02/03/2018
Here at Inkaterra we always have something to chirp about when it comes to birding. This year has been deemed the ‘Year of the Bird’ by associations including National Geographic and Audubon, who have come together to mark the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The act is the most important of its kind, and continues to protect birds to this day. At Inkaterra we are honoring the year too and you can find us sharing bird news and our ‘Bird of the Month’ on Twitter. On site we have many excursions and initiatives that also support our feathered friends and, most recently, we ran a bird watching workshop.
Led by trainer Fernando Ángulo our intrepid explorers began their five-day birding journey in the heart of the Amazon at the Eco-centre at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. Our properties Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción and Inkaterra Guides Field Station worked closely with Inkaterra Asociación to create a diverse and informative itinerary. After a debrief the adventurers were ready to head out into the rainforest, first following one of the birding trails of Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. Later on the group undertook nocturnal bird watching, or ‘Owling’, where the Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl was spotted gliding through the Amazonian garden, an exciting start to the workshop.
The expedition continued the following day starting at the Port of Lake Sandoval and following the Tambopata path. The group were able to marvel at the breathtaking scenery whilst learning about the natural habitat of Peruvian birds. The walk continued to eco-luxury lodge Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción – our second property in the Amazon, which is also a revered bird-watching arena. 540 bird species have been recorded on site at the property that sits in front of the Madre de Dios river. Our workshop-attendees had the chance to birdwatch from the river travelling upstream and inspecting birds from the water.
Over the following days our explorers visited various bird-spotting locations. They gazed at the treetops whilst hiking from San Francisco to Lake Valencia, spying a total of 60 species of birds. Another favoured scene was Gamitana farm where the group had to take refuge from the rain. The time hiding from the weather in a cabin on site was spent wisely discussing the records of new bird species. Rolín Island, Puerto Maldonado and the Cachuela corridor, were also featured on the expedition. The group registered as many species as possible, even finding three species of ducks whilst walking down Triunfo Road. The White Faced Whistling-Duck, Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck and Brazilian Teal are extremely rare in the area so catching a glimpse was truly thrilling.
The group was fully immersed in the local habitats, making it a truly educational and insightful experience. Tales of the trip were discussed over a farewell dinner at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción. To learn more about our activities and guest excursions have a look on our website.
