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.
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:
4×4 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.
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.
February is the end of our summer and the breeding season is now coming to a close. Sightings in February include:
4×4 Track to Casa Anibal: A juvenile Tawny-browed Owl, 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.
Huge numbers of birds are killed every year as they fly into windows, but the discovery of a dead Shrike-like Cotinga Laniisoma elegans 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 Primatology 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.
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 British Birdfair (marquee 1, stand no. 73).
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”.
