelagic on the 9th June. More distant terns were probably also South American’s but were to far to identify.
123. Peruvian Tern
El Paraiso produced at least 15 during the evening visit of the 21st June, most of which were seen
flying inland. Probably 20-30 were seen the following morning.
124. Inca Tern
Only encountered during the pelagic out of Lima on the 9th June where several hundred were seen, most of which were only a couple of hours from shore and around the islands
125. Black Skimmer
Seven were seen around the island during the outward leg of the pelagic on the 9th June. Upto 50 were seen distantly during the evening of the 21st June at El Paraiso whilst 200+ were present the following day, many of which were seen well.
126. Spot-winged Pigeon
Seven were seen at a regular site, a stand of tall eucalypts, in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
127. Band-tailed Pigeon
Five were present around the Polylepsis forest near La Quinua on the 12th June. Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had ten during the drive to Pozuzo on the 19th June.
128. Plumbeous Pigeon
14th June – Tingo Maria: one was heard at tingo Maria on the 14th June but we had to wait until the 20th June when we were at the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park where two were seen along the trail we birded
129. Ruddy Pigeon
Two were found along the road from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June. A further two were at the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th June.
130. Eared Dove
Probably the commonest encountered dove seen on six dates with peaks of up to 50 in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June and 60 on 22nd June at Lomas de Lachay.
131. Pacific / West Peruvian Dove
Three were seen in Lima including one outside the motel on the 9th June. The only others seen were at El Paraiso on the 21st June where at least 20 were seen during the drive along the coast.
132. Croaking Ground Dove
The first was in a tree outside the hotel in Lima on the 9th June. Another was then seen during the walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June. Further two’s were along the track up to ‘camp site’ at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June and seen from the van whilst travelling from Carpish to La Merced on the 16th June. Lomas de Lachay had at least 60, including birds heard sounding likely a bullfrog, on the 22nd June.
133. Bare-faced Ground Dove
10th June – Santa Eulalia Valley: 50 at various points along the lower valley road were the only ones of the trip
134. Ruddy Ground Dove
Ten were in the trashed habitat during our walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird Cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June.
135. Black-winged Ground Dove
10th & 11th June – Santa Eulalia Valley: 50 at various points along the lower valley road with only 5 in the upper valley the following day.
136. White-tipped Dove
100+ along the lower Santa Eulalia Valleyt road on the 10th June
137. Grey-fronted Dove
Five were seen during the walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird cave on the 14th June. Five were along the road from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June with several others around El Oconal in the afternoon. Five were in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica in the morning of the 18th June whilst several were noted along the road through Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th.
138. White-throated Quail Dove
13th June – Paty Trail: One was heard but not seen along the Paty Trail on the 13th June however one was seen well along the road from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June.
139. Blue-headed Macaw
Two were seen flying high over the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria in the evening of the 13th June.
140. White-eyed Parakeet
Ten were in the forest near the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June. Five were then were seen briefly on the way to Villa Rica on the 17th June whilst the following day six were seen briefly at the nearby Shade Coffee Plantation. The last of the trip were 20 soon after leaving Pozuzo on the outskirts of Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
141. Mountain Parakeet
Six high over the Santa Eulalia Valley, close to the junction for the Rufous-breasted Warbling Finch road, on the 10th June 6 were the only ones of the trip.
142. Blue-headed Parrot
The commonest parrot encountered. A lowland species where there were several multiple figure counts, especially in the Tingo Maria and Villa Rica areas where 40 on the 14th June and 50 on the 17th June were the respective highest counts.
143. Scaly-naped Parrot
13th June – Paty Trail: Three were seen high over the football pitch at the head of the Paty Trail on the 13th June whilst there were two at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
144. Black-winged Parrot
El Pajonal on the 20th June had one in the early evening though was seen only very briefly as it done a fly past.
145. Squirrel Cuckoo
Two of these smart cuckoos were in the forest at the back of the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 13th June. One was seen well along the road from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June during a stop for a mixed bird flock. Two equally showy birds were seen at the Shade Coffee Plantation, in the more scrubby areas, on the 18th June.
146. Smooth-billed Ani
Five were at El Oconal Marsh near Villa Rica on the 17th June with two the following day around a cattle field. Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had five on the 18th June on the edge of the forest near Pozozu.
147. Groove-billed Ani
Three were seen from the van during the drive from Oxapampa to El Paraiso on the 21st June whilst six were seen in the reed beds at Pantanos de Villa near Lima on the last day of the trip.
148. Andean Pygmy Owl
A single bird was seen well in a small stand of trees by an abandoned farm in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
149. Burrowing Owl
A pair were seen very well at Lake Junin on the 12th June where they were photographed on fence posts.
150. Tropical Screech Owl
13th June – One was spotlit well in the large tree by the rooms at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 13th June with a further 1-2 being heard here.
151. Oilbird
14th June – Tingo Maria: Approximately ten were seen in the cave about an hours ‘birding’ walk from the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria, ½ hour in a direct no stopping to look at birds walk.
152. Pauraque
One was seen well by spotlight over the more open area at the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria on the 13th June. Several birds were heard at the Rapallo Lodge near Villa Rica on the 9th & 10th June.
153. Ladder-tailed Nightjar
Five males and two females were seen extremely well in the half light under the bridge over the river as we approached the town of Pozuzo on the 19th June. These birds were included in my top 3 birds of the trip. The views were apparently amongst the best that David and Juve had had. Just marvalous.
154. White-collared Swift
A flock of at least 70 passed over the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria on the 14th June as were loading up the van. The only others seen were ten at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
155. White-tipped Swift
At least 1ten were seen whilst we were travelling to La Merced from Carpish on the 16th June and were certainly the best looking swift of the trip.
156. Andean Swift
A flock of 25 were seen over the van whilst we were having lunch near the Pygmy-owl site along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 190th June, another cracking swift species.
157. Neotropical / Fork-tailed Palm Swift
The Irena National Park near Tingo Maria had 4-6 from the suspension bridge by the entrance the park on the 13th June. Ten were over the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria on the 13th & 14th June.
158. Green Hermit
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June produced the only, brief, sighting of this species.
159. Reddish Hermit
The Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica had two during our morning visit on the 18th June which included a fine showy individual.
160. Grey-breasted Sabrewing
Two were found by the van during our morning breakfast stop by the river whilst we travelled from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June.
161. Sparkling Violet-ear
The commonest hummingbird encountered.
As many as 50 were present in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley and along the track to the warbling-finch site on the 10th June. Thereafter only five were seen, at a small gully, an Inca-finch site, whilst travelling to Huanaco on the 12th June.
162. Black-throated Mango
El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica had a male in the evening of the 15th June
163. Violet-headed Hummingbird
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had a fine singing male by the camp site along the trail we birded in the morning of the 20th June.
164. Blue-tailed Emerald
Five were along the road to Villa Rica in the morning of the 17th June whilst the Shade Coffee Plantation near the town the next morning had only one.
165. Fork-tailed Woodnymph
Irena National Park near Tingo Maria on the 13th June had one along the trail on the other side of the suspension bridge and a male was found along the road to Villa Rica on the 17th June.
166. White-bellied Hummingbird
Three were in a small gully that we search for Inca-finches on the way to Huanaco on the 12th June.
167. Sapphire-spangled Emerald
Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria had two around the grounds in the evening of the 13th June. One was then seen during the walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird cave the next morning. 17th June at El Oconal Marsh near Villa Rica had ten along the road that passes close to the lake edge. The last of the trip were at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
168. Speckled Hummingbird
The Paty Trail had three on the 13th June whilst on the 19th June at the El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica only one was seen here. Five were in the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th June.
169. Chestnut-breasted Coronet
Paty Trail: Two along the Paty Trail on the 13th June were seen wing stretching or flicking upon landing, a helpful characteristic. Only one was noted at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
170. Shining Sunbeam
Five along the mid elevational area’s of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June with birds at the cotinga site
171. Green-headed Hillstar
The Polylepsis Forest near La Quinua produced a pair were seen feeding at a flowering plant on the other side of the river on the 12th June.
172. Black-breasted Hillstar
At least five were seen feeding on flowers along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
173. Bronzy Inca
Two were at the clearing beyond the pylon along the Paty Trail on the 13th June.
174. Collared Inca
Two were along the Paty Trail on the 13th June whilst a brief bird was at the Carpish Tunnel trail on the 16th June. On the 19th & 20th June at El Pajonal three here included some fine showy individuals during both the morning and following day’s evening visits
175. Violet-throated Starfrontlet
Bosch Unchog had one along the trail where it reaches the scrub on the 15th June whilst the three at Bosch Unchog the next day performed and showed a lot better.
176. Sword-billed Hummingbird
On the 13th June at the Paty Trail a lone but stunning individual found whilst walking back up the trail
177. Great Sapphirewing
One was along the road close to the campsite at Bosch Unchog in the evening of the 14th June whilst another was down in the valley beyond the stream crossing on the 15th.
178. Giant Hummingbird
As many as 20 were seen on the 10th June along the lower Santa Eulalia Valley some putting on superb territorial display’s whilst only three were seen the following day at the cotinga site.
179. Amethyst-throated Sunangel
Carpish Tunnel had two on both the 14th & 16th June
180. Emerald-bellied Puffleg
At El Pajonal on the 19th June one was seen very briefly in the morning
181. Green-tailed Trainbearer
Three were found at a small gully whilst travelling towards Huanaco on the 12th June and a single bird was at the Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June.
182. Bronze-tailed Comet
5-7 were seen in the lower end of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
183. Tyrian Metaltail
The only birds of the trip were at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June where there were two.
184. Coppery Metailtail
6th & 7th June at Bosch Unchog produced a pair nesting in a hole in the embankment along the road near to the campsite and five lower down in the valley when we went in search of the endemics.
185. Black Metaltail
Santa Eulalia Valley had ten at the cotinga site on the 11th June.
186. Olivaceous Thornbill
Two were at Marcapomacocha on the 11th June where they were seen feeding on flowers close to the DSP’s. on the 21st June one was at Ticlio Bog briefly visiting low flowers.
187. Long-tailed Sylph
Three were seen along the Paty Trail on the 13th June whilst El Pajonal on the 19th & 20th June produced two females whilst having breakfast on the 19th with a single female in the evening of the following day.
188. Oasis Hummingbird
Surprisingly only one was seen during the whole trip, along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
189. Peruvian Sheartail
At least 12 were in the drier lower areas of the Santa Eulalia Valley in the morning on the 10th June, a cracking little hummingbird.
190. Purple-collared Woodstar
Ten were present in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
191. Little Woodstar
During a stop to look for Inca-finches on the way to Huanaco on the 12th June one of these smashing birsd put on a show in the flowering bushes.
192. Fawn-breasted Brilliant
El Pajonal on the 19th June had a single bird which proved a little tricky to identify due to it being at the top of some largish trees.
193. Golden-headed Quetzal
El Pajonal in the evening of the 20th June resulted in fine views of an immature bird.
194. Amazon Kingfisher
Two were seen along the river when we stopped for breakfast on the way to Villa Rica on the 17th June.
195. Green Kingfisher
One was along the same stretch of river as the tiger-herons near Tingo aria on the 14th June. Two were at El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica on the 17th June with one scoped distantly on the marsh from Rapallo Lodge the following day.
196. Highland Motmot
One was seen in the fading light as we on our way to Pozuzo through Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June with two the following day along the trail that we birded.
197. Bluish-fronted Jacamar
A single bird was seen poorly on the edge of the forest at the back of the Villa Jennifer grounds near Tingo Maria on the 13th June. Two at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June however showed very well in a thicket.
198. Lanceolated Monklet
A presumed pair were seen very well by the van at the end of the trail at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June. One of the highlights of the visit to this national park.
199. Rufous-capped Nunlet
A surprise bird found by Juve at the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th June was a real gem.
200. Black-fronted Nunbird
In the region of 20 were around the grounds of the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria in the evening of the 13th June.
201. Gilded Barbet
A fine pair were along the edge of the forest at the back of the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria on the 13th June. Two were found during the afternoon around the El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on the 17th June.
202. Versicoloured Barbet
A superb pair were seen well during one of the bird flocks we came across at the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
203. Chestnut-tipped Toucanet
One, the only one of the trip, showed well soon after the Versicoloured Barbets were found at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
204. Chestnut-eared Aracari
Two flew over the suspension bridge at the Irena National Park near Tingo Maria on the 13th June whilst four were in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria in the evening the same day. Two were seen during the walk to and from the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June. Four were seen and photographed along the road to Villa Rica on the 17th June.
Chestnut-eared Aracari
205. Ocellated Piculet
El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica produced two in the afternoon of the 17th June with a further two in the morning the next day at the nearby Shade Coffee Plantation. Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had 1+ which were seen well along the trail from the main ‘road’ on the 20th June.
206. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker
18th June at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica had probably about five on a dead tree, which were very vocal.
207. Little Woodpecker
Four were seen well during the walk to the Oilbird cave from the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria on the 14rh June. Two were seen amongst a bird flock on the way to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June. Four were at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
208. Bar-bellied Woodpecker
A very smart individual was seen very well in the morning during our return visit to the Carpish Tunnel trail on the 16th June.
209. Crimson-mantled Woodpecker
Two were seen very well along the Paty Trail on the 13th June, the first was part of the bird flock at the top of the trail and the second was at the clearing beyond the pylon. A brief singleton in the morning was at El Pajonal on the 19th June.
210. Black-necked Flicker
At least 2-3 were seen in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
211. Andean Flicker
A very smart woodpecker
Five were found in and around the town of Caramboma at 3200mtrs along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. Two were seen very well further up the valley in the following morning. At least ten were at Lake Junin on the 12th June where they showed well. On the 15th June at Bosch Unchog two were heard only’s.
212. Lineated Woodpecker
Two were at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June where they were seen well whilst another individual was scoped distantly on the dead trees in El Oconal Marsh from the Rapallo Lodge in the afternoon.
213. Crimson-crested Woodpecker
One was seen well in the grounds by the van at the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria, with a second bird heard only, on the 14th June.
214. Coastal Miner
One was seen in the evening of the 21st June at El Paraiso with two the following morning.
215. Greyish Miner
Approx. 15 were seen in the cactus valley on the other side of Lomas de Lachay mid morning of the 22nd June.
216. Common Miner
30+ were present on the open areas adjacent to the shore at Lake Junin on the 12th June.
217. Dark-winged Miner
Three of these wheatear-like miners were found in the field of miners and ground-tyrants along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June
218. Thick-billed Miner
Two were seen at mid elevation along the Santa Eulalai Valley on the 10th June. There were no further sightings until the last day when three were at around the boulders above the visitor centre
Lomas de Lachay.
219. Slender-billed Miner
Five were in the miner and the ground-tyrant field at about 4000metres along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
220. Plain-breasted Earthcreeper
Five of these, far better than the field guide implies, birds were seen in the miner and ground-tyrant field along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June. Two were seen by some during the drive to Lake Junin in the morning of the 12the June.
221. Striated Earthcreeper
Two were found at the cotinga site along Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June. One was then at Lake Junin on the 12th June.
222. Pale-legged Hornero
Five were seen well on the walk to the Oilbird cave from the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria as they strolled about on the paths in the trashed habitat on the 14th June
223. Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes
Three were eventually seen on the islands on our return from a day out at sea on the 9th June.
224. Bar-winged Cinclodes
Commonest of the cinclodes
Two were seen in the lower to mid elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th but there were ‘many’ the following day as we gained altitude, probably in the three figures.
At least 40 were on the open boglands adjacent to Lake Junin shore in the morning visit of the 12th June. Surprisingly only one was seen at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June. One was at Ticlio Bog on the 21st June.
225. White-winged Cinclodes
Three were along the fast flowing rivers along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the first day, 10th June, with a single bird at the cotinga site the following morning.
226. White-bellied Cinclodes
One was seen distantly early afternoon just before lunch at about 4800 metres on the 11th June. Five were then seen at Ticlio, on the small, next to the highway, bog about an hour after leaving the Diademed Sandpiper-plovers. Presumably the same five birds were seen and photographed at Ticlio Bog on the 21st June as we travelled towards the coast. One of the major highlights of the trip.
227. Streaked Tit-spinetail
Two were found at the cotinga site, along the Santa Eulalia Valley, in the scrub just above the disused paddocks on the 11th June.
228. Rusty-crowed Tit-spinetail
Singles were found along the Santa Eulali Valley on both 10th & 11th June. Two of the ‘streak-crowned’ race were found at the Polylepsis forest patch near La Quinua 12th June.
229. Wren-like Rushbird
One was heard at the reeded far end of Lake Junin on the 12th June with only one of the group getting brief view of it. Pantanos de Villa eventually gave us views of two which were seen well as they were responsive to ‘pishing’
230. Rufous Spinetail
Carpish Tunnel One was seen well at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June.
231. Azara’s Spinetail
One was heard only at El Oconal Marsh on the 17th June. Three cracking birds were seen very well along the trail by the bog at El Pajonal on the 19th June.
232. Cabanis’ Spinetail
One was seen well along the road at El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica in the evening of the 17th June. Two were found during the mornings birding at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
233. Dark-breasted Spinetail
An elusive bird at El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on the 17th June was eventually seen by some of the group well enough to identify.
234. Plain-crowed Spinetail
El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on the 17th June gave us views of two along the road around the marsh
235. Baron’s Spinetail
Four of this, probably the most striking of the Spinetails, were seen well in the Polylepsis Forest at La Quinua on the 12th June.
236. Ash-browed Spinetail
El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on the 17th June gave us a single bird which was seen feeding in a tree, quite unlike the skulking behaviour of others in the family.
237. White-chinned Thistletail
One was seen very well in a small isolated thicket down in the Bosch Unchog Valley on the 15th June.
238. Canyon Canastero
Five were found in the lower altitude areas of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June whilst, by contrast, only one was found higher up the following day.
239. Cactus Canastero
Ian found one at Lomas de Lachay on the 2nd June, which then proceeded to behave very wren like hoping over boulders with a cocked tail.
240. Streak-throated Canastero
Five were seen in the lower altitude areas of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June whilst one was at Lake Junin on the 12th June.
241. Junin Canastero
One was seen primarily in flight by the road near the three lakes through the upper part of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June
242. Line-fronted Canastero
One was seen well during walk down into the Bosch Unchog Valley on the 15th June.
243. Rusty-winged Barbtail
One was seen dismantling plants along the Paty trail just above the pylon on the 13th June.
244. Spotted Barbtail
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June produced two which were seen along the road
245. Pearled Treerunner
At least 10 were the small patch of forest just above the campsite at Bosch Unchog on the 14th June. At least 20 at least were seen, some very well, down in the valley the following morning. Five were found along the trail in the morning at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June whilst the last of the trip were at El Pajonal where two were noted in the evening of the 20th June. Smashing birds.
246. Streaked Xenops
Two were seen well along the road around El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica in the afternoon of the 17th June whilst a further two were at the Shade Coffee Plantation the next morning. At Yanachaga Chemillen National Park two were found along the road on both 19th & 20th June.
247. Montane Foliage-gleaner
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June produced two along the road in the park were the only birds of the trip
248. Streaked Tuftedcheek
2+ were in the clearing beyond the pylon along the Paty Trail on the 13th June and two were in amongst a bird flock on the 19th June at El Pajonal.
249. Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner
Yanachaga Chemillen Nationl Park on the 19th June produced a single bird briefly
250. Plain-browed Woodcreeper
Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica produced only one on the 18th June
251. Olivaceous Woodcreeper
One was found during the mornings walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June. Only one was at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
252. Lafresnaye’s Woodcreeper
One was in the forest edge at the rear of the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 13th June.
253. Olive-backed Woodcreeper
One was seen at the roadside when we came across a bird flock Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
254. Montane Woodcreeper
One was seen along the Paty Trail on the 13th June whilst one was heard on the 19th June at the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
255. Lineated Woodcreeper
One was in the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th June with another seen from the Rapallo Lodge, Villa Rica latter the same day.
256. Barred Antshrike
Two were found whilst birding the road around the El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica on the 17th June. Up to five were found around the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
257. Chestnut-backed Antshrike
18th June – Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica: two were present in the dense thicket
258. Variable Antshrike
El Pajonal had an inquisitive pair, especially the male, on the 20th June were seen in the evening
259. Plain Antvireo
Two were together along the road to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June.
260. Pygmy Antwren
Two crackers were seen well in the forest close to the Oilbird cave near Tingo Maria con the 14th June.
261. Stripe-chested Antwren
The Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica produced five superb little gems on the 18th June which were seen very/
262. Blackish Antbird
Villa Rica on the 178th June produced a cracking pair which were tape responsive along the road to the town. Further birds were heard but not seen at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park 19th June.
263. Stripe-headed Antpitta
Five were at the cotinga site along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June where they were seen well. Five were seen pretty well at the Polylepsis forest near La Quinua on the 12th June.
264.Trilling Tapaculo*
One was seen very briefly but not by everyone along the Paty Trail on the 13th June. Two more were heard calling on 19th & 20th June at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park and
265.Tschudi’s Tapaculo*
One was seen by some near the campsite at Bosch Unchog on the 14th June with several birds heard further down the valley the following day and at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June.
266. Red-crested Cotinga
A single bird was seen well from the van as we departed the campsite at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June.
267. Bay-vented Cotinga
Four were in the valley at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June, which included a rather showy individual
268. White-cheeked Cotinga
Five were up the scree at the Santa Eulalia Valeyu stakeout on the 11th June, about an hour out of Caramboma
269. Band-tailed Fruiteater
El Pajonal gave us 1 or 2 along a rather wet and muddy trail at El Pajonal in the late afternoon of the 20th June.
270. Barred Fruiteater
1-2 were seen on the 14th June at the Carpish Tunnel including a female that performed well, probably close to its nest whilst one, presumed the same bird, was seen briefly as it flew along the track on the return visit on the 16th June.
271. Amazonian Umbrellabird
One was seen along the road through the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park in the late afternoon, however two were probably present
272. Andean Cock-of-the Rock
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park: had three males, which were seen extremely well, at the evening lek on the 19th June. The following morning 3-4 males and 1-2 females were seen along the road but proved a little more flighty. Magic.
Andean Cock-of-the Rock
273. Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet
Two were seen at the breakfast stop by the river whilst travelling to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June whilst one was at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
274. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet
14th June – Tingo Maria: One was seen when visiting the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June and one was at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th.
275. White-crested Elaenia
Four were seen along a dry and dusty trail on the 16th June, which was a stop to look for Inca Finch whilst were travelled to La Merced from Carpish.
276. Small-billed Elaenia
El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica had a number of elanias along the road around the marsh with three being identified as this species
277. Large Elaenia
El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica had at least ten along the road around El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica on the 17th June.
278. Torrent Tyrannulet
One was seen by SA whilst off along the river photographing Sunbittern at the Irena National Park near Tingo Maria on the 13th June. Two were seen on a small flooded stream at El Pajonal on the 19th June with one still there the following day.
279. Streak-necked Flycatcher
One was along the Paty Trail on the 13thJune and two were in a mixed bird flock along the road to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June.
280. Olive-striped Flycatcher
Two were in a mixed bird flock along the road to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June and two were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
281. Inca Flycatcher
One was seen by only a few of the group at El Pajonal on the 19th June. At least three were along the road at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
282. Sepia-capped Flycatcher
One was in the forest near the Oilbird cave, Tingo Maria on the 14th June was the only bird of the trip
283. Slaty-capped Flycatcher
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had 1+ along the forest road on the 20th June.
284. Rufous-headed Pygmy-tyrant
Two were seen along the road to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June
285. Marble-faced Bristle-tyrant
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park produced two amongst a bird flock along the road on the 19th June with one the following day.
286. Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had two along the road on the 20th Jun e which added to the tyrannulet list.
287. Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet
Two were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June with one the following day.
288. Black-capped Tyrannulet
After hearing one for some time it was eventually tracked down by the pylon along the Paty Trail on the 13th June. Two were along the trail at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June.
289.Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet*
One was seen briefly at the Polylepsis Forest at La Quinua on the 12th June.
290. Peruvian Tyrannulet
10+ of these distinctively sounding tyrannulets were seen around the clearing beyond the pylon along the Paty Trail on the 13th June.
291. White-throated Tyrannulet
15 were in the Bosch Unchog Valley immediately below the campsite at the top of the track in the late afternoon of the 14th June wi3th ten found further down the valley the following day.
292. White-tailed Tyrannulet
One was along the Paty Trail on the 13th June.
One was seen by some on the 19th as we travelled through the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June with two there the following morning.
293. Ashy-headed Tyrannulet
The Paty Trail produced a single bird by the clearing beyond the pylon on the 13th June.
294. Sooty-headed Tyrannulet
One was at the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th June was a Peru tick for our guide David
295. Unstreaked Tit-tyrant
One was seen at the Carpish Tunnel very briefly by some of the group on the 14th with two seen very well by everyone on our return visit two days later
296.Black-crested Tit-tyrant*
Two were by the river at the Polylepsis Forest at La Quinua on the 12th June
297. Pied-crested Tit-tyrant
Santa Eulalia Valley had ten at various points through the lower valley on the 10th June whilst the upper valley by contrast had only one the next day.
298. Yellow-billed Tit-tyrant
Five were in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June whilst two were found at a stop whilst en-route to La Merced from Carpish on the 16th June.
299. Tufted Tit-tyrant
Eight were at the Polylepsis Forest near La Quinua on the 12th June. Bosch Unchog had one close to the camp site at the end of the track
300. Many-coloured Rush-tyrant
12th June – Lake Junin: at least 15 of these gems were seen at the reeded end of the lake. Several were seen feeding out in the open on the weed.
301. White-bellied Pygmy-tyrant
Three, including a pair, showed well along the road around the El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica, on the 17th June.
302. Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park: produced two along the road on the 19th June whilst a single was seen the following day along the birding trail
303. Rusty-fronted Tody-flycatcher
A single bird was seen at the forest at the rear of the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria on the 13th June. Two were along the road from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June and one was on the 18th June at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica.
304. Pearly-vented Tody-tyrant
Two were along the road around El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on the 17th June.
305. Black-and-white Tody-tyrant
A cracking pair were found in the forest a few metres from the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June, stunners.
306. Common Tody-flycatcher
One was in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria on the 13th Jun. On the 17th June ten were at El Oconal Marsh near Villa Rica and five were seen the during the morning visit to the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
307. Yellow-browed Tody-flycatcher
A real stunner was found lingering in a bush at eye level, unusual for the species, on the other side of the Irena National Park near Tingo Maria on the 13th June. One at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June did not perform to the standard of the previous bird.
308. Plumbeous-crowed Tyrannulet
Two were at El Pajonal in the morning of the 19th June
309. Yellow-olive Flycatcher
One was seen in the afternoon at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June whilst a further five were found here the following morning
310. Yellow-margined Flycatcher
Two were at the Carpish Tunnel on the 14th June whilst a further two were at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
311.Grey-crowned Flycatcher*
A presumed pair were found along the Paty Trail on the 13th June
312. Yellow-breasted Flycatcher
A pair were found in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria in the evening of the 13th June. One was then seen the following morning during the walk to the Oilbird Cave. The 18th June gave us ten at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica.
313. Grey-crowned Flycatcher*
13th June – Paty Trail: a pair was seen by some of the group
314. Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher
Four were seen in the valley below Bosch Unchog on the 15th June
315. Bran-coloured Flycatcher –
El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica produced one along the road around the marsh on the 17th June
316. Cinnamon Flycatcher
This endearing flycatcher was first seen at the clearing below the pylon along the Paty Trail on the 13th June where at least five were noted. Two were in the valley at Bosch Unchog on the 14th June near the campsite. One was in deforested habitat along the road to Villa Rica on the 17th June whilst the last of the trip were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th.
317. Smoke-coloured Pewee
Of the three seen at Carpish Tunnel on the 13th June none were seen particularly well which the same can also be said of the one seen perched high up on an exposed branch at El Pajonal on the 19th June.
318. Black Phoebe
On the 13th June Irena National Park had five along the river and along the faster moving streams on the other side of the suspension bridge. One was along the river near the town of Tingo Maria on the 14th June though was distant. One was along a stream whilst travelling to the town of Villa Rica on the 17th June. Two were seen at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on both the 19th & 20th June.
319. Vermillion Flycatcher
A rather high and out of place female was found along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica gave us two males in the evening using the dead trees to fly catch from however it was Lomas de Lachay on the 22nd June that gave us the largest numbers with in the region of 20-25 being seen well here. A final couple were at Pantanos de Villa near Lima later the same day.
320. Peruvian Chat-tyrant
A single elusive bird here was only seen by a few of the group in the lower valley at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June.
321.Golden-crowned Chat-tyrant*
A single bird was seen very briefly by some of us at El Pajonal on the 19th June.
322. D’Orbigny’s Chat-tyrant
Approx. five of these very smart chat-tyrants were seen at the cotinga site along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
323. Rufous-breasted Chat-tyrant
Two were along the road by the campsite at Bosch Unchog in the evening on the 14th June with up to eight down in the valley the following morning
324. Brown-backed Chat-tyrant
Bosch Unchog: Four were along the road near the campsite at Bosch Unchog on the 14th June.
325. White-browed Chat-tyrant
20 of these under rated birds were seen in the lower altitude areas of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June whilst, by contrast, only one was seen the next day further up the valley. On the 12th June at La Quinua five were at the Polylepsis Forest.
326. Red-rumped Bush-tyrant
Three crackers, resembling Rock Thrushes, were in the open plain during the return walk to the campsite at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June.
327. Streak-throated Bush-tyrant
The only bird of the trip was found along the dusty track through the villages up to where we would camp for the night at Bosch Unchog on the 14th June.
328. Smoky Bush-tyrant
16th June – Carpish Tunnel: a lone bird here was the only one of the trip
329. Rufous-bellied Bush-tyrant
Another smart and under rated bird was along the road by the stunted forest at El Pajonal on the 19th June with probably a pair here the following day.
330. Black-billed Shrike-tyrant
Two were seen from the van by some of the group as were approached one of the highest points in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June. Five were present, including a couple around the building, around the edges of Lake Junin on the 12th June.
331. Rufous-webbed Tyrant
A single and rather attractive bird was found in the Polylepsis Forest at La Quinua on the 12th June.
332. Little Ground-tyrant
17th & 18th June – Villa Rica: 5 were present on both days in the grounds of the Rapolla Lodge
333. Spot-billed Ground-tyrant
12 were present in the lower parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June with only 2 further up the following morning
334. Rufous-naped Ground-tyrant
One was identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 19th June.
335. Puna Ground-tyrant
Two were identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June. One was at Ticlio Bog on the 21st June.
336. White-browed Ground-tyrant
Five were identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 19th June.
337. Taczanowski’s Ground-tyrant
Ten were identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June. Despite there being prime looking ground-tyrant habitat around Lake Junin this was the only ground-tyrant to be found here and then only one bird on the 12th June.
338. Cinereous Ground-tyrant
Ten were identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 19th June.
339. White-fronted Ground-tyrant
Ten were identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June. The only other birds seen were two at Ticlio Bog on the 21st June.
340. Ochre-naped Ground-tyrant
20 of this large ground-tyrant were identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia valley on the 11th June.
341. Black-fronted Ground-tyrant
Only one was identified amongst the numerous ground-tyrants in the mid to high elevation parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
342. Short-tailed Field-tyrant
22nd June – Lomas de Lachay: One smart individual was located in the cactus valley
343. Andean Negrito
Was only found at Lake Junin on 12th June where it was common with at least 40 birds present on the open ground at the lake edges
344. Rufous-tailed Tyrant
Two at El Pajonal on the 19th were found along the road where they were seen well
345. Long-tailed Tyrant
Two were seen along the road to Villa Rica on the 17th June whilst we travelled from La Merced.
18th June saw two in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica.
346. Dusky-capped Flycatcher
The Paty Trail had two on the 13th June and nearby Carpish Tunnel had one on our second visit there on the 16th. Finally El Pajonal had 1+ on the 19th June.
347. Short-crested Flycatcher
The only one of the trip was during walk to and from the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14tgh June
348. Great Kiskadee
Irena National Park produced the only birds of the trip with two along the river seen from the suspension bridge on the 13th June.
349. Social Flycatcher
The Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria had five in the grounds in the evening of the 13th June whilst five were seen during the walk and from the Oilbird cave the following morning. Another five were noted from the van whilst travelling to La Merced from Carpish on the 16th and El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica had ten on the 17th. The Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica had the final five of the trip on the 18th June.
350. Lemon-browed Flycatcher
Poor and distant views of three at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June were followed by much better views at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
351. Golden-crowned Flycatcher
Two were along the trail to the campsite at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
352. Streaked Flycatcher
Two were on the edge of the forest behind the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria in the evening of the 13th whilst two more were seen during the walk to the Oilbird cave the following morning
353. Variegated Flycatcher
This species, similar in appearance to Streaked Flycatcher was found at the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th June where at least 3 were present and showed well
354. Tropical Kingbird
A fairly widespread species, typically found at lower, more humid altitudes. This large flycatcher was seen on 9 dates with 20 birds seen daily between 16th and 18th June in and around the Villa Rica area.
355. Barred Becard
Two were in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria on the 13th June.
356. White-winged Becard
13th June – Villa Jennifer near Tingo Maria had five in the evening of the 13th June whilst two were seen the following morning whilst trampsing up to the Oilbird Cave. Singles were then at Villa Rica on both the 17th & 18th June.
357. Masked Tityra
The only bird of the trip that was seen well was at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria in the evening of the 13th June whilst an additional bird on 17th June at El Oconal was only seen by a few of the group.
358. Blue-and-white Swallow
A common and widespread swallow being found firstly at the Polylepsis forest neat La Quinua where 20 at least were present. Thereafter daily double figures were seen up to the last day of the trip. The peak was of at least 150 on the 19th June.
359. Brown-bellied Swallow
The first was seen along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. Two flew past the cotinga site along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June followed by a further 4 further up the valley later the same day. 40 were found across two sites on the 12th June, a small mountain lake beside the road and at the roadside stop by the Polylepsis Forest near La Quinua. Singles were then seen on the 16th June whilst travelling from Carpish towards La Merced and Ticlio Bog on the 21st.
360. Pale-footed Swallow
Five were at El Pajonal on the 19th June.
361. White-banded Swallow
Two were seen from the suspension bridge at Irena National Park on the 13th June whilst our riverside stop whilst travelling from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June resulted in at least
362. Andean Swallow
15 were found amongst the other swallows present over the river by the Polylepsis forest patch on near La Quinua on the 12th June. The final birds seen were at Ticlio Bog on the 21st June where six were noted.
363. Southern Rough-winged Swallow
Irena National Park near Tingo Maria produced the first of the trip on the 13th June with ten around the suspension bridge. 100 were at El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica on the 17th & 18th June whilst Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had five on the 19th June.
364. Correndera Pipit
Several pipits were seen at Lake Junin on the 12th June however only one was identified with any certainty as a Correndera.
365. Paramo Pipit
Of the several pipits present at Lake Junin on the 12th June two were identified as this species. Further Paramo Pipits were found on the 15th June at Bosch Unchog when we were walking back to the van from spending the morning down in the valley
366. Yellowish Pipit
At least 15 were seen and seen well at times around the marshier edges of the bay at El Paraiso
on 22nd June.
367. White-capped Dipper
Five were seen well along the fast flowing white water rivers of the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. Two were also seen very well at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June as we crossed the rickety bridge of a fast flowing stream at the bottom of the trail near the campsite.
368. Thrush-like Wren
Four were seen whilst birding around the Shade Coffee Plantations at Villa Rica on the 18th June
369. Fasciated Wren
Five were seen very well close to the roadside on the 16th June whilst travelling through dry country between Carpish Tunnel and La Merced. David heard a bird as we travelled along the highway which we stopped for and the result was superb views of the only birds of the trip.
370. Peruvian Wren
This species proved elusive with one being seen along the Paty Trail by LE on the 13th June. There were no further sightings until the 16th June when 5 were eventually seen well along the trail.
371. Coraya Wren
Three were seen well along the road around the El Oconal Marsh on the 17th June.
372. House Wren
Fairly abundant and widespread with birds in different areas showing different colour phases, paler at higher altitudes than those found in more humid lowland habitats.
373. Mountain Wren
Birds were heard along the road at El Pajonal on the 19th June with two seen the following evening along the same stretch of road.
374. Grey-breasted Wood Wren
Three were along the Paty Trail, a couple of which were seen well singing. Two were also heard on the 20th June at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
375. Sedge Wren
Three were seen well by an isolated thicket in the valley at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June
376. Long-tailed Mockingbird
Surprisingly uncommon with five on 10th June in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley with the only other bird seen being a singleton along the road from Pozuzo through the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on 21st June.
377. White-eared Solitare
Two crackers were seen along the Paty Trail on the 13th June with a single on 19th June at El Pajonal.
378. Chiguanco thrush
The commonest and most widespread thrush encountered with the vast majority found at higher elevations, i.e. Santa Eulalia Valley where 20 were seen on the 11th and 25 on the 12th June.
379. Great Thrush
The first birds were seen at the Polylepsis forest patch at La Quinua where six were found on 4th June. Two were then seen on 13th at the Paty Trail, 15th at Bosch Unchog, 16th at Carpish Tunnel and 21st June at El Paraiso whilst five at Bosch Unchog, along the road near the campsite 14th June.
380. Glossy Black Thrush
Between one and three were seen well along the Paty Trail on the 13th June. A single bird was heard on the 20th June along the road at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
381. Black-billed Thrush
Two were in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 13th June. Five were seen the following morning whilst walking to the Oilbird cave from the Villa Jennifer. Several others were heard during the following week whilst the only other birds that were seen at the Shade Coffee Plantation, Villa Rica on the 18th June.
382. Green Jay
Three were seen well for a short time in the grounds of the Rapolla Lodge at Villa Rica on the 17th June with several heard the following day.
383. Violaceous Jay
Three were in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria on the 13th June with presumably the same three were seen again here the following morning.
384. House Sparrow
Fairly common around towns and villages
385. Red-eyed Vireo
Four were at the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria on the 13th June with five the following day during the walk to the Oilbird Cave. Ten were then seen around the El Oconal Marsh during the late afternoon and evening of the 17th June. As many as 30 were in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica the following morning. The last bird of the trip was a singleton in a mixed bird flock at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
It was noted that these resident birds differed in appearance to the migratory birds that breed in North America in that they were overall paler, lacking the rich olive tones and bold facial pattern.
386. Olivaceous Greenlet
Ten were around the El Oconal Marsh on the 17th June with 20 the next morning at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica.
387. Rufous-browed Peppershrike
A singing adult, reminiscent of a Mistle Thrush, and an immature were seen along the road around the El Oconal Marsh on 17th June. Four were seen the following morning in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica.
388. Hooded Siskin
In excess of 100 were seen along the road during travelling through the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. Thereafter three were seen at the Polylepsis forest at La Quinua on the 12th June and two at Bosch Unchog on 14th & 15th June.
389. Black Siskin
Ten smart individuals were seen well along the Santa Eulalia Valley above Caramboma on the 11th June.
390. Yellow-rumped Siskin
The only bird of the trip was along the road along the Santa Eulalia Valley on 11th June. Given the numbers of siskins in the valley this is probably not a true reflection of the species status here.
391. Tropical Parula
The first to be seen were along the road between La Merced and Villa Rica on the 17th June where 2 were seen well. A very bright and showy eye-level bird was found along the road around the El Oconal Marsh in the late afternoon. Three were in the Shade Coffee Plantation the following morning whilst the last bird of the trip was on the 20th at Yanachaga Chemillen as part of a mixed bird flock.
392. Masked Yellowthroat
The only one of the trip was in the evening of the 18th June when were along the track below the Rapolla Lodge along the edge of the El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica. This bird was only seen briefly.
393. Slate-throated Whitestart
The only birds of the trip were found at El Pajonal where five were seen on both 19th and 20th June.
394. Spectacled Whitestart
This smart species was more widely distributed than Slate-throated Whitestart and in higher numbers. 20 were along the Paty Trail on the 13th June whilst ten were at Carpish the following day. Apart from ten on 19th June at El Pajonal, often in the company of Slate-throateds, five were at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June and three were at El Pajonal in the late afternoon of the 20th June.
395. Citrine Warbler
Five were at the Paty Trail, including the first and best viewed right by the highway in a small bush on the 13th June. A further four were then seen at various spots along the trail. Ten were then at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th.
396. Russet-crowned Warbler
Singles were seen very briefly by various members of the group on the 13th June along the Paty Trail and on the 19th June along the road through Yanachaga Chemillen National Park. On the 21st June, however, one was seen well by everyone giving prolonged views at El Pajonal.
397. Three-striped Warbler
Was only found at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park where one was seen on the 20th June and two the following morning including a fine showy bird.
398. Buff-rumped Warbler
At least eight were seen during the walk from the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria to the Oilbird cave on the morning of the 14th June. Often several could be seen together.
399. Bananaquit
Five were seen around the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria area on the 13th & 14th June. The highest count of the trip came from the road to Villa Rica and around the El Oconal Marsh on the 17th June where at least 20 were noted.
Ten were in the Shade Coffee Plantation the following day whilst the last of the trip, two, were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
400. Cinerous Conebill
15 were present in the lower part of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June whilst one was found at the cotinga site the following day
401. Blue-backed Conebill
Five were seen at Carpish Tunnel on both the 14th & 16th June.
402. Capped Conebill
Ten were along the Paty Trail on the13th June whilst the only other birds found were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on 19th June where five were seen.
403. Giant Conebill
12th June saw six of these high prized conebills at the Polylepsis Forest patch adjacent to the highway at La Quinua. An outstanding bird that eventually gave itself up with superb views obtained.
404. Black-faced Tanager
Only found at El Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica on the 17th June where at least ten were seen from the road.
405. Magpie Tanager
The first bird, at the edge of the forest at the back of the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria, on the 13th June was an absolute stunner. Subsequent birds were seen along the road to Villa Rica on the 17th June where two were found and one heard at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
406. Grass-green Tanager
Two were along the Paty Trail on the 13th June though the views were not great. Two were then at Carpish Tunnel the following day. Five were then at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June which showed superbly.
407. Common Bush Tanager
The Paty Trail had five on the 13th June whilst Yanachaga Chemillen National Park had ten on both the 19th & 20th June.
408. Yellow-whiskered Bush Tanager
A single bird was identified amongst the Common Bush-tanagers at Yanachaga Chemillen on the 20th June.
409. Yellow-throated Bush Tanager
At least five were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on both 19th & 20th June
410. Grey-hooded Bush Tanager
Apart from two along the Paty Trail on the 13th June two were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
411. White-browed Hemispingus
Five of this endemic were seen well along the Paty Trail on the 13th June whilst one was at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June.
412. Superciliaried Hemispingus
The only birds of the trip were two at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June.
413. Oleaginous Hemispingus
Two of this tongue twisting bird were along the Paty Trail on the 13th June.
414. Black-eared Hemispingus
Ten along the Paty Trail on the 13th June complimented the other Hemispingus species here.
415. Rufous-browed Hemispingus
Two of the difficult to come by species were seen well along the lower part of the trail down into the Bosch Unchog valley on the 15th June.
416. Rufous-chested Tanager
Six were found in the drier lower areas of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
417. Brown-flanked Tanager
Two were eventually found in a small gully on the 12th June whilst searching a site for Inca-finch near Huanaco.
418. Orange-headed Tanager
Four were found along the river breakfast stop along the road to Villa Rica from La Merced on the 07th June.
419. Guira Tanager
A female at the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June was the only one of the trip and even then it was not seen by everyone.
420. Yellow-crested Tanager
On lone bird was amongst a mixed bird flock at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
421. Hepatic Tanager
A female was in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
422. White-winged Tanager
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park provided the only sightings of this stunning tanager with two males and a female on the 19th June and two males the following morning.
423. Huallaga Tanager
Apart from one just the other side of the suspension bridge at Irena National Park all the others on the 11th June were at the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria where three stunners were found. Ten the following day were noted during the walk to and from the Oilbird cave.
424. Silver-beaked Tanager
This very similar species to the Huallaga Tanager was much more numerous and widespread with the highest numbers being 50+ on the 17th June in and around the Villa Rica areas. 30 were in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica the next morning. Yanachaga Chemillen National Park logged ten on the 19th June with 5+ the following morning.
425. Blue-grey Tanager
Perhaps the most widespread lowland tanager species, this form is noted in having a white wing panel. Ten were seen at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 13th June with the same numbers estimated the following day during the walk to the Oilbird cave. Five were at Carpish on the 16th June whilst numbers again increase in the lowland areas around Villa Rica on the 17th June when 20 were found. Ten were around the Shade Coffee Plantations on the 18th, which was followed by the last birds of the trip being at least five on the 20th June at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
426. Blue-capped Tanager
Up to 20 were along the Paty Trail, especially at the clearing beyond the pylon. Five were then at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on both the 19th & 20th June.
427. Blue-and-yellow Tanager
Ten were found in the drier lower parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
428. Palm Tanager
Ten were around the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 13th June with five the following morning during the walk to the Oilbird cave. Two were then noted on the 16th, 17th & 18th June.
429. Hooded Mountain-tanager
The first was a brief bird amongst the mixed flock at the top of the Paty Trail on the 13th June. This was followed by two more showy individuals along the Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June. The last of the trip was one at El Pajonal on the 20th June.
430. Golden-backed Mountain-tanager
The Holy Grail came in the form of three huge fireworks that spent 5-10 minutes in the trees at the bottom of the Bosch Unchog Valley on the 15th June. Just amazing.
431. Lacrimose Mountain-tanager
One at the Paty Trail on the 13th June was followed by five at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th. A surprisingly low return on this tanager.
432. Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager
Only encountered at Bosch Unchog on the 14th & 15th June. The first of these stunning birds were back along the road from the campsite in the evening of the 14th where three were seen. The following morning further down the valley up to ten were seen putting on a show.
433. Blue-winged Mountain-tanager
Three were along the Paty Trail on the 13th June whilst the only other bird seen was at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June where it was seen very well in a roving bird flock by the road.
434. Yellow-throated Tanager
Two were amongst the mixed tanager flock at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
435. Golden-collared Tanager
Three were seen well along the trail down in the Bosch Unchog valley on the 15th June.
436. Yellow-scarfed Tanager
Five were seen extremely well on our second visit to Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June whilst two were at El Pajonal on the 19th June and a final bird back here the following day.
437. Buff-breasted Mountain-tanager
Two of this, perhaps the dullest of the mountain-tanagers encountered, if that was possible, were seen well along the Carpish Tunnel trail on the 16th June in amongst a mixed flock.
438. Chestnut-bellied Mountain-tanager
One, perhaps two, were along the trail in the valley at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June where it/they showed well. Two were also seen well the following day when we returned to the Carpish Tunnel trail.
439. Fawn-breasted Tanager
One was at El Oconal Marsh near Villa Rica in the late afternoon of the 17th June with two the following day at the Shade Coffee Plantations nearby.
440. Thick-billed Euphonia
One was at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria in the evening of the 13th June whilst five were noted during the walk to the Oilbird cave next day. A female was along the road towards Villa Rica from La Merced on the 17th June whilst the last of the trip was on the 20th June at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
441. Bronze-green Euphonia
Only seen at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on 20th June where we had five
442. White-lored Euphonia
Singles were seen on the 13th June at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria and the next morning during the walk to the Oilbird cave.
443. Orange-bellied Euphonia
One at the Paty Trail on the 13th June was not seen by everyone however the pair outside the entrance to the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria next morning were seen well by everyone.
444. Blue-naped Chlorophonia
Three were along the trail on the 20th June at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park.
445. Orange-eared Tanager
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park produced three of these sparkling green tanagers on the 19th June with five there the following morning.
446. Paradise Tanager
Perhaps one of the disappointments of the trip was that no really good views of these amazing birds were to be had. The first, 5+, were along the road between La Merced and Villa Rica on the 17th June. At least five were in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June. Reasonable views of the 15 or so at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June left us wanting more.
447. Green-and-gold Tanager
Three at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June kept the tanager momentum going for this superb forest.
448. Golden-eared Tanager
Three were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
449. Flame-faced Tanager
Five were at the clearing beyond the pylon at the Paty Trail on the 13th June. It wasn’t until we reached El Pajonal that were had further sightings of this excellent tanager with two on the 19th and one on the 20th June.
450. Yellow-bellied Tanager
Two were at Tingo Maria in the morning of the 14th June whilst one was at Villa Rica on the 17th. Two were then at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
451. Rufous-crested Tanager*
A brief and solitary individual was seen during a manic few minutes when a good-sized mixed bird flock passed us by at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
452. Spotted Tanager
The only one of the trip was along the road between La Merced and Villa Rica on the 17th June when we came across a mixed bird flock.
453. Bay-headed Tanager
A difficult to come by species with three at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June being the only birds seen.
454. Blue-browed Tanager
Three stunners put on a show with other tanager species in a mixed flock along the road through the forest at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
455. Blue-necked Tanager
Two crackers at the clearing along the Paty Trail on the 13th June were matched by two the following morning during the walk to the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria. 10+ were then along the road that boarded the El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica on the 17th June. Five were still in the Villa Rica area at the Shade Coffee Plantation the following morning. The last two were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June/
456. Blue-and-black Tanager
Five were along the Paty Trail on the 11th June whilst one was at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
457. Silver-backed Tanager
An extremely brief and not seen by everyone bird was along the road at El Pajonal on the 19th June.
458. Golden-collared Honeycreeper
Yanachaga Chemillen National Park again produced the goods on the 20th June when five of these stunners were found.
459. Black-faced Dacnis
Two were along the road between La Merced and Villa Rica on the 17th June and six were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
460. Purple Honeycreeper
A stunning but all to brief male was along the trail to the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 14th June.
461. Plushcap
The Paty Trail had a brief bird on the 13th June in the bird flock at the trail where it showed very well for less than a minute. One was then at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June but was even briefer.
462. Pardusco
Probably gets the vote as dullest bird of the trip. Four were found at Bosch Unchog on the 15th June where the trail comes out into the open after the stream crossing in the ‘forest’ patch.
463. Peruvian Sierra-finch
The first birds were encountered around the town of Caramboma at about 3200mtrs in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June where at least ten were present in a small-cropped field on the edge of town. The following day 20 were seen along the upper valley. A further ten were seen at various points around Lake Junin on the 12th June.
464. Mourning Sierra-finch
A common species in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June where there were well over 100. Only 20 were seen by contrast in the upper part of the valley the following day.
465. Plumbeous sierra-finch
In the region of 20 were seen the high elevational parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June whilst the only other birds encountered were a pair at Ticlio Bog on the 21st June.
466. Ash-breasted Sierra-finch
Five at Caramboma in the central Santa Eulalia Valley had five on the 10th June whilst 50 were noted in a very birdy field further up the valley the next day. Numbers then dropped back to five up around Lake Junin on the 12th June.
467. White-winged Duica-finch
Ten were in the upper parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 12th June whilst the only other birds noted were two heard only’s on the 21st June at Ticlio Bog.
468. Great Inca-finch
Three were found on our first day, 10th June, in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley just past the turn off to ‘the bridge’.
469. Rufous-breasted Warbling-finch
10th June: one was eventually seen in the lower parts of the valley at a well-visited stake out.
470. Blue-black Grassquit
The first was a displaying male on the 14th June at Tingo Maria during the walk from the Villa Jennifer to the Oilbird Cave. We had to wait until the 17th June before we saw any further birds when ten were at Villa Rica. Five were seen the following day. The final birds were five on the 22nd June at Pantanos de Villa near Lima.
471. Black-and-white Seedeater
A single bird was seen a by some in the grounds of the Rapolla Lodge at Villa Rica on the 17th June which had increased to five, when seen by everyone, the next day.
472. Yellow-bellied Seedeater
Five were seen in small fields and cleared areas adjacent to the El Oconal Marsh at Villa Rica on the 17th June whilst only one was seen the following day.
473. Chestnut-bellied Seedeater
A male and a female put on a show at the riverside breakfast stop on the way from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June. Several further males were seen from the road around the El Oconal Marsh later the same day.
474. Chestnut-bellied Seed-finch
This smart finch was first seen in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer at Tingo Maria on the 13th June where three were in a small bush beside the path. Five were present in the same location the following morning.
475. Band-tailed Seedeater
Numbers were high in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley where at least 50 were found on the 10th June.
476. Plain-coloured Seedeater
The only bird of the trip, probably overlooked more than anything, was in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
477. Dull-coloured Grassquit
A singing tail-less bird was found in the Shade Coffee Plantation near Villa Rica on the 18th June.
478. Rusty Flowerpiercer
The only bird of the trip was on the scree just above the cotinga site along the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
479. Moustached Flowerpiercer
Five were at Bosch Unchog in the evening of the 14th June with another two in the valley the next morning. Two were at Carpish Tunnel on the second visit on 16th June. One, a different form, showed very well at El Pajonal on the 19th June along the trail past the ‘pool’.
480. Black-throated Flowerpiercer
Only one was seen during the trip, in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
481. Deep-blue Flowerpiercer
A cracker was along the road at El Pajonal on the 20th June
482. Bluish Flowerpiercer
One was along the road, along the stretch that is more open, in the late afternoon of the 20th June.
483. Masked Flowerpiercer
One was Carpish Tunnel briefly on the 14th June. Two were at Carpish Tunnel on our return visit on the 16th June. The final two were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 19th June.
484. Grassland Yellow-finch
Individuals totalling five birds were seen around the marshy fringes of El Paraiso on the 22nd June.
485. Bright-rumped Yellow-finch
The upper reaches of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June produced large flocks with an estimated minimum of around 200+. Numbers fell drastically the following day when only ten were seen.
486. Greenish Yellow-finch
Five were in the drier lower parts of the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June.
487. Raimondi’s Yellow-finch
The Cactus valley of Lomas de Lachay on the last day,, the 22nd June, gave us a flighty flock of about ten birds, though they were never seen on the ground.
488. Red-capped Cardinal
Two crackers were found by the mornings riverside breakfast stop whilst travelling from La Merced to Villa Rica on the 17th June with an additional bird along the road around el Oconal Marsh, Villa Rica later the same day. The only other bird seen was one the next day at the Shade Coffee Plantation.
489. Tricoloured Brush-finch
Five were at El Pajonal in the morning of the 19th June.
490. Slaty Brush-finch
One was at Bosch Unchog, just back along the road from the campsite, on the 14th June. Two were then found at Carpish Tunnel on the 16th June where they showed well.
491. Rusty-bellied Brush-finch
A commonish bird in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley with around 50 estimated for the 10th June. 15 were seen the following day around the cotinga site.
492. Yellow-browed Sparrow
Three were found amongst the commoner Rufous-collared Sparrows in the grounds of the Rapolla Lodge at Villa Rica on the 17th June. Two were in the Shade Coffee Plantation the next day with the final bird being at El Pajonal on the 19th June.
493. Rufous-collared Sparrow
A common and widespread species seen every day throughout the trip, i.e. 50 in the Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June. Was infact the first bird to make it onto the trip list if you count the singing pre-dawn birds in Lima on the 9th June.
494. Greyish Saltator
Two were in the trashed habitat that we passed through as we made our way to the Oilbird cave from the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria on the 14th June.
495. Buff-throated Saltator
One was found during the walk from the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria to the Oilbird on the 14th June. Two were along the road around the El Oconal Marsh near Villa Rica. The last bird was at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on 20th June.
496. Golden-billed Saltator
Six were in the Polylepsis forest patch at La Quinua on the 12th June.
497. Golden-bellied Grosbeak
Ten were in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June with one found at a stop when looking for Inca-finches whilst travelling towards Tingo Maria on the 13th June.
498. Yellow-hooded Blackbird
A male and female were found at the wetlands at Pantanos de Villa on the outskirts of Lima on the 22nd June. These birds are considered of possible escaped heritage but have a self-sustaining population.
499. Peruvian Meadowlark
The first was along the dusty track when we were coming down from the campsite at Bosch Unchog in the afternoon of the 15th June. No further birds were seen until 30 at Lomas de Lachay on the 22nd June.
500. Scrub Blackbird
Ten on the edge of a small village in the lower Santa Eulalia Valley on the 10th June were surprisingly the only birds of the whole trip.
501. Giant Cowbird
One was at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria in the evening of the 13th June.
502. Yellow-rumped Cacique
Fairly abundant in the lowland Tingo Maria area with 40 around the Villa Jennifer alone on the 13th June. Five were in the Shade Coffee Plantation on the 18th June.
503. Solitary Cacique
Three were seen together in tree after being picked up by Juve at the end of the trail when we were returning from the Oilbird cave at Tingo Maria on the 15th June
504. Crested Oropendola
One on the 13th June at the Villa Jennifer, Tingo Maria and two were at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park shortly after we left the town of Pozuzo.
505. Dusky-green Oropendola
Six were along the road through Yanachaga Chemillen National park on the 19th June with ten there on the return drive the following morning.
506. Russet-backed Oropendola
Commonest of the Oropendola. The first were seen flying over the river at the Irena National Park near Tingo Maria on the 13th June with 3-4 in the grounds of the Villa Jennifer latter the same evening. Up to eight were at Villa Rica on the 17th June but the largest counts came from Shade Coffee Plantation nearby on the 18th June where there were 20 and at Pozuzo in the early morning of the 20th June where a flock of at least 70 went over.
Bicoloured Tree Porcupine: One was found in a tree just by the small bridge over the fast flowing stream near the end of the trail beyond the campsite at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park on the 20th June.
Vizcacha: Found in some numbers around the rockier areas of the upper Santa Eulalia Valley on the 11th June.
Vichuna: seen in the plains on the way to Lake Junin on the 12th June with several seen on subsequent passes of the area.
