Once we crossed over Papallacta Pass, it was just a short drive to get to
Guano Lodge. Although this is just a small lodge, the birding on their property is incredible. There are numerous hummingbird feeders that you can see immediately as you get out of the car which makes it really hard to do anything other than start birding right away.
Once you get past the incredible hummingbirds, the birding along the trails is great as well! Some of the highlights included Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Citrine, Black-crested, and Russet-crowned Warblers, Hooded, Lacrimose, Scarlet-bellied, and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanagers, and Mountain Cacique.
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| Masked Flowerpiercers are common at the hummingbird feeders at Guango Lodge - Photo by Brian Zwiebel |
After birding at Guango for a few hours the next morning, we noticed that it looked clean up at Papallacta Pass so Edison and I jumped in the car and headed that way. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful days in the pass. The skies were clear and we could see all the way to Quito! Since it was clear, the birding was much easier than when the area is covered in fog. Our major highlight was incredible views of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe!
We spent the rest of the day and the next morning birding at Guango before packing up and making our way towards Cabañas San Isidro. Along the way, Edison had a special bird for us to see, Black-and-chestnut Eagle. Although we only saw them from a distance, this was one of the highlight species of my entire trip!
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