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Ornis Tour: Columbia Choco and Western Andes (24 Feb to 11 Mar - 16 days inclusive) (1 Viewer)

Mike Hunter

Mike Hunter

Well-known member
United Kingdom
A couple of people have recently dropped out of this tour:

Colombia: Chocó & Western Andes Bird Tour | Ornis

This tour covers most classic sites as well as several off-the-beaten track ones, where we will see incredible endemics such as the recently discovered "Cali" and Paisa Antpittas, Multicoloured and Gold-ringed Tanagers, Buffy Helmetcrest, Cauca Guan, Sapayoa, Antioquía Brushfinch, and much more...
www.ornis-birding.com www.ornis-birding.com

Ornis may trial something a little different, which is have their local guide lead the tour with fewer participants. This has three big advantages.

1. It will be akin to being on a private tour, with Jose Castaño leading, who is one of the very best guides in Columbia

2. Fewer birders = fewer rugby scrums = better views

3. Depending on numbers the cost will be well below the Ornis brochure tour price.

Anyone interested do get in touch.

Thanks

Mike
 
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James Wickham said:
What sort of cost are you anticipating, Mike?
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Hi James - I'm working with Josh to get costs. Three might be the optimum number with one car and excellent local guide Jose Castaño leading. It will be less than the brochure price. Bear with me. For any avoidance of doubt, I'll be paying exactly what anyone else will be paying.

I'm also in touch with a local Columbian local guide to add another 10 days, maybe Mitu, but still discussing the details... if of interest.

Be back in touch when I know more.

Thanks

Mike
 
AveryBartels said:
This is an awesome itinerary and Jose is among the very best guides, and people, out there!
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Hi Avery

Precisely for the two reasons you state I've been keen to do this tour. Which other tour has Sapayoa, Lanceolated Monklet, approaching 20 species of antpitta (inc. Crescent-faced!), nearly 50 hummingbirds, Ocellated Tapaculo, dozens of tanagers, Masked Saltator and much more, and with an exceptionally talented guide?

Mike
 
Mike Hunter said:
Hi Avery

Precisely for the two reasons you state I've been keen to do this tour. Which other tour has Sapayoa, Lanceolated Monklet, approaching 20 species of antpitta (inc. Crescent-faced!), nearly 50 hummingbirds, Ocellated Tapaculo, dozens of tanagers, Masked Saltator and much more, and with an exceptionally talented guide?

Mike
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And icing on the cake would be if the Banded Ground-Cuckoo that is currently being seen at San Cipriano sticks around!
 
AveryBartels said:
And icing on the cake would be if the Banded Ground-Cuckoo that is currently being seen at San Cipriano sticks around!
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Perhaps even more noteworthy than the ground-cuckoo, Plumbeous Forest-falcon was also seen in the area. This is quite a range extension of this rarely seen species. Indeed it's the first eBird record of the year. Now two reasons to get there!

Mike
 
The price is $6,000 each, for three persons, single rooms throughout, with Jose leading (exceptional Columbian guide).

We are currently a confirmed two.

Itinerary as per this link: Colombia: Chocó & Western Andes Bird Tour | Ornis

Arrivals into Medellin 24 February. Departures from Cali on 11 March.

Might be an opportunity to extend birding in Columbia as I'm in touch with another guide. Banded Ground-cuckoo is just one alluring and drooling prospect but March is a long way off.

Any questions feel free to PM me.

Thanks

Mike
 
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