Birdwatching 14/2/17-15/2/17

First birding trip for 2017. Here is part 1.

February 14 - 15, 2017
On my first birding trip in 2017 I was accompanied by the British couple David & Elizabeth Rosair. They have been birding for many years, but still they are enjoying every bit of it. The early mornings were spent near the lodge or pier and the late mornings and afternoons on a boat trip.

Large Macaws were seen in abundant. Here we spotted two Red-and-Green Macaws resting between all the green. Another species that was well represented was the White-winged Swallow, often seen on branches hanging above the Kabalebo river.

The Crimson Topaz, the largest and most colorful hummingbird, was also present. They were either seen enjoying the nectar from the Monkey Brush Vine or seen hawking right above the river.
Parrots were also present, most of them were seen flying over the river, but from time to time you could also spot them resting on top of a branch. This was one of my favorite shots, 3 Blue-headed Parrots seen preening on top of a palm tree. With all that green in the background, you can barely see them.

The Black Caracara was seen most of the time near the lodge, but it wasn't a welcome guest at all for all the flycatchers. They were trying as often as possible to scare it away, but without any success.
Kingfishers were also present, but not all 5 of them. One that was seen most of the time was the Amazon Kingfisher, often seen perched on a branch near the river.

One of the unexpected encounters was with the Smooth-fronted Caiman. We spotted this one well hidden behind some branches and leaves.
Greater Yellow-headed Vultures were seen most of the time in the sky. 

Common Squirrel Monkeys were also in abundance. Most of the time they were traveling in a large group and along the way were also seen foraging. Here we spotted a young Squirrel Monkey clinging onto its mothers' back. 
Nesting season has also started for both the Macaws and Parrots. Here we spotted an Orange-winged Amazon standing right outside its nest.

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