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27 November 2009
Common Potoo nest
This year we have been treated to some excellent views of a Common Potoo which has nested on a bamboo tree stake beside the wetlands. The first photo (left), taken on 9th November, shows the tiny chick being incubated by the adult soon after hatching. On 15th November the chick had already grown rapidly in size (middle photo) and by the 20th November it was too big to be sat on by the adult (right photo). This chick was particularly lucky as it faced at least two life-threatening events. Several days after first discovery, our guide Adilei was disappointed to find the egg on the ground beside the stake, but carefully replaced it and the bird fortunately returned to incubate and hatch the chick. The second near fatal event was on the 20th November, several hours after the last photo was taken, when a freak storm with winds of over 100 mph swept through the wetlands and Lodge garden blowing over trees and snapping branches. When the winds subsided we found the chick on the ground again, soaking wet and looking very miserable. Once again it was returned to the stake after a good drying, and seemed none the worse when checked the next day.
19 November 2009
Recent sightings on excursions
Birds seen on our excursions over the last couple of months include:
Macaé de Cima: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Amethyst Woodstar, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed and Green-barred Woodpeckers, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Rufous-tailed (Brazilian) Antthrush, Planalto Woodcreeper, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Pale-browed and Sharp-billed Treehunters, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Shrike-like Cotinga, Brown Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch and White-browed (White-rimmed) Warbler.
Pico da Caledônia: Large-tailed Antshrike (see photo below taken last year), Rufous-capped Antshrike, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Rufous-capped, Grey-bellied and Spix's Spinetails, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Rough-legged, Planalto and Grey-capped Tyrannulets, Highland Elaenia, Blue-billed and Velvety Black-Tyrants, Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant, Swallow-tailed, Black-and-gold and Grey-winged Cotingas, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Cinnamon, Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers.
Sumidouro: Red-legged Seriema, White-eyed Parakeet, Three-toed Jacamar, Serra Antwren, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant and Streamer-tailed Tyrant.
09 November 2009
Recent sightings
Bird sightings from around the reserve in September and October include:
4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Brown Tinamou, Variable Screech-Owl (first record for this trail), Frilled Coquette, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker (the race found here, P. f. erythropis, actually has a red throat - see photo below), Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged, White-throated and Lesser Woodcreepers, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Grey-hooded Attila, Eastern Striped Manakin and Turquoise Tanager.
Elfin Forest Trail: Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Salvadori's Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Short-tailed Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser and Shrike-like Cotinga.
Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk, White-eared Puffbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Blue Manakin, Green-backed, Chestnut-crowned and Crested Becards and Rufous-headed Tanager.
Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Blue-bellied Parrot, Variable Screech-Owl (at the usual roost site), Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Star-throated, White-flanked (including one a ringed/banded bird), Unicoloured, Rufous-winged and Streak-capped Antwrens, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Black-capped and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Southern Antpipit, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, White-thighed Swallow, White-necked Thrush and Yellow-green Grosbeak.
Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Tataupa Tinamou, Muscovy Duck (with six young), up to 25 Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, Whistling Heron, Osprey, Grey-headed, Snail and Plumbeous Kites, Bicoloured, White-necked and Short-tailed Hawks, Laughing and Aplomado Falcons, Limpkin, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Giant Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, Blue Ground-Dove, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo (including a juvenile being feed by Yellow-chinned Spinetails), Barn Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Striped Owl, Common Potoo (an adult with a chick), Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Spot-tailed Nightjar, Scissor-tailed Nightjar, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, White-barred Piculet, White, Yellow-eared and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Rufous-capped Antshrike (new for REGUA), Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked and Unicoloured Antwrens, Scaled and White-bibbed Antbirds, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Ochre-faced, Yellow-lored and Common Tody-Flycatchers, Greenish Elaenia, Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Whiskered Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Hooded, Flame-crested, Brazilian and Yellow-backed Tanagers, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Chestnut-vented Conebill and Pileated Finch.
Elsewhere on the reserve, Russet-winged Spadebill have been showing on the Grey Trail and Rusty-margined Guans have been visiting the lodge feeders. Hummers at the lodge feeders have included Rufous-breasted Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Glittering-throated Emerald and Amethyst Woodstar, and a Black-throated Mango also put in a appearance. Lastly, on the Onofre Cunha land, 6 Black-necked Aracari were seen - a new species for the reserve!
Mammal sightings include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Greater Grison and good numbers of Capybara (see photo below), and we have also found prints of Margay and Paca at the new wetland.-lp.jpg)
06 November 2009
Wetland extension flooded
We have long had the ambition to restore the wetlands that once existed around the lodge. Last month this ambition became one step nearer to becoming reality, when after months of hard work the final area to be restored was flooded. The original wetland - drained in the 1980s to make way for agriculture and pasture - was largely wooded swamp covered with water-loving trees (Tabebuia cassinoides) and palms (Bactris spp.), dripping with orchids and bromeliads. The restored wetland looks very different and includes a wider range of habitats such as small lakes, Typha reedbeds and wet grassland, as well as areas of replanted Tabebuia. Since restoration began in 2005, the wetland has been maturing quickly and biodiversity increasing rapidly. Over 200 species of birds have now been recorded, caiman and Capybara have moved in, and in a short while it is planned to replant the first Cattleya harrisonia orchids that existed long ago. The latest phase differs from the others in that it has been designed so that the water level can be raised and lowered to attract wading birds, and migrant Solitary Sandpipers (a scarce migrant at REGUA) have already been seen. One tower hide already exists and a new hide will be ready by March 2010. The addition of the new flooded area, some 3 hectares in size, has increased the total area flooded at REGUA to around 15 hectares. Many thanks to everyone who has supported us on this exciting project.
15 October 2009
New lizard found for Rio State
In September 2007, a research team based at REGUA found a new species of lizard for Rio State in a small patch of lowland forest partly owned by REGUA, just outside the core reserve. The Slender Anole Anolis fuscoauratus is a common species in the Amazon basin but poorly known in the Atlantic Forest (see photo below by Davor Vrcibradic). This record represents a large range extension for this species. To read more click here.
25 September 2009
REGUA in Royal Entomological Society magazine
The summer 2009 issue of Antenna - the bulletin of the Royal Entomological Society - features an excellent article by John Feltwell, a trustee of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Trust, highlighting the huge diveristy of moths found at REGUA and inviting anyone with an interest in moths to help us identify the large number of unidentified moths that we have photographed at the reserve.
If you would like to get involved then please see our unidentifed moths page. Antenna is available free to Royal Entomological Society members - please visit their website for details.
14 September 2009
New Photo of the Month web page!
Over the years, guests staying at the lodge, and our guides, have taken many amazing bird photos at REGUA. To showcase some of these images we have set up a Photo of the Month feature on our website, starting off with Steve Blain's beautiful shot of a Swallow-tailed Cotinga. To take a look click on this link - http://www.guapiassubirdlodge.com/.
10 September 2009
August sightings
We are now entering early spring and many birds are preparing to breed. Different species are at different stages of nesting, with many only just starting to form territories but some already have well-grown chicks (see below)! August sightings from around the reserve include:
4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Rufous-winged Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Lesser Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Russet-winged Spadebill (the first record on this trail), Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Grey-hooded Attila, Eastern Striped Manakin, Shrike-like Cotinga, White-winged Becard, Black-capped Becard, Turquoise Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.
Elfin Forest Trail: Mantled Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Giant Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren and Variegated Antpitta.
Waldenoor: White-necked Hawk, Mantled Hawk (this is the most reliable area on the reserve for this species), Plain Parakeet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Reddish Hermit, Frilled Coquette, White-eared Puffbird, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Star-throated Antwren, Slaty Bristlefront, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Whiskered Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Green-backed Becard, Olive-green Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, a pair of Green-chinned Euphonia (see photo below) and Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.
Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, White-throated Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (at the waterfall), Southern Antpipit, White-throated Spadebill, Whiskered Flycatcher, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Turquoise Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.
Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Muscovy Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Whistling Heron, Capped Heron, Grey-headed Kite, Snail Kite, Great Black-Hawk (the second record for REGUA), Laughing Falcon, Limpkin, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, excellent views of Giant Snipe, Barn Owl, 2 Tropical Screech-Owls (at the usual roost site), Tawny-browed Owl, Striped Owl - including these 2 juveniles (see photo below), Scissor-tailed Nightjar, White-chinned Sapphire, White Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Black-cheeked Gnateater, White-throated Woodcreeper, Wing-banded Hornero, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Brazilian Tanager and Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch.
Highlights on our excursions include:
Macaé de Cima: Dusky-legged Guan, Aplomado Falcon, Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Channel-billed Toucan, Saffron Toucanet, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertoni's Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Slaty Bristlefront, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Bare-throated Bellbird, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Uniform Finch.
Pico da Caledônia: White-tailed Hawk, Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Variable Antshrike, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Scaled Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Pin-tailed Manakin, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Cinnamon Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Diademed Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Green-winged Saltator and White-browed Warbler.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Green-barred Woodpecker, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Brown Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow and White-browed Warbler.
Sumidouro: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, American Kestrel, White-eyed Parakeet, Striped Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, White-vented Violet-ear, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, 5+ Three-toed Jacamars seen on a single trip, Giant Antshrike, Crested Black-Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Uniform Finch and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.
Mammal sightings in August have included: Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Greater Fishing Bat, Tufted-ear Marmoset, Brown Howler Monkey, Brazilian Squirrel, Orange-spined Hairy Dwarf Porcupine, Capybara and Red-rumped Agouti. Finally, an intriguing record is that of a dead Southern Tamandua found in the forest behind the wetland, indicating that these animals are still present in the area.
09 August 2009
Another major land purchase for REGUA
On the 17th July contracts were signed with Carlos and Anna Lemgruber to purchase an area of about 1,700 acres of wonderful forest that adjoins the recently purchased Matumbo Gap properties. This purchase takes the land owned by REGUA to over 11,000 acres, with a further 7,000 acres under a management agreement. The purchase has been made possible by the generous support of the World Land Trust, and especially BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) who are raising funds through a number of their member zoos. However, although the contract has been signed, only half the money has been raised to date and we have been able to go ahead with the purchase thanks to an interest-free loan from one of our long-term supporters. The WLT and BIAZA will be working hard over the next year to pay this loan back, but if you would like to help please visit http://www.worldlandtrust.org/projects/brazil.htm#donation. 
06 August 2009
Latest sightings
Highlights from around the reserve in June and July include:
4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: White-necked Hawk, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Slaty Bristlefront, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Bare-throated Bellbird, Eastern Striped Manakin and Shrike-like Cotinga.
São José Trail: Rufous-capped Motmot, Blond-crested Woodpecker, White-bibbed Antbird, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Greyish Mourner and Shrike-like Cotinga.
Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser (with young), Scaled Woodcreeper, Southern Antpipit, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Bare-throated Bellbird, Shrike-like Cotinga, Pin-tailed Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.
Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Green-backed Becard, Buffy-fronted and Temminck's Seedeaters and Green-chinned Euphonia.
Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Up to 8 Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pinnated Bittern, Whistling Heron, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Collared Forest-Falcon, Limpkin, Blackish Rail, Giant Snipe, White-eyed and Maroon-bellied Parakeets (in the Lodge garden), Orange-winged Parrot, Tropical Screech-Owl (still at the usual roost site), Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Tufted Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Southern Antpipit, Bran-coloured Flycatcher (see photo below), Yellow-browed Tyrant, a female Swallow-tailed Cotinga (a very unusual record, seen by the Rio de Janeiro Bird Club), Shrike-like Cotinga, Brazilian Tanager, a female Black-legged Dacnis, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch and Pileated Finch.
Elsewhere, Russet-winged Spadebill has been showing on the Elfin Forest Trail and just outside the reserve our guide Adilei has seen Black-banded Owl in his garden. Mammal sightings around the reserve include four Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths seen in a day, Tayra, Common Grey Four-eyed Opossum and Tufted-ear Marmosets on the Lodge feeders (see photo below).
31 July 2009
Wetland extended
The final phase of the wetlands restoration project, which will double its size, is nearing completion at REGUA. During the last few months Nicholas has had a team of labourers building the new dam and carving out the various pools and channels (see top photo below). All that remains is to finish the overflow channel (see bottom photo below) to take any flood water and block the stream which will allow the new wetlands to fill. Based on our experience of the previous phases it will only be a matter of weeks before the birds and caiman start to move in. Nicholas also has plans to build a new observation tower behind the volunteers' accommodation which will provide wonderful views across this new wetland and the mountains behind.
28 July 2009
Biodiversity increases in the Lodge garden
As the Lodge garden matures, the number and variety of species visiting the feeders is increasing. A large flock of Maroon-bellied Parakeets (see photo below) have become daily visitors, along with eight species of tanagers, several Tufted-ear Marmosets and even a Black-legged Dacnis. Perhaps even better, a pair of the reintroduced Red-billed Curassows have taken up residency around the Lodge area.
23 July 2009
Guapi Assu Bird Lodge expanded
Improvements to the Lodge are now almost complete, ready for the busiest time of year for visitors. An excellent new bedroom with its own private balcony has been built and two single rooms have been created. The Lodge can now accommodate a maximum of 18 people in six double, two twin and two single rooms and all rooms have their own en-suite bathrooms. Three of the double rooms (the premier rooms) are larger and have their own balconies with views across the mountains. Whilst this building work was in progress we also improved the water supply and replaced the solar heating system to ensure a more reliable supply of hot water for the increasing number of visitors. In addition, extra volunteer accommodation has also been built, with the old stable block near the office now converted into two comfortable units for longer-staying volunteers.
11 July 2009
REGUA at the British Birdwatching Fair 2009
REGUA will once again be represented at the British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland in the UK - 21 to 23 August. Volunteers Lee Dingain, John Harris, Martin Smart and Rachel Walls will be on the World Land Trust stand (marquee 4, stand nos. 14 and 15) with the very latest information on our conservation work, birding at REGUA, visiting the reserve and volunteering opportunities. Please come by and see us. For information about the Birdfair click here.
19 June 2009
May sightings
Bird sightings from around the reserve in May include: Tataupa Tinamou, Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Black Hawk-Eagle, Peach-fronted Parakeet (new for the reserve), Tawny-browed Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Surucua Trogon, Green Kingfisher, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill (see photo below), Spix's Spinetail, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, Southern Antpipit, Whiskered Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Pin-tailed Manakin, Greenish Schiffornis, Shrike-like Cotinga, Brown Tanager, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Temminck's Seedeater, Yellow-green Grosbeak, Green-chinned Euphonia and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.
11 June 2009
REGUA creates first RPPN reserve in region
REGUA has just received a grant from the Brazilian charity Aliança para a Conservação da Mata Atlântica (Alliance for the Conservation of the Atlantic Forest), to create the first RPPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve) in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The alliance is a fusion between Conservation International-Brazil, SOS Mata Atlântica and The Nature Conservancy and aims to stimulate landowners into setting aside their forested land throughout Brazil. The RPPN status is a recognized conservation unit and this act is written into their legal titles in a permanent manner. Many environmentally responsible landowners with a deep rooted passion for conservation find this mechanism a way to protect their land and ensure its safety for the future. The 350 hectares at REGUA will act as a buffer to the Três Picos State Park and show local landowners REGUA's commitment to the environment. In a day and age where REGUA is setting standards in conservation practices, this has been particularly important.
08 May 2009
April bird sightings
Birding highlights from around the reserve in April include:
4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Grey-hooded Attila and Turquoise Tanager.
Elfin Forest Trail: Mantled Hawk, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Giant Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren (now a regular bird on the reserve - see photo below), Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird and Large-headed Flatbill.-lp.jpg)
São José Trail: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Least Pygmy-Owl (see photo below), Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Plain Xenops, Streaked Xenops, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, White-throated Spadebill, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila and White-necked Thrush.
Waterfall Trail: Black Hawk-Eagle, Tawny-browed Owl, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Unicoloured Antwren and Slaty Bristlefront.
Wetland and adjacent trails: Muscovy Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Capped Heron, Collared Forest-Falcon (see photo below), Grey-fronted Dove, Orange-winged Parrot, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Reddish Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Plain Xenops, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Southern Antpipit, Greenish Elaenia, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Euler's Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Black-legged Dacnis, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Red-rumped Cacique and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.
30 April 2009
Matumbo corridor protected
The purchase in March of a 40 hectare plot of land brings to the end almost eighteen months of hard work negotiating the purchase of a network of small land holdings to create a corridor of protected land between REGUA and the estate owned by our friend Carlos Lemgruber. In total REGUA has purchased 334 hectares from 12 different families using funds donated by the World Land Trust, American Bird Conservancy and the IUCN National Committee for the Netherlands.
Some of the purchases were extremely complex due to the uncertainty of land boundaries and the number of family members that claimed a share in each plot, however as always, Nicholas' perseverance and diplomatic skills eventually resolved all the issues. This area is critical to REGUA's ambition to ultimately join up the reserve with the land owned by the Primatology Centre but it was threatened by the gradual spread of small houses and subsistence farms along the tracks radiating from Matumbo.
These purchases bring the land protected by REGUA to 6,949 hectares, although in reality the actual size is likely to be significantly greater than this as historically land deeds have understated the sizes in order to minimise state taxes. Meanwhile REGUA is already working on its next purchase, the 675 hectare Lemgruber estate using money raised by the World Land Trust and BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
23 April 2009
March sightings
Highlights of bird sightings around the reserve in March include:
4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: White-necked Hawk, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Variegated Antpitta and Slaty Bristlefront.
Elfin Forest Trail: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Salvadori's Antwren and Russet-winged Spadebill.
São José Trail: White-bibbed Antbird, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Southern Antpipit, Greyish Mourner and 2 Shrike-like Cotinga.
Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk and Yellow-fronted Woodpecker.
Waterfall Trail: Buff-bellied Puffbird, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Scaled Woodcreeper, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant and Azure-shouldered Tanager.
Wetland and adjacent trails: Tataupa Tinamou, Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Whistling Heron, Collared Forest-Falcon, Limpkin, Blackish Rail, White-eyed Parakeet (a flock visiting the Lodge garden), Blue-winged Parrotlet, Orange-winged Parrot, Tropical Screech-Owl, Pauraque, Tufted Antshrike, a pair of Black-legged Dacnis feeding young (see photo below), Sooty Grassquit and Pileated Finch.
Mammal sightings around the reserve include up to four Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths seen in a day and Tayra.
05 April 2009
REGUA visits Muriqui stronghold
Our project manager Nicholas Locke, has recently returned from a trip to the remote Caratinga Biological Station located in the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural - Feliciano Miguel Abdala (RPPN-FMA) in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The Reserve is run by Preserve-Muriqui - a charity dedicated to protecting the critically endangered Woolly Spider Monkey or Northern Muriqui Brachyteles hipoxanthus. The Muriqui is the largest endemic mammal in Brazil and one of the 25 most threatened primates in the world. It is estimated that only around 500 remain in the wild and about a third of these are found at RPPN-FMA. Preserve-Muriqui offer opportunities for researchers and volunteers. For more information go to the Preserve-Muriqui website. To read more about Nicholas' visit see the March 2009 newsletter.
01 April 2009
New reptiles for REGUA
During November 2008, REGUA had a visit from Cambridgeshire zoologist, Chris Knowles. For his four week visit, five camera traps were used to photograph and film as many species as possible. Mostly Chris was looking for snakes and other reptiles and with this he had much success. Fifteen species of reptiles were identified and within this number three were new for the reserve: the Atlantic Coralsnake Micrurus corallinus (see photo below), Pale-necked Whip Snake Chironius laevicollis and the extremely rare Small-headed Worm Lizard Leposternon microcephalum. Finding these species indicates that there is really a huge diversity of species that are rarely seen at the Reserve. In addition to the reptiles, Chris was able to film Capybara, Paca, Crab-eating Fox and several opossom species, although unfortunately the heavy rain in the forest claimed a few of his camera traps!
30 March 2009
New REGUA newsletter now online
The latest newsletter is now available. Nicholas Locke, our project manager, reports on the very latest developments across all areas of the REGUA project, including: school visits, the Young Rangers programme, Agenda 21, tree planting, reintroduction and tourism. Click here to download it.
24 March 2009
February bird sightings
February is the end of our summer and the breeding season is now coming to a close. Sightings in February include:
4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: A juvenile Tawny-browed Owl (see photo below), a pair of Salvadori's Antwren, Slaty Bristlefront and Rufous-breasted Leaftosser.
São José Trail: Ruddy Quail-Dove, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird and a immature male Hooded Berryeater seen singing just behind the wetland (a species normally found at a much higher altitude).
Waldenoor: Crescent-chested Puffbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Red-necked Tanager and Rufous-headed Tanager.
Wetland and adjacent trails: Tataupa Tinamou, Masked Duck, Striated Heron, Whistling Heron, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Grey-headed Kite, Rufous-thighed Kite, Limpkin, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned Crake (see photo below), Giant Snipe, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, 2 Tropical Screech-Owl (at the usual roost site), Striped Owl, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Green Kingfisher, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Tufted Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Wing-banded Hornero, White-winged Becard, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Hooded Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, an influx of Swallow-Tanager (with counts of over 30 birds), Red-legged Honeycreeper, Lined Seedeater and Red-rumped Cacique.
Macaé de Cima: Plovercrest, Bertoni's Antbird, Hooded Berryeater, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Greenish Schiffornis, Cinnamon Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.
20 March 2009
Volunteers needed to teach English at REGUA
We are seeking volunteers to teach English to local children taking part in our Young Rangers programme and our staff. You will need to be organised, motivated, self-reliant and an possess excellent communication skills. Ideally you will have previous experience in teaching English and a basic knowledge of Portuguese would be advantageous. Volunteers would be required to spend at least two months at REGUA. If you would like get involved then please email an informal CV to Nicholas Locke at aregua@terra.com.br.
21 February 2009
Mapping volunteer required
REGUA is currenly looking for a volunteer to help out with mapping around the reserve. At present, very little of the reserve has been accurately mapped and we are in need of accurate maps of trails as well as various plots of land for possible purchase. If you have mapping skills, software to create maps from GPS co-ordinates, and would like to spend some time volunteering in the Brazilian rainforest, then we would like to hear from you. Please contact Nicholas Locke at aregua@terra.com.br.
17 February 2009
REGUA on Facebook
REGUA now has it's own Facebook web page. Facebook is the most popular social networking website and is currently ranked the 8th most visited website in the world! Therefore Facebook can be used to further increase REGUA's web presence, and the message of conservation. Our Facebook page includes information about REGUA and our conservation work, as well as photo galleries, video clips and links to our partner's Facebook pages. Registered Facebook users can also leave messages on our 'Wall'.
To check out our Facebook page click on the link below:
13 February 2009
REGUA timeline updated
To read a summary of milestones reached in 2008, and find out what REGUA has achieved so far, see our updated timeline page.
09 February 2009
Help wanted with identifying moths
Over the last few years we have been taking photographs of the huge diversity of moths found around the reserve, in order to develop a database of the species present. Unfortunately there are no field guides available and so identification is often a difficult and slow process, and many species remain unidentified. If you are a keen lepidopterist and would like to help us identify the many mysterious moths we have photographed, then check out our new web page of unidentified moths.
26 January 2009
Giant moths at REGUA
The title for the largest moth in the world is usually awarded to the Atlas Moth Attacus atlas, however this can be misleading. Whilst the Atlas Moth may be the largest in terms of total wing surface, the White Witch Moth Thysania agrippina is believed to have the largest wing-span of any moth or insect in the world, with a record wing-span of 280 mm. The Atlas Moth is native to Asia but now occurs in South America, however its distribution and status is uncertain. To our knowledge the Atlas Moth has only been recorded once at REGUA, in August 2008 at the Lodge (see top photo below). The White Witch Moth is found throughout Latin America, as far south as the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. At REGUA there have been regular sightings of the White Witch Moth in the forest and around the Lodge (see bottom photo below).
20 January 2009
New REGUA newsletter now online
The December 2008 newsletter is now available. In this issue, project managers Nicholas and Raquel Locke, report on their time at the BirdLife International World Conservation Conference in Buenos Aires last September, as well as the latest on protection, restoration, reintroduction, education, research and tourism. Click here to read it.
04 January 2009
Birds new for REGUA in 2008
2008 turned out to be an excellent year for new birds at REGUA. 10 new species for the reserve were recorded - Little Blue Heron, Crowned Eagle, a storm-blown South American Tern (see top photo below), a vagrant Greenish Elaenia, Small-billed Elaenia, Swainson's Flycatcher, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Eastern Slaty Thrush, Magpie Tanager (see bottom photo below) and a pair of nest-building Golden-rumped Euphonias. With a bird list now standing at 436 species, REGUA has possibly the highest bird diversity of any site in the Atlantic Forest. Hopefully 2009 will see even more new species added!
29 December 2008
Endangered parrot in care
This extraordinary photo shows a juvenile Brown-backed Parrotlet Touit melanotus, a parrot endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and classified as Endangered. This young bird was handed in to staff at Serra dos Órgãos National Park near REGUA. Raquel Batista, girlfriend of our guide Leonardo and a researcher at the park, has experience of hand rearing birds, and so set to work feeding the bird a diet of mashed banana. Trapping birds for the cage bird trade is illegal in Brazil, although it remains a common activity. However, this bird has a slightly damaged wing and so it is thought that it probably fell out of it's nest and was not removed by a hunter. The bird is recovering and doing well and it is hoped that it can be released in the near future.
19 December 2008
Rare Tropical Worm Lizard found at REGUA
On 7 November 2008, guests walking the Waterfall Trail discovered a new species of snake for the reserve - a beautiful, but deadly, Atlantic Coralsnake Micrurus corallinus. While photographing the snake, the group noticed that the snake had killed an earthworm-like creature. Suspected to be an amphisbaenian - a reptile related to lizards and snakes - the identification was confirmed by Chris Knowles of Shepreth Wildlife Park, Cambridgeshire, UK, as being a Small-headed Worm Lizard Leposternon microcephalum. Amphisbaenians are rare and poorly known because they spend most of their lives burrowing underground. There are about 150 species, found mainly in South America and Africa. They have reinforced skulls and loose skin which enables them to burrow, are blind (their eyes are covered in skins and scales), and carnivorous, using their hearing to locate prey. This discovery has not only increased our knowledge of the biodiversity of the reserve, but has enabled us to learn about one of the more mysterious animals that make up the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.
11 December 2008
Night-birding at REGUA
For many of our guests, Giant Snipe is high on their list of target birds. A nocturnal species, Giant Snipe are most often seen flying over the wetland at dusk, giving their distinctive call. However, over the last couple of months we have been having some amazing encounters, with up to 4 birds showing well on the ground just a few metres away (see top photo below)! Other recent sightings around the wetland at night include 2 Striped Owls (see middle photo below), a pair of Barn Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Common Potoo, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Spot-tailed Nightjar and some superb Scissor-tailed Nightjars. Mammal sightings have also been good with Common Grey Four-eyed Opossum, South-eastern Common Opossom, Nine-banded Armadillo, Fishing Bat, Crab-eating Fox and Capybara all making appearances. In addition to the wetlands we have also been exploring the forest trails at night, the highlight so far being a pair of Variable Screech-Owls (see bottom photo below) on the Waterfall Trail.
04 December 2008
Latest sightings
Over the last few weeks we have been running a lot of birding excursions from the Lodge, especially to Macaé de Cima and Pico da Caledônia for high altitude birds. Highlights from these trips include:
Macaé de Cima: Plovercrest, a very confiding pair of Giant Antshrikes right out in the open (see photo below), Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous Gnateater, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird and Black-and-gold Cotinga.
Pico da Caledônia: Sightings of Grey-winged Cotinga on two consecutive trips, including one bird perched on a communications mast! (see photo below), Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed and Dusky-tailed Antbirds, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo showing well on the path, several Itatiaia Thistletail, Pallid Spinetail, Olivaceous and Highland Elaenias,
White-crested Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, 6 Swallow-tailed cotingas, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.
To see more of Leonardo's photos taken on these excursions click here.
27 November 2008
Recent sightings
Throughout September, October and November, our guides Adilei and Leonardo have been busy guiding guests staying at the Lodge. The weather has been unusually humid, with lots of rain at times, but this has not stopped us seeing many excellent birds. Highlights include:
4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Rusty-margined Guan, Black Hawk-Eagle, Ferruginous Pigmy-Owl, Frilled Coquette, Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Eared Pigmy-Tyrant, Bare-throated Bellbird, Eastern Striped Manakin (see photo below), Long-billed Wren, Turquoise and Rufous-headed Tanagers, Red-legged Honeycreeper and Blue-naped Chlorophonia. Mammals seen include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth and Red-rumped Agouti.
Elfin Forest Trail: Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pigmy-Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Brazilian Ruby, Salvadori's Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Variegated Antpitta, Slaty Bristlefront, Short-tailed Antthrush, Black-billed Scythebill, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Sharpbill, 2 male Shrike-like Cotingas showing well on territory (see photo below), Brown, Olive-green and Azure-shouldered Tanagers and Green-chinned Euphonia. Mammals seen include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Brown Howler Monkey and Brown Capuchin Monkey.
Grey Trail: Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-backed Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren (see photo below), Scaled Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Black-cheeked Gnateater, White-throated Woodcreeper and Russet-winged Spadebill.
Lodge Garden: Rusty-margined Guan, Whistling Heron (yes, actually in the garden!), Bicoloured Hawk, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail (coming to the feeders!), Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, 8 species of hummer including Reddish Hermit, White-vented Violet-ear (see photo below) and a female Amethyst Woodstar, Channel-billed Toucan, White, Yellow-eared and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Ochre-faced and Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatchers, Greenish Elaenia (the first for Rio State still present?), Lemon-chested Greenlet, Curl-crested Jay, Long-billed Wren, Hooded Tanager, up to 7 Red-legged Honeycreepers, White-bellied Seedeater, and Purple-throated Euphonia. Mammals sighted in the garden include Paca and 2 Crab-eating Foxes (see photo below)!
Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, 2 Variable Screech-Owl, 2 roosting Common Potoo, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied and Crescent-chested Puffbirds, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Pale-browed Treehunter, Southern Antpipit (see photo below), Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Long-tailed Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow, a pair of Eastern Slaty Thrush (new for the reserve) and lots of Turquoise Tanagers. The hummer feeders at the start of the trail have had Saw-billed Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire and Amethyst Woodstar amongst the 8 hummer species coming in. Mammals seen on the trail include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth and Orange-spined Hairy Dwarf Porcupine.
Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Tatuapa Tinamou, up to 18 Masked Duck, Magnificent Frigatebird, Pinnated Bittern, Whistling Heron, Little Blue Heron (new for the reserve), Rufous-thighed Kite, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned, Rufous-sided and Ash-throated Crakes, Blackish Rail, Sungrebe, Giant Snipe (showing very well in the evenings - see photo below), Solitary Sandpiper, South American Tern (new for the reserve), Orange-winged Parrot, Greater Ani, at least 4 Tropical Screech-Owl (including the 2 regular roosting birds), Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, 2 Striped Owl (showing well most nights), 2 Common Potoo, 2 Short-tailed Nighthawk, Scissor-tailed Nightjar, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, White-chinned Sapphire, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Tufted and Sooretama Slaty Antshrikes, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Small-billed Elaenia (new for the reserve), Vermillion Flycatcher, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow (see photo below), Lemon-chested Greenlet, Long-billed Wren, Hooded Tanager and Wedge-tailed Grassfinch.
24 November 2008
10 more Red-billed Curassows released
On 19 September 2008, another 10 Red-billed Curassows Crax blumenbachii were released at REGUA. Stephen Rumsey of BART, which funds the project, was present to open the release pen. The birds needed some encouragement but after a while the group of 2 males and 8 females finally took their first steps into the wild. There have now been a total of 48 Red-billed Curassows released at REGUA, all of which have had radio tags and numbered rings fitted. Some of these birds have been predated and some have lost their tags, but the 23 known survivors are providing vital information which will assist with the planning and implementation of further release programmes. Birds are occasionally sighted around the reserve and biologist Christine Steiner from São Carlos University, São Paulo, who is studying the birds, is hopeful that one pair might possibly breed in the current season (August 2008 to March 2009).
22 November 2008
Primatology Centre excursion update
Huge numbers of birds are killed every year as they fly into windows, but the discovery of a dead Shrike-like Cotinga next to a window at the Primatology Centre (Centro de Primatologia do Rio de Janeiro), near REGUA, was a surprise. The photo shows a beautiful male that was found dead in mid-August and is now destined to join their small collection of skins. Although Shrike-like Cotingas are regularly seen in the forest at REGUA, they are rare birds, and this incident demonstrates the quality of the habitat also to be found in the grounds of the Primatology Centre, which is only about 40 minutes drive away. The Centre is not open to the public, however, guests staying at the Lodge may visit on excursions organised by REGUA. Other birds recently seen here include Rufous-capped Motmot, Star-throated Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater and Bare-throated Bellbird.
02 September 2008
The Lodge garden improves
As the garden and surrounding area matures, the list of birds and mammals seen around the feeders increases. Recent additions to the more usual tanagers and euphonias have included Rusty-margined Guan, Orange-winged Parrot and up to five Tufted-ear Marmosets. But the feeders continue to attract visitors at night as well with several species of bats at the hummingbird feeders.
Two weeks ago the first Paca was seen feeding on bananas. Pacas are one of the most favoured quarry for hunters, and so the appearance in the garden is another favourable sign of the reduction in hunting pressure. The provision of manioc roots underneath the feeder encouraged the Paca to return on the following three nights, so it is hoped that this will be a regular visitor to accompany the evening caiparinhas on the terrace.
22 August 2008
Birdfair 2008
REGUA was represented on the World Land Trust stand again this year, with volunteers Rachel Walls, Lee Dingain and Martin Smart working hard to promote the excellent birdwatching and pioneering conservation work at REGUA and Guapi Assu Bird Lodge. It was a very exciting event with many people and several new tour operators showing an interest. Many familiar faces and enthusiastic supporters of REGUA came by to say hello and hear about the latest projects taking place. We also met one group who booked to stay at the Lodge this September after visiting us at the stand last year, proving that the Birdfair is well worth the investment! Ruth and Alan of The Biggest Twitch came to say hello and gave REGUA a fabulous mention during their lecture, where they spoke about their adventures to date. All in all we felt the Birdfair was very worthwhile, with even more people visiting the stand this year. Many people had friends and work colleagues that had recommended us, so the word is spreading! Many thanks to everyone who stopped by and we look forward to meeting you in Brazil soon.
29 July 2008
Brown-backed Parrotlets sighted on Macaé de Cima excursion
Brown-backed Parrotlet Touit melanotus is a rare Brazilian endemic confined to the Atlantic Forest and classified as Endangered by Birdlife International. This is a very difficult bird to catch up with, but guests on our high altitude Macaé de Cima excursion were treated to good views when a group of eight birds landed in front of them. Wildlife photographer Margaret Welby was there and managed a record shot despite the lack of light and the birds being a little distant. Since then we have returned to the site and again seen the birds. Lets hope they hang around. Margaret is a regular visitor to REGUA and will be exhibiting her photos (including several taken at REGUA) at the Birdfair (marquee 1, stand no. 73).
22 July 2008
REGUA in new rainforest book
John Feltwell's latest book, 'Rainforests' has just been published and contains over 600 pages and 300 colour plates describing the marvels of the rainforest from the forest floor to the rainforest canopy. John is a trustee of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Trust and a long-time supporter of REGUA, which is mentioned regularly throughout the book and there is a separate chapter on Atlantic rainforests.
We have negotiated a special price of £40 to include postage in the UK, from which John will donate £5 to REGUA for each order. The book can be ordered by sending a cheque (made payable to John Feltwell) to John Feltwell, Marlham, Henley Down, Catsfield, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9BN, but please make sure you mention that you are a friend of REGUA.
20 July 2008
British Birdwatching Fair 2008
REGUA will again be at the Birdfair at Rutland, UK, on 15-17 August. Our stand will have loads of information about birding at REGUA, staying at our Guapi Assu Bird Lodge, birding excursions available from the lodge and the latest updates on all the important conservation work we are doing. Come and see us at the World Land Trust stand in marquee 4, stand nos. 14 and 15. For information about the Birdfair go to www.birdfair.org.uk.
11 July 2008
The Biggest Twitch visit REGUA
British birders Alan Davies and Ruth Miller (on the right of the picture below) are mid way through an attempt to beat the record for the highest number of bird species seen in a year (currently 3,662). As they go they are also raising awareness of the importance of conserving the habitats birds live in, and raising money for conservation. They write:
"Since arriving here, we've birded a few of the trails at REGUA with Adilei and a Dutch couple, Anja and Roy, who have a lifelist of over 5,000 species, so we've been in very good company. On just one day walking the trails here, we saw 106 species which is testament to the fantastic habitat at REGUA, not just the pristine forest but also the incredibly wildlife-rich restored wetland area. Some of the key species that we added to our list are Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Shrike-like Cotinga, Spot-billed Toucanet and Masked Duck to name just a few. In only two birding days, we've added 61 new species for the year, an incredible result putting our total year list at 2,726. This is such a great place to be based - very comfortable accommodation, plenty of delicious home-made food, very friendly and welcoming staff, excellent trails, and of course, such a great welcome from Nicholas and Raquel who really make you feel at home here. In fact, it'll be hard to leave."
To follow Alan and Ruth's adventures visit www.thebiggesttwitch.com.
03 July 2008
Take a virtual tour of REGUA
Four virtual tours of REGUA have been added to the Wildlife Focus website - the multimedia site of the World Land Trust. Each tour is a 360 degree panorama that you can use your mouse to look around as if you were standing on the spot. The tours include the REGUA wetland, the view from the hide, the Serra dos Órgãos mountains and the land of our project partner Carlos Lemgruber. To check them out visit http://www.wildlifefocus.org/tours/regua/index.htm.
14 June 2008
REGUA guides rediscover locally extinct woodpecker
On Friday 13th June, while on an excursion to Serra dos Órgãos National Park with guests staying at our Guapi Assu Bird Lodge, our guide Leonardo rediscovered a species of woodpecker considered extinct for the Park - Robust Woodpecker Campephilus robustus. Leonardo writes "Its last register was in 1894 and only six skins are known in museums from the region. All members of our group: Dave, Margaret, Phil and Sue were lucky in seeing this fantastic bird".
Networking in Belize
Nicholas Locke, our project manager, has just returned from a workshop organized by the World Land Trust (WLT) and funded by IUCN Netherlands that was held at the La Milpa Field Station, Rio Bravo in Belize. REGUA was one of 18 WLT project partners attending. The title of the workshop was 'Financial Sustainability of Private Protected Areas' and the objective was to discuss some of the main issues highlighted by partners at the previous meeting held in Amsterdam in September 2006. Topics covered during the meeting included: Payment for Ecological Services (P.E.S.), Carbon Sequestration, Ecological Restoration/Avoided Deforestation, Tourism, Volunteers & Education, Trust/Endowment Funds, Corporate Funding and Social Sustainability/Community Involvement.
Outside the formal sessions there were also many opportunities to discuss issues and plans with other project leaders. Nicholas reports: "it was a real pleasure to participate with all the partners and share experiences at developing strategies on the front line of conservation". The symposium was closed with a press conference held at the Fort George Hotel in Belize City, and press coverage was given through radio, national television and an article in the 'Reporter' newspaper. More on this will follow in our next newsletter.
17 May 2008
New land purchases
The World Land Trust has raised £200,000 for REGUA to purchase 12 small plots of land totalling 326 hectares above the village of Matumbo to create a safe corridor between existing REGUA land and land owned by REGUA partner Carlos Lemgruber (the 'Matumbo Gap'). So far the sale of eight of these plots has been completed, and it is hoped that the remaining four will be finalised over the next few weeks. Determining the boundaries and the land ownership for each of the plots has been extremely difficult and time consuming, and many of the plots have multiple family members which make negotiations lengthy and complex. However this is a critical block of land in an area that is facing increased urbanisation and hunting pressure.
10 May 2008
New bird for Rio State sighted at REGUA
When our local bird guides are not busy guiding guests they are out in the forest looking for birds and other wildlife. Last week our guide Adilei took several photos of a mystery bird he found near our Guapi Assu Bird Lodge. Unsure of its identity, several leading ornithologists were consulted and the bird has now been positively identified as a Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata. Ricardo Gagliardi, who keeps the Rio State list, confirms that this is not only a new bird for REGUA, but also the first ever sighting of this species for the state! Well done Adilei for finding and photographing this exciting bird.
08 May 2008
38,000 trees now planted at REGUA
Our tree planting season runs from December to March and is timed to coincide with our wet season (which occurs in our summer months). Planting for the 2007/08 season has just come to an end, and with generous funding from the World Land Trust we have been able to plant an amazing 20,000 trees. This brings the total number of trees that have now been planted at REGUA to 38,000!
As with previous years, many of the trees have been planted around the wetland but this year we have planted much of the large grassy hill opposite the lodge. Not only will this greatly enhance the already spectacular view from the lodge, but it is hoped that the trees will slowly attract more forest birds to the area. Watering on this scale is never an easy task and thankfully the recent wet weather has helped to get the trees off to a good start. More on this will follow in the next REGUA newsletter.
08 December 2007
REGUA in the Telegraph
In August 2007, Peter Hughes from the British newspaper the Telegraph visited REGUA to find out more about the project and to see for himself all the hard work we are doing. To read the article Reassembling Eden click here.
18 October 2007
REGUA in the Times
Simon Barnes from the Times and John Burton from the World Land Trust visited REGUA to report on something positive happening to rainforest. To read the article Good news from the forest by Simon Barnes click here.