Thursday, 7 April 2016

Hummers at the Seasonal Pond!

Thursday 7th April I took Peter (Netherlands) and Malek (Netherlands) on a bird walk. A Great White Egret was the first bird of interest at first light flying over the lagoon. Whistling Heron and a Ringed Kingfisher followed making their regular trip across the lagoon.

The small group positioned themselves in the water at an opening giving a good view of most of the seasonal pond. The regular species were present on the pond. I noticed a bromeliad in flower within a few metres of our position. This plant was to provide us with fantastic views of three species of hummingbird, Planalto Hermit which is the largest of the three with its long white tipped tail made regular visits to this plant hovering within a few feet of us on a couple of occasions only to whizz off just as quickly as it appeared.

A Gilded Hummingbird and a Glistening-bellied Emerald played a game of cat and mouse in between fuel stops at the bromeliad.

The pond also has Great Kiskadee but it is always prudent to keep your eyes peeled as a Boat-billed Flycatcher with its heavier chest and boat like bill will appear at the top of a tree.Social Flycatchers which are also similar to the Kiskadee but smaller with a short bill are also present.

A personal favourite of mine a Pearly-vented Tody-tyrant added itself to the list having given a series of contact calls before flying into the tree giving the group excellent views.

During the walk back to the base a Cattle Tyrant a pair of Blue Dacnis and a Chestnut-vented Conebill gave good views along the forest edge.


A good couple of hours spent with excellent views of the hummingbirds.

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