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19 August 2010

Recent sightings on excursions

We've had some fantastic sightings on our excursions recently.

Cabo Frio: Great looks at the Critically Endangered Restinga Antwren in the restinga habitat around the town, with Hook-billed Kite, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant and Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant also seen. The mangroves and coastal lagoons nearby have also been very productive, with White-cheeked Pintail, Brown Booby, Little Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Clapper Rail, Semipalmated and Collared Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, Royal, Yellow-billed and Cayenne Terns and Grey-hooded Gull amongst the species seen.

Macaé de Cima: A White-bearded Antshrike (photo below) has been uncharacteristically obliging, giving incredible views! Other highlights at this montane site include Dusky-legged Guan, Golden-tailed Parrotlets seen very well, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Amethyst Woodstar, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous Gnateater, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, White-throated and Planalto Woodcreepers, Rufous-capped and Pallid Spinetails, White-browed and White-collared Foliage-gleaners, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Chestnut-headed Tanager, Hepatic Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Pico da Caledônia: Highlights include Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Red-eyed Thornbird, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Black-and-gold Cotinga (photo below), Grey-winged Cotinga, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Sumidouro: We've had some excellent views of the threatened Three-toed Jacamar on this excursion, along with very close encounters with Blue-winged Macaws. Other species seen include White-eyed Parakeet, Common Barn Owl, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Serra Antwren, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Crested Black-Tyrant, White-rumped Monjita, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Gilt-edged Tanager and Crested Oropendola.

10 August 2010

British Birdfair 2010

REGUA volunteers Lee Dingain and Rachel Walls will once again be representing REGUA at the British Birdwatching Fair this year. Come and visit us on the World Land Trust stand (marquee 4, stand nos. 14 and 15) and find out about birding at REGUA, the latest sightings, the improvements to the lodge and progress our crucial conservation work. The Birdfair will be held at Egleton Nature Reserve in Rutland from the 20 to 22 August.

09 August 2010

Recent sightings

June and July saw some excellent birds recorded around the reserve including a new species for REGUA - Grey-bellied Spinetail. Highlights include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Bat Falcon, Saw-billed Hermit, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Bare-throated Bellbird, Red-necked Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager (a very good record for such a low altitude), Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Elfin Forest and Grey Trails: Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-browed, Ochre-breasted, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Pale-browed Treehunter, Russet-winged Spadebill and Brown Tanager.

Lodge garden: Rusty-margined Guan, Collared Forest-Falcon, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Orange-winged Parrot, Biscutate Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Brazilian Ruby, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, White Woodpecker and Black-legged Dacnis. Crab-eating Foxes also continue to visit the garden (photo below).

Onofre Cunha: Guests joining our pre-dawn excursions to this forest fragment have had excellent views of Tawny-browed Owl and Black-banded Owl, however, Giant Snipe continue to be elusive with birds only being heard. Limpkin, Striped Cuckoo, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-capped Motmot and Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant are amongst the other birds seen here.

São José Trail: Shrike-like Cotinga are still present along the beginning of this trail, along with Giant Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-collared Foliage-gleaners, Southern Antpipit, Bare-throated Bellbird and Red-ruffed Fruitcrow.

Waldenoor and Veludo Trail: White-necked and Mantled Hawks, Black Hawk-Eagle, Frilled Coquette, White-eared and Crescent-chested Puffbirds, Saffron Toucanet, Black-necked Aracari, Yellow-fronted and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Tufted Antshrike, Unicoloured Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren (showing regularly), Grey-bellied Spinetail (new for REGUA), Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, White-crested Tyrannulet (first photo below), Euler's Flycatcher, Tropical Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Bare-throated Bellbird, Green-backed Becard, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Black-capped Becard (second photo below), Olive-green Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Uniform Finch and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Waterfall Trail: Brown Tinamou, White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, White-eyed Parakeet, Least Pygmy-Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Grey-hooded Attila, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow and Gilt-edged Tanager.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: 6 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pinnated Bittern (first photo below), Capped Heron (second photo below), Great Black-Hawk (the third record for REGUA), Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Orange-winged Parrot, Striped Cuckoo, Biscutate Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Brazilian Ruby, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, Black-necked Aracari (the second record for REGUA - third photo below), White Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Wing-banded Hornero, Greenish Elaenia, White-crested Tyrannulet, Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached and Long-billed Wrens, Black-capped Donacobius, Yellow-legged Thrush, Fawn-breasted, Green-headed and Rufous-headed Tanagers, Black-legged Dacnis and Hooded Siskin (forth photo below).

02 August 2010

REGUA receives generous wedding gift

Last November Dale and Helen visited REGUA and in July this year they became Mr and Mrs Middleton. Instead of handing out a wedding list they very generously asked for donations from their many birding friends to be given to REGUA to support our conservation work. We are delighted to report that the wedding went smoothly, a total of £530.00 was raised which will be put towards further land purchases in the Matumbo Gap area, and the message about REGUA's work has been spread wider in Yorkshire. Thank you both so much, and we look forward to your next visit.

06 July 2010

First field ecology course takes place at REGUA

One of our main goals, besides habitat restoration, environmental education and research, is to attract the Brazilian university community to perform research, teaching, workshops and educational activities at REGUA, profiting from its diverse habitats, support logistics and a safe environment to work. During the weekend of 21 - 24 May, REGUA received for the first time a team of 23 graduate students, four teachers and a driver from UFRJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro). The goal was to perform Entomologia I discipline field ecology classes, with some sampling techniques practical training in different types of habitat.

Initial contact was made through Dr. José Ricardo Mermudez, a specialist on Coleoptera (especially the Anthribidae family), who visited REGUA previously to see conditions in loco, support logistics and suitable local spots for the field activities with his students. For receiving this group, REGUA speeded up the acquisition of 23 chairs for the new Laboratory, and the UFRJ crew just brought in their gear for practical classes.

On the first day the students learned how to sample litter soil fauna. They sampled three different habitats: moist forest soil, open forest border and pasture. The following days, the group headed for the São José Trail, with its magnificent forest patches, to survey aquatic arthropods in the Rio do Gato waterfalls and rapids. That night, a Light Trap was set and the students made turns every hour during the night, counting the all the insects that landed on the sheath, attracted by the mercury vapor bulbs.

Food was plenty and widely appreciated (university students do eat a lot) and in the evening some talents showed up spontaneously - in a typical carioca setting - as a band of percussionist, cavaquinho and guitar for some samba and chorinho playing, quite appreciated by the volunteers that happily joined the band. Everybody went home quite satisfied and at least two students want to submit their research project for Md in REGUA, dealing with two Coleoptera families. This will be the first time this important insect order will be sampled in REGUA.

13 June 2010

April and May sightings

Although the last two months might have been quiet for guests at the lodge, it certainly hasn't been quiet for birds! Our guides Adilei and Leonardo have been busy birding the trails and although birds are much less vocal during our winter months, the birding is still excellent - just check out the species listed below!!

At this time of year large mixed-species flocks are roaming the forest in search of food and many trees are fruiting attracting a wide variety of species. Another bonus of winter is that it is also drier, cooler and bird activity often remains high throughout the day. Highlights in April and May were many, but some that stand out include Brown-backed Parrotlet, 2 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, at least 4 Shrike-like Cotingas (including 3 near the lodge), 4+ Salvadori's Antwrens on three trails, 4 Russet-winged Spadebills showing on three trails, good sightings of Black-legged Dacnis and some fantastic night-birding!

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: White-necked Hawk, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Reddish Hermit, Surucua and Black-throated Trogons, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Yellow-fronted, Yellow-eared, Yellow-throated and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Spot-backed Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, 2 Slaty Bristlefront, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Long-tailed Tyrant, Large-headed Flatbill, White-thighed Swallow, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, 2 Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Rufous-headed Tanager, over 50 Blue Dacnis in one fruiting tree and Sooty Grassquit. Fruiting trees at the top of the trail have been attracting cotingas including 2 Swallow-tailed Cotinga (photo below), a Hooded Berryeater and several Bare-throated Bellbirds.

Elfin Forest Trail: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Spot-backed Antshrike, a pair of Salvadori's Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Such's Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-throated Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Russet-winged Spadebill and Grey-hooded Attila.

Grey Trail: Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed Toucanet, Star-throated Antwren, Short-tailed Antthrush, White-throated Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, 2 Russet-winged Spadebills, Pin-tailed Manakin, Sharpbill, Olive-green Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Onofre Cunha: The trail here has been amazing for night-birding, especially in the early morning. 2 Black-banded Owls have been showing very well (photo below), along with Mottled Owl, Tawny-browed Owl and Long-tailed Potoo. Other birds recorded here include Collared Forest-Falcon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Giant Cowbird and a striking partial albino Sayaca Tanager.

São José Trail: Least Pygmy-Owl, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Salvadori's Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Southern Antpipit, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Grey-hooded Attila and 3 Shrike-like Cotinga at the regular winter site (photo below).

Waldenoor and our new Veludo Trail: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Mantled Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Plain Parakeet, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Frilled Coquette, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Variable Antshrike, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren (photo below), Scaled Woodcreeper, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Sharpbill, Green-backed Becard, Olive-green Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Uniform Finch, Yellow-green and Black-throated Grosbeaks, Green-winged Saltator, Green-chinned Euphonia and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

Waterfall Trail: Brown Tinamou, Dusky-legged Guan, White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Barred Forest-Falcon, Brown-backed Parrotlet, Pileated Parrot, Blue-bellied Parrot, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Potoo (at its roost site), Pauraque, Saw-billed, Dusky-throated and Scale-throated Hermits, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared and Yellow-throated Woodpeckers, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Short-tailed Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged, White-throated, Planalto and Lesser Woodcreepers, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (at the waterfall), Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Oustalet's Tyrannulet, White-throated and Russet-winged Spadebills, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin (photo below), Sharpbill, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Shrike-like Cotinga, White-thighed Swallow, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Black-throated Grosbeak and Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.

Wetland, adjacent forest trails and Lodge garden: 2 adult and 3 immature Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, 5 Muscovy Duck, 1 Masked Duck (where they go at this time of year is still a mystery), 3 Rusty-margined Guan (visiting the lodge feeders daily), Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pinnated Bittern (from the hide), 2 Cocoi Heron, Capped Heron, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Laughing and Aplomado Falcons, Limpkin, some excellent rail encounters including Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake and some bold Blackish Rails, Solitary Sandpiper, Scaled Dove, Maroon-bellied Parakeet (large numbers around the wetland and lodge feeders daily), Blue-winged Parrotlet, 2 Orange-winged Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo, Barn Owl, 2 Tropical Screech-Owl (at the usual roost site), 2 Tawny-browed Owl showing well around the conservation centre, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Biscutate Swift, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, a Brazilian Ruby (the male still present defending its feeders in the lodge garden), Rufous-capped Motmot (including 2 birds seen regularly in the lodge garden), Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, White, Yellow-throated and Blond-crested Woodpeckers (in the lodge garden), Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, 2 Planalto Tyrannulet in the lodge garden, Greenish Elaenia (the first for Rio State still present around the lodge!), White-crested Tyrannulet, Green-backed and Crested Becards, Rufous-browed Peppershrike (including a bird in the lodge garden), Lemon-chested Greenlet, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Yellow-legged Thrush (first ever record on the lodge feeders), 12 species of tanager in the lodge garden including Hooded, Flame-crested, Ruby-crowned, Brazilian, Golden-chevroned, Green-headed, Red-necked, Burnished-buff and Yellow-backed Tanagers, Swallow-Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager (at the wetland - very low altitude for this species), at least 5 Black-legged Dacnis around the wetland (a winter migrant at REGUA - second photo below), Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Black-throated Grosbeak, Masked Yellowthroat, at least 50 Red-rumped Caciques feeding in the lodge garden, Hooded Siskin, Purple-throated Euphonia and Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.

There have also been some fantastic mammals seen around the reserve including: Common Grey Four-eyed Opossum, Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Yellow Armadillo (in the lodge garden - photo below), Common (Tufted-ear) Marmoset, Crab-eating Fox (visiting the lodge garden), Greater Grison, Orange-spined Hairy Dwarf Porcupine, at least 40 Capybara at the wetland and Red-rumped Agouti.

For more bird sightings and photos taken at REGUA in May see Lee's Birding Blog (you will need to scroll down to see older posts).

11 June 2010

Two year hummingbird survey begins at REGUA

Luciana Barcante, a masters student at Rio de Janeiro State University, has began a two year survey of hummingbirds at REGUA. The aim of the survey is to study hummingbird diversity from sea level up to 1,800 m, at 400-500 m altitudinal intervals. Lucinana and her team will be visiting REGUA once a month, using mist nets to identify and take measurements of hummingbirds caught. REGUA guide, Leonardo, is assisting with identification and banding. The first visit took place at the end of May on the Waterfall Trail and revealed some interesting records. Saw-billed Hermits were abundant, 2 Dusky-throated Hermits were caught (a very difficult species to see - 1st photo) and a Scale-throated Hermit was found at only 400 m (a very low altitude for this species).

Other species caught in the nets included Barred Forest-Falcon (2nd photo), Rufous-capped Motmot (3rd photo), Star-throated Antwren, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser (4th photo), Planalto Woodcreeper (5th photo) and White-browed Foliage-gleaner.

More photos from the ringing sessions here.

04 June 2010

Rufous-capped Antshrike at REGUA

Great news for birders visiting REGUA, a male Rufous-capped Antshrike has been found!! On April 22 a single male bird was first heard and then observed by lodge guide Adilei and resident volunteer Scott Watson at the wetland. This great bird responded well to playback where we were able to record its vocalizations as well as take a few photos (below). This widespread South American species is usually a bird of much higher elevations in montane scrubland further to the south, and in the São Paulo area. There are 5 sub-species distributed from Andean Peru eastward towards Argentina. The bird observed at REGUA is of the nominate sub-species Thamnophilus ruficapillus ruficapillus, and the observation of this bird (for the second time at REGUA) may indicate a range expansion or a yet unknown yearly movement to lower elevations. This bird was observed 3 more times in the following week at the newly planted hill on the South side of the wetlands, mimicking its favoured scrub-like, open habitat.

29 May 2010

REGUA streamed live to the Chelsea Flower Show

REGUA partners, the World Land Trust, have been at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London this week, highlighting the plight of the Atlantic Forest with their award winning Saving the Atlantic Rainforest exhibit. REGUA volunteers, Rachel Walls and Lee Dingain, helped out on the stand today and received much interest in the Atlantic Forest and REGUA, including some potential visitors and volunteers. The exhibit featured a webcam streaming live action from the bird feeders at REGUA which proved to be a big success, with bird activity being almost constant for the first four hours or so of the day. 15 species were noted including 3 Rusty-margined Guans, small flocks of Green-headed Tanagers, Red-necked Tanager and a surprise first for the Lodge garden - a male Yellow-legged Thrush! Happy 21st birthday to the World Land Trust!

28 May 2010

High altitude survey reveals news birds for REGUA

REGUA bird guide, Leonardo Pimentel, has recently been exploring the forest in some of the highest and least visited parts of the Reserve. These areas are very remote and difficult to reach, but Leonardo's efforts were well rewarded with eight new birds for REGUA being found: Plovercrest, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Red-eyed Thornbird (photo below), Sharp-billed Treehunter, Greenish Tyrannulet, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant and Hellmayr's Pipit. This brings the total number of bird species recorded at REGUA to 449 and the number of Atlantic Forest endemics to 116! What will be number 450?

27 May 2010

Bill Oddie visits REGUA

At the end of April, REGUA received a three day visit from television presenter and writer Bill Oddie. Bill was part of a group led by World Land Trust CEO John Burton, who travelled to REGUA and then on to Missiones to learn more about the wonderful pioneering conservation work in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil in preparation for the Chelsea Flower Show. Bill had agreed to help on the WLT stand at Chelsea on the press day. This was his first visit to Brazil and although most of his time was spent around the newly restored wetlands and reforested areas, he did find time to walk the Green Trail to the waterfall and see a few of the reserve's speciality birds. He was immensely impressed with REGUA, especially at the habitat restoration work and was amazed by the speed of tree growth.

More about Bill's visit and a short film clip made at the wetlands can be viewed at the WLT website.

25 May 2010

World Land Trust win gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show

REGUA partner, the World Land Trust, has been awarded a gold medal for its Saving the Atlantic Rainforest exhibit at this years RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The exhibit, located in the Continuous Learning section, was also awarded "Best in Section" as well! The exhibit recreates a small patch of the Atlantic Forest and features a representation of a tree nursery and live streaming via webcam of the action from the bird feeders at REGUA. The Chelsea Flower Show runs until Saturday 29th May, when two REGUA volunteers, Rachel Walls and Lee Dingain, will also be helping to man the stand. For further details and to view the webcam click here.

22 May 2010

Winter birding at REGUA

REGUA webmaster and birder, Lee Dingain, has recently revisited us to see how the Reserve has been developing and gather updates for the website. Most birders visit REGUA between July and November (the austral spring, when birds are more vocal), but Lee has been keen to experience what the birding is like at this time of year and has had a lot of success. To find out what he has seen check out his blog at http://leedingain.blogspot.com/ (you will need to scroll down for older posts).

22 April 2010

March sightings

Another great month for bird sightings with many guests seeing over 100 species a day!

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Guests enjoyed excellent views of a Hook-billed Kite (a rare bird here) as well as Saw-billed Hermit, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Shrike-like Cotinga, Red-necked Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Elfin Forest Trail: Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, White-bearded Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-browed, Ochre-breasted, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Pale-browed Treehunter and Brown Tanager.

Onofre Cunha: Limpkin, Striped Cuckoo, Tawny-browed Owl, Black-banded Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-capped Motmot, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, White-rumped Monjita, Long-billed Wren and Orange-bellied Euphonia.

São José Trail: Least Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Potoo, Saffron Toucanet, Tufted Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Black-billed Scythebill, Ochre-breasted, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-collared Foliage-gleaners and Shrike-like Cotinga.

Waldenoor: Black Hawk-Eagle, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, White-bibbed Antbird, Bare-throated Bellbird, Shrike-like Cotinga, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Waterfall Trail: Brown Tinamou, White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow, Red-necked Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Wetland, adjacent forest trails and Lodge garden: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Pied-billed Grebe, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, 2 Scaled Dove (hot on the heals of REGUA's first record back in December), Blue Ground-Dove, Pale-vented Pigeon, White-eyed Parakeet, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Orange-winged Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Biscutate Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, Glittering-throated Emerald, Brazilian Ruby at the Lodge feeders, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird (in the Lodge garden), White Woodpecker, White-flanked Antwren, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Greenish Elaenia, Small-billed Elaenia, Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Brazilian Tanager, an unusual (at this altitude) record of Brassy-breasted Tanager, Black-legged Dacnis (showing well in the Lodge garden) and Chestnut-vented Conebill.

Sightings on our excursions have included:

Macaé de Cima: Several Brown-backed Parrotlets, Pileated Parrot, Plovercrest, Brazilian Ruby, Black-throated Trogon, Saffron Toucanet, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, White-shouldered Fire-eye, White-throated Woodcreeper, Planalto Woodcreeper, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Chestnut-headed Tanager, Fawn-breasted and Brassy-breasted Tanagers.

Pico da Caledônia: Dusky-legged Guan, Black Hawk-Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Pale-vented Pigeon, Pileated Parrot, Plovercrest, White-eared Puffbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Highland Elaenia, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Grey-winged Cotinga (see photo below), Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Cinnamon, Chestnut-headed, Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

07 March 2010

February sightings

The peak period for visiting birders at REGUA is between August to November. This is generally considered the best time of year for sightings, because most birds are either busy feeding young or singing to attract a mate and so are more vocal and easier to find. But the quality of the birds seen last month (which include yet another new species for the reserve) just goes to show that the birding here can be excellent any any time of the year. Highlights around the reserve include:

Elfin Forest Trail: Adilei and Leonardo found some real rarities on this trail last month, including Brown-backed Parrotlet and White-bearded Antshrike. Other highlights were Dusky-legged Guan, Black Hawk-Eagle, Barred Forest-Falcon, Plumbeous Pigeon, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Tawny-browed Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Dusky-throated Hermit, Brazilian Ruby, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Spot-backed Antshrike, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren, Ochre-rumped Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren, Slaty Bristlefront, Such's Antthrush, Scaled Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Pallid Spinetail, White-browed Foliage-gleaner, Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Oustalet's Tyrannulet, Large-headed Flatbill, Brown Tanager, Uniform Finch, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Black-throated Grosbeak and Green-chinned Euphonia.

Grey Trail: A Russet-winged Spadebill has been showing well (photo below) and Black-throated Trogon, Spot-billed Toucanet, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird and Yellow-green Grosbeak have also been seen.

Waterfall Trail: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, White-necked Hawk, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Pileated Parrot, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Unicoloured Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, White-throated Woodcreeper, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: The pair of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks that turned up last November have now bred producing 8 young! Lets hope this is the start of a small range expansion for this species at REGUA (click here for a photo). If this wasn't exciting enough, on the 26th the lodge garden produced the first new bird for the reserve of the new decade - Yellow-billed Cuckoo (top photo below)! Found by Edson Endrigo, at least two birds were seen feeding alongside the closely related Dark-billed Cuckoo (bottom photo below) in a tree that had an infestation of catapillars. Nearby a third species of coccyzus cuckoo, Pearly-breasted Cuckoo, was also seen! Other birds logged around the wetland include Tataupa Tinamou, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Crane Hawk, Limpkin, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Blackish Rail, Solitary Sandpiper, Tropical Screech-Owl, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Black-legged Dacnis, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Lined Seedeater and Red-cowled Cardinal.

We've also had some excellent sightings on our excursions in February, including:

Cabo Frio: Excellent views of the critically endangered Restinga Antwren, along with Brown Booby, Little Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Collared Plover, American Oystercatcher, Black-necked Stilt, Grey-hooded Gull, South American Tern, Minute Hermit, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant and Lemon-chested Greenlet.

Macaé de Cima: Plovercrest, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertonis Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Pallid Spinetail, White-browed Foliage-gleaner, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Hooded Berryeater, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Crested Oropendola and Green-chinned Euphonia.

Serra dos Órgãos National Park: Brown Tinamou, Dusky-legged Guan, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Plumbeous Pigeon, Pileated Parrot, Mottled Owl (photo below), Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Black-billed Scythebill, Pallid Spinetail, Hooded Berryeater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Sharpbill, Buffy-fronted Seedeater and Half-collared Sparrow.

20 February 2010

Research co-ordinator appointed

REGUA is delighted to announce the appointment of Jorge Bizarro in a new post as Research Co-ordinator. Jorge has a degree in medicine from Lisbon, an MD and PhD in Biological Sciences from Parana and has worked in medical research as well as teaching human palaeontology and bioethics. His main interests are in entomology, especially the relationship between Lepidoptera and their host species, and has published a number of papers and collaborated in the preparation of several books on the subject. Amongst other things, Jorge will be responsible for co-ordinating the growing number of research projects at REGUA, working with the Brazilian Universities and Institutions to promote and obtain funding for further research and to assist in the dissemination of information through the website, publications and journals. This is a part-time role, and Jorge will spend his remaining two days per week studying for a Post Doc in Rio. In its brief history to date, REGUA has developed an enviable bird list and some notable mammal records, but Jorge's appointment will help focus more attention on the many other taxonomic groups which abound in the forest.

18 January 2010

New birds for REGUA in 2009

Five new birds were added to the REGUA list in 2009, taking the total number of bird species recorded on the reserve to an amazing 440! The first of these was a pair of Peach-fronted Parakeets found at the wetland on 27th May by our guide Adilei (top photo). Peach-fronted Parakeet is common in the Cerrado but the Serra do Mar mountains form the southern limit of their range. It wasn't until October that the second new bird was found - a Rufous-capped Antshrike behind the nursery, again found by sharp-eyed Adilei. November saw the next two additions - on the 1st, 6 Black-necked Aracaris flew across the road at the entrance to the reserve. These birds were seen by tour guide and photographer Edson Endrigo and his group, together with Adilei, and a pair was even seen copulating! Then on the 16th, Alan Martin found a pair of Black-bellied Whisting-Ducks at the wetland (bottom photo) where they looked instantly at home and have been seen regularly since. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is expanding and may well become established alongside the resident White-faced Whistling-Ducks. Finally a Scaled Dove at the wetland on 29 December, seen by Adilei, Leonardo and Nicholas (see December sightings below for a photo), was the last new bird of the year. Scaled Dove is most commonly found in dry habitats such as Cerrado and it is thought that deforestation of the Cerrado is forcing them to move to new areas.

02 January 2010

December sightings

We are now well into our summer here at REGUA. The weather continues to be hot and humid and many species of bird now have recently fledged chicks, providing some excellent birding for our guests. December also saw another new species added to the REGUA list! Sightings from around the reserve include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Hook-billed Kite, Slaty Bristlefront and Eastern Striped Manakin.

Elfin Forest Trail: Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Black-billed Scythebill and Russet-winged Spadebill.

Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette, Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Green-chinned Euphonia.

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Pileated Parrot, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Potoo - still present at its roost site, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Salvadori's Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged, White-throated, Planalto and Lesser Woodcreepers, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Plain and Streaked Xenops, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, White-throated Spadebill, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager, Yellow-green and Black-throated Grosbeaks.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Brazilian Teal with young, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, Grey-headed Kite, Snail Kite, Rufous-thighed Kite, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Laughing Falcon, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Solitary Sandpiper, Scaled Dove - the first record for REGUA (see top photo below), Grey-fronted Dove, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, Tropical Screech-Owl - the pair at the office have bred producing 2 young (see bottom photo below), Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Striped Owl, Reddish Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, nesting Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Plain Xenops, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Southern Antpipit, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Euler's Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Swallow-Tanager and Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch.

11 December 2009

November sightings

November has been very hot and humid with a lot of rain, but this hasn't stopped us seeing some great birds! Highlights from around the reserve include: 2 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (new for REGUA), Muscovy Duck with 6, reducing to 4 chicks, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan visiting the lodge feeders, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Rufous-thighed Kite, Crane Hawk, White-necked Hawk, 2 Crowned Eagles over the wetland, 2 American Kestrel, Rufous-sided Crake, 2 Giant Snipe at a new feeding site found by our guide Adilei, Solitary Sandpiper, Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, Blue Ground-Dove, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Blue-bellied Parrot, 6 Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo, Tropical Screech-Owl, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, 2 Striped Owl, Long-tailed Potoo roosting on the Waterfall Trail (see photo below), Common Potoo, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Reddish Hermit, Black-throated Mango still visiting the lodge feeders, White-chinned Sapphire, Black-throated Trogon, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets, 6 Black-necked Aracari (new for REGUA), Chestnut-backed Antshrike showing on the nest, Spot-breasted and Plain Antvireos, Star-throated Antwren, 2 White-flanked Antwren in the lodge garden, Salvadori's Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper with young, Southern Antpipit, Greenish Elaenia, lots of Yellow Tyrannulets, White-rumped Monjita, good numbers of Piratic, Streaked and Fork-tailed Flycatchers, Pin-tailed Manakin, Greenish Schiffornis, Shrike-like Cotinga on the Elfin Forest Trail, Black-capped Donacobius, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Lined Seedeater, Sooty Grassquit, Yellow-green Grosbeak, Purple-throated Euphonia at the lodge feeders, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia (see photo below) and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

The best mammal sighting was a Puma seen by one of our rangers! Other mammals seen include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Greater Grison (see photo below) and Red-rumped Agouti.

07 December 2009

2009/10 tree planting season begins

In November we planted the first 3,000 of the 30,000 trees that we plan to plant over the next few months. Tree planting around the wetland is now complete and so we have begun reforesting other parts of the reserve. 20,000 saplings of pioneer tree species will be planted on the recently purchased Matumbo Gap land (top photo below) and 10,000 around the Small Wetland, and much of this work will take place in December and January. Most of these saplings have been grown from seeds collected from the forest throughout the year by our rangers and volunteers. Preparing the ground, planting and care of the saplings is hard work in the summer heat and humidity (bottom photo below), but necessary to ensure a high success rate. This important planting has been funded by the World Land Trust and SOS Mata Atlântica.

01 December 2009

REGUA becomes haven for rescued wildlife

The reputation of REGUA as a safe place for wildlife is spreading within the local community. When faced with a caiman (top photo) in a drainage ditch on a building site in the town of Cachoeiras de Macacu, instead of shooting the unfortunate creature the site manager called the Fire Brigade who called the Três Picos Park office, who trapped it and brought it to REGUA for release. The wetlands already have over 30 caiman that have arrived by themselves without help, but there is always room for a few more.

A few days later a Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (bottom photo) was found beside the main road heading away from the forest towards some houses. With some difficulty the sloth was loaded into a sack and driven to the Reserve where it was released in the Lodge garden. Over the course of the next hour before dusk this sloth posed for numerous photographs, but by the next morning had disappeared into the forest.

© 2009 Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu

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