Sunday 31 March 2013

Easter Eggs All-round!


MARCH 29th/30th/31st
Easter weekend is very busy with tourists at Laguna Blanca. The tracks are busy with cars and Quad bikes so birding has to be carefully planned. The weather was clear and sunny which is very pleasant but will not drop many migrants onto the site.

FRIDAY 29th
I spent the morning with Becca and Vicky on a monkey hunt. A lot more trails have been cleared and this gives us more opportunity to follow the Capuchins from their sleeping site. The monkeys were no-where to be seen early on but we walked straight into them along one of the new trails. Was I quick enough to get pictures? No chance!
Sjouke walked the Mboijagua trail which is the only trail I have not walked so far. This route consists of cerrado and  transitional forest habitat with low scrub along the 4.2km route.

SATURDAY 30th
I moved the nets with Sean. No fish this time but the nets are moving closer to the beach end of the lake which makes the row a short one!
A walk along Arroyito trail with Sean and Sjouke produced the first decent view of a male Planalto Hermit.

Sjouke and I staked out the lagoon this evening Neotropical Cormorant and an Aplomaldo Falcon were the best of the movements. Although the White-tipped Dove flock is getting bigger with c100 birds joining together from three smaller groups.

SUNDAY 31st
This morning Sjouke and I walked the Mboijagua trail but before we got there we heard a commotion in a small tree by the lagoon. Two Pale-breasted Thrush were harassing a Yellow-billed Cuckoo which had stopped off for a breather by the lagoon. The Thrushes chased the small cuckoo out of the bush into the denser trees and it was not re-located. The Cuckoo was a lifer for me.

Whilst walking the trail House Wren and Rusty-backed Antwren were added to my triplist. The latter was a lifer. 
(Rusty backed Antwren)

Friday 29 March 2013

Last Laugh!


MARCH 28th
Sean and I checked and moved the nets this morning then walked the Arroyito trail at the back of the house.
A Spot Backed Puffbird was the first new bird to join the trip list. 
(Spot backed Puffbird)
Another flycatcher was photographed. It has been difficult identifying this family of birds without an illustrated bird guide. Paul Smith (Fauna Paraguay/Zoologist) has been kind enough to look at and identify photographs of this group. 

I heard a bit of a commotion from the other side of the stream and could see the Jays were upset at something. A quick scan with my binoculars revealed the cause a Laughing Falcon! I had heard of this species being present but it had eluded me despite efforts to locate it!
(Laughing Falcon)
Flavescent Warbler numbers have increased in the area recently. A bird was heard by the base and Mbopi trail and another heard on this trail. A third bird then hopped into view and gave some crippling views but I could not manage a decent picture! The Spot-billed Toucanet put in another appearance at the same spot near the stream.
(Spot-billed Toucanet)
The third bird to join the list was an Unicoloured Blackbird. These birds are similar to the Epaulet Oriole so I was careful to double check the features before pencilling it into my notebook!

The afternoon was spent with Sjouke at Nightjar Land. The area including the Ecalyptus plantation was looked at with a view to formulating a census plan.

Thursday 28 March 2013

Laguna Blanca First!


MARCH 27th
Sjouke and I set off early and took the Kurupayty trail. This was another good move with more species being added to the trip list. First up was a Creamy-bellied Thrush who posed nicely on a tree stump.
(Cream Bellied Thrush)
We checked out a gap in the tree scrub line and it bought us out at the fence line to a local farm. Identifying large Parrots was the next task as we had set up our viewing point close to a fruiting tree that was attracting some big attention! Blue fronted Amazon and Scaly headed Parrot were photographed. As well as being able to sort out key flight identification features for both species!
(Blue Fronted Amazon)
(Scaly Headed Parrot)
A White-barred Piculet was heard behind us in the bushes and a Green Barred Woodpecker joined the Parrots for a short time.
(Green Barred Woodpecker)
We then carried on down the trail which crossed the entrance gate and then towards the S Atlantic forest. There were birds in the canopy along the way and more trip ticks were added in the form of a Grey Elaenia and an Eared Pygmy Tyrant.
(Grey Elaenia)
(Eared Pygmy-tyrant)
We walked back through the N Atlantic forest but before we got there an interesting raptor in the form of a Grey-headed Kite flew over. This is the first record for the site and probably the same bird I saw on Nightjar Land earlier in the month.
(Grey-headed Kite)
Once inside the N Atlantic forest a Rufous capped Motmot was seen. This species was on Sjouke’s wish list so he was also very happy!

Back at the base Becca, Sjouke and I were gathered at internet corner (picnic benches and tables opposite the base) which also doubles as a mini gym.
At 11.55am Sjouke suddenly walked towards the lagoon to look at vultures and a Plumbeous Kite that was high and clearly in a hurry to get somewhere. This was a lifer for me and it flew NW over the base. 

I spent some of the afternoon lagoon watching but the excitement was too much for some!
(Wake me up when something good shows up!)

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Stormy night! Laguna Blanca MEGA!


MARCH 26th
Following a huge storm overnight Sean and I took to the Lagoon to check the Gill nets. Two small groups of White-backed Stilt were seen crossing the lake. This was only the beginning of things to come.

After finishing on the lagoon I met up with Becca to help her clear some trails for monkey tracking. Sjouke had gone off to the Cerado and seen a disorientated Grey-Headed gull which was thermal-ling and calling.  

A gull was later seen on the lagoon by Sean who was out checking the nets.

I was in the forest and missed it..!!

On hearing this news I staked out the lagoon with Sjouke for the afternoon which turned out to be a good move with two White-faced Ibis appearing at 1.45pm. Both were followed in the telescope but although they were clearly looking to land they decided against using the lagoon to do this choosing to fly off S!

Waterfowl and Egrets tend not to stay for any length of time on the lagoon. I have wondered why since the day I arrived?! The subject has been discussed at the dinner table but no firm conclusions have been reached!

A trip to the Cerado closed the day with a confirmed sighting of Blue fronted Amazon!

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Crake Watch!


MARCH 25th
Sjouke and I were up early and back on the birding trail checking the lagoon then venturing into the Atlantic forest. There was the briefest of showers then the birding world seemed to explode in the canopy.
This was great news but birding from the ground into the canopy was not going to be easy but time was on our side and it was a case of working slowly through the birds and taking the odd picture when the opportunity presented itself.

Tropical Paruela was added to my trip list during this spell of activity and a flycatcher which is yet to be identified. This bird could be a lifer too!
()
We moved out onto the dirt road to view both sides of the forest and my first lifer of the day presented itself in the form of a Long-tailed Tyrant.
(Long-tailed Tyrant)
We returned to base and after lunch I joined Sean on the lake to assist in removing some rather large Piranha from the gill nets. A new species was added to Sean’s collection a catfish with sharp prong type barbes and another on the dorsal fin, presumably to prevent birds and fish eating it.

The evening was spent on a Crake hunt which involved a short boat trip into the reeds and then using playback to lure a bird within viewing range. Two birds were heard before we landed in the reeds. From then onwards it was a waiting game but the wait was not for long as I saw a greyish head and its body pop up from the edge of the grass and look towards the boat. Yes an Ash-throated Crake life bird number two of the day!
(Crake Watch)
I have recently run up a tuck shop bill in relation to the consumption of 23 packets of “Rocklets!” (Smarties in the UK) in two weeks, and the general consensus in the house is i’m addicted to them! Maybe but a celebratory packet of “Rocklets” was the order of the day! But I was told not until after dinner! 

Raptors on Nightjar land!


MARCH 24th
Sjouke had arrived from Holland the previous evening and after his induction it was time to go to the Nightjar land where his project would be based. A comparison of species present on the Nightjar land to the species present in the Eucalyptus plantation. Sjouke is also a keen birder and conversation instantly flowed on this subject!

On arrival at nightjar land we were welcomed by an Aplomaldo Falcon which i’m sure was holding a welcome to Paraguay banner! I took some shots through the windscreen which weren’t so great but as expected any movement from within the truck and the bird moved to another nearby tree!
(Aplomoldo Falcon)
It was going to be an afternoon of raptors which included White tailed Hawk and a superb pale adult Long-winged Harrier.
(Long-winged Harrier)
The hirundines were landing on the sand in numbers and this was a perfect opportunity to look at them through the telescope. An Ash-throated Crake was heard but not seen so this has still not made my life list. A large flock of Great White Egret were seen in flight before dusk.

White winged Nightjars were also seen after dark along with Potoo, Pauraque, Little Nightjar and Burrowing Owl.
This was a good start to Sjouke’s birding adventure!

Sunday 24 March 2013

Toucanet!


MARCH 23rd
Today I stayed close to the base spending time around the Lagoon and on the Arroyito trail. Two Snowy Egret and three Neotropical Cormorants were the highlights on the lake. The day seemed to be heading the same way as the previous day until I returned to the Arroyito trail just before the evening meal.

I spied a Pale-vented Pigeon on the far side of the stream  which is still in full flow. Then I heard alarm calls of Pale-breasted Thrush. What was all the commotion about, Then a Spot billed Toucanet homed into view. Wow what a fantastic looking bird and not something I was expecting to see at Laguna Blanca!
(Spot billed Toucanet)
After dinner I popped out to the lagoon and heard Ash-Throated Crake calling. This bird is a lifer for me so I need to see it for it to make my list. This could be tricky. I spent a while looking at suitable playback points with a dawn/ dusk visit in mind.

Whilst doing this I caught up with the Pauraque but was unable to photograph it on this occasion.

Ghostly goings on!


March 21st
For a while now there has been strange scurrying in the night and things randomly being knocked over once the lights went out. Eyes had been seen in all the rooms at various stages of the night! Traps had been put out but the mystical being had not fallen fowl of the tempting morsels inside!

Did the PLT house have a ghost of volunteers past! The apparition had been named Joe junior and was regularly discussed at the dinner table. Much to the annoyance of Joe senior!
This morning Dan described how this mystical beast fell fowl to an American style cookie and bam the Sherman trap door was shut!

Joe junior has now joined the Savanna Hawk in an action pose in the museum courteously of Helen!
(Joe jnr)
Mystery solved! But is it ho ha ha haa!!

On the birding front it was a quiet day generally. I went and collected the camera traps from the now abandoned Tinamou nest and downloaded the remaining footage. The only notable sighting today were two Lineated Woodpecker that were found by Becca in the trees at the base.
(Lineated Woodpecker)

Thursday 21 March 2013

Wanted!!


WANTED FOR EGG RUSTLING!!

On Wednesday 20th March 2013 at approximately 11.06pm in the Atlantic Forest the above suspect was caught on local CCTV raiding the nest of Snr & Sna Tinamou. Snr Tinamou was egg sitting whilst Sna Tinamou was out with friends. When Snr Tinamou returned to the nest all the eggs were gone!

The intruder did not wear a disguise and was last seen licking his lips and gave the camera the paws up before fleeing the scene! 

It is believed he may be using the name of  El Zorro!



If seen do not approach him he may be dangerous!!
If you have any information in relation to this incident Call the Tinamou Task Force on +58500000001
Your call will be treated in confidence and you don’t have to give your name!

Tidy Tinamou!


MARCH 20th
After a tropical storm which lasted most of the night all plans were put on hold at least until the rain subsided. The trickle of a stream near the beach was now in full flow with around a foot of water which was rising.
The rain eased for about an hour so I took my chance to check the Lagoon but could not re-locate the Stilts. However I saw a Streamer tailed Tyrant which was a life bird for me.
(Streamer-tailed Tyrant)
I made It back to base just before the heavens opened again thanks to my trusted pocket umbrella. A must if you are ever birding in tropical climes!

It was clearly going to be an indoor playtime today the rain just wasn’t going to let up but it was still 20C so not that uncomfortable! Helen kept the “restless kids” busy by giving a master-class on how to pin and catalogue moths!
(Moth Club)
I popped out this afternoon to check the Tatapau Tinamou nest cam and downloaded the clips of the bird on the nest.

This evening Vicky photographed a Paraque near the Urukurea trail whilst out froging with Helen. I was on moth light duty so took the short trip to see if I could add the species to my list. No such luck on that score but I did find a Little Nightjar!
(Little Nightjar)

Wednesday 20 March 2013

1st Record for Laguna Blanca!


MARCH 19th
The morning was mixed with clear and cloudy skies but the weather looked as though it was going to completely cloud over and maybe rain. The plan this morning was going to be a simple one as I didn’t want to get caught out in a storm. Check the Lagoon and then walk the Arroyito trail. Then stake out the Lagoon and be within running distance of the base.

I checked the back of the house and heard a black and white woodpecker drumming. The bird was chased of but looked like a Checkered Woodpecker. I will have to re-find the bird as this would be a first record for Laguna Blanca! I took my scope to the lagoon and scanned but there was nothing unusual on it.

The Arroyito trail ends at the back of the base so I walked the trail in reverse. The Flavescent Warbler was as chirpy as ever just inside the trail. I made my way into the dried up river basin. This is where most bird activity has been in the past and today was no different!

By this point I had been joined by my birding friend “Lobo” who was surprisingly well behaved staying close or sitting down when I was stationary whew!

The most notable find was a small Tyrannulet which I succeeded in taking pictures of. I sent the shots to Paul Smith (Fauna Paraguay/Zoologist) who has been very helpful in identifying some of my other pictures. Paul was our guide when Keith and I took a birding trip to Paraguay last year.
(Straneck's Tyrannulet)
The bird has been identified as a Straneck's Tyrannulet (Serpophaga griseicapilla) which is recently new to science and was believed to visit Paraguay during the winter months. This species is a first for Laguna Blanca Woo hoo!.Good job I took some pictures!

Once I completed the 500m trail I set up shop at the Lagoon and observed a Snowy Egret fishing along the beach. At around 2pm I heard a commotion coming from the Southern Lapwing and saw a group of White-backed Stilt flying low over the Lagoon. They were also calling and I nearly missed them as I had my camera on the wrong settings. One of the few downsides of the Nikkon D90...No presets!!
(White-backed Stilt)
The birds stayed low and were clearly looking to set down again and when they did I was off into the base a quick change sign out and off I went down the Lagoon where I took some shots of the thirteen birds. 
(White-backed Stilt)
My reaction must have looked a bit crazy to the other residents but they must be used to it by now!

Tuesday 19 March 2013

A Bridge not too far away!


MARCH 18th
There was nothing out of the ordinary this morning so when I heard the truck was going to Santa Rosa this afternoon I seized the opportunity to jump aboard and do some birding at what I now call Bridge 3!
This is a large grassy area lined with trees and smaller scrub. A small river runs through the area with the road to Santa Rosa dissecting the land. The land looks ideal for seedeaters and grassland birds and it did not disappoint!
(Bridge 3!)
A small group of White Woodpeckers were the first notable arrivals. These birds are generally seen in small flocks.
(White Woodpecker)
Picazuro Pigeon were the first new addition to my trip list. A Ringed Kingfisher flew over the bridge soon after. A Great Pampa Finch appeared on top of a bush just long enough to get a record shot.
(Great Pampas Finch)
Then there seemed to be a lull in bird activity and then Seedeater and Finch heaven as birds began appearing in small numbers in the grass and small trees.
(Rusty Collared Seedeater)
Rusty collared Seedeaters were the first to appear then a pair of Blue Black Grassquit.
(Blue Black Grassquit)
A pair of Saffron Finch flew onto the wires above my head posing for a few shots before they departed.
(Saffron Finch)
I walked back onto the bridge to hear and then see a large Amazon Kingfisher fly downstream and perch itself up ready to catch a meal.
(Amazon Kingfisher)
A Tawny bellied Seedeater was next to put in an appearance but by now the light was beginning to fade and Helen was on her way back from Santa Rosa to pick me up.
Last up on a small pool by the roadside were White backed Stilts.
(White backed Stilt)
A good afternoons birding with an opportunity to practice some Spanish with a local worker who was curious to find out what I was doing during his tea break! I have a couple of birds to identify from pictures so the afternoons tally may go up!

Monday 18 March 2013

Lured to the Lagoon!


MARCH 17th
The gang did not get back from the party until the early hours but I was up by nine and decided to check out the lagoon. This turned out to be a good decision as I saw a Snowy Egret perched up on a post near the beach. 
(Snowy Egret)
As I walked along the beach I realised there were a pair of Brazilian Teal sat together in the next bay.
(Brazilian Teal)
I took pictures of both species only to stumble on a second Snowy Egret that popped out from behind a clump of reeds.

This afternoon I took a trip to Nightjar land where there were several usual suspects and a Savanna Hawk.
(Savanna Hawk)
Rain effected proceedings for a while. It is a lot cooler and cloudier here now as autumn takes shape. But on the positive side migration has picked up so hopefully there will be more birds on their way to the shores of Laguna Blanca.

Sunday 17 March 2013

El Cumpleanos!!


MARCH 15/16th

I was out on the lake with Sean early to collect the gill nets. A flock of Great White Egrets flew over the boat on the lake. A few of these birds stopped over on the E end of the lake. Whilst walking the lagoon Joe phoned me to alert me to another flock of Cattle Egrets which passed by me on the Transitional forest side of the lagoon.

Today was the beginning of a double birthday weekend. Joe was first up with a BBQ over at Karina’s place. Fatima had made him a cake and the celebrations went on into the early hours.
(Party time)
 Fatima who is Becca's and my Spanish teacher was 18 yrs old the next day. She reminded Joe of this as the clock had just passed midnight and the celebrations continued.
(Dance with the birthday girl!)
In Paraguay fifteen is the equivalent of a twenty-first. Paraguayans can be married at fifteen and having children at this age is accepted by law. A huge party is thrown with a large sound system and everyone is invited. Fatima’s party was in Santa Barbera so we all trooped off to it and then with Fatima in tow to a fifteen birthday party just down the road.

Needless to say not a great deal of birding took place on these days!

Friday 15 March 2013

A day with my feathered friends!


MARCH 14th
Today I had the day to myself. It was very overcast with low cloud and the air was fresh! Birds will be active today so off I went to do some birding. I started at the Lagoon and then made my way through the Atlantic forest. I found a mixed flock just off the track which had a Masked Gnatcatcher amongst the group.
As I was stood in this spot a caught the back of a Surucua Trogan sitting a few meters in from where I was standing.
(Surucua Trogan)
I walked back through Urukurea trail to the Lagoon where a Fork-tailed Flycatcher was making heavy work of flying over the reeds.

I returned to base with the intention of walking the Arroyito trail (which means small river in Guarani) and found a mixture of flycatchers and finches in the dried river basin. Rufous Casiornis and Crowned Slaty Flycatcher were added to my site total.
(Rufous Casiornis)
The afternoon was spent on a stake out alternating watch with Joe then Becca and Vicky on the Tataupu Tinamou nest. The incubating bird was found on the nest earlier in the day. I took a quick picture to confirm the nests owner and a hasty retreat was made. The bird was back on the nest today (15th).
(Tataupu Tinamou)
Joe had been approached by Martin (from Denmark) who had enquired about seeing the White-winged Nightjar so it was off to Nightjar land for the evening. Not one but two Toco Toucan were seen flying over the area. This species had become a bit of a bug bird for me having heard them several times but not seen them. The birds bill makes it appear top heavy in flight and the head drops when the bird stops flapping its wings. It looks very odd! Added to this was the fact they had flown into the rain storm and had a change of mind putting the brakes on and returned from whence they came. A White-winged Nightjar was found early on in the rain and Potoo was added to Martins life list soon after.

The list of species and numbers is on the Daily Sightings page.

Thursday 14 March 2013

Nest Found!


MARCH 13th

After a torrential rain storm yesterday evening and overnight, I went out on the lagoon with Sean early am. The whole place had freshened up and I expected birds to be on the move.
A group of Wattled Jacana were seen flying low above the water. A Brazilian Teal was next across, it circled the lagoon three times obviously looking to set down but changed its mind and flew off W.

A report of a nest by one of the forest guards had me heading to the Atlantic Forest this afternoon. On the way a group of Chestnut-eared Aracari waved at me from a tree behind the tourist area. These birds have been regularly seen by other members of Para La Tierra but had evaded me! I was shown the location of the nest and collected data and took photographs of it.  

On the way back through the Atlantic forest trail Jorge was as sharp eyed as ever pointing out birds along the way. A White-crested Elaenia was the most interesting find adding another lifer to my total.

Natures Way!!


MARCH 12th
(Savannah Hawk)
A sad day as nature took its course and the juvenile Savannah Hawk was found dead in the scrub near the transitional forest. The juvenile was in perfect condition when it was found and could not have been dead for long so I took it back to the base so that it could be exhibited in the museum. Helen performed the post mortem today (13th), that revealed the cause of death was mal nutrition and an infection probably caused by the former.

Helen has spent all day processing this fine specimen and what an excellent job she has made of it. The bird is now stuffed and treated and its spirit will live on in the Laguna Blanca Museum!

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Crash landing!


MARCH 11th

I went with Helen and Sean to collect the Sherman traps from the Transitional forest and as we entered the forest a young Savannah Hawk was hopping about on the floor. Three Curl-crested Jays were dancing around it screeching at it from higher perches!
(Savannah Hawk)
Not only was this Hawk out of place in the forest it seemed disorientated as it attempted to stretch out its wings. A decision was taken to capture the bird and check it for injuries. Helen promptly whipped off her outer shirt and we closed in using the top to cover the hawks eyes, which instantly calming it down.

The bird did not appear to have any injuries and photos were taken of the plumage. We took it out of the forest onto an open area so that it could re-orientate itself and eventually fly off. The hawk was showing signs of recovery but showed a reluctance to fly off whilst we were present!

We collected the traps and returned to see the bird preparing its wings for take-off! It is not sure how such a young bird got into the forest, maybe tiredness had set it during the windy weather and its parachute had failed to deploy!

Monday 11 March 2013

El Dorado!


MARCH 10th
Sean and I took to the water again and forgot the bucket which the fish are transported back to the base in. “Lets check the nets first we might not need it!” How wrong we were!! The following evening had been stormy and must have stirred things up under the waves. Not only did we need the bucket we had left on the beach we required an additional bucket. Back to shore it was and then the task of freeing two large Piranha without losing a digit in the process. Sean dealt with the first one and then got very excited as the net revealed a very large Dorado! 
(El Dorado!)
 The fish was too big for the bucket but was not alive having been pecked by Piranha! People swim in this lagoon! I guess it must improve your fitness outpacing the myriad of fish that may come after you!
The crew were very happy with the catch, the best haul since I arrived by a clear mile! The smaller Piranha were returned to the water. The other fish kept for specimens. I was relieved I kept all fingers intact whilst I untangled the second large Piranha and a ferocious looking Trahira fish.

The lagoon has not been studied for its fish inhabitants before but from what I can gather from catches so far is that it is a bit of a war zone under the surface. Everything has sharp teeth and predates on each other depending on what size you are. If a fish survives its early days and grows to a respectable size then survival is more likely!

A late evening drive across the Cerrado with Joe produced a life bird for me in the form of a male Scissor-tailed Nightjar. Six Potoo were also seen and three Burrowing Owl. 

Tinamou Time!


MARCH 9th

The weather for the next few days is changeable with some rain. Rain takes the edge off of the humidity, it is between 35 – 40C in the shade!

The highlight of the mornings trip to the Atlantic forest was seeing a Tataupu Tinamou with its distinctive orange bill. The bird was seen by Becca then playback did the rest. Sadly I was not quick enough on the SLR as it shot across the path but a fantastic bird to see. This species is heard most mornings around dawn.

A Narrow-billed Woodcreeper was seen at the base later on in the day.
(Narrow-billed Woodcreeper)
 A Canary-winged Parakeet wanted to use my laptop to get on the internet! It was that close!
(Canary-winged Parakeet)
The evening was spent with the owner of the site. Joe was head chef at the BBQ and I attempted some Spanish. I completely bombed out appearing like a guppy fish at feeding time at points! I am not one to be beaten though!!

Saturday 9 March 2013

Raptor Fest!


MARCH 8th
This morning I was out with Sean on the boat to deploy the gill nets but only half way along the lagoon. On our return a group of c20 funneling Mississippi Kite were seen near the lagoon. The day was very hot and humid but this evening the weather changed with lightning storms all around.

But Joe, Jorge and I made it to Nightjar land via the owners guard post where the first raptor of the afternoon was noted an American Kestrel.
(American Kestrel)
Nightjar land is divided into three parts with fire breaks between each section. Jorge parked the truck at the marsh side of break two and I set up the scope on the back of the truck. Jorge understands some English and my Spanish is slowly improving. This was an ideal opportunity for us both to practise both languages on each other.

Having mentioned to Joe that I was surprised I had not seen Chimango Caracara it was no surprise when seven homed into view a few minutes later. I think I will try this tactic again!
(Chimango Garacara)
A long-winged Harrier was the next raptor to pass overhead.
(Long-winged Harrier)
Then Jorge spotted a large raptor sitting on top of a small tree. The scope went into action identifying a Grey-headed Kite. It was time for me to go off and attempt to get close enough to photograph this magnificent bird. The plan failed miserably with only a record shot taken. The bird moved back a tree whilst I was negotiating a small dried up channel. I decided to leave the Kite be and made my way back to the truck.
(Grey-headed Kite)
I did stumble across a White-eared Puffbird on the way back though so all was not lost. I think the plan is to return tomorrow afternoon after monkey watch in the morning.
(White-eared Puffbird)