Here are our leaders Edson and Tom. I’ve known Tom since the mid-1980s and really enjoy birding with him and his wife Kathi. Edson is a spectacular Brazilian birder and guide. His ear for sound is amazing. Between Edson and Tom very few, if any birds went undetected.
Nothing like starting the day on the river with a group of Guira Cuckoos.
Finally, a close look at a Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture. Look at how white the primary feather shaft is. And the yellowish head versus the red of a Turkey Vulture. But as we were watching these birds our boatman got the call – jaguar!
In no time we were viewing our first jaguar of the day. These animals are truly stunning.
Another Capped Heron.
An Amazon Kingfisher eating a red-bellied piranha.
Great Black Hawk keeping an eye on what was passing.
Cape Buffalo were introduced to the Pantanal some time in the past. The Cattle Egret was enjoying a ride.
Black-fronted Nunbird.
Oh, look what’s in the river – another jaguar
We followed this one along the shore for a bit before heading out after more birds.
Nice view of a Brown-crested Flycatcher
White Woodpecker which is a stunning bird.
The Rufescent Tiger-Heron on the left had just finished attending to a begging juvenile bird. The one on the right had just caught a frog. There was always something to watching and hear along the river.
Dull-capped Attila which took a bit of an effort to get a photo of.
And then another jaguar that seemed to be content napping on a beach overlook.
Sunset as the day ended.
More tomorrow…
Michael's Place 