Welcome 2016!

Farewell 2015 and welcome 2016!!!
2015 had indeed been a wonderful year. Here are some memorable pictures I took last year, each of them with their own story of the last months.

The past months I took dozens and dozens of pictures. It wasn't easy to select a few, but here goes:

Ornate Hawk Eagle (juvenile): this picture was taken on February 19, 2015. During a birdwatching trip we spotted this young bird of prey near the river cabin. It was the first picture I took of him. 

I couldn't leave this tough fellow behind: the Jaguar of Kabalebo. The crazy thing is that I also spotted the King of the Jungle on February 19, 2015. I have seen the Jaguar already several times, but all lasted only seconds. This one was staring right at us for nearly 5 minutes. I am usually prepared for the unexpected, but this time I was kind of caught off guard. One of the best days.

Giant otters are always on my bucket list whenever I get the opportunity to go on the river. On February 26, 2015, we spotted a family while they were having lunch. This picture tells it all that they are fierce hunters, complete with a bloody mouth and to make matters even worse or funny (for them): tongue stuck out!

The return of the Green-bellied Hummingbird. Since 2013 I have been observing this little hummer paying us a visit every year between february and may. Looking forward to see him again this year. 

Red-billed Toucans are seen on a daily basis in Kabalebo. Whether during a boat trip or during a hike, they are always present. I always saw them as elegant colorful birds with an interesting beak. My perspective changed immediately after seeing these fascinating toucans torturing a tree frog. 

Looking at this picture I immediately think of the Macaw project at the Tambopata Research Centre in Peru. For nearly 3 weeks I was taught a lot about macaws, parrots, claylicks, nesting and much more. This is Tobasco, a Scarlet Macaw, hand raised by the researchers. During my stay I spoiled him with fruit crackers. Here he was keeping me company while I was checking/monitoring trap cams pictures.

Painted Parakeets are so difficult to spot, due to their size, let alone to photograph them. I was able to take this picture as this Painted Parakeet was also accompanied by tanagers and flycatchers. Just love the colors!

In 2015 Harpy Eagles have been spotted quite often. Several times I have spotted this big bird of prey. This is one of the closest I could take. Right next to the pier, just a couple of meters above the ground. Lucky day!

August and September were the months of the Macaws and Parrots. Inga trees were fully blossoming, so every morning we were greeted by the loud noises of these beautiful birds. They were first chattering a lot before taking advantage of this treat. Here are some Chestnut-fronted Macaws enjoying the early morning sun.

The Crested Owl finally posed for me. That is all I have to say.

Last but not least: Junior. He is the newest member of our ocelot family. I am so proud of Lotje for what she has achieved so far in her cat life.

2016 has just started, looking forward to enjoy this year as well too. 

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Happy New Year!