On the western slopes of Ecuador’s Andes, steep cloud-forested ridges descend toward the Pacific lowlands, creating a landscape of deep valleys, persistent moisture and extraordinary biological diversity.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS FROM THE WESTERN ANDES, ECUADOR
Earlier species-focused stories from my travels in Ecuador
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EB88 – Waiting for the Plate‑Billed Mountain‑Toucan at the Birdwatchers House and an Encore by Toucan Barbets
Waiting for the Plate‑Billed Mountain‑Toucan at the Birdwatchers House and an Encore by Toucan Barbets. This blog series chronicles Jim Gain’s experiences with birds and…
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EB87 – From Muted Plumages to Brilliant Hues: Birds Painted by Nature’s Own Palette at the Birdwatcher’s House
The Birdwatcher’s House offered a cascade of brilliant and subtle species, each glowing against the misty Andean forest in its own unforgettable way. This blog…
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EB86 – When an Old Friend Appears: A Special Moment with a Common Squirrel‑Cuckoo
A long‑tailed, charismatic cuckoo returned to the scene with its unmistakable bounding flight and playful personality. This blog series chronicles Jim Gain’s experiences with birds…
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EB85 – A Return Encounter with a Pair of Red-headed Barbets
A pair of Red‑headed Barbets at Sendero Frutti Tour offered a vivid second encounter, feeding on red bananas and tending a nearby nest cavity while…
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EB84 – Crimson on the Bark — A Moment with the Scarlet‑backed Woodpecker
A brilliantly patterned woodpecker lit up the forest edge with its fiery back and bold, rhythmic foraging. This blog series chronicles Jim Gain’s experiences with…
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EB83 – Perchers and Parakeets Move Through Sendero Frutti
As the trail opened into brighter edges and scattered perches, a lively mix of parakeets, flycatchers, and opportunistic songbirds brought a final burst of variety…