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. 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 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.