Ecuador Birding – Where Every Feather Tells a Story
Nestled at the heart of the equator, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Home to over 1,700 bird species, including dazzling tanagers, elusive antpittas, and the iconic Andean Condor soaring over volcanic páramo. Ecuador offers a birding experience like no other. So grab your binoculars, pack your sense of adventure, and let Ecuador Birding’s wild beauty take flight. Ecuador Birding is a Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
This Ecuador Birding travelogue is the culmination of a lifetime spent learning, teaching, exploring, and documenting the wild places that continue to inspire me. It’s a celebration of the birds, landscapes, and people who make these journeys unforgettable—and an invitation to follow along as I chase wonder across continents.
- EB9 – A Missed Antpitta, More Sword-billeds and a Scarlet-bellied Success
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature. This post focuses on the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager and other species at the Zuro Loma Birding Reserve on the Western side of the Andes. - EB8 – THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED BLACK-BREASTED PUFFLEG
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature. This post focuses on the Critically Endangered Black-breasted Puffleg hummingbird species at the Zuro Loma Birding Reserve on the Western side of the Andes. - EB7 – AND STILL MORE HUMMINGBIRDS!
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature. This post focuses on more hummingbird and tanager species seen at the Zuro Loma Birding Reserve on the Western side of the Andes. - EB6 – WHEN ANTPITTAS COME CALLING
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature. This post focuses on two species of antpittas photographed and the first sighting of Sword-billed Hummingbird, the top target bird at the Zuro Loma Birding Reserve on the Western side of the Andes. - EB5 – THE ECUADOR SPECIES LIST GROWS
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature. This post focuses on the changing landscapes and the first batch of birds at the Zuro Loma Birding Reserve on the Western side of the Andes. - EB4 – UNOFFICIAL SIDETRIP TO ZURO LOMA
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature. This post focuses on the drive through Quito upwards to the Zuro Loma Birding Reserve on the Western side of the Andes. - EB3 – FIRST LIGHT BIRDING AT PUEMBO BIRDING GARDEN
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature. This post focuses on the early morning birds encountered at Puembo Birding Gardens. - EB2 – AN AIRPORT WELCOME AND ARRIVAL AT PUEMBO BIRDING GARDEN
From October 26 to November 8, 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador with Eagle-Eye Tours. With his feet now on the ground, this post starts from his arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and his arrival at Puembo Birding Garden. - EB1 – PROLOGUE TO MY TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO ECUADOR
In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature.
Reflections of the Natural World 