Hi everybody,
I'm going to Colombia in a few weeks. I've spent a bit of time in the Andes already, and I'm planning on doing some lowland birding.
I'll be spending a few days around Leticia, where I already have contacts. But, I'd also love to make it to the Chocó, and I've got my eye on the Bahia Solano area. My first question is regarding safety. Birding here in Peru is much more relaxed, and I know that I need to be significantly more cautious in Colombia. Should I keep binoculars and camera hidden away unless inside a lodge or the national park, or would that be overkill? What about night birding, altogether terrible idea or fine in some spots? (my main interest would be Choco Screech-owl, any tips are welcome!)
Also, looking at ebird hotspots, the sites with most species seem to be between Bahia Solano itself (including the Jardin Botanico del Pacifico) and the national park, with far fewer species being reported further south, around Nuqui. Does that reflect the quality of the forest, or just a skew based on an established birding route?
I often prefer birding independently, but if possible, it would also be nice to go out with a local for a day, to try and nail a few of the tricky species. If anyone knows a local birder they could put me in touch with, that would be greatly appreciated.
Finally, any recommendations for places to stay? Certainly don't need to be fancy, being inside the forest/having a nice garden with plenty of Heliconias for hummer photos would be a plus.
Many thanks in advance!
I'm going to Colombia in a few weeks. I've spent a bit of time in the Andes already, and I'm planning on doing some lowland birding.
I'll be spending a few days around Leticia, where I already have contacts. But, I'd also love to make it to the Chocó, and I've got my eye on the Bahia Solano area. My first question is regarding safety. Birding here in Peru is much more relaxed, and I know that I need to be significantly more cautious in Colombia. Should I keep binoculars and camera hidden away unless inside a lodge or the national park, or would that be overkill? What about night birding, altogether terrible idea or fine in some spots? (my main interest would be Choco Screech-owl, any tips are welcome!)
Also, looking at ebird hotspots, the sites with most species seem to be between Bahia Solano itself (including the Jardin Botanico del Pacifico) and the national park, with far fewer species being reported further south, around Nuqui. Does that reflect the quality of the forest, or just a skew based on an established birding route?
I often prefer birding independently, but if possible, it would also be nice to go out with a local for a day, to try and nail a few of the tricky species. If anyone knows a local birder they could put me in touch with, that would be greatly appreciated.
Finally, any recommendations for places to stay? Certainly don't need to be fancy, being inside the forest/having a nice garden with plenty of Heliconias for hummer photos would be a plus.
Many thanks in advance!