PANAMA Monday 2 November – Tuesday 17 November 2015

HEATHERLEA EXTRA PACK

Price: £3995 pp, Single Supplement: £610 Deposit: £800 Leader: Paco Madrigal plus another from the Heatherlea team with more than 7 clients Max group size: 12 clients. Flight departures from London Heathrow or Manchester

HEATHERLEA BIRDWATCHING THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL, NETHY BRIDGE, INVERNESS-SHIRE, PH25 3EB

T: 01479 821 248 F: 01479 821515 E: info@heatherlea.co.uk W: www.heatherlea.co.uk

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Panama is one of the world’s premier neo-tropical birding destinations. There are over 970 birds, of which 107 are endemic or near endemic, and more than 100 South American species which come no further north than Panama. The rich variety of habitat includes wetlands, Pacific lowland rainforest and transitional-dry forest, Caribbean lowland Rainforest, and Pre-montane forest at higher elevations. The Panama Canal Watershed alone, located in the centre of the country, is home to 650 species, and includes Chagres National Park and Soberania National Park, two of the prime birding areas.

Due to its privileged topography and geographical layout, Panama offers fabulous, easily accessible birding, and we won’t have to travel far to see an enormous diversity. Most of the best areas are within one hour of Panama City, making for wonderfully comfortable birding days, and our holiday will be relaxed and non-intensive.

We visit key hotspots including the famous Discovery Center’s Canopy Observation Tower (the views of the vast forest from the Tower are spectacular, as is the outstanding birding!), Pipeline Road, Plantation Road, Summit Ponds, Old Gamboa Road, Semaphore Hill, Ammo Dump, Achiote Road, and Metropolitan Park, all a short distance from Panama City. We visit the misty cloud forests of El Valle de Anton to find some great specialities, and a feature of the holiday will be our day at the world-famous Panama Canal where we enjoy great birding, and a boat trip on the Canal, Chagres River and Gatun Lake. We also visit the Cerro Jefe/Cerro Azul region and travel to Eastern Panama to seek Darien and South American specialities. There are just two centres on this holiday. We stay in a high quality modern hotel for the first nine days, then transfer to the Anton Valley area for four nights, before returning to our original base on the final night. You should expect 2-3 miles walking per day.

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Those of you who have travelled with Heatherlea to Costa Rica will already know the rich variety of birds available in Central America. In Panama you will be able to add many species we don’t usually see in Costa Rica, just a few of which include Blue Cotinga, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, White-vented Plumeleteer, Black Throated Mango, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Long-billed Starthroat, Rufous-crested Coquette, Red-capped, Blue-crowned, Lance-tailed and Golden-collared Manakin, Marbled Wood-Quail, Ocellated, Spotted, Jet, and Bare-crowned Antbird, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Tawny-crested, Dusky-faced, Yellow-rumped, Flame-rumped and Crimson-backed Tanager, Capped Heron, Black-chested Jay, Orange-bellied Trogon, Rusty Margined Flycatcher, Barred Forest Falcon, Blue Seeder, Blue-throated Toucanet, Saffron Finch, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Savannah Hawk, and if we are lucky Harpy Eagle. There are many, many more! There are also lots of mammals here, including Capybara, two sloth species, Coatimundi, and several monkey species.

We have organised this trip to take place in November to connect with a flurry of resident Panamanian birds preparing for the breeding season, and are also likely to see a great number of raptors, shorebirds, North American warblers, and other migrants. November is the end of the green season, so the landscape should be verdant, with lots of fruiting and flowering trees and plants.

Expert Central American Guide Paco Madrigal! We are delighted our holiday in Panama will led by top Central American guide Paco Madrigal. This will be Paco’s second Heatherlea Panama tour, following our highly successful 2014 tour. We have kept travelling to a minimum, and decided to stay at just two centres.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Monday 2 November Arrive Panama City At Tocumen International airport, where we will be warmly welcomed by Paco and escorted to our hotel. We stay in a comfortable, international style hotel, centrally located for our birding adventures, for the next nine nights.

Days 2 and 3: Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4 November Pipeline Road, Panama Rainforest Discovery Center and Observation Tower We spend two full days exploring Pipeline Road and the surrounding areas. This is a hotspot of Panamanian birding where we can see an impressive variety of forest birds over a 17k stretch of road. Pipeline Road runs through the famous Soberania National Park where we have the opportunity to explore deeper into the forest on several side-trails. Some of the highlights of this area include Olivaceous Flatbill, Black-tailed Trogon, White-tailed Trogon, Crimson Crested Woodpecker, Western Slaty Antshrike, Checker-throated Antwren, Bicolored Antbird, Red capped Manakin, Blue crowned Manakin and of course we also hope to find rarities including as Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo, Pheasant Cuckoo and Great Jacamar to mention a few. There’s no shortage of raptors here! We will be looking for all three species of Forest Falcon, Great Black Hawk, White Hawk, Barred Hawk, Plumbeous Hawk and if we are lucky maybe even see Harpy Eagle.

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

One day we visit the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center from Pipeline Road. We will enjoy the unique above-canopy vantage point by climbing the 32- meter tall Observation Tower. Views of the vast forest from the tower are simply spectacular; from this vantage point you can see ships on the Panama Canal, the majestic Centennial Bridge, and miles of rainforest! From here, you get a unique eye-level perspective of the rainforest canopy. Many birds, including toucans, parrots, tanagers of various types, hawks and more are seen. The hummingbird feeders at the base of the Tower are good for Long-billed Hermit, White-Necked Jacobin, Violet-bellied & Blue-chested Hummingbirds and White-vented Plumeleteer. Occasionally, a Snowy-bellied Hummingbird is spotted! We will be looking out for Black Breasted Puffbird, Pied Puffbird, Great Black Hawk and the special of the day, Blue Cotinga.

Day 4: Thursday 5 November Semaphore Hill & Ammo Dump. Semaphore Hill is a jungle-lined road winding down another nearby section of the Soberania National Park. In this habitat we look for more forest birds including Slaty Antwren, White-flanked Anwren, Fasciated Antshrike, Marbled Wood-Quail, Great Tinamou, Rufous Motmot and many others. This is a great place to look for antbirds as army ant swarms are a common occurrence, and gorgeous Ocellated Antbird, Spotted Antbird and Bicolored Antbird follow the ants. There are lots of mammals here and in the surrounding Central Panama region, including Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth, Coatimundi, Mantled Howler Monkey, White-faced Capuchin, Geoffroy's Tamarin, Capybara, Kinkajou, and Northern Tamandua. Later in the day we visit the pond at Ammo Dump, a fantastic spot to see water birds. A few of our targets will be Least Grebe, Purple Gallinule, Common Moorhen, Striated Heron, and hard-to-find Capped Heron. This is also the best place to find the White-throated Crake. Least Bittern, Rufescent Tiger-Heron and American Pygmy Kingfisher are also resident. Here we should also find Olivaceous Piculet, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Southern Lapwing, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Scrub Greenlet and Panama, Social & Rusty-margined Flycatchers, among others, in the surrounding trees & marshy fields. Hook-billed & Snail Kites, Collared Forest-Falcon, Yellow-headed Caracara, Zone-tailed & Short-tailed Hawks are here sometimes too!

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Day 5: Friday 6 November Plantation Road, Summit Ponds and Old Gamboa Road Today we explore another incredible section of the Canal Corridor region. A mix of secondary forest, open areas, gardens, and patches of dry forest, scrub, grasslands, river banks and natural ponds provide for a great day of birding. Plantation Road runs through an old growth forest and areas of secondary forest on the north side of the Continental divide. Much of the forest here is tall and has very little forest undergrowth, making spotting forest floor species like tinamous and leaftossers unusually easy. Here we hope to see Southern Bentbill, Golden-crowned Spadebill, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Blue-crowned Motmot, Buff-rumped warbler, White-breasted Wood-wrens, a variety of antbirds, Gray-headed Tanagers, and woodpeckers (including Plain-Brown and Northern-barred) among many others. Next we head to Summit Ponds and finally Old Gamboa Road. As well as nesting Boat-billed Herons, we will be keeping a look out for Striated Heron, Green Heron and possibly Capped Herons, as well as Wattled Jacana. This is also a great place to see Kingfishers…all six species belonging to the Americas have been seen here. We will finish off our rewarding day along a true hot spot, Old Gamboa Road. The diversity of habitats featured here yield an incredible variety of birdlife including Jet Antbird, Great Antshrike, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Lance-tailed & Golden-collared Manakins, Black-tailed & Royal Flycatchers, Lesser and Great Kiskadee, Buff breasted Wren and Rusty Margined Flycatcher. We will return to our hotel for a wonderful meal, go over the daily check-list and enjoy a well-deserved rest with the promise of another great birding day to follow.

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Day 6: Saturday 7 November Achiote Road/Fort Lorenzo This is one of the best spots for Caribbean slope birding within the Canal Zone, located around two hours from our hotel. Achiote Road runs along the southern region of the Fort San Lorenzo National Park, which protects nearly 12,000 Hectares of forests, wetlands, mangroves and open areas. The famous Christmas Bird Count organized by the Panama Audubon Society which registered 342 species during 24 hours, took place on Achiote Road. This is the best place to see Blue Cotinga! Other regulars to the area include Black-throated & White-tailed Trogons, White Hawk, Spot-crowned Barbet, White-winged & Cinnamon Becards, Pacific Antwren, Black-throated Mango, Montezuma & Crested Oropendolas, Bare-crowned & Bicolored Antbirds, White-headed & Song Wrens, Red-breasted Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Tanager and Black-breasted & Pied Puffbirds. We may even find Saffron Finch around the Fort and lekking Golden-collared Manakin to top off a wonderful day of birding!

Days 7: Sunday 8 November Metropolitan Nature Park Today, right after breakfast, we visit Metropolitan Park. Despite its location right inside the city, this incredible city park offers an amazing variety of birds and other animals. The forests here are considerably drier than the habitats we have seen thus far, providing a new array of species. A few common species in the area are Lance-tailed Manakin, White-bellied Antbird, Western Slaty Antshrike, Forest Elaenia, Southern Bentbill, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Short-tailed Swift, Yellow-crowned Amazon, Common Potoo and Yellow-rumped Cacique. We also look for Rufous-brested and Rufous-and-white Wren, Cocoa and Olivaceous Woodcreeper, White-necked Puffbird, Crimson-backed Tanager, Golden-fronted Greenlet, Lineated Woodpecker, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, and the harder to find endemic Yellow-green Tyrannulet. This is also a great place to see mammals, including Coatimundi, Three-toed Sloth, Three-toed Sloth, and Geoffrey’s Tamarin.

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Day 8: Monday 9 November Cerro Azul & Cerro Jefe (around 1.5 hour from hotel) After breakfast we travel up to the cool foothills of Cerro Azul (2500 ft in elevation) and Cerro Jefe (3,300 ft in elevation) where we will be dazzled by an array of magnificent birds including Emerald, Speckled, Rufous-winged, Golden-hooded, Sivler-throated, Bay headed, Hepatic, Olive and Black-and-yellow Tanager. This is part of the most important protected area vital to the health of the Panama Canal watershed, preserved within the Chagres National Park. A few other target species include majestic Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Spot-crowned Barbet, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, and endemic Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker and if we are really lucky near-endemic Tacarcuna Bush-tanager.

Days 9: Tuesday 10 November Panama Canal & Gatun Lake by Boat Today we will have the opportunity to experience the world-famous Panama Canal and see the enormous ships going by. There is also great birding to be done here! We will take a boat trip on the Canal itself, Chagres River and on Gatun Lake. The highlights of the day include Snail Kites usually in great numbers, Cocoi and Tiger Herons, Wattled Jacana, Greater Ani, Lesser Kiskadee and Panama Flycatcher.

Day 10: Wednesday 11 November Valle de Anton We journey two hours from Panama City up into cloud forest country. We will enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning misty mountain vistas. This new region and habitat will bring a flurry of new birds, including a slew of unabashedly colorful birds.... Flame-rumped Tanager, Crimson-backed Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Red-crowned Ant-tanager, White-lined Tanager, as well as the more modest Dusky-faced & Plain-colored Tanagers. A few other highlights of this area are White-tipped Sicklebill, Black-chested Jay, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Rufous-capped Warbler, Thick-billed Euphonia, Chestnut-headed Oropendola and if we are lucky Rufous-crested Coquette. We arrive in the afternoon, birding along the way. After settling in to our lodge, we will have time to explore the surrounding areas of this quaint mountain village where the easy-access birding right along the road will delight you. We stay here for four nights, and you should sleep well in this cool climate.

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Days 11: Thursday 12 November Valley Anton Area Birding, Macho Falls We spend the day exploring the exuberant forests of the Macho Falls area. This is an incredible birding spot. We hope to be dazzled by Black-chested Jay, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, White-throated Robin and if we are lucky Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo. We will also be looking for Tody Motmot, White-tipped Sicklebill, Pale-eyed Pygmy-tyrant, and Sepia-capped Flycatcher. Besides the incredible birding, the forests are simply breath-taking.

Days 12: Friday 13 November Cerro Gaital & Mesa Road In the morning we will venture further up the mountain to Cerro Gaital where we will look out for Shiny Cowbird, Southern Lapwing, Streaked Saltator, and even further up Blue-throated Toucanet, Black Guan, and Orange-bellied Trogon. And let’s not forget the raptors! Black Hawk-Eagle, Barred Hawk, Gray hawk, Swallow- tailed Kite, Barred Forest Falcon, Bat Falcon, and maybe even Black and White Hawk Eagle, all of which inhabit the area. We spend a good portion of the day along Mesa Road which offers a wonderful mix of habitats, including pasture, secondary forests, and semi-open areas. Some of the highlights we will be looking for today include rare Blue Seeder, Bran-colored Flycatcher, Tawny-faced Antwren, Tawny-crested Tanager, White-thighed Swallow, Spot-crowned Antvireo, Rufous-crested Coquette, Spotted Woodcreeper and Orange-bellied Trogon among many others. We return to the lodge for dinner and to go over the checklist for the day.

Day 13: Saturday 14 November Anton Valley Area Birding We will spend the day venturing out for a day trip in the area. Depending on weather conditions, today could include a visit to the highlands of Altos de Maria, or a few of the many great birding trails close to our lodge, traversing Caribbean slope and Tropical dryforest coastal habitats for shorebirds. It promises to be an amazing day of birding where we will pick up plenty of new species. A few of our targets include White-bellied Antbird, Yellow-backed Oriole, Panama Flycatcher, Long-billed Starthroat, Jet Antbird, Rufous-breasted Wren and Great Antshrike, among many others.

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Day 14: Sunday 15 November Tropical Dryforests of Cocles Province Today we return to the Gamboa region just outside Panama City. En route we will spend most of the day in the unique Tropical Dry forest of the Pacific coast lowlands. Here we plan to add a new medley of birds to our sightings, including rare endemic Veraguan Mango. Other spectacular inhabitants of the area are Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Savannah Hawk, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Blue Ground-Dove, and even Mouse-colored Tyrannulet and Lance-tailed Manakin. We sure to have memorable final day in Panama before returning to our hotel near Panama City. Day 15: Monday 16 November Transfer to Tocumen International airport Today we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before packing for our journey home. We may enjoy a last birding walk close to the hotel, followed by lunch. Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 16: Tuesday 17 November Arrive back in the UK in the morning

More Holiday Information

Accommodation is in two comfortable hotels. All rooms en suite, and very comfortable to a good standard. Food is usually served as a buffet, with a wide choice. A typical Panama evening meal usually includes meat, coconut rice and beans accompanied by local fruits and vegetables like yucca, squash and plantains. Coffee and tea is provided at Breakfast, and three chilled bottles of water per client are supplied each day when we are in the field. Meals include natural fruit juices, sodas, and snacks and beverages during outings. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome. Walking The holiday is not strenuous, but the atmosphere is often very humid and it will often be hot!

Leisurely walking, sometimes up slopes which can be steep, is the only physical requirement. Please bring all personal medications with you, as it may not be possible to obtain everything you need locally. Weather will be mixed. Mostly the temperature will be warm, with the possibility of rain. In some locations the weather is hot and humid, in others hot and dry, and at altitude can be cool and wet. Insects There are biting insects, we recommend packing a good repellent. Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum. Flights are by scheduled airline, from either London Heathrow or Manchester. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another airport and/or or quote without flights so you can make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Panama 2015 Outline Itinerary

Your Leader:

Paco Madrigal Paco was raised in the lowland rain forest of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, and has over 20 years experience guiding both bird watching and natural history tours throughout Costa Rica. As a child, the rain forest was his backyard playground. He learned about the diverse local plants and animals from his father who had learned from his father. Paco became the first resident naturalist guide at the nearby Selva Verde Lodge tropical reserve, and in 1989 was selected to participate in the first 4 month intensive training course for naturalist guides, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and the Organization for Tropical Studies.

Paco studied English and Ornithology at the University of Florida. Upon returning to Costa Rica, Paco worked for the renowned Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) at La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiqui where he began to lead guided tours, and his personal enthusiasm to share his

knowledge with visitors has led to a devoted following. We can tell you from first-hand experience that Paco is extremely capable with wildlife, organisation and people. This is an extremely enjoyable and smoothly-organised holiday.

Paco remarks, "There is no greater satisfaction than to witness the joy experienced by clients when they see a Sunbittern, a Three-wattled Bellbird, Tinamous, a Quetzal, a sloth, orchids in bloom or any of the wildlife on their wish list for the first time!"

Paco will be joined by another from the Heatherlea team with more than seven clients.

Panama 2015 More Information

What's included in your holiday price:

* scheduled return flights between London Heathrow (or Manchester) and Panama City, airport taxes, * ground and boat transportation as outlined including all transportation in Panama in a modern and spacious air-conditioned vehicle, * accommodation and all meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. * the services of your leaders. * entrance fees to parks and reserves, and tips to hotels and restaurants. * departure taxes.

What's not included in your holiday price: * personal insurance, drinks and other personal expenses, visa costs where necessary, optional tips to the driver and local guide, and any other costs not specified as 'included'.

WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA? Our overseas holidays are planned with care to offer great birding and wildlife, led by capable Leaders who really look after you. Every holiday is run the 'Heatherlea Way', and we hope our Overseas Adventures remind you of the quality and care so many of you enjoy in Scotland. That means rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good quality accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of the country we are visiting. Heatherlea always seek to include the personal touches that make all the difference. Heatherlea holidays are not ‘dawn to dusk’ expeditions. Our less-intensive approach is ideal for those whowant to relax whilst experiencing the best wildlife watching, and wherever possible we organise early or lateactivity on an optional basis. We also take sensible breaks when in very hot places and regular comfort breakson every holiday whenever possible. All itineraries are planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities,and you won’t miss out on memorable wildlife, whilst enjoying relaxed, informal days that are great fun. The really important part of any wildlife holiday is the experience for you, our valued customer. Heatherlea invest in many things to offer you the best possible service;

We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for over 22 years, and have a highly experienced and capable office team. We also offer a telephone and email service outside normal office hours.

Heatherlea overseas holidays have a maximum of 12 clients per trip, putting the emphasis on personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.

Our holidays often include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for instance Departure taxes and tips to hotels.

All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. Under ‘Flight-Plus’ legislation it is a legal requirement of any tour operator to hold an ATOL licence for the supply of any overseas holiday where a flight is involved, if that holiday includes either overseas accommodation and/or car hire. It can be a criminal offence for an operator to book flights as part of a package without an ATOL licence. Heatherlea also hold full Tour Operator Insurance for your added protection.

Heatherlea is your complete wildlife holiday provider. Our ‘Back Office’ team can organise all your pre-flight and other travel needs. Our specialists will help you book the right services, at the best price. Book holiday extensions through us, and your ATOL protection is extended further. We don’t charge extra for this service.

Heatherlea is a limited company, registered in Scotland, and registered to pay VAT (applies to all holidays within the European Union).

HEATHERLEA PRE-FLIGHT SERVICE

WITH HEATHERLEA, YOU'RE A VIP!

ENJOY A PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT HOTEL and LOUNGE - FREE!

For Heatherlea overseas holidays which include flights as part of your package price, we include a

complimentary airport hotel and lounge. To benefit, book your next overseas wildlife holiday with

Heatherlea, the wildlife operator who gives you more!

Heatherlea Group relaxing before our 'Lynx and Birding' holiday in Spain, January 2014

Many of us enjoy birding and wildlife holidays overseas, but the organisation of pre-flight details can be

time-consuming and frustrating. The Heatherlea Pre-flight Service offers everything you need, so let us

take the strain! Our friendly, knowledgeable team will advise, so please call Emma, Amanda, Monika,

Kevin or Phil.

PRE-FLIGHT HOTEL

Heatherlea select your complimentary hotel from our approved shortlist. All offer a good standard of

accommodation, with evening meals usually available, and readily available car parking and transfers to

the terminal. Arrangements are confirmed in your Final Information Pack, issued prior to departure. If

travelling with you, your Heatherlea Guide will probably be staying in the same hotel, and may be able to

join you for an informal chat the night before travel.

If you don't need an airport hotel before you fly, please contact us before your balance due date, and a

credit* will be made from the holiday balance payable. On some holidays, where we fly late in the

afternoon or evening, you can elect to have your complimentary hotel stay on the return leg of your

holiday.

If you wish to stay at a specific airport hotel, please inform us before your balance due date, and a credit*

will be deducted from your final balance payment. You will at this point be responsible for making your

own booking of and payment for all hotel services.

PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT LOUNGE

We want you to start your holiday early, and unwind before you fly. A busy airport terminal is hardly the

ideal place to relax! By the time you've bought food, drinks, newspapers and a magazine to pass the time,

terminals can prove expensive too. Why not prefer the comfort and choice of an airport lounge? You can

relax and spread out for up to three hours before your flight.

Most of our lounges offer unlimited free drinks and snacks, complimentary magazines and newspapers,

WIFI, TV and comfortable seating amid quiet surroundings. Lounges offer a secluded getaway, and save

you money compared to prices outside in the terminal. Your Heatherlea guide may be there for a chat

after everyone has checked-in, and you can get to know your fellow travellers or just sink into a

comfortable armchair – the choice and comfort are yours!

We will confirm arrangements for your airport lounge, and include any necessary admission tickets, in

your FINAL INFORMATION PACK. If our point of departure does not offer airport lounge services, all

participants will be credited with an appropriate amount from the holiday balance payable.

If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – the only concern is

you might get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight!

Kevin says; 'I checked out the lounge facilities at Gatwick, where I could get a drink, snacks, hot food and

internet access. The Lounge was spacious and comfortable, with a choice of seating areas and things to

do including TV, newspapers, a cinema and a separate area for children, which kept them away from the

quiet areas. There were even beauty salon treatments available for an extra charge, ideal if you want to

prepare for a long flight with a massage, manicure or facial. All the staff were friendly and very well

trained, the bathroom facilities were excellent, I felt relaxed and enjoyed my visit very much. I

immediately decided that Heatherlea would add this service to our holidays!'

If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – the only concern is

you might get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Should you wish anything else as part of your Heatherlea Pre-flight Service, we will be very pleased to

help you. It is important to remember that extra services (eg car parking) become more expensive as your

departure date approaches, so we strongly suggest you contact us before your final balance payment is

due should you require us to organise any additional service.

AIRPORT PARKING

Driving to the airport? Book secure car parking with us to save time and money; we offer trusted and

good value airport parking services.

Staying the night before?

If you are staying overnight pre-flight, parking can be arranged either at your hotel or at a nearby long-

stay car park, we will be pleased to discuss the options with you. Have a leisurely journey to the hotel and

enjoy a good night's sleep, in the knowledge that your vehicle is secure.

Driving to the airport on the day of your flight?

If driving to the airport on the day of departure, we can arrange a secure car park close to the airport,

with transfers to and from the terminal. Your car will be safe while you relax on holiday.

For extra convenience, you might consider one of these options;

Valet parking: Drive to a dedicated arrivals/departures area. When you arrive, your car will be parked for

you, while you transfer to the airport. When you return to the car park, your vehicle will be waiting.

Meet and greet parking: No need to park your car! Simply drive to the terminal, meet your driver, and

he/she will park it for you. On your return, make a call when you are ready to leave, and your car will be

waiting outside the terminal, so you can be on your way quickly.

REGIONAL DEPARTURES/CONNECTIONS

Prefer to fly from your local airport? Some of our holidays depart from regional airports, and on others you

can often join the rest of the holiday group in your destination country rather than in London. We are

happy to arrange regional departures for any of our holidays, and will tailor flight options to your

requirements. Many of our trips have connections from Manchester, look for this symbol or just ask our

team.

FLIGHT UPGRADES

Fancy some extra legroom or a reclining seat? On a long flight you might like a lie-flat bed, or perhaps

personal service including complimentary drinks and meals. Seat and special meal requests are all part of

our service. Heatherlea can offer great deals for Premium Economy and Business Class passengers with

many airlines, all bookable instantly over the phone.

TAILOR MADE EXTENSIONS

Many of you plan other activity before or after your wildlife holiday, so why not let us arrange travel

services for you? It’s quicker and easier than doing it yourself, and you will benefit from ATOL protection

too. Heatherlea can arrange extensions to all our overseas tours, including flights, hotels and transfers -

let us know your requirements and we will do the rest!

QUALITY ASSURANCE – WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA?

Heatherlea have been organising holidays for over 24 years, and we have a highly experienced and

capable team. All elements of our package holidays are sold under our ATOL licence (ATOL 6113), and our

business partners include British Airways, Delta Airlines, Premier Inn and Hilton Hotels. Our specialist

knowledge will help you get exactly the right services, at the best price. We offer all your airport needs

with just one call, so to save time and money choose Heatherlea, your complete wildlife holiday provider.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS!

The Heatherlea Pre-flight Service is designed to match your holiday needs as comprehensively as possible.

We want everything to be smooth and easy for you, and all arrangements are made well in advance to

give you maximum flexibility. This is a very personal service which breaks into several clear steps to make

things as simple as possible.

STEP ONE

When you decide to book your holiday, call us to pay the appropriate deposit. We will then double check

availability of all services, and make reservations on your behalf.

This takes a little time. We ask for seven working days before we issue a formal

HOLIDAY CONFIRMATION.

Your CONFIRMATION INVOICE will tell you;

- the total price of your holiday

- the amount of deposit paid

- the balance payable and due date

- detail of any extra services (eg extra night B&B) you might have booked

Your CONFIRMATION LETTER will

- identify possible alternative departure points other than our stated airport. For many holidays there be

options which you might prefer (as an example, our Mallorca 2015 holiday departs from London Gatwick,

Manchester, Aberdeen or Birmingham, and it is possible to fly the day before, stay overnight on the island

and meet your guide in Mallorca should you prefer).

- give you the opportunity to book your airport pre-flight hotel, decline this service (and receive a

reduction in the balance due), or defer this decision until later.

- ask you to identify additional services (such as car parking, seat upgrades) which you might require us

to organise. Again, you may defer this decision till later, though the earlier you order these services, the

cheaper they are likely to be.

- tell you when we will issue your Final Information pack.

With your HOLIDAY CONFIRMATION you will also receive

* An ATOL CERTIFICATE relating to your holiday booking.

* An ‘OVERSEAS BOOKING FORM’ so you can give us essential personal details, and passport information.

* Comprehensive ‘TRIP NOTES’ containing a great deal of information including what to pack, and

accommodation details.

* An ‘EXTRA PACK’ containing a full itinerary, recent Trip Report and Bird/Wildlife Checklist for your

holiday.

* A copy of our Terms and Conditions’, both for holidays and for Pre-flight Services.

Within seven days of paying your deposit, you will be very well informed, and Heatherlea will be working

hard to make arrangements to suit your personal requirements. We have extensive contacts at airports,

with hotels and airlines, and work hard to give you the best available options.

STEP TWO

While you are looking forward to your holiday, we will be busy organizing flights and other services on

your behalf. About 14 weeks before your holiday begins, we will contact you by email or telephone. This

will be your final opportunity to confirm whether you want the pre-flight hotel, and to ask Heatherlea to

book car parking, seat upgrades or anything else you might wish.

Should your final balance payment be different from the original amount, we will re-invoice you for

payment on the original due date, which will be approx. 12 weeks before your holiday.

STEP THREE

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which will give you everything else you need. This will normally be issued four weeks before the holiday.

This pack will contain;

* Final Notes.

* printed bird checklist for use on the holiday.

* your field guide (on those holidays where included).

* pre-flight hotel/lounge vouchers

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HEATHERLEA TRIP REPORT

PANAMA

3 - 18 November 2014

Heatherlea Guides: Ian Ford & Paco Madrigal

Local Guide: Kilo

Participants: Pauline Chapman, Marian Fitt, Yvonne Harbinson, Jane Hodgson, Tony &

Janet Kirby, Jon Moore, Brian & Liz Snell, Chris Wiggins

Monday 3rd November

With an early start for all, the group arrived in Paris from Heathrow and Manchester and we

boarded for Panama City. The long flight seemed to pass quickly and window seaters

enjoyed some wonderful cloud formations over the Caribbean islands before descending to

Panama after dark. We met Paco whom nearly everyone had met before in his native Costa

Rica. Though Jon had not met Paco he had been to Costa Rica. This was the first time for all

of us in Panama though and the hot air hit us as soon as we left the airport.

We had a buffet dinner and our beds were very welcome by about 10 pm local time.

Tuesday 4th November

The optional pre-breakfast bird foray was popular and the air was already very warm at 6 am

when it got light. We didn`t walk further than the carpark but that was far enough to see a

whole load of what became “everyday birds”. Fork-tailed and Panama Flycatchers,

Crimson-backed Tanagers, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Saffron Finches and Keel-billed

Toucans gave stunning views. Pauline and Liz in particular got their eyes working quickly

and were picking out birds hidden in trees. A highlight for many were our first views of

Lesser Capybaras by a pond with a group of adult and young rodents on the grass. These

animals were to become a welcome feature nearly every time we came back to the hotel

after an outing. Even better was the Brown-throated (Three-toed) Sloth which Paco’s sharp

eyes picked out in the canopy. It was at the very top of a tree preparing to sunbathe. It was

very human-like the way it reclined against a branch with an arm shading its eyes.

This hotel is a Golf Resort with an 18 hole course amidst large areas of Rainforest and with

scattered ponds and lots of grassland, absolutely ideal for birdwatching within the 160 acre

grounds.

At breakfast the rest of the group were envious when we told them of our first trip outside but

everyone caught up quickly with all that we had seen.

After breakfast we met Kilo, the local guide, who showed us his skill and expertise so many

times during the rest of the trip. As well as the heat building up we felt the high humidity as

soon as we went out for our first walk along the hotel trails. We soon got used to the golf

buggies scattering us off the track and already by 8 am kettles of raptors were riding the

thermals as they migrated south. The isthmus of the Panama Canal funnels all the migrant

North American raptors through this area but even so it was a surprise to hear that an

estimated one million Vultures and Hawks had been counted over Panama City yesterday.

We were content to see hundreds at a time, mainly Turkey and Black Vultures but with a few

Broad-winged Hawks amongst them. Other soaring birds were Magnificent Frigatebirds,

Wood Storks and a group of Brown Pelicans. There were a couple of resident Zone-tailed

Hawks circling around lower down which allowed us to see their tail bands.

In the forest small birds and dense vegetation made things a whole lot harder but some got

our first views of Black-bellied Wren, better views of Plain Wren and White-shouldered

Tanagers and a few reptiles. Yellow-headed Geckos, Whip-tailed Lizards and Green

Iguanas were all different sizes but we saw these regularly throughout the tour. Another

Brown-throated Sloth was suckling its small baby in the treetops while lower down were

Red-throated Ant-Tanagers and an obliging White-vented Plumeteer Hummingbird. A

female Golden-collared Manakin had bright orange legs but we didn’t see the male. Other

wildlife to distract us was in the form of Wasp nests, Sweat Bees (yes they do sting, don’t

they Pauline?), huge Beetles and our first wonderful Morpho butterflies whose electric blue

and large size always impresses. The hotel had a breeding project for Morphos and other

colourful butterflies but it was still almost impossible to photograph the bright blue wings of

the Morphos.

A ridiculously tame little Flycatcher by the track was one of the Empidonax genus,

impossible to tell apart except by call, which it didn`t do. Tiny species of bird revealed

themselves- Long-billed Gnat-wren and Tropical Gnatcatcher- as we headed back to cool

down before lunch.

The lifts in the hotel were already playing up, refusing to take us anywhere consistently. This

theme was funny to begin with but continued throughout our stay, necessitating re-

programming of our keycards but with no guarantee of success.

Many of us had realised that there were usually moths and butterflies attracted to the hotel

lights and if the Palm Tanagers hadn`t found them when they checked the lights in the

morning we could find them near the exit doors. After lunch we had a siesta time, with a

couple of heavy showers to deter most of us from going out, though Yvonne and Jane

carried on regardless and saw Collared Aracaris and Yellow-headed Caracaras from the

carpark before we met up for the afternoon session. It was still very hot and humid - surprise,

surprise!

In the afternoon we took our bus, with driver Sebastian, to the Old Gamboa Road area. This

is near the Canal, giving us our first view of the size of the Canal Zone. The US took over a

huge swathe of forest each side of the Canal as well as the massive Lake Gatun and most of

it is now a National Park. Panama no longer has an army though they maintain border police

in the Canal Zone. We got permission to park near one of these checkpoints and proceeded

to birdwatch in this grassy, forest edge habitat. Seed-eaters were feeding in the grass with

Variable and Yellow-bellied species and on the ground we all saw Dusky Antbird for the first

time. Masked and Black-crowned Tityras posed very visibly in the treetops unlike the male

Lance-tailed Manakin which flitted around frustratingly. Other skulkers which needed more

effort to be seen were Buff-breasted Wrens and Blue-black Grosbeaks. We had only

covered about thirty yards in the first hour but stepped on the gas to reach a couple of

ponds. On the way we saw Rusty-margined Flycatchers and excellent views of a perched

Bat Falcon on an old tower.

At the ponds there were several Green Herons and a well-hidden Boat-billed Heron, our first

Kingfisher, an Amazon, and a Lesser Kiskadee. We carried on into second-growth forest

with good views of Scarlet-rumped Caciques and Short-tailed Swifts overhead. A Red-tailed

Squirrel had a flaming tail but a troop of Geoffrey’s Squirrel Monkeys were little more than

bouncing branches and dark shapes as they moved through the trees at pace.

Our first day in Panama was over now and after dinner we did the checklist showing that we

had started with 89 bird species, many of which we had seen rather well. The supporting

cast of mammals, reptiles and assorted insects added to the pleasure. Even Kilo and Paco

had commented on how very hot and humid it was today so it was not just us who were

wilting.

Wednesday 5th November

A very misty start meant that only Chris joined Paco and me before breakfast. As well as

Saffron Finches, Panama Flycatchers and decent views of Orange-chinned Parakeets we

added Southern Beardless Tyrannulet to the list though its name is considerably bigger than

the bird, a miniscule Flycatcher. The fact that no Tyrannulet has a beard did not deter

whoever named this species!

We travelled by the Canal to the famous Pipeline Road with Chris spotting a camouflaged

immature Rufescent Tiger-Heron in a muddy puddle by the road. After a couple of miles

down Pipeline Road we stopped at the Discovery Centre with lots of well-attended

Hummingbird feeders. Kilo and Paco reeled off names as little gems whizzed past our ears.

There were White-necked Jacobins, Long-billed Hermits and Violet-crowned Woodnymphs,

larger species, and smaller ones like Stripe-throated Hermits, White-vented Plumeteers,

Blue-chested, Violet-bellied and Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds to complete the eight species

present. As usual with Hummers it was overwhelming with their speed and photographs

were hard to focus but it was wonderful to be in the midst of these hyperactive jewels.

We set off walking to the Discovery Tower, a 30 metre tower overlooking the canopy, and

saw a Cinnamon Woodpecker en route. From the top of the tower we had a panoramic view

of the forest and were nearer to the raptors and Swifts flying over. We had good views of a

Grey-headed Kite flying and perched and saw a Double-toothed Kite over the canopy while

many Black and Turkey Vultures migrated past with a few Broad-winged Hawks. Among the

Vaux and Band-rumped Swifts were a couple of Lesser Swallow-tailed Swifts zooming

around the sky at great speed. We heard and saw a troop of Howler Monkeys moving

through the trees getting some clear views of them.

Back at ground level clear views of Broad-billed Motmots led to more discoveries with female

and male White-whiskered Puffbirds sitting motionless and our first of many views of Ant-

shrikes. These were Western Slaty, both male and female, attractive birds when seen in

good light. Blue-crowned Manakins called but Janet found one with a red cap- a male Red-

capped Manakin. We spent a while trying to get good views of both these species as they

moved around in the darkness until Chris looked behind us and two male Redcaps were

leaping about in the open. Wonderful views followed even to the point of seeing their yellow

thighs. We carried on along the forest trail and as Kilo tried to get better views of a Crimson-

crested Woodpecker. Paco noticed a Great Tinamou with its chick just a few yards from the

path. Again superb views of this hard-to-see bird.

We walked down to a small lake with Wattled Jacanas and a Purple Gallinule then a Snail

Kite landed with a large Apple Snail to eat. On the way back with rain starting Kilo spotted a

Slaty-backed Forest Falcon which had been calling. It was close to the path but as usual the

vegetation meant limited windows to set scopes up. However it showed really well once

these windows were found. The rain shower didn`t last long so we were able to look at a

flock of Ant-Wrens working through the tangles of vines. While Kilo and Paco called Dot-

winged, Checker-throated and White-flanked we all struggled to see little dots, streaks or

flashes of white with varying degrees of success. A fourth species, the Moustached Ant-

Wren, was even tinier and only Pauline saw any detail on it. We did see the Western Slaty

Ant-Shrikes again in great light to compensate.

Time for lunch already and we drove back in a heavy shower of rain. Liz had felt unwell so

she and Brian didn`t join us in the morning although they had a good wander round near the

hotel finding Plain-coloured Tanagers, an Osprey and a Bat Falcon which lives at the top of

our hotel.

After our daily siesta it was dry so we returned to the same area of forest and Brian could let

loose on the Hummers with his camera. The sunlight helped a bit. We walked in the opposite

direction from this morning and found Chestnut-headed Oropendolas and Brown-hooded

Parrots as well as our first Trogon, a splendid White-tailed. A brief view of Ruddy Quail-

Doves was typical as they scuttled deeper into the gloom. An Agouti came out onto the track

for some of the group and a Rabbit was in the headlights as we got back to the hotel.

Another full day with many more forest birds. The Manakins and Trogon were highlights as

well as the changing colours and whizz and buzz of all the Hummers.

Thursday 6th November

The pre-breakfasters saw Orange-chinned Parakeets close up and Scrub Greenlet was new.

After breakfast the lifts caused more chaos with Marian particularly frustrated and the hilarity

of my card flying out of the lift as the doors closed so I had to go up and down to rescue it

before getting into my room. For some lucky ones though our misfortune allowed them to

see Collared Aracaris as they waited.

We were going up into the hills today and started by driving over the new Centennial Bridge

celebrating 100 years of the Panama Canal. The Canal is an amazing engineering feat, 23

miles of a canal connecting two oceans. We have all been surprised by the size of it,

especially Brian who had jokingly thought it would be like the Kennet and Avon canal!

We gained height and could look down to the Chame peninsula on the Pacific coast as we

entered an area of hilly grassland and precipitous, forested mountains. The air was lovely

and cool when we got out and within minutes both Paco and Kilo had found good birds.

Firstly a smart male American Redstart flicked about above us while a well-behaved male

Lesser Goldfinch sat in the scope. Rapid eye movements were needed to see everything but

there were Tawny-capped Euphonias, a Yellow-throated Vireo, a Red-crowned Woodpecker,

a White-ruffed Manakin and a Spotted Woodcreeper in quick succession. The light was

already getting gloomier as low cloud moved in but most of us saw a richly coloured Rufous

Motmot before we started looking for a Black-crowned Antpitta calling near the track. This

enigmatic bird came out onto the track and stood at the edge but it was so dull that I couldn`t

focus on it through the scope. This was frustrating and it got worse as the bird ran across the

path at lightning speed. It did this several times as a blur and was definitely faster than the

cartoon Roadrunner. Finally it came out again and stood in the track for all to see it in the

dim light. Despite this it was a highlight before rain forced us to retreat to the lowlands.

We stopped by a large pond with Least Grebes, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and flighty

Blue-winged Teals. An Anhinga soared with the Vultures but more excitingly there were

Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures here with similar Turkey Vultures. Unfortunately neither

species had read our guide book which stated clearly that Lesser Yellow-headed flew lower.

However the easiest way to see the head colour was against the hilly background. Roadside

Hawks were seen well here too and Groove-billed Anis.

We had a pleasant lunch of meaty chicken soup followed by meatballs or more chicken but a

bonus was seeing a Snowy-bellied Hummingbird in the garden. It remained dry and sunny

for the rest of the day.

After lunch we had a journey down the peninsula with many stops for Waders and

waterbirds. A shrimp farm produced lots of Waders, especially Black-necked Stilts, Willets,

both Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitchers and Least and Spotted Sandpipers. Ospreys flew

overhead and there were Shovelers and better Blue-winged Teals. Liz found a Pied-billed

Grebe in a side lagoon and two Green Iguanas sprawled in some trees.

A roadside stop next to some pools gave closer views of many of the waders and ducks we

had just seen but some bonuses were the passerines. A pair of Straight-billed

Woodcreepers were marvellous and the bright orange of a male Baltimore Oriole is hard to

beat. Paco picked up a dead Pauraque from the road and a Gray-lined Hawk flew over.

As we approached the sea I shouted ‘Stop!’ for a perched Raptor and was relieved that it

was not a poly bag. It was a very fine pale morph Short-tailed Hawk at close range. We all

got out between two lagoons with various Herons on one side and lots of diving birds on the

other. These turned out to be Brown Pelicans, Brown Boobies and Blue-footed Boobies

joined by Royal Terns. Liz was pleased with her homework in Florida letting her identify a

scarce white morph Reddish Egret. This was an adult while an immature white morph was

with Great and Snowy Egrets on the shore. Further Waders here were Grey Plovers and

American Oystercatchers.

There was time for one more stop by the shore and this gave us new species before the

mosquitoes drove us away. There were Short-billed Dowitchers, Whimbrels and a Yellow-

crowned Night-Heron all in good light.

A very varied day away from the Canal Zone with many new families of birds. Major

highlights were the running Black-crowned Antpitta and Reddish Egrets.

Today was Brian`s birthday which we celebrated with a very small cake and candle- not

knowing how many others would have one on this trip!

Friday 7th November

The usual suspects, human and avian, were around before breakfast.

This morning we drove into Chagres National Park rainforest. Soft drizzle was falling but this

soon stopped. There were plenty of birds singing close to the path but they proved very hard

to see to begin with. However things looked up when Pauline spotted a colourful male Black-

tailed Trogon which helpfully flew closer. Its yellow beak and white chestband tells it apart

from the Slaty-tailed, easily seen at this range. Further along the same track one of our key

targets, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, was singing and we were delighted when this smartly

coloured bird showed itself fully for more than a brief moment. Beautiful it was too though it

didn`t come back into full view. Its place was taken by duller Red-throated Ant-Tanagers and

Dusky Antbirds. A different Trogon appeared next, first a female then both sexes of Black-

throated Trogon. We had excellent views of them both here and as we retraced our steps.

An endemic Yellow-green Tyrannulet was heard and parts of it seen high in the canopy but

none of us could say we saw it properly. However the return journey became even more

exciting with extended views of Olivaceous Woodcreeper and then a Royal Flycatcher flitting

from perch to perch. Would it put up its crest? It was preening and put it up halfway,

resembling a Hoopoe, and that was enough for it to get a mention in the trip highlights for

Yvonne. The same area gave us amazing repeated views of a male Lance-tailed Manakin

which showed all its wonderful colours right in the open.

In an open area we tried to find a singing Green Shrike-Vireo in vain. This species` song is a

familiar sound throughout these forests but the bird is very hard to see. Chris made it his

must-see bird despite my warnings. Brian meantime had got some great photos of a

Crimson-crested Woodpecker in the same area.

We walked down another trail finding a pair of Blue-crowned Motmots sitting quietly in the

shade. Dusky Antbirds jumped around one of these in the vines and a White-whiskered

Puffbird sat motionless across the path. Just as we turned round to return there was a Sloth

high in the trees and this was our first, and only, Hoffmann`s Two-toed Sloth of the trip.

It was lunch time back at the hotel followed by a break as usual. It was still very hot and

sticky as we went back to the forest along Plantation Road, so named after the former

plantations here. Nature quickly reclaims the land here and this was rich in birds, mainly

skulkers. Firstly we all managed superb views of a male Spotted Antbird preening; later we

saw a female equally well- quite an achievement. A Broad-billed Motmot by the road showed

well unlike its cousin, the Rufous Motmot, which did its best to perch out of scope view but

Paco and Kilo still managed to find it through the dense vegetation. We walked up and down

the same hill a few times like the Grand Old Duke of York`s men but it was worth it to get

super views of a Lineated Woodpecker and better views than before of White-breasted

Wood-Wren and Checker-throated Ant-Wren. As the leading squad got near the bus they

saw a noisy Olivaceous Flatbill while the back-markers, Liz, Brian and Marian, enjoyed a

score of Yellow-rumped Caciques in some open trees. We have done very well today in this

difficult terrain thanks to Paco and Kilo`s eyes and ears.

Saturday 8th November

An early, early start had us ready if not fully awake at 5.15 am with a packed breakfast. We

were going across one of the locks near Colon so we wanted to avoid a very long wait if

ships were passing through. Two large container ships were coming towards the lock as we

approached but we only had a short wait, giving us time to see some Grey-headed

Chachalacas and distant Parrots.

Once across we parked on the roadside near Achiote next to lots of unexploded mines

signs. The real danger was from the infamous Red Devils, the local buses driven by drivers

thinking they are in Formula One.

So most shouts were traffic warnings but we had plenty of birds to look at. The sun was just

brightening the sky so gave excellent light on Blue-headed and Red-lored Parrots. We saw a

Crimson-crested Woodpecker and a Black-cheeked was sunbathing on a tree. A Short-tailed

Hawk circled round very low over our heads and a Three-toed Sloth reclined lazily in the fork

of a tree. Jon found plenty of small birds feeding in a treetop, Palm Tanagers and Baltimore

Orioles, which led to me spotting a female Spot-crowned Barbet. It didn`t stay long but we

kept looking. A young White-tailed Trogon sat on a nearby branch unfazed by our cameras.

Singing noisy Wrens deafened us but only Chris and I managed to see a bold Song Wren

which poked its head out of the tangles. Open trees with fruit attracted many visitors like

Fulvous-vented Euphonias and Plain-coloured Tanagers but Kilo saw Spot-crowned Barbets

arrive giving us long clear views of male and female plumage of these smart birds.

Further down the road a Pied Puffbird sat obediently while scopes were trained on it deep in

shade. The two species we`ve seen so far live up to their name with their puffed-up shape.

Even though we were ten yards from the bus we weren`t finished with this stretch of road by

any means. Firstly a new Hummer, Rufous-breasted Hermit, was zipping between Heliconia

flowers by the road then we put scopes on a pair of Black-tailed Trogons in trees. Kilo

started shouting Cotinga down the road so we all turned round 180 degrees to look. The

reference point next to the Sloth was helpful for those who had seen the Sloth but it was

soon pretty obvious for everyone else too. The Sloth was over the road and the Blue Cotinga

was indeed next to it. Amazingly blue it stayed long enough for scopes to be put onto it and

when it moved it only moved a few feet. Everyone had really excellent views of it and it was

one of the major highlights of the whole trip. The timing was impressive too as rain clouds

were getting ever closer and when the Cotinga flew off we could hear the heavy rain

advancing up the road towards us. We all got on the bus just in time not to get soaked.

Time for a coffee so we retreated to a little café with beautiful murals and a selection of

fossils as well as a nice cup of coffee. We drove on towards the lock again as the rain

eased. I hadn’t realised just how much it cost for these large ships to pass through the

Canal, at least $100,000, with up to a million US dollars for large cruise ships. The Canal

provides the bulk of Panama`s economy. There were photo opportunities to take the cruise

ship and huge vessels waiting to pass through but there were birds to be found too. Pauline

was first to find a Red-breasted Blackbird and a Bobolink was a good find. As the sun came

out after the shower hundreds of Turkey and Black Vultures started migrating onwards

forming kettles as they drifted up in the hot air. By the lock gates we got really good views of

the many Swallows and Martins as they sat on the wires. I never knew Gray-breasted

Martins had purple strips on their shoulders and we saw Northern Rough-wing and

Mangrove Swallows in detail. A flock of Blue-winged Teals was feeding below the dam and

we enjoyed watching a Black Vulture sneak up on a fisherman to check out his bait basket.

A Tricoloured Heron was new and a Black Hawk was perched for a long while before flying

across the water.

It had been a long but exciting morning but it was lunchtime so we drove into an old US fort,

now a National Park. An immature Green Heron was well disguised in the grass and we saw

Agoutis on the short grass. Lunch at the marina restaurant was delicious but with American-

sized portions. Most of us opted for Fries.

We stopped by an old roadway and took a short walk. A Kentucky Warbler played hard to

get low down but Pauline got a bonus Bay Wren while she searched. Smaller fare in the

vines were our old favourites Checker-throated and White-flanked Ant-Wrens, still eluding

close scrutiny.

We drove on to the Panama Canal shop where surely we`ll find postcards but no luck- it was

closed for stocktaking! We crossed the lock on a green light and headed back to the hotel as

another heavy shower descended. Yvonne and Pauline had the best seats to spot a large

mammal crossing the road ahead - it was a Tayra, in the Weasel family. Grackles were

along the roads but never a roadkill one. They are too canny and this inspired Jon to put pen

to paper:

“You cannot kill a Grackle with a car If you travel all the roads of Panama An undisputed

fact is they can dodge the fastest taxis. You can never kill a Grackle with a car!”

The dangers of these heavy showers was brought home to us as we saw a car which had

been pushed off the road by a falling tree. The familiar Capybaras were happily out in the

rain at the hotel.

I went to see Brian and Liz who hadn’t come out today because of Brian’s cold. However

they had taken advantage of the hotel’s Palm Trail and found Bay-breasted, Chestnut-sided

and Prothonotary Warblers on their wanderings as well as a super male Blue-crowned

Manakin.

Sunday 9th November

We had a short drive this morning to our destination, the Metropolitan Park, passing long

freight trains loading up with containers to and from ships not going along the Canal. We

hoped to stop for photos on the way back as the Centennial Bridge looked good from here.

A birding highlight before the park was a Savannah Hawk. It was nicely perched at the edge

of a small airfield then launched itself in the air and grabbed a bird from the central

reservation of the road. It flew into the airfield to eat it and it was amazing how quickly

Vultures appeared to scavenge.

The security guard did us a favour by showing us a roosting Common Potoo, superbly

camouflaged as a tree stump. Liz and Brian found a little Toad too. This overgrown park was

full of birds and next were bright Yellow-backed Orioles contrasting with Lesser and Golden-

fronted Greenlets on the vines. A few of us got onto a Barred Ant-Shrike low down. An

Agouti strolled past us and an Acadian Flycatcher sat graciously so that we could all see its

white eye-ring. We started walking up the hill with small birds everywhere. Colourful Blue

Dacnis and Green Honeycreepers were a lot easier than the chattering Wrens but Rufous-

breasted and Rufous-and-white gave themselves up with patience. Some Long-nosed Bats

would not have been seen by any of us as they roosted on a trunk but a Black-throated

Trogon was a bit easier. A Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher reminded me of a female Redstart while

further on Squirrel Cuckoos showed how they got their name. Chris spotted an Anole lizard

shedding its skin while he searched for an Orange-billed Sparrow, well seen by others and

indeed a highlight for Marian. Ant-Shrikes performed better with Fasciated and Black-

crowned showing well.

The unbelievable happened next when Paco and Kilo realised that they could see the

singing Green Shrike-Vireo. In fact the bird continued to show extraordinarily well for several

minutes as it moved around. Chris was ecstatic; he could give up this obsession and start

another one. Where is that Orange-billed Sparrow?

We turned round at this point and slowly retraced our steps. We always seem to see as

much on the way back and it`s always different. It was special seeing Olivaceous Flatbills

weaving a nest far too big for them. We saw Red-crowned Ant-Tanagers, very similar to the

Red-throated ones we`ve seen a few times now, and a Helicopter Damselfly with yellow

spots. On the downslope a troop of adult and baby Coatis were moving through the trees

with ease, climbing down vines as they went. A large Green Iguana was moving slowly

through a shrub too.

I don’t know if it was luck or skill but the rain usually started within a minute or two of us

reaching the bus and this time was no exception. We needed to pay at the office and there

was a small shop too. Jane picked up useful Butterfly, Amphibian and Tree charts but the

rain was hammering down by now.

There was no way we could stop for bridge or train photos so it was straight to lunch.

It was dry as we set off after our siesta and didn`t go far- just down to Gamboa marina. We

were allowed onto the deck of the restaurant. Where the staff clearly threw the waste food

over the side the local wildlife gathered for scraps. A three foot Spectacled Caiman lay

hidden and Common Slider Turtles were there as was an Oscar Fish. We never did find out

how it got its name. The birds were good too with a Wattled Jacana and a tiny chick and

gangly adult and immature Purple Gallinules. On the lake itself were plenty of Moorhens with

a couple of American Coots and Pied-billed Grebes but interesting Ducks too.

Blue-winged Teals and Shovelers we had already seen but there were Ring-necked Ducks

and American Wigeons as well. Off to the side at the edge of the forest Crimson-backed

Tanagers looked stunning.

One bird we hoped to see, Greater Ani, had not appeared yet but a short walk let us see

several attempting to remain invisible in the long grass. They popped up now and again

giving us chances to see the pale eye and broken-nosed appearance of the beak. A very

successful low energy walk.

It was beginning to rain by now ( I wish I hadn’t commented on our luck) but a short drive

took us to the Ammo Dump where we saw Yellow-tailed Orioles, a Boat-billed Flycatcher, a

Northern Waterthrush and an Osprey flying round with a fish.

A few hundred yards more driving and we stopped by a pond where Kilo saw a Snail Kite in

a tree and whilst scoping that a White-faced Capuchin Monkey appeared briefly on a palm

tree. The rain was heavier now so many stayed on the bus. It was Tony`s birthday today and

he is a train buff so it was a shame that he couldn’t see the huge locomotives blaring out

their presence on the track. Those outside could see them. We had noticed that today

drivers were ignoring red traffic lights but didn`t know if it was a Sunday thing or just I can`t

be bothered waiting.

Tony got his cake and candle after dinner.

Monday 10th November

We had a longer drive this morning up to Cerro Azul, a gated community in a National Park

and one which wanted to attract wealthy people to buy real estate and build a house at the

edge of the forest. We drove past the bleaker old tower blocks of Panama City with the

expensive new skyscrapers beyond before heading for the hills. The economy of this rural

region looked as if it was wholly dependent on chicken production with massive roofed

cages full of poultry. As the hot air rose flocks of Vultures with some Swainson’s and Broad-

winged Hawks were taking to the air to continue their flight southwards.

We did several walks at the forest edge and soon saw Stripe-cheeked Woodpeckers,

endemic here.

A good spot by Kilo was a King Vulture with the other Vultures.

Among the many smaller birds a new Euphonia was White-vented though it was not easy to

see the relevant part without persistence. A good range of Tanagers were here with good

views of Golden-hooded, Hepatic and Bay-headed but glimpses only of Rufous-winged. The

mixed flocks contained Red-legged, Shining and Green Honeycreepers as well as their

cousins, Blue and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis. Larger stationary birds were a Slaty-tailed Trogon

and after much effort a Violaceous Trogon by the road. We had déjà vu flashbacks as we

walked up and down the same little hill but it paid off.

Guess what- the rain was starting as we rolled up to this kind American couple`s house.

Goodness knows how many Hummingbird feeders they had but the air was alive with

whizzing and zooming Hummers. There were other feeders too with Bananaquits and

assorted Tanagers which I`ll come back to.

The level of activity was staggering and it was not possible to concentrate on our picnic

lunch because of the new Hummers arriving. The number of feeders made it hard to know

where to look to but that`s not a complaint. The most local species was the Rufous-crested

Coquette and it was also the smallest but thank goodness they kept returning and on one

occasion there was an aerial battle between two males. Later we had amazing extended

views of one perched washing in the rain. Jane chose her view of one washing in a leaf as

one of her highlights of the trip. The iridescent colours of these wee gems don`t always show

so sorting out Violet-headed and Violet-capped Hummers from Violet-crowned Woodnymphs

wasn`t easy. Long-billed Starthroats are always special and again we had long views of

perched males in the open. I reckon we had thirteen Hummer species at this fabulous Casa

de los Colibris.

I said I’d return to the Tanagers. We saw Crimson-backed, Bay-headed, Hepatic and a new

one, Carmiol’s at the feeders. Mammals got in on the act with the arrival of three Geoffroy’s

Tamarins, small Monkeys. They announced their presence with chirping calls and a banana

was quickly hoisted up to a feeder for them. They weren`t shy and we could get some

wonderful views as they fed. They do always look like grumpy old men, don`t they?

As we prepared to leave here, with some reluctance I must add, Liz pulled a new

Woodcreeper out of the bag, a Black-striped, as a flock of Carmiol Tanagers descended

onto one of the fruiting shrubs.

What an amazing experience thanks to the generosity of the owners. Now for something

completely different as we drove back into the city`s most expensive neighbourhood to

check out the mudflats on the incoming tide. The amount of rubbish was appalling but the

number of Waders, Gulls etc was tantalising. The closest large Waders were mainly Willets

and Short-billed Dowitchers with some Marbled Godwits, Black-necked Stilts and Whimbrels.

Stepping down a size next were Grey Plovers then smaller ones like Semi-palmated Plovers

and hundreds of “peeps”. A closer look at these peeps revealed that the majority were

Semi-palmated Sandpipers with some Western and Least amongst them. Some appeared to

be none of the above but it was hard to keep with them, especially as the tide was coming in

fast.

Among the thousands of Laughing Gulls were quite a few distinctive Black Skimmers, one or

two Franklin`s Gulls, Royal, Gull-billed and Sandwich Terns. Paco found a Lesser Black-

backed Gull, familiar to us but unusual here. There were a lot of Herons and Egrets too with

a few Woodstorks.

Rather overwhelming but wonderful to see so many birds passing through. A couple of

passerines here passed most folk by- a Sapphire-throated Hummingbird was only seen by

Yvonne (and Kilo and Paco) and a female Blue-black Grassquit. Let`s hope we can find

another Sapphire-throat!

Another full day with loads for everyone to savour.

Tuesday 11th November

Before breakfast the Early Squad watched a Yellow-headed Caracara sitting on the backs of

the Capybaras. You try saying that before you`re fully awake. The adults didn`t seem

alarmed but a tiny baby was rather freaked out. It was probably looking for parasites but I

wondered if they hang about shortly after the birth for bits of placenta. We saw this

behaviour again later on and there was a very newly born baby then too.

In the morning we went to another part of Pipeline Road with the rain easing off. Helicopters

flying over set the Howler Monkeys howling and we had excellent views of a big male

showing off his tell-tale white testicles.

Chris survived an assassination attempt when he was bitten on the neck. He didn`t share

our enthusiasm for the Assassin Bug despite its fancy colour scheme. In the low herbage a

yard away was a female Spotted Antbird again and in the vines as usual Checker-throated

Ant-Wrens looked the other way. We crossed a slippery bridge and entered the muddy

forest. My “Repels 100% of all Insects” repellent contains Clearwing moth pheromones

which meant I had company regularly from lovely moths. The repellent also fails to repel

anything that bites. This part of the forest seemed full of weird and wonderful insects but far

more exciting was the fact that everyone saw the superb Streak-chested Antpitta in quite

good light. Amazingly Brian managed to get a sort of photo.

This trail continued to impress with Black-crowned Ant-Shrikes next then Liz found a female

Fasciated Ant-Shrike nearby. I found a Black-breasted Puffbird which showed better and

better and another White-whiskered Puffbird didn`t want to miss out on the attention. We had

excellent views of Slaty-tailed and White-tailed Trogons very close to the trail and Liz had

the audacity to find an Osprey with a fish in the middle of the rainforest. How ridiculous was

that?

There followed very clear views of a Rufous Motmot although Purple-throated Fruit-Crows

hid rather well above us. Generally we got really good sightings of species which had so far

hidden from us. Dot-winged and Checker-throated Ant-Wrens showed us their dots and

checkers. A Plain Brown Woodcreeper was what it said on the tin: plain and brown. I need to

mention the Morpho butterflies here. We had seen them every day and they are always

magnificent but today the colour was indigo. No photos of course to show this.

We could hear Capuchin Monkeys ahead of us and soon saw them all round us. They were

very relaxed and one pair mated nonchalantly above us. Where we turned round our daily

Three-toed Sloth was reclining with a very contented smile on its face.

We found different things on the way back as expected with a Helicopter Damselfly again

and a funny pink caterpillar with feathery parasites or disguises. A Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher

stayed put for ages. Marian heard movement and it was an Agouti eating fruit. Further back

Paco’s eyes caught movement and it was a minute Golden-crowned Spadebill. Not only did

he see it but he even managed to follow its tiny flit and get it in the scope for all who were

near him. Both Paco and Kilo pick up the tiniest hints of anything happening in the thickest

vegetation.

Time to head back for lunch after a fruitful morning. This afternoon we are going on a boat

trip and we were glad we have chosen one with a roof as it was pouring down. It became

even heavier as we reached the little quay so we waited until it subsided. It was fine on the

boat unless the roof was leaking above your head so that was all of us except for clever Liz

with a brolly.

We were across from the restaurant where we`d seen the Ducks the other day and I thought

we were on a small finger of the lake. We headed across to check out the Ducks and got

close views of Lesser Scaups as well as Ring-necked and American Wigeons and

Shovelers.

The next two hours were spent checking out the channels full of water hyacinth and water

lettuce. A boom prevented the water hyacinth getting into the Panama Canal. We had

several stunning views of Ringed Kingfishers, a Yellow-headed Caracara scattering

Swallows, and Ospreys all over the place. Wattled Jacanas and Purple Gallinules were

frequent alongside but Kilo spotted a magnificent Rufescent Tiger-Heron adult sitting out on

top of the vegetation. Next we had superb views of Greater Anis which looked so blue with

good light on them. The highlight as we turned round to go back was an enormous Cocoi

Heron which landed in full view. We saw another one later though further away this time. In

the gloom Paco picked out three Grey-necked Woodrails on a stout horizontal tree trunk. We

also saw indigenous Indians in dugouts and could see their thatched houses.

All in all a memorable trip on a lake which kept getting bigger and bigger as we turned

corners.

Wednesday 12th November

This morning the rain persisted as we set off locally to the Old Gamboa Road. We were

looking especially for Capped Herons and more Kingfishers.

We parked by the pond and Kilo quickly saw a Capped Heron half-hidden on the shore. We

all managed a quick look at this rather handsome bird with a blue bill and buff chest before it

took flight, landing in the open. Two others flew with it and we could see them again and

admire them longer. We had some shelter under the trees and could look out for whatever

else was around. Green Herons were common and with some wishful thinking we could

make out a Boat-billed Heron on its nest. An adult Rufescent Tiger-Heron was more obliging

and caught and proceeded to eat a large Eel close to us. A large Crocodile swam past one

of the Capped Herons and continued to swim round the pond, joined by a second smaller

one. Liz and Brian saw one lunge out of the water at what it must have thought was

something edible.

Lesser Kiskadees were flycatching around the pond and we saw Ringed and Amazon

Kingfishers but by good fortune when Paco was trying to convince us that there really was a

Boat-billed Heron in the scope a Pygmy Kingfisher landed in the foreground briefly. This set

us searching harder and it reappeared nearer to us but typically always under overhanging

vegetation. This meant it could only be seen from the right angle so not everyone saw it.

We drove on to the Ammo Dump again with rain still falling and here a Pygmy Kingfisher

showed wonderfully well for all-comers. A new Flycatcher was Black-tailed though its yellow

rump and ruddy breast were more obvious. Yellow-tailed Orioles showed out in the open

here, many caught up with Barred Ant-Shrike and an immature Rufescent Tiger-Heron

sheltered in the trees.

We went back to the hotel, had lunch and were packed and ready to leave at 2. We had a

stop at a grassy hill near Castana with a target bird: Wedge-tailed Grassfinch. One was

singing and when we found it its tail was hidden so had to enjoy the colourful yellow lower

mandible instead. There was a strong east breeze but it was not cold. A panoramic view

looked down to Chame peninsula where we were the other day. Confusingly the sea was the

Pacific to our south east! The trouble is we all think Panama lies north-south but in fact it is

west to east and the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal is further west than the

Pacific end.

We drove on to the café in Gorgona where we lunched the other day. The Snowy-bellied

Hummer had company in the form of a Garden Emerald. Migrating raptors for some from the

loo queue included a Mississippi Kite. A Sacropia tree had Red-legged Honeycreepers and a

stunning male Baltimore Oriole.

Onwards and away from the coast we drove towards the large crater forming Anton valley at

almost 2000`. There were lots of exotic Pines but the cloud forest was higher up with low

cloud around the top. It was almost dark when we turned up at our hotel, Los Mandarinos, a

late but welcome change to the advertised hotel.

We arrived in time to see the large complex with ponds, swimming pools and a restaurant

and separate bar, named O’Pedro’s! The Frogs were already croaking everywhere and we

enjoyed a lovely al fresco dinner buffet with a breeze. It is so much cooler up here-

wonderful.

Thursday 13th November

We were nearly all up and out at 6 to greet the dawn. Blue and White Swallows were

roosting on the hotel. We went for a walk with numerous birds, many new. Black-chested

Jays noisily announced their presence. Roadside Hawks were seen in very good light and a

Bat Falcon landed on a tower. In this new habitat we saw Lesser and Yellow-bellied

Elaenias, Yellow-faced Grassquits and Whitelined Tanagers confusingly with no white line

visible. A singing Black-striped Sparrow was hard to spot in a dark tree but a Yellow

Tyrannulet was easier. A Bran-coloured Flycatcher was a nice surprise and a huge flock of

White-collared Swifts swirled around above us. We got really good views of many birds and

the bonus of interesting behaviour.

After breakfast we walked the other way at the edge of this village. A Brown-throated Sloth

was stirring in an open tree. We saw White-lined Tanagers again and Barred Ant-Shrikes.

Overhead we got good views of a Black Hawk-Eagle but only very distant views of a Barred

Hawk. Other Raptors in the scope included Roadside and Short-tailed Hawks but a Sharp-

shinned Hawk was only for the sharp-eyed. An avenue of gardens had a lot of bird activity. A

Paltry Tyrannulet and a Rufous-capped Warbler were helpfully in the open. Chris and Tony

were joined by a local dog which clearly enjoyed their company and provided the rest of us

with many laughs. We went back for a rest before lunch and some had a nap. Lineated

Woodpeckers fed noisily by the road. We were all very tired with this change of air.

It was a lovely lunch with sangria, free beer and nice food al fresco.

Later was the moment many had been waiting for- a chance to buy postcards and stamps

and look at local handicrafts. No one bought a Panama hat, not least because they are

made in Ecuador!

Then we walked towards Macho waterfall. Rufous-capped Warblers performed again and we

had great views of Bay-headed Tanagers, Buff-throated Saltators and particularly a perched

Stripe-throated Hermit. Later on we saw Chestnut-headed and Crested Oropendolas, rather

similar at first. Even better were views of Spot-crowned Barbets with a male feeding the

female though there was a group of six of them above our heads Once again it is not just

seeing a dazzling array of birds but being able to watch intimate behaviour.

On the way back we were chased by a Red Devil bus. We all piled out when the guides saw

a Flame-rumped Tanager. It took a while to relocate in the gloom but we all saw the male.

Tony objected to the flame being yellow so we renamed it Lemon-rumped Tanager. A bonus

again was a Red crowned Woodpecker peering out of its nest at the commotion.

A wonderful day was rounded off by thunder and lightning at dinner.

Friday 14th November

A sunny start followed the storm. Earlybirds saw similar birds to yesterday- like Black-

chested Jays, Thick-billed Euphonias but a Green Heron in a tree was a bit of a surprise.

The Black-striped Sparrow was in cooperative mood and fighting Rufous-tailed Hummers got

their energy quickly this morning. A full house saw Yellow Tyrannulets and the Bran-

coloured Flycatcher this morning. Pauline found a gorgeous male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

in wonderful light.

After breakfast we drove past Macho falls and passed a pond with Cormorant and the most

artificial-looking Mallard hybrid I`ve ever seen. Paco pointed out a Brown Basilisk lizard on a

wall. We started walking and an active mixed group of Tanagers was noisy but hard to see

well. Silver-throated, Tawny-crested and Dusky-faced were all new for the whole group. For

once, easier to see was a female Violet-crowned Woodnymph when it perched. Even harder

though were the White-breasted Woodwren, the Slaty Ant-Wren and the Plain Antvireo

across a forest gully! There was almost a Null Points score for the entire group. Let`s stick to

insects because Paco`s huge Stick Insect and Liz`s superb Leaf Insect, though well

camouflaged, were easier than these ground skulking birds.

Another short drive and short walk gave us a perched Roadside Hawk and overhead Black

Hawk-Eagle. Chicken farms have grassy areas around so Southern Lapwings were on the

list again. More Tanagers moved through- noisy Dusky-faced and Flame-coloured and

White-lined with a guest appearance by a Blackburnian Warbler. Tawny-capped Euphonias

showed their wrong end for photos and a Rosy Thrush-Tanager kept out of our way. Rain

started on our way home for lunch and was light to begin with.

It got heavier and rained all afternoon with thunder and the hills totally disappeared. The

decision not to go out was pretty obvious so we had an early checklist before dinner.

Pauline and Yvonne did go out after lunch before the rain got heavy. They saw a Long-billed

Starthroat and a Garden Emerald as well as a Chestnut-headed Oropendola displaying.

Saturday 15 November

The day dawned with blue sky and the sun appeared. Jon, as usual, had seen but not been

able to photograph bats from his bedroom window and Yvonne saw one too by the pool.

We set off walking up the hill for a change and soon saw Streaked and Buff-throated

Saltators, a beautiful Blue-headed Parrot, Black-chested Jays and Oropendolas. The Sloth

was curled up in his Sacropia tree and not woken up by Collared Aracaris landing near him.

Crimson-backed Tanagers were stunning and the first Hummers were feeding: Stripe-

throated Hermit and later aggressive Rufous-tailed and a stunning male Violet-crowned

Woodnymph. Red-tailed and Variegated Squirrels were feeding on fruit too. A Keel-billed

Toucan posed and a Chestnut headed Oropendola ran up and down a branch putting ants

under his wings. A lovely start to the day.

After breakfast we drove up to La Mesa again but took a different track. At the pond the

Cormorant posed patiently near us and cattle were being branded nearby. A fig tree was full

of birds, if only we could find them in the scope, but patience paid off. Bay-headed, Silver-

throated and Blue-gray Tanagers were joined by Yellow-crowned, Tawny-capped and Thick-

billed Euphonias with Green Honeycreepers too. A distant Black Hawk-Eagle showed its

distinctive profile clearly.

This morning we finally made progress with Mourning Warbler and most of us saw a smart

male. Everyone else got a female later.

Bay-breasted and Chestnut-sided Warblers were in the treetops.

We took a trail into the forest and a major challenge was to see a Chestnut-capped Brush-

finch. It was very active catching pale moths in deep shade and taking them presumably to

its nest. Kilo spotted an amazingly well-hidden Double-toothed Kite close to us. A juvenile

Pale-vented Thrush was fed by its parent at times. Lots of sounds led to little else being

seen so we enjoyed some super Butterflies with bright blue wings colourful Beetles and a

freaky Spider caught our eye.

It was time for lunch already. We were only just under cover when the rain came down

heavier and heavier until it was deafening. Some rain persisted all afternoon.

We all met up to go to see a Frog conservation project at the local zoo. Chachalacas were

above the bus as we got out. Many exhibits were showy birds like cock Common Pheasants

but there was a Boa in a dog carrier and a young Agouti was running around. Wild birds

were better with good views of Barred Ant-shrike female again, Crimson-backed Tanagers

and Plain Wren. All of these birds were used to people so not hiding as much as usual.

We couldn’t go round the breeding cages of endangered frogs but had fun trying to find the

various species in the green cages we could visit. They ranged from tiny Glass Frogs to big

Toads but included the critically endangered Panama Gold Frog, believed extinct in the wild.

The heavens opened so we made our way back to the bus using shelter on the way.

The light was going by now so we came back to the hotel and found a large moth

masquerading as a bat outside our rooms.

Sunday 16 November

No pre-breakfast optional walk but a few worthies were of course up and about.

After breakfast we were packed and on the move by 8.30. We had really enjoyed our stay at

this lovely hotel and headed down to the dry forest/ grasslands. On the way a small group of

Falcons hunting were Aplomado but they swiftly disappeared as we stopped to look at them.

Off the main road we travelled on bumpy roads past lots of cattle and rice fields. Lots of

Raptors were around with Crested Caracaras new for us and a male American Kestrel.

Vultures included a Lesser Yellow-headed again with effort.

The heat hit us now we were near sea level again as we checked flooded fields which had

attracted some Waders: both Yellowlegs, Solitary, Pectoral and Spotted Sandpipers and

Lapwings of course. Throngs of Herons with Great Blue and Little Blue and Green, Snowy

and Great Egrets carpeted the ground. There were a few Wood Storks and Caracaras with

them in rice fields being harvested. We got even better Raptor views with a very tame

Savannah while two Peregrines circled around above us and we had really close Crested

and Yellow-headed Caracaras.

A Gray Kingbird was very exciting as it was new for Paco too and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo

landed near us when we were all in the bus.

On our return to the main road a couple of stops gave really close views of Ruddy-breasted

Seedeater and then we got out for Great Black Hawks circling above while a Sapphire-

throated Hummer sat for ages below.

Lunch was welcome and cold drinks in order. We had forgotten just how hot and humid it

was but fine food set us up for our way back to the Radisson and farewell to Kilo, who has

shown us lots of amazing wildlife in his country. His skill and local knowledge enabled us to

see so much and we expressed our gratitude to him.

For some of the group there was time to wander around the grounds and they were

rewarding as usual. Pauline found a new bird for the trip with three Orchard Orioles and the

Fork-tailed Flycatchers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks seemed tamer than ever.

We were delighted that the lifts had worked today but sad to be leaving Panama tomorrow

and had a round-up of comments and some highlights from the last fortnight. I asked people

to write down five highlights from the trip and here is a summary. There were so many

different choices, from Paco to the rain forest experience to the Sloth with baby to Trogons

and Manakins and much more besides but the most-featured were Hummingbirds,

especially the Rufous-crested Coquette, the Capped Herons and the Blue Cotinga. As well

as seeing so many species we had also enjoyed seeing so much behavioural activity.

Monday 17th November

On our last morning we had ample time to join Paco on a walk down a trail as well as get

ready for the journey home. We managed to see two new birds, Muscovy Duck and Band-

tailed Barbthroat, in the course of the morning and heard Yellow-billed Caciques and White-

winged Becards but we saw a good range of old favourites from our long stay here. The

Capybara group had a new baby which the Yellow-headed Caracara was interested in and

the Sloth with its baby were in the same area.

Wrens put on a good display with Black-bellied, Rufous and Buff-breasted, Plain and Bay

and a Slaty-tailed Trogon sat above our heads. Further along the trail a White-vented

Plumeteer sat patiently for photographers.

After lunch we had a final chance to wander around the carpark or beyond if we wished and

then it was time to board the bus for the last time to go to the airport. The heavy rain made

the dual carriageway frighteningly skiddy with trucks jack-knifing across lanes but Sebastian

got us safely to the airport and we thanked Paco for all his hard work and skill.

The flights back home took us through Schiphol with a distinct lack of seats but the few they

had were wonderfully reclined and the group said its farewells as some left for Manchester

and the rest went back to Heathrow. It will take time to absorb everything that we have seen

and some will have countless photos to sort and edit.

Report by Ian Ford.

Photos by Pauline Chapman, Brian Snell and Ian Ford.

Photos by Pauline Chapman

Photos by Brian Snell

Photos by Ian Ford

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Great Tinamou

Tinamus major

X

Little Tinamou

Crypturellus soui

H

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

X X X X

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

Muscovy Duck

Cairina moschata

X

Northern Shoveller Anas

clypeata

X X X

American Wigeon

Anas americana

X X

Blue-winged Teal

Anas discors

X X X X

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

X

Ring-necked Duck Aythya

collaris

X X

Gray-headed Chachalaca

Ortalis cinereiceps

X X X H H X X X X X

Crested Guan

Penelope purpurascens

Black Guan

Chamaepetes unicolor

Great Curassow

Crax rubra

Crested Bobwhite

Colinus cristatus

X

Marbled Wood-Quail

Odontophorus gujanensis

Black-eared Wood-Quail

Odontophorus melanotis

Tawny-faced Quail

Rhynchortyx cinctus

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

X

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

X X X

Jabiru

Jabiru mycteria

Ducks, Swans & Geese

Curassows, Guans & Chachalacas

New World Quails

Tinamous

BIRDS

Grebes

Storks

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSWood Stork

Mycteria americana

X X X X X

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

X X X X X X X X

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

Blue-footed Booby

Sula nebouxii

X

Peruvian Booby

Sula variegata

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

X X

Neotropic Cormorant

Phalacrocorax brasilianus

X X X X X X

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

X

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

X X X X X X

Least Bittern

Ixobrychus exilis

Rufescent Tiger-Heron

Tigrisoma lineatum

X X X X

Fasciated Tiger-Heron

Tigrisoma fasciatum

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron

Tigrisoma mexicanum

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

X X X

Cocoi Heron

Ardea cocoi

X

Great Egret

Ardea alba

X X X X X X X X

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

X X X X X

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

X X X X X X X X X X

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

X

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

X

Darters

Pelicans

Cormorants

Boobies & Gannets

Frigatebirds

Herons

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSCattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

X X X X X X X X X X

Striated Heron

Butorides striata

Agami Heron

Agamia agami

Capped Heron

Pilherodius pileatus

X

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

X

Boat-billed Heron

Cochlearius cochlearius

X X

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

Green Ibis

Mesembrinibis cayennensis

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture

Cathartes burrovianus

X X

King Vulture

Sarcoramphus papa

X

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

X X X X X X X

Gray-headed Kite

Leptodon cayanensis

X

Hook-billed Kite

Chondrohierax uncinatus

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

Pearl Kite

Gampsonyx swainsonii

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

Snail Kite

Rostrhamus sociabilis

X X

Double-toothed Kite

Harpagus bidentatus

X X

Ibises & Spoonbills

Vultures

Hawks, Eagles & Kites

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSMississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

X

Plumbeous Kite

Ictinia plumbea

Northern Harrier

Circus cyaneus

Long-winged Harrier

Circus buffoni

Tiny Hawk

Accipiter superciliosus

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

X

Bicolored Hawk

Accipiter bicolor

Crane Hawk

Geranospiza caerulescens

Plumbeous Hawk

Cryptoleucopteryx plumbea

Common Black-Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

X X X

Savanna Hawk

Buteogallus meridionalis

X X

Great Black-Hawk

Buteogallus urubitinga

X

Barred Hawk

Morphnarchus princeps

(X)

White Hawk

Pseudastur albicollis

Semiplumbeous Hawk

Leucopternis semiplumbeus

Roadside Hawk

Buteo magnirostris

X X X X X

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

X X X X X X X X X

Gray-lined Hawk

Buteo nitidus

X X X

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

X X X X X

Swainson’s Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

X X X X X

White-tailed Hawk

Buteo albicaudatus

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

X

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Harpy Eagle

Harpia harpyja

Black Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus tyrannus

X X X

Ornate Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus ornatus

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus melanoleucus

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDS

Sunbittern

Eurypyga helias

White-throated Crake

Laterallus albigularis

H

Gray-breasted Crake

Laterallus exilis

Gray-necked Wood-Rail

Aramides cajaneus

X H H X

Uniform Crake

Amaurolimnas concolor

Sora

Porzana carolina

Yellow-breasted Crake

Porzana flaviventer

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinicus

X X X

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

X X X X X X

American Coot

Fulica americana

X X

Sungrebe

Heliornis fulica

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

Southern Lapwing

Vanellus chilensis

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

X X

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

Collared Plover

Charadrius collaris

Wilson’s Plover

Charadrius wilsonia

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

X

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

X

Limpkin

Plovers & Lapwings

Finfoots

Sunbittern

Rails, Gallinules & Coots

Oystercatchers

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDS

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

X X

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

Wattled Jacana

Jacana jacana

X X X X X X X X X

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

X X X X X X X

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

X X

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

X X X

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

X X

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

X X X

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

X X

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

X

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

Surfbird

Aphriza virgata

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

Sanderling

Calidris alba

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

X

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

X

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

X X

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

X

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

X X

Sandpipers & Allies

Stilts & Avocets

Jacanas

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSLong-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

X

Wilson’s Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

X

Franklin’s Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

X

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus graellsi

X

Brown Noddy

Anous stolidus

Bridled Tern

Onychoprion anaethetus

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

X

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

X X X

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

X

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

X

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

X X X X X X X X

Pale-vented Pigeon

Patagioenas cayennensis

X X X X X X X X X X

Scaled Pigeon

Patagioenas speciosa

Short-billed Pigeon

Patagioenas nigrirostris

Mourning Dove

Zenaida macroura

Plain-breasted Ground-Dove

Columbina minuta

Ruddy Ground-Dove

Columbina talpacoti

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Gulls, Terns & Allies

Pigeons & Doves

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSBlue Ground-Dove

Claravis pretiosa

White-tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi

X X X X X X X

Gray-chested Dove

Leptotila cassini

X

Olive-backed Quail-Dove

Geotrygon veraguensis

Purplish-backed Quail-Dove

Geotrygon lawrencii

Violaceous Quail-Dove

Geotrygon violacea

Ruddy Quail-Dove

Geotrygon montana

X

Little Cuckoo

Coccycua minuta

Squirrel Cuckoo

Piaya cayana

X X X X

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

X

Mangrove Cuckoo

Coccyzus minor

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

Striped Cuckoo

Tapera naevia

H H

Pheasant Cuckoo

Dromococcyx phasianellus

Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo

Neomorphus geoffroyi

Greater Ani

Crotophaga major

X X

Smooth-billed Ani

Crotophaga ani

X X X X X X X

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

X X X X X X

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

Tropical Screech-Owl

Megascops choliba

Vermiculated Screech-Owl

Megascops guatemalae

Choco Screech-Owl

Megascops centralis

Crested Owl

Lophostrix cristata

Spectacled Owl

Pulsatrix perspicillata

Cuckoos

Barn Owls

Typical Owls

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSFerruginous Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium brasilianum

Mottled Owl

Ciccaba virgata

Black-and-white Owl

Ciccaba nigrolineata

Striped Owl

Pseudoscops clamator

Short-tailed Nighthawk

Lurocalis semitorquatus

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

Common Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis

D H

Chuck-will’s-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

Rufous Nightjar

Antrostomus rufus

White-tailed Nightjar

Hydropsalis cayennensis

Great Potoo

Nyctibius grandis

Common Potoo

Nyctibius griseus

X

Oilbird

Steatornis caripensis

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

White-chinned Swift

Cypseloides cryptus

Chestnut-collared Swift

Streptoprocne rutila

White-collared Swift

Streptoprocne zonaris

X X

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

X X

Vaux’s Swift

Chaetura vauxi

X

Short-tailed Swift

Chaetura brachyura

X

Band-rumped Swift

Chaetura spinicaudus

X X X

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift

Panyptila cayennensis

X X X

Nightjars

Potoos

Oilbird

Swifts

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDS

White-necked Jacobin

Florisuga mellivora

X X

White-tipped Sicklebill

Eutoxeres aquila

Rufous-breasted Hermit

Glaucis hirsutus

X

Band-tailed Barbthroat

Threnetes ruckeri

X

Green Hermit

Phaethornis guy

X

Long-billed Hermit

Phaethornis longirostris

X X

Pale-bellied Hermit

Phaethornis anthophilus

Stripe-throated Hermit

Phaethornis striigularis

X X X X X X

Brown Violet-ear

Colibri delphinae

Purple-crowned Fairy

Heliothryx barroti

Black-throated Mango

Anthracothorax nigricollis

Veraguan Mango (E)

Anthracothorax veraguensis

Green Thorntail

Discosura conversii

Rufous-crested Coquette

Lophornis delattrei

X

Green-crowned Brilliant

Heliodoxa jacula

Long-billed Starthroat

Heliomaster longirostris

X X

Purple-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis calolaemus

Magenta-throated Woodstar

Calliphlox bryantae

Garden Emerald

Chlorostilbon assimilis

X X X X

Violet-headed Hummingbird

Klais guimeti

X X

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird

Phaeochroa cuvierii

Violet Sabrewing

Campylopterus hemileucurus

White-tailed Emerald

Elvira chionura

Snowcap

Microchera albocoronata

White-vented Plumeleteer

Chalybura buffonii

X X X X X X X

Hummingbirds

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSBronze-tailed Plumeleteer

Chalybura urochrysia

X X

Violet-crowned Woodnymph

Thalurania colombica

X X X X X

Blue-chested Hummingbird

Amazilia amabilis

X X

Snowy-bellied Hummingbird

Amazilia edward

X X X X X

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

Amazilia tzacatl

X X X X X X X X X X

Violet-capped Hummingbird

Goldmania violiceps

X

Sapphire-throated Hummingbird

Lepidopyga coeruleogularis

X X

Violet-bellied Hummingbird

Damophila julie

X X X

Blue-throated Goldentail

Hylocharis eliciae

Slaty-tailed Trogon

Trogon massena

X X X

Black-tailed Trogon

Trogon melanurus

X

White-tailed Trogon

Trogon chionurus

X X X

Gartered Trogon

Trogon caligatus

X

Black-throated Trogon

Trogon rufus

X X

Orange-bellied Trogon

Trogon aurantiiventris

Tody Motmot

Hylomanes momotula

Whooping Motmot

Momotus subrufescens

X X X X

Rufous Motmot

Baryphthengus martii

X X X X

Broad-billed Motmot

Electron platyrhynchum

X X X

Ringed Kingfisher

Megaceryle torquata

X X X

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

Amazon Kingfisher

Chloroceryle amazona

X X X X

Green Kingfisher

Chloroceryle americana

Green-and-rufous Kingfisher

Chloroceryle inda

Trogons

Motmots

Kingfishers

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSAmerican Pygmy Kingfisher

Chloroceryle aenea

X

Barred Puffbird

Nystalys radiatus

White-necked Puffbird

Notharchus hyperrhynchus

X X

Black-breasted Puffbird

Notharchus pectoralis

X

Pied Puffbird

Notharchus tectus

X

White-whiskered Puffbird

Malacoptila panamensis

X X X

Great Jacamar

Jacamerops aureus

Spot-crowned Barbet

Capito maculicoronatus

X X

Prong-billed Barbet

Semnormis frantzii

Blue-throated (Emerald) Toucanet

Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis

Collared Aracari

Pteroglossus torquatus

X X X X X X X X X X

Yellow-eared Toucanet

Selenidera spectabilis

Keel-billed Toucan

Ramphastos sulfuratus

X X X X X H X X X X X X

Black-mandibled Toucan

Ramphastos ambiguus

X

Olivaceous Piculet

Picumnus olivaceus

Black-cheeked Woodpecker

Melanerpes pucherani

X X X X

Red-crowned Woodpecker

Melanerpes rubricapillus

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker (E)

Piculus callopterus

X

Cinnamon Woodpecker

Celeus loricatus

X

Lineated Woodpecker

Dryocopus lineatus

X X X

Crimson-bellied Woodpecker

Campephilus haematogaster

Crimson-crested Woodpecker

Campephilus melanoleucos

X X X X

Puffbirds

Jacamars

Barbets & Toucans

Woodpeckers

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDS

Barred Forest-Falcon

Micrastur ruficollis

Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon

Micrastur mirandollei

X

Collared Forest-Falcon

Micrastur semitorquatus

Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway

X

Yellow-headed Caracara

Milvago chimachima

X X X X X X X X X X X

Laughing Falcon

Herpetotheres cachinnans

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

X X

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Aplomado Falcon

Falco fermoralis

X

Bat Falcon

Falco rufigularis

X X X X X X X

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

X X X

Brown-throated Parakeet

Aratinga pertinax

Orange-chinned Parakeet

Brotogeris jugularis

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Blue-fronted Parrotlet

Touit dilectissimus

Brown-hooded Parrot

Pionopsitta haematotis

X X X

Blue-headed Parrot

Pionus menstruus

X X X X

Red-lored Parrot

Amazona autumnalis

X X X X

Mealy Parrot

Amazona farinosa

X

Yellow-crowned Parrot

Amazona ochrocephala

Sapayoa

Sapayoa aenigma

Fasciated Antshrike

Cymbilaimus lineatus

X X X X

Great Antshrike

Taraba major

Falcons & Caracaras

Parrots

Sapayoa

Antbirds

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSBarred Antshrike

Thamnophilus doliatus

X X X X X X

Western Slaty-Antshrike

Thamnophilus atrinucha

X X X X

Russet Antshrike

Thamnistes anabatinus

Plain Antvireo

Dysithamnus mentalis

H

Spot-crowned Antvireo

Dysithamnus puncticeps

Moustached Antwren

Myrmotherula ignota

X

Pacific Antwren

Myrmotherula pacifica

White-flanked Antwren

Myrmotherula axillaris

X

Slaty Antwren

Myrmotherula schisticolor

H H

Checker-throated Antwren

Epinecrophylla fulviventris

X X X X

Dot-winged Antwren

Microrhopias quixensis

X X X

Dusky Antbird

Cercomacra tyrannina

X X X H

Jet Antbird

Cercomacra nigricans

Bare-crowned Antbird

Gymnocichla nudiceps

White-bellied Antbird

Myrmeciza longipes

H H

Chestnut-backed Antbird

Myrmeciza exsul

X

Dull-mantled Antbird

Myrmeciza laemosticta

Spotted Antbird

Hylophylax naevioides

X X X

Wing-banded Antbird

Myrmornis torquata

Bicolored Antbird

Gymnopithys leucaspis

Ocellated Antbird

Phaenostictus mcleannani

Black-crowned Antpitta

Pittasoma michleri

X

Scaled Antpitta

Grallaria guatimalensis

Streak-chested Antpitta

Hylopezus perspicillatus

X

Black-faced Antthrush

Formicarius analis

H

Gnateaters

Antpittas & Antthrushes

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSBlack-headed Antthrush

Formicarius nigricapillus

Tawny-throated Leaftosser

Sclerurus mexicanus

Scaly-throated Leaftosser

Sclerurus guatemalensis

Olivaceous Woodcreeper

Sittasomus griseicapillus

X

Long-tailed Woodcreeper

Deconychura longicauda

Plain-brown Woodcreeper

Dendrocincla fuliginosa

X X

Ruddy Woodcreeper

Dendrocincla homochroa

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper

Glyphorynchus spirurus

Northern Barred-Woodcreeper

Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae

Cocoa Woodcreeper

Xiphorhynchus susurrans

X X X X X X X

Black-striped Woodcreeper

Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus

X

Spotted Woodcreeper

Xiphorhynchus erythropygius

X

Straight-billed Woodcreeper

Dendroplex picus

X

Brown-billed Scythebill

Campylorhamphus pusillus

Streak-headed Woodcreeper

Lepidocolaptes souleyetii

Plain Xenops

Xenops minutus

X X X X

Slaty-winged Foliage-gleaner

Philydor fuscipenne

Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner

Automolus ochrolaemus

Spotted Barbtail

Premnoplex brunnescens

Red-faced Spinetail

Cranioleuca erythrops

Pale-breasted Spinetail

Synallaxis albescens

Slaty Spinetail

Synallaxis brachyura

Brown-capped Tyrannulet

Ornithion brunneicapillus

X

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet

Camptostoma obsoletum

X X X X

Mouse-colored Tyrannulet

Phaeomyias murina

Ovenbirds & Woodcreepers

Tyrant Flycatchers

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSYellow Tyrannulet

Capsiempis flaveola

X X X

Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet

Tyrannulus elatus

Forest Elaenia

Myiopagis gaimardii

X

Gray Elaenia

Myiopagis caniceps

Greenish Elaenia

Myiopagis viridicata

X

Yellow-bellied Elaenia

Elaenia flavogaster

X X X

Lesser Elaenia

Elaenia chiriquensis

X X

Olive-striped Flycatcher

Mionectes olivaceus

X

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher

Mionectes oleagineus

X X

Sepia-capped Flycatcher

Leptopogon amaurocephalus

Slaty-capped Flycatcher

Leptopogon superciliaris

Yellow-green Tyrannulet (E)

Phylloscartes flavovirens

H

Rufous-browed Tyrannulet

Phylloscartes superciliaris

Paltry Tyrannulet

Zimmerius vilissimus

X X

Northern Scrub-Flycatcher

Sublegatus arenarum

Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant

Myiornis atricapillus

H

Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant

Lophotriccus pileatus

(X) H H

Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant

Lophotriccus pilaris

Southern Bentbill

Oncostoma olivaceum

X X

Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher

Poecilotriccus sylvia

Common Tody-Flycatcher

Todirostrum cinereum

X X X X X X X

Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher

Todirostrum nigriceps

Brownish Twistwing

Cnipodectes subbrunneus

Eye-ringed Flatbill

Rhynchocyclus brevirostris

Olivaceous Flatbill

Rhynchocyclus olivaceus

X X X X

Yellow-olive Flycatcher

Tolmomyias sulphurescens

X

Yellow-margined Flycatcher

Tolmomyias assimilis

X X

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSWhite-throated Spadebill

Platyrinchus mystaceus

Golden-crowned Spadebill

Platyrinchus coronatus

X

Royal Flycatcher

Onychorhynchus coronatus

X

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher

Terenotriccus erythrurus

X X

Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher

Myiobius sulphureipygius

Black-tailed Flycatcher

Myiobius atricaudus

X

Bran-colored Flycatcher

Myiophobus fasciatus

X X X

Tufted Flycatcher

Mitrephanes phaeocercus

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

X

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

X X X X X X X X

Tropical Pewee

Contopus cinereus

X X

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

X X X X

Empidonax spX

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

Pied Water-Tyrant

Fluvicola pica

Long-tailed Tyrant

Colonia colonus

Cattle Tyrant

Machetornis rixosa

Bright-rumped Attila

Attila spadiceus

X

Sirystes

Sirystes sibilator

Rufous Mourner

Rhytipterna holerythra

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

Panama Flycatcher

Myiarchus panamensis

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

X

Lesser Kiskadee

Pitangus lictor

X X X X

Great Kiskadee

Pitangus sulphuratus

X X X X X X X X X X X X

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSBoat-billed Flycatcher

Megarynchus pitangua

X X X

Rusty-margined Flycatcher

Myiozetetes cayanensis

X X X

Social Flycatcher

Myiozetetes similis

X X X X X X

Gray-capped Flycatcher

Myiozetetes granadensis

White-ringed Flycatcher

Conopias albovittatus

Streaked Flycatcher

Myiodynastes maculatus

X X X X

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Myiodynastes luteiventris

Piratic Flycatcher

Legatus leucophaius

X X

Crowned Slaty Flycatcher

Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Gray Kingbird

Tyrannus dominicensis

X

Fork-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus savana

X X X X X X X X

Thrush-like Schiffornis

Schiffornis turdina

H

Speckled Mourner

Laniocera rufescens

Masked Tityra

Tityra semifasciata

X X

Black-crowned Tityra

Tityra inquisitor

X

Cinnamon Becard

Pachyramphus cinnamomeus

White-winged Becard

Pachyramphus polychopterus

H

Purple-throated Fruitcrow

Querula purpurata

X X

Bare-necked Umbrellabird

Cephalopterus glabricollis

Blue Cotinga

Cotinga nattererii

X

Rufous Piha

Lipaugus unirufus

Golden-collared Manakin

Manacus vitellinus

X X

Manakins

Tityras, Becards & Allies

Cotingas

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSWhite-ruffed Manakin

Corapipo altera

X X

Lance-tailed Manakin

Chiroxiphia lanceolata

X X

Blue-crowned Manakin

Lepidothrix coronata

X X X

Red-capped Manakin

Pipra mentalis

X X X

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

X X X

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

X

Yellow-green Vireo

Vireo flavoviridis

Black-whiskered Vireo

Vireo altiloquus

Scrub Greenlet

Hylophilus flavipes

X X X

Tawny-crowned Greenlet

Hylophilus ochraceiceps

Golden-fronted Greenlet

Hylophilus aurantiifrons

X X

Lesser Greenlet

Hylophilus decurtatus

X X

Green Shrike-Vireo

Vireolanius pulchellus

H H X

Rufous-browed Peppershrike

Cyclarhis gujanensis

Black-chested Jay

Cyanocorax affinis

X X X X

Purple Martin

Progne subis

X

Gray-breasted Martin

Progne chalybea

X X X X X X X X X X X

Brown-chested Martin

Progne tapera

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

Mangrove Swallow

Tachycineta albilinea

X X X X X X X X X X

Blue-and-white Swallow

Pygochelidon cyanoleuca

X X X X

White-thighed Swallow

Neochelidon tibialis

Vireos

Jays & Crows

Swallows

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSNorthern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

X

Southern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

X X X X X

Bank Swallow (Sand Martin)

Riparia riparia

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Scaly-breasted Wren

Microcerculus marginatus

House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Ochraceous Wren

Troglodytes ochraceus

White-headed Wren

Campylorhynchus albobrunneus

Rufous-breasted Wren

Pheugopedius rutilus

X X X X X X

Black-bellied Wren

Pheugopedius fasciatoventris

X X X

Rufous-and-white Wren

Thryophilus rufalbus

X

Plain Wren

Cantorchilus modestus

X X X X

Bay Wren

Cantorchilus nigricapillus

X X X

Buff-breasted Wren

Cantorchilus leucotis

X X

White-breasted Wood-Wren

Henicorhina leucosticta

X

Gray-breasted Wood-Wren

Henicorhina leucophrys

Song Wren

Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus

H X

Tawny-faced Gnatwren

Microbates cinereiventris

Long-billed Gnatwren

Ramphocaenus melanurus

X

Tropical Gnatcatcher

Polioptila plumbea

X X

Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush

Catharus aurantiirostris

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

Wrens

Gnatcatchers

Thrushes

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSSwainson’s Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

X X X X X

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

X

Pale-vented Thrush

Turdus obsoletus

X X X

Clay-colored Thrush

Turdus grayi

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

White-throated Thrush

Turdus assimilis

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

Tropical Mockingbird

Mimus gilvus

X X X X X X X X X

Yellowish Pipit

Anthus lutescens

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

X X

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

X

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

X X X X

Tennessee Warbler

Oreothlypis peregrina

X X X X X X X

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

H H X X

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosus

X

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

X X X

Wood-Warblers

Waxwings

Mockingbirds & Allies

Pipits & Wagtails

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSCape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

Tropical Parula

Setophaga pitiayumi

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

X X X X X X

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

X

Yellow Warbler

Setophaga petechia

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

X X X X X X X

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

Buff-rumped Warbler

Myiothlypis fulvicauda

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

X X X

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

Wilson’s Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

Bananaquit

Coereba flaveola

X X X X X X

Black-and-yellow Tanager

Chrysothlypis chrysomelas

Rosy Thrush-Tanager

Rhodinocichla rosea

X H H

Dusky-faced Tanager

Mitrospingus cassinii

X

Gray-headed Tanager

Eucometis penicillata

Sulphur-rumped Tanager

Heterospingus rubrifrons

White-shouldered Tanager

Tachyphonus luctuosus

X X X X X X X X X X

Bananaquit

Tanagers

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSTawny-crested Tanager

Tachyphonus delatrii

X

White-lined Tanager

Tachyphonus rufus

X X X X X

Crimson-backed Tanager

Ramphocelus dimidiatus

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Flame-rumped Tanager

Ramphocelus flammigerus

X X X

Blue-gray Tanager

Thraupis episcopus

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Palm Tanager

Thraupis palmarum

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Golden-hooded Tanager

Tangara larvata

X X X X

Speckled Tanager

Tangara guttata

Plain-colored Tanager

Tangara inornata

X X X X X X X X X

Rufous-winged Tanager

Tangara lavinia

X

Bay-headed Tanager

Tangara gyrola

X X X X X

Emerald Tanager

Tangara florida

Silver-throated Tanager

Tangara icterocephala

X X X

Scarlet-thighed Dacnis

Dacnis venusta

X

Blue Dacnis

Dacnis cayana

X X X X X X X X

Green Honeycreeper

Chlorophanes spiza

X X X X

Shining Honeycreeper

Cyanerpes lucidus

X

Red-legged Honeycreeper

Cyanerpes cyaneus

X X X X X

Streaked Saltator

Saltator striatipectus

X X X X X X X X

Buff-throated Saltator

Saltator maximus

X X X X X X

Black-headed Saltator

Saltator atriceps

Slate-colored Grosbeak

Saltator grossus

Blue-black Grassquit

Volatinia jacarina

X X

Slate-colored Seedeater

Sporophila schistacea

Variable Seedeater

Sporophila americana

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Genus Incertae Sedis

Buntings & Allies

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSYellow-bellied Seedeater

Sporophila nigricollis

X X X X X X X X X

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater

Sporophila minuta

X

Thick-billed Seed-Finch

Oryzoborus funereus

Yellow-faced Grassquit

Tiaris olivaceus

X X X X

Saffron Finch

Sicalis flaveola

X X X X X X X X X X

Grassland Yellow-Finch

Sicalis luteola

Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch

Emberizoides herbicola

X

Orange-billed Sparrow

Arremon aurantiirostris

X X

Sooty-faced Finch

Arremon crassirostris

Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch

Arremon brunneinucha

X

Black-striped Sparrow

Arremonops conirostris

X X X

Common Bush-Tanager

Chlorospingus ophthalmicus

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

X X X

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

X X X X X X X X X X

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

Red-crowned Ant-Tanager

Habia rubica

X X

Red-throated Ant-Tanager

Habia fuscicauda

X X X X

Carmiol’s Tanager

Chlorothraupis carmioli

X

Black-faced Grosbeak

Caryothraustes poliogaster

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

X X X X X X X X

Blue Seedeater

Amaurospiza concolor

Blue-black Grosbeak

Cyanocompsa cyanoides

X X

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

Cardinals & Allies

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDS

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

X

Red-breasted Blackbird

Sturnella militaris

X

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

X

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Shiny Cowbird

Molothrus bonariensis

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

Giant Cowbird

Molothrus oryzivorus

Black-cowled Oriole

Icterus prosthemelas

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

X

Yellow-backed Oriole

Icterus chrysater

X X X

Orange-crowned Oriole

Icterus auricapillus

Yellow-tailed Oriole

Icterus mesomelas

X X

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

X X X X X X X X X X

Yellow-billed Cacique

Amblycercus holosericeus

H

Scarlet-rumped Cacique

Cacicus uropygialis

X X X X

Yellow-rumped Cacique

Cacicus cela

X X X X

Crested Oropendola

Psarocolius decumanus

X X X

Chestnut-headed Oropendola

Psarocolius wagleri

X X X X X

Montezuma Oropendola

Psarocolius montezuma

Yellow-crowned Euphonia

Euphonia luteicapilla

X X X X X X

Thick-billed Euphonia

Euphonia laniirostris

X X X X X X X X X

Elegant Euphonia

Euphonia elegantissima

Fulvous-vented Euphonia

Euphonia fulvicrissa

X X X X X X

White-vented Euphonia

Euphonia minuta

X

Tawny-capped Euphonia

Euphonia anneae

X X X X

Blackbirds & Allies

Goldfinches & Allies

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17BIRDSLesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

X X X X X

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

TOTAL 320 SP SEEN & 9 HEARD

MAMMALS

Hoffmann`s Two-toed Sloth X

Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth X X X X X X X X X

Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat X

Geoffroy`s Tamarin X

White-faced Capuchin X X

Geoffroy`s Spider Monkey X

Mantled Howler Monkey H X X X H

Variegated Squirrel X X X X X X X X

Red-tailed Squirrel X X X X X

Lesser Capybara X X X X X X X X X X

Central American Agouti X X X X X X

White-nosed Coati X X X X X

Tayra X

Assorted Reptiles Butterflies etc

Whiptail Lizard

Yellow-headed Gecko

House Gecko

Green Iguana

Old World Sparrow

Additional Species