Ornate Hawk-eagle

A 3.5 hour scan of the skies from a little further down the valley was again worthwhile. At 8:15am, a nice variety of swifts came appeared, including 50+ Vaux's Swifts, almost outnumbering the White-collared Swifts which were less numerous than previous days. The highlights were at least two Chestnut-collared Swifts and 5+ White-chinned Swifts; both giving good scope views against the trees on the other side of the valley.

Then the raptors started appearing as the thermals built. First, three Red-tailed Hawks, then four Broad-winged Hawks, then a Short-tailed Hawk, and then an adult Ornate Hawk-eagle came soaring down, and showed well, circling for a good few minutes before flying back up the valley. An Osprey circling a little lower down the valley was also an interesting record. I'm finding it hard to think where it will get fish from this high in the mountains with no lakes nearby; unless it is visiting the nearby trout farm!

Ornate Hawk-eagle

Ornate Hawk-eagle (left), White-collared Swift (middle), Short-tailed Hawk (right) - this shot shows just how big White-collared Swifts are!

White-collared Swift

Paltry Tyrannulet

Chestnut-capped Brush-finch - this species is usually seen foraging on the ground, deep in the forest and are consequently hard to photograph. This one however perched up to sing today; the first I've heard since being here.

Bay-headed Tanager

Spotted Barbtail

Ruddy Ground-dove

Looking down the valley from Cloudbridge.