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
-
EB5 – THE ECUADOR SPECIES LIST GROWS
High above the Andean valleys, Reserva Zuro Loma welcomed us with breathtaking views of Pichincha Volcano and a dazzling assortment of mountain birds. Hooded Mountain…
-
EB3 – FIRST LIGHT BIRDING AT PUEMBO BIRDING GARDEN
My first morning in Ecuador began with birdsong and a delightful introduction to the Puembo Birding Garden. Sparkling Violetears hovered among the flowers, Blue-gray Tanagers…
-
EB2 – AN AIRPORT WELCOME AND ARRIVAL AT PUEMBO BIRDING GARDEN
Arriving in Quito just after midnight, I was warmly welcomed and whisked away to Puembo Birding Garden, my home base for the coming adventure. With…