Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Sunday, February 13, 2011

February 13, 2011 North west Ecuador

After a good nights sleep we are now off to northwest Ecuador. We will bird our way to Septimo Paraiso which will be a home base for 4 night. No internet so I'll update on my return to Quito.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

February 12, 2011 Birding Ecuador: Papallacta Pass

Shining Sunbeam feeding.

White-browed Spinetail

A Tawny Antpitta in the open was a nice surprise.

A Paramo Wolf was one of the few mammals seem so far.

A flight shot of a Paramo Ground-Tyrant

The Paramo Ground-Tyrant landing.

The prize of high elevation birding was a pair of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe.

I've tried for this species twice before in rain, cold temperatures, wind but today was our lucky day with great weather at 14,300 ft (4300 m) and the pair were beside the road in clear view!

February 11, 2011 Birding Ecuador: Loreta Road

Flame-faced Tanager

Coppery-chested Jacamar

Golden-eyed Flowerpiecer

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture

February 10, 2011 Birding Ecuador: San Isdro area

Black-banded Owl (San Isidro mystery Owl)

Black-banded Owl

White-capped Dipper

Southern Lapwing

Speckled Hummgbird

Inca Jay

Chestnut-breasted Coronet

Bluish Flowerpiecer

White-bellied Antpitta

Olive-backed Woodcreeper

Rufous-collared Sparrow

Masked Trogon

February 9,2011 Birding Ecuador: Guango Lodge area

Russet-backed Oropendola

Chestnut-breasted Coronet

A male Torrent Duck diving into the fast flowing water.

A pair of Torrent Ducks.

Green-crowned Brilliant

Pale-naped Bush-finch

A Pearled Treerunner feeding.

Masked Flowerpiercer

The male Torrent Duck diving in to the rapids.

Turquoise Jay

February 8, 2011 Birding Ecuador:

Today, despite overcast skies and some rain we made our way through Antisana Preserve to Guango Lodge. The birding was exciting with lots of Paramo specialty including Giant Hummingbird, Black-chested Buzzard-eagle, Andean Lapwing, among others.

White-tailed Deer

The Black-faced Ibis regularly occurs in small numbers in the paramo.

A small flock of Silvery Grebe.

The Carunculated Caracara is one of the more common paramo species of the high altitude grasslands in Antisana.

A distant view of Antisana Preserve.

Bar-winged Cinclodes

A Brazilian Rabbit feeding.

Stout-billed Cinclodes

Black-tailed Trainbearer

Monday, February 7, 2011

February 7, 2011 Birding Ecuador

Arrived in Quito, Ecuador and now heading out for a 12 day tour of Northern Ecuador. Spent yesterday birding around some city parkland and had a number of species to start the trip list.
It's good to arrive a couple days early to acclimatize yourself to the high elevation. Tomorrow we'll be up early and heading to the east slope of the Andes. Areas to be covered include Antisana Reserve, Guango Lodge, Loreto Road, San Isidro Lodge, Papallacta Pass and Cayambe-Coca Reserve. It will be an exciting 4 days!

The Rufous-collared Sparrow is a very common in city parks.

Hummingbirds come in all sizes and shapes in Ecuador. This Black-tailed Trainbearer has an amazingly long tail.

Great Thrush collecting nesting material.

Male Great Thrush

Eared Dove is very common in residential parks.

The Sparking Violetear was very common in Carolina Park in Quito.

A male Summer Tanager showing signs of moulting.

A Southern Yellow Grosbeak feeding on seed pods.

An American Kestrel was on the look out for breakfast.

Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|