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

About Me

My journey into the natural world began long before I ever boarded a plane to Ecuador. I earned my college degree in biology, a foundation that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I’ve spent my life sharing it with others. For more than 35 years, I worked in education as both a teacher and administrator, guiding students through the wonders of science and the joy of discovery. That same spirit of curiosity has carried me through decades of volunteer work in citizen science and conservation.

For over 35 years, I’ve been deeply involved with the Stanislaus Audubon Society, serving in nearly every board position—including past president—and helping support local conservation, outreach, and community science efforts. I also served on the board of the Central Valley Bird Club, and for many years I’ve been an active member of the Modesto Camera Club, where I once served as club president. Photography has become one of my favorite ways to document and celebrate the natural world, blending art with field observation.

Today, I continue to stay immersed in the birding community as a Webmaster, StanislausBirds Administrator, eBird Reviewer, and member of the Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County Bird Records Committee. My images have been featured on the Audubon Field Guide, Birds of the World, All About Birds, the Merlin Bird ID App, and numerous other websites—an honor that reflects both my passion for birds and my commitment to sharing their stories.

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.