From the mist-shrouded cloud forests of the western Andes to the windswept páramo and snow-capped volcanoes of the high mountains, Ecuador reveals an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and life. Descending the eastern slopes, lush montane forests gradually give way to the vast tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin, each region supporting its own remarkable communities of birds, plants, and other wildlife. This archive brings together my stories, field observations, and photographic encounters from across Ecuador, celebrating not only its astonishing biodiversity but also the memorable experiences, unexpected discoveries, and people encountered along the way. Together, these journeys offer a glimpse into one of the most biologically rich and geographically fascinating countries on Earth.
Stories from all Regions of Ecuador
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EB31b – An Avian Hodgepodge of Misplaced Species at San Roque
A visit to the Kichwa community of San Roque reveals remarkable Amazonian birds, unexpected photographic opportunities, and a challenging return through flooded waterways.
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EB31 – Unexpected Sentinel: Burrowing Owl on a Floating Forest Island
A familiar Burrowing Owl appears in the most unlikely place imaginable—a tiny, half-submerged island in the middle of Ecuador’s mighty Napo River.
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EB30 – Napo River Wings: Skimmers, Screamers and Other Surprises
Floodwaters transform the Napo River into a shifting landscape of floating vegetation, where Black Skimmers, Horned Screamers, and Large-billed Terns await discovery.
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EB29 – Navigating the Flooded River on Our Way Back to El Retiro
Overnight flooding transforms Sani Lodge and the Napo River, bringing unexpected wildlife encounters and a powerful glimpse into daily life in the Amazon.
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EB28b – An Afternoon of Soft Rainforest Harmonies Around the Lodge – Part 2
Brilliant rainforest tanagers, a hidden pair of Crested Owls, and colorful discoveries along the lagoon make a rain-soaked afternoon at Sani Lodge unforgettable.
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EB28a – An Afternoon of Soft Rainforest Harmonies Around the Lodge
Between Amazonian rain showers, Sani Lodge reveals a parade of colorful birds, from a striking Scarlet-crowned Barbet to the lively Yellow-rumped Caciques.
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EB27 – Elegance in Ambush: The Double‑toothed Kite of the Amazon
A quiet encounter with a Double-toothed Kite above the Amazon canopy reveals the remarkable hunting adaptations and patient nature of this elusive forest raptor.
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EB26 – Climbing into the Clouds at the Sani Canopy Tower
High above the Amazon rainforest, the Sani Lodge Canopy Tower reveals a hidden Great Potoo, dazzling cotingas, colorful aracaris, and an unforgettable Wire-tailed Manakin.
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EB25 – Avian Action en Route to the Sani Canopy Tower
A peaceful dawn canoe journey through the Amazon reveals colorful macaws, elusive nightjars, and a beautiful pair of White-chinned Jacamars before reaching the canopy tower.
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EB24 – Drenched but Undeterred: Exploring Sani Lodge After the Rain
A dramatic Amazon thunderstorm sends us racing for shelter, but the afternoon ends with a White-throated Toucan and a spectacular Violaceous Jay.
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EB23 – Animal Encounters Along the Journey Back to Sani Lodge
An afternoon journey along the Napo River reveals elegant shorebirds, colorful herons, and playful monkeys as we return through the Amazon’s blackwater channels.
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EB22 – A Cultural Feast with the Amazonian Kichwa of Sani Isla
A memorable visit to the Kichwa community of Sani Isla offers traditional Amazonian food, warm hospitality, and a glimpse into life along the Napo River.