Ecuador

Ecuador 2012.
After a long seeming 24 hours travelling we arrived in Quito and fell into bed. We were up at 6 o'clock to meet our Guide, Jorge and our driver, ready to begin our adventure.
Our first stop saw us walking slowly through some scrub just outside Quito, where we saw Tropical Mocking bird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Plumbeous Sierra-finch among others.
We moved down the valley to Alambi Lodge which was Hummingbird heaven.

This was a real baptism of fire as hummingbirds zipped round the feeders in front of the verandah, including Purple-throated Woodstars, White-necked Jacobin, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown and Sparkling Violetear, Green-crowned brilliant and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. We walked down to the river where new birds kept coming. Montane woodcreeper was a real star.

After lunch we carried on down to the old Mindo road, which was in use up to 20 years ago! More Tanagers and Club-winged Manakin were highlights.

We worked our way down the road and then headed for our Lodge at Sachatamia - more hummingbirds wizzed by. We settled in and enjoyed a very nice dinner of chicken with mustard sauce. Early start tomorrow as we head to AngelPaz for Cock-of-the Rock and Antpittas.