I joined a bird trip to Ecuador from September 15 to 25. Our group visited several areas in north Ecuador, spending about half the time to the northwest of Quito in the Mindo and Choco areas, and the other half east of Quito visiting San Isidro, Guano, and Antisana.
During the trip, I observed 346 different species and took photos of 207 of them. Ninety-nine of the species were lifers, meaning it was the first time I observed that particular species. I would have had more, but I had visited Ecuador in March 2023, where I observed 463 species with 407 of them lifers.
For trips like this, I’m often asked what was my favorite species, a question that I really can’t answer. So many species are special, and I enjoy them all.
I’ve organized this page around the various species rather than the geographical areas visited. Click on the links below to look at some of the photos from the trip.
Cool Birds (OK, they’re all cool, but check these out): Owl, Seedsnipe, Potoo
Frugivores: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Cotinga, Fruiteater, Manakin
Furnariidae: Cinclodes, Foliage-gleaners & Spinetails
Honeycreepers, Conebills, Flowerpiercers
Sparrows, Finches & Seedeaters
Warblers