Sunday was spent
looking around the lagoon and its environs. The most notable movement of birds
were eleven Swallow tailed Kite that were hawking insects at the SE corner of
the lagoon and Atlantic Forest.
Monday started with
rain and a sighting of a small flock of Egret sp on the seasonal pond by the
Frog Squad (Caroline and Rachel).
The rain cleared by
lunch therefore I took to the Arroyito trail (which is at the back of the base)
with Stephan Rachel and Caroline. The birds were particularly active as a
result of the drop in temperature and humidity. A Pearl Kite carrying prey and
a Black throated Mango were the hi-lights of this walk.
Later on in the
afternoon Victoria (UK) informed me that she had seen a Fork tailed Flycatcher
near the tourist area. Stephan and I decided to investigate. We did not find
the Flycatcher but continued our walk to the seasonal pond which was alive with
birds.
I noticed a group of
birds squabbling at the far side of the pond a Greater Ani then emerged at the
front of the small tree parading itself as if it had been the victor in battle!
A careful search
along the margins of the pond produced a pair of Brazilian Teal along with a Wattled
Jacana. The Ringed Kingfisher made infrequent visits to the pond.
The Least Grebe and
their chicks were busy feeding amonst the reeds and sunken branches. There was
a continuous chatter amongst the chicks but all was gather and head for cover
at the call of a parent.
A pair of Common
Moorhen emerged from dense cover later on into the afternoon. One strayed too
close to our position and quickly turned scuttling back towards cover.
Stephan and I
completed our circuit around the pond stopping to admire Social Flycatchers as
they hawked insects from regular perches.
After dinner I
joined Jorge Victoria (Can) and Caroline on a journey into Nightjar land. Jorge
has been monitoring the radio tagged birds as a part of the White winged
Nightjar project. This was to be a productive night under a full moon.
We had not ventured
too far out into the area when I caught the red eye of a Potoo. A fix on this
amazing bird was maintained as we cautiously made our way closer to the bird. A
few pictures later and the bird was left to continue its statuesque pose.
Several White winged
Nightjar were located and each birds position was noted on the GPS. We had just
settled down to observe the courtship dance when a deep barking noise was
heard. Jorge reacted stating the call was from a Maned Wolf. This was heard
four times in the distance and the decision was made to go and try to find the
wolves.
The search was in vein so we made our way to our next stop to monitor
more White winged Nightjar.
As we passed through
the disused airfield two Nacunda Nighthawk was busy hawking insects. Both birds
landed on the red soil near the truck and another photo opportunity was taken.
The journey back to
the base produced Burrowing Owl, Potoo, Pauraque and a very obliging Little
Nightjar.
A fantastic day in
the field..!!
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