Serra dos Tucanos

Trip report

2009-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

The following trip report outlines a visit by Brian and Linda Carthy to Serra dos Tucanos Lodge in March and April 2009.

Please click on the link below to download the report.

Trip report-Brian and Linda Carthy.doc

The feeders remain very busy as usual with Spot-billed Toucanets, Blond-crested Woodpeckers and several bright tanager species visiting daily. Other good records for the lodge grounds include a female Giant Antshrike, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Brown and Solitary Tinamou, Mantled Hawk, Black-Hawk Eagle, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Spot-backed Antshrike and Ferruginous Antbird.

Brazilian Tanager from the photo hide© Andy Foster

Sightings update.

2009-06-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

We are now nearing our shortest day of the year. Temperatures have dropped and its down to around 12 degrees centigrade during the night. The lodge feeders are now as busy as ever with daily visits from Saffron Toucanets, Spot-billed Toucanets, Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Plain Parakeets, Pale-breasted and Creamy-bellied Thrush, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager, Blue Dacnis and Green Honycreeper.

Birding on our excursions has been just as productive with the following highlights being seen:

High Altitude Excursion (Upper and Lower combined)
Black-Hawk Eagle, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Red-legged Seriema, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Brazilian Ruby, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Gray-bellied Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Black and Gold Cotinga, Gray-winged Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, White-rimmed Warbler, Diademed Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

Portao Azul
Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Surucua Trogon, Red-eyed Thornbird, Lesser Woodcreeper, Scaled Woodcreeper, Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Blue Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Attila, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow and Ultramarine Grosbeak.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park
Black and White Hawk-Eagle, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Sharp-billed Treehunter, White-browed Foliage-Gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Black-capped Foliage-Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-Gleaner, Thrush-Like Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Hooded Berryeater and Yellow-legged Thrush.

Bamboo Trail
Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Robust Woodpecker, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertonis Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Such’s Antthrush,
Hooded Berryeater, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Saffron Toucanet on the lodge feeders©. Andy Foster

New Trip Report

2009-05-12T06:22:00.001-07:00

Please click on the link below to open the trip report by Paul Gaffan et al from their visit to the lodge in January 2009.

Serra dos Tucanos Jan09.doc

Now seen daily on the lodge feeders, Blond-crested Woodpecker©. Cristina Foster

This weeks sightings!

2009-05-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Within the 50 acre forested grounds of the lodge we offer a variety of trails. Sightings over the past week on these have included Solitary Tinamou, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Blue-bellied Parrot, Saw-billed Hermit, Dusky-throated Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Black-throated Trogon, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, White-barred Piculet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Spinetail (a new record for the lodge grounds), Streaked Xenops, Buff-fronted Foliage Gleaner, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Spot-backed Antshrike, both Spot-breasted and Plain Antvireos, Star-throated Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue and Pin-tailed Manakins, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Eye-ringed TodyTyrant, Sharpbill, Golden-crowned Warbler, Flame-crested Tanager, Ruby-Crowned Tanager, Black-goggled Tanager, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Red-necked Tanager, Black-throated Grosbeak and Crested Oropendola.

Eared Pygmy-Tyrant. Andy Foster

The lodge feeders are now becoming busier as the amount of natural fruit in the forest declines. Regular sightings over the past week have included Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Sayaca Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Palm Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-belied Euphonia, Green-headed Tanager, Burnished-buff Tanager and Blue Dacnis.

Other sightings from the lodge gardens have included Mantled Hawk, Barred Forest Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Streak-capped Antwren, Planalto Tyrannulet, Grey-capped Tyrannulet,Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Chestnut-crowned Becard and Sharpbill.

Our hummer feeders are currently getting regular visits from Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Brazilian Ruby.

Recent sightings!

2009-04-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks we have had some great birding with some unexpected birds turning up on some of the excursions and also in the lodge grounds.

The feeders remain fairly quiet although Spot-billed Toucanets are now daily visitors together with several Tanager species and both male and female Blond-crested Woodpeckers. Yellow-throated Woodpecker yesterday was the third record for the lodge grounds in 6 years, although this can be seen more often on our Serra dos Orgaos National Park excursion, another unusual record for the lodge grounds was Uniform Finch last week. Crescent-chested Puffbirds are still around together with good views of the endemic Black-throated Grosbeak, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rails feeding in front of the lodge and Sharpbill.

Other highlights have included the following:

High Altitude Excursions:
The best views ever (!) of a perched White-rumped Hawk, 2 Red-legged Seriemas, White-throated Hummingbird, Grey-bellied Spinetail (only the 2nd record from this excursion), Pallid Spinetail, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dushy-tailed Antbird, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Black and Gold Cotinga, excellent prolonged scope views of 2 Grey-winged Cotingas!, Serra do Mar Tyrant Manakin, 2 Serra do Mar Tyrannulets, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrants, Chestnut-headed Tanagers and a small flock of Bay-chested Warbling finches.

Macae De Cima Excursion:
Black and White Hawk-Eagle, 6+ Plovercrests, Scale-throated Hermit, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, great views of the very skulky Spotted Bamboowren, Bare-throated Bellbird, Giant Antshrike, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, White-rimmed Warbler and Green-winged Saltator.

Theodoro Trail:
Saffron Toucanet, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-throated Woodcreeper, Bertonis Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, 2 Brazilian Antthrush, Rufous Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Pin-tailed Manakin, 4 Azure-shouldered Tanagers, Green-chinned Euphonia and 20+ Brassy-breasted Tanagers.

Portao Azul Excursion:
Once again this very popular and productive half day trip performed well with good sightings of the following: Dusky-legged Guan, Amethyst Woodstar, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Ferruginous Antbird, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, Grey-hooded Attila, Green-backed Becard, Gilt-edged Tanager and amazing views of Half-collared Sparrow.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, 3 Blue-winged Macaws, 8+ White-eyed Parakeets, Planalto Hermit, Glittering-bellied Emerald, 3 Three-toed Jacamars, 5 White-eared Puffbirds, White Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Green-backed Becard, Black-capped Donacobius and Gilt-edged Tanagers.

Garden birding!

2009-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

The lodge gardens are currently full of fruiting trees! The bulk of the fruiting trees are goiabas, these are attracting large flocks of both Plain and Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Red-necked and Green-headed Tanagers.

Red-necked Tanager feeding on a goiaba. Andy Foster

Now that we are officially into our autumn there is very little evidence of any breeding birds, only the Rufous-bellied Thrush, House Wren and Masked Water-Tyrants are continuing and are probably on their final broods of the season.

Young Masked Water Tyrant. Cristina Foster

Large mixed flocks are now being seen daily on the lodge trails and out on the excursions. One mixed flock on the extension trail included Squirrel Cuckoo, Surucua Trogon, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Streaked Xenops, Black-capped and White-eyed Foliage-Gleaners, Olivaceous and Lesser Woodcreepers, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Plain and Spot-breasted Antvireos and Yellow-Olive Flycatcher!

A couple of weeks ago we had a Naturetrek group with us, please click on the following link if you wish to see the trip report.

Naturetrek Trip Report March 2009.doc

New species...White-breasted Tapaculo!

2009-03-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

The first new species of 2009 for the Serra dos Tucanos check list has been recorded on our Portao Azul Excursion. Pete had previously heard White-breasted Tapaculo in this area but it had been too far away to respond to tape playback. On Petes last visit to Portao Azul the Tapaculo was calling much closer, so after some playback the bird appeared and gave some great views, hopefully it will continue to do so!

Highlights over the past week on some of our other excursions have included:

High Altitude Excursion: 2 Red-legged Seriema, 2 Plovercrest, 3 White-throated Hummingbirds, 1 Yellow-browed Woodpecker, 3 Pallid Spinetails, 4 Red-eyed Thornbirds, 1 Rufous-capped Antshrike, 1 Rufous-tailed Antbird, 1 Dusky-tailed Antbird, 1 Serra do Mar Tapaculo, 1 Swallow-tailed Cotinga, 4 Black and Gold Cotingas, 3 Grey-winged Cotingas, 1 Velvety-black Tyrant, 3 Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrants, 2 Cinnamon Tanagers, an amazing count of 10 Diademed Tanagers, 20 Brassy-breasted Tanagers, 1 Bay-chested Warbling Finch and 6 Uniform Finches.

Serra dos Tucanos grounds and trails: 2 Blue-bellied Parrots, 1 Reddish Hermit, 6 Sombre Hummingbirds, 10+ Black Jacobins, 4+ Spot-billed Toucanets, 1 Yellow-eared Woodpecker, 2 Blond-crested Woodpeckers, 1 Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, 2 White-eyed Foliage Gleaners, 2 Sharp-tailed Streamcreepers still living under our bridge(!), 1 Thrush-like Woodcreeper, 1 Ferruginous Antbird, 2 Scaled Antbirds, 1 Streak-capped Antwren, 1 Unicolored Antwren, 3 Black-cheeked Gnateaters, 1 Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, 4 Yellow-backed Tanagers, 4 Flame-crested Tanagers, 20+ Green-headed Tanagers and 10+ Red-necked Tanagers feeding on fruiting trees in the garden.

Wetlands Excursion: 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 4 Whistling Herons, 1 Masked Duck, 2 Tropical Screech Owls, 1 Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, 1 White-flanked Antwren, 2 Yellow Tyrannulet, 1 Long-billed Wren and 15 Swallow Tanagers.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion: 1 White-tailed Hawk, 1 Blackish Rail, 1 Red-legged Seriema, 4 Blue-winged Macaw, 15 White-eyed Parakeets, 1 Glittering-bellied Emerald, 1 White-throated Hummingbird, 3 Three-toed Jacamars, 1 White-eared Puffbird, 1 Firewood Gatherer, 1 Ferruginous Antbird, 1 Pin-tailed Manakin, 1 Gray-hooded Flycatcher, 1 Grey Monjita, 1 White-rumped Monjita, 6 Streamer-tailed Tyrants, 3 Long-tailed Tyrants, 1 Green-backed Becard, 1 Chestnut-vented Conebill, 4 Gilt-edged Tanagers, 1 Sooty Grassquit and 1 Half-collared Sparrow.

Half-collared Sparrow© Hop Hopkins

Trip Reports

2009-03-05T04:25:00.001-08:00

We have now decided to publish all new trip reports on our Latest News page, they will remain here and also be added to our Trip Reports page at a later date. Please click on the title of the trip report you wish to see, this will then be opened as WORD document.

Birdfinders Trip Report 27th November-8th December 2008.doc

Birdfinders Trip Report 25th January-4th February 2009.doc

BirdfindersTrip Report 6th-16th February 2009.doc

Surucua Trogon© Hop Hopkins

Recent sightings

2009-02-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

Walking the lodge trails yesterday we have started to see mixed flocks, this shows that the end of the breeding season is almost upon us. Whilst walking the Extension Trail we encountered a small mixed flock that included Olivaceous Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, White-shouldered Fire-eye, both Plain and Spot-breasted Antvireos, Yellow-backed Tanager, Flame -crested Tanager and Red-necked Tanager. Other sightings included Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue-bellied Parrot and both Pin-tailed and Blue Manakins. There has been a large ant swarm on the circular trail over the past week, this has given good opportunities to see White-shouldered Fire-eye, White-eyed Foliage Gleaner, Red-crowned Ant Tanagers, Plain-winged Woodcreeper and Tawny-throated Leaftosser.

Sightings on the Cedae Trail have included Black-hawk Eagle, Reddish-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Ferruginous Antbird, Rufous-capped Motmot, White-eyed and Buff-fronted Foliage Gleaners. Blue Manakin on the Extension Trail by Cristina Foster©

Canada Warbler - 3rd record for Brazil!

2009-02-12T04:45:00.001-08:00

Amazingly within the space of just 4 years Serra dos Tucanos has seen both the 1st and 3rd records of Canada Warbler in Brazil! The latest sighting was last week within the grounds of the lodge. It was observed for a few minutes on the junction of our Extension and Circular Trails.

Now well into our summer here there are plenty of fruiting trees in the forest and in the grounds of the lodge. The lodge feeders although quieter than usual due the abundance of natural fruits are still attracting Maroon bellied and Plain Parakeets, both male and female Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Green Honeycreeper, Orange-bellied, Violaceous and Chestnut-bellied Euphonias, Green-headed, Sayaca, Palm, Brazilian, Golden-chevroned and Ruby-crowned Tanagers. Our Grey-rumped Swifts that nest in the lodge chimney every year have once again raised several youngsters and have been giving good views at dusk flying back into the chimney to roost.

Our hummingbird feeders have seen the return of the Brazilian Ruby, this species overwinters in the lodge grounds and although a little early its already ruling most of the feeders! Other hummers being recorded around the lodge at the moment include Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, up to 15 Black Jacobins, Frilled Coquette, Violet-caped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Sombre Hummingbird. The photo above is of a Violet-capped Woodnymph photographed in the lodge garden by Hop Hopkins.

Highlights on the trails over the past couple of weeks have included the following:

Serra dos Tucanos Lodge and Trails

We have had several sightings of Solitary Tinamou on the extension trail, Black and White Hawk Eagle, one Blue-bellied Parrot showed particularly well for a group last week, Spot-billed Toucanet, Channel-billed Toucan, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, 3 White-eyed Foliage Gleaners, Plain Xenops and 2 Tawny-throated Leaftossers, both Spot-breasted and Plain Antvireos, Star-throated Antwren, 1 elusive Giant Antshrike, 3 Scaled Antbirds on the Extension Trail has to be one of the main highlights together with both Black-cheeked and Rufous Gnateaters. Blue and Pin-tailed Manakins still remain common on the lodge trails. Tanager sightings have included Green-headed, Red-necked, Burnished Buff, Golden-chevroned, Red-crowned Ant and Flame-crested.

Giant Antshrike© Hop Hopkins

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion

It looks like the record of 110 species for the day is proving hard to beat for this popular excursion! Some highlights include 3 Whistling Herons, 5 White-tailed Hawks, 2 Aplomado Falcons, 4 Slaty-breasted Wood Rails, 1 Blackish Rail, 2 Ash-throated Crakes, an amazing total of 6 Red-legged Seriemas, 20 White-eyed Parakeets, 1 Planalto Hermit, 2 Three-toed Jacamars, 5 White-eared Puffbirds, 2 Firewood Gatherers and 6 Streamer-tailed Tyrants.

Bamboo Trail

This great trail that leads through some fantastic primary forest provided some excellent birding for a small group last week, highlights included 2 Scale-throated Hermits, 1 Plovercrest, 1 Brazilian Ruby, both Black-throated and Surucua Trogons, 1 Yellow-eared Woodpecker, 3 Lesser Woodcreepers, Chicli and Rufous-capped Spinetails, 3 Pallid Spinetails, 2 Red-eyed Thornbirds, 4 White-browed Foliage Gleaners, 2 Buff-browed Foliage Gleaners, 2 Sharp-billed Treehunters, 3 Bertonis Antbirds, 1 Ochre-rumped Antbird, 1 Slaty Bristlefront, 2 Hooded Berryeaters, 1 Greenish Schiffornis, 3 Pin-tailed Manakins, 1 Yellow-legged Thrush, 3 Rufous-crowned Greenlets, 2 White-rimmed Warblers and 6 Brassy-breasted Tanagers. A total of 19 Atlantic forest endemics for the day!

Cedae Trail

Located just 10 minutes drive from the lodge this trail provides some great birding at approximately 600m in altitude. Although this is only a 200m altitude difference from the lodge the bird life is really quite different. Highlights included 2 Surucua Trogons, fantastic views of a Buff-bellied Puffbird, 1 Yellow-browed Woodpecker, 2 White-barred Piculets, Lesser Woodcreeper, Streaked Xenops, amazingly 1 Swallow-tailed Cotinga (this is usually a bird seen above 1600m in our local area), 1 Chestnut-vented Conebill, 6 Red-necked Tanagers and a party of 10 Olive-green Tanagers.

High Altitude Trails

Again some great birding has been had on our 2 High Altitude Trails, sightings have included White-tailed Hawk, 1 Red-legged Seriema, 2 Plovercrests, 3 Variable Antshrikes, 2 Rufous-backed Antvireos, 1 Dusky-tailed Antbird, 1 Serra do Mar Tapaculo, 7 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, 1 Large-tailed Antshrike, 1 Rufous-capped Antshrike, 2 Rufous-tailed Antbirds, 2 Serra do Mar Tyrannulets, 2 Velvety-black Tyrants, 1 Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, 2 Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrants, 1 Olivaceous Elaenia, 1 White-necked Thrush, 1 Diademed Tanager, 1 Chestnut-headed Tanager, 2 Cinnamon Tanagers, Thick-billed Saltator, Green-winged Saltator, 2 Bay-chested Warbling Finches and a small party of Hooded Siskins.

Bay-chested Warbling Finch© Hop Hopkins

Mammal sightings over the past couple of weeks have included Tayra, Brown Howler Monkey, Capybaras and Guanian Squirrel.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

As you have probably guessed if you visit our updates page regularly we have been absent for the past few weeks. This has given all of us here at Serra dos Tucanos a nice break over Christmas and the New Year period. We are now all refreshed and ready to show all of you booked in for 2009 our diverse and wonderful variety of birds that we have here at the lodge and on the excursions we offer.

We have already been open for a week, highlights so far for 2009 have included the following:

Lodge grounds and trails:
Brown Tinamou, Black and White Hawk Eagle, Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Frilled Coquette, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Rufous-capped Motmot, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Tail-banded Hornero, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Rufous and Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher, Gray-hooded Attila, Brazilian Tanager, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Theodoro Trail:
Mantled Hawk, Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Black-billed Scythebill, Bertonis Antbird and Pin-tailed Manakin.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
Blue-winged Macaw, White-eared Puffbird, Three-toed Jacamar, Serra Antwren and Hangnest Tody-Tyrant.

High Altitude Excursions:
Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Pallid Spinetail, Itatiaia Thistletail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, great views of Grey-winged Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Diademed Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling Finch.

Red-eyed Thornbird© Hop Hopkins

Gray-winged Cotingas!

2008-12-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have once again been very busy with people out on the trails everyday. The highlight of the past couple of weeks has to be a sighting of 3 Gray-winged Cotingas on our High Altitude Trail excursion last Sunday.

Gray-winged Cotinga© Hop Hopkins

Other highlights have included:

Lodge grounds:
Mantled Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Brazilian Ruby, Sombre Hummingbird, Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette, Spot-billed Toucanet, Saffron Toucanet, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed, Red-necked, Golden Chevroned, Brazilian and Ruby-crowned Tanagers.

Frilled Coquette© Hop Hopkins

High Altitude Excursion:
Plovercrest, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Gray-winged Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tapaculo, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Gray Tyrant, Diademed Tanager, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Theodoro Trail:
Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Frilled Coquette, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, White-browed Foliage Gleaner, Bertoni’s Antbird, White-browed Warbler, and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Serra dos Orgaos National Park:
Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Pale-browed Treehunter, Unicoloured Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Hooded Berryeater, and Sharpbill.

Wetlands Excursion:
Capped Heron, Masked Duck, Tropical Screech-owl, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Long-billed Wren, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Pileated Finch, and Chestnut-vented Conebill.

Portao Azul and Macae de Cima:
Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, Blue-winged Macaw, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Scaled Woodcreeper, Grey-bellied Spinetail, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Black & gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Drab-breasted Bamboo-Tyrant, Gilt-edged Tanager, and Half-collared Sparrow.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion:
Blackish Rail, White-eyed Parakeet, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Planalto Hermit, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Grey Monjita, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Crested Black Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black-capped Donacobius, Tawny-headed Swallow and Ultramarine Grosbeak.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all past and future guests a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Red-necked Tanager© Hop Hopkins

This weeks update!

2008-11-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

Our guide Pete has just finished another week of guiding a group from the UK. Despite scattered rain throughout the week they managed to record an impressive 268 species during 8 days.

Highlights included Crowned Eagle, 2 Red-legged Seriema, 7 Blue-winged Macaws, 5 Blue-bellied Parrots (inc young on the extension trail by the lodge), Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (a new record for the lodge grounds), Plovercrest, Frilled Coquette, Amethyst Woodstar, 2 Rufous-crowned Motmot, 2 Three-toed Jacamars, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets (daily at the lodge feeders, both species with young), 4 Toco Toucans on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion (this came out on top as group bird of the trip), Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Brazilian Antthrush, Serra Antwren, Southern Antpipit (this was a lifer for Pete… seeing as he has been after it for 2 years….well done!!), to top it off it was also a first record for the lodge grounds, it was seen on the extension trail, 5 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, Long-billed Wren, no less than 24 species of Tanager including Red-necked, Gilt-edged, Brassy-breasted, Azure-shouldered, Brazilian, Swallow, Chestnut headed, Cinnamon and an amazing flock of 23 Olive-green Tanagers!

Now that we are nearing the end of the year we shall shortly be updating our bird checklist with our 2008 additions, if you are booked in for a stay with us in 2009 you will receive an updated copy via e-mail towards the end of December.

Juvenile Spot-billed Toucanet taken

from our photo hide. Andy Foster©

Saffron Toucanets.... you've got to have faith!

2008-11-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Many of our guests have "target birds" to see during their time with us, one of which is often Saffron Toucanet. This can be a very difficult bird to see, although recently they have been pleasing our guests by spending good amounts of time on our feeders in front of the lodge and also on our mid canopy feeder.

Saffron Toucanet on the feeders. Andy Foster©

Our guide Pete has been out guiding a group from the UK this past week, although they experienced some rain they managed to see around 260 species, so all in all a very good week. Highlights included great views of female Giant Antshrike, 2 White-necked Hawks, Blue-winged Macaw, male and female Frilled Coquette in the lodge gardens, Plovercrest, Three-toed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Bertonis Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird and Scaled Antbird, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Gray-hooded Attila, Rufous-headed Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Recent sightings!

2008-11-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

This last week has seen yet another cold front come in which has given us prolonged light rain for the last few days. Although light rain doesn’t stop us seeing birds, it can get somewhat frustrating!

However, the lodge feeders have been busy with visits from Maroon-bellied Parakeets, Plain Parakeets, Saffron Toucanet (on our mid canopy feeding station), Spot-billed Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Black-tailed Tityra (which is a first for our feeding stations) together with a visit from Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (!), Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager with their young Shiny Cowbird constantly begging for food, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Blue-naped Chlorophonia and Green-headed Tanager.

Guests birding the lodge trails have had some good records including Solitary Tinamou, Blue-bellied Parrot, a very brief view of Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Black-throated and Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Thrush-like Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Star-throated Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked and Rufous Gnateater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatcher and Gray-hooded Attila.

A new addition for our checklist this week was of White-thighed Swallow in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park.

Hummingbird records from the lodge for the past week have included Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Sombre Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Frilled Coquette, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Versicolored Emerald and Amethyst Woodstar.

Out on our excursions we have had the following highlights:

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion: Dusky-legged Guan, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Blackish Rail, Red-legged Seriema, Blue-winged Macaw, Planalto Hermit, Amethyst Woodstar, Three-toed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird, Toco Toucan, White Woodpecker, Serra Antwren, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Black-capped Donacobius, Gilt-edged Tanager and Ultramarine Grosbeak.

Cedae Trail: Swallow-tailed Kite, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, a nesting Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Ochre-breasted Foliage-Gleaner, Spot-backed Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Rufous-headed Tanager, Red-necked Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Wetlands Excursion: Capped Heron, Masked Duck, Gray-headed Kite, White-necked Hawk, Pale-vented Pigeon, Tufted Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty-Antshrike, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren and Lemon-chested Greenlet.

Black-capped Donacobius. Dave Peters©

Sightings update!

2008-10-19T03:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry for our absence! We have been experiencing internet connection problems here in the rainforest!

We have been busy with various groups over the past three weeks, with many highlights. Firstly our pair of Black and White Hawk Eagles are still at the nest, there is no sign of any young birds yet, but watch this space. There are now many species with young birds in the grounds of the lodge including Brazilian Tanagers, Green headed Tanagers, Red-necked Tanagers, Blue Manakins, Gray-hooded Flycatcher and Spot-billed Toucanets. Main highlights have included great views of Brown Tanager in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Shrike-like Cotinga on the Theodoro Trail, Swallow-tailed Cotinga on the High Altitude Excursion and Toco Toucans on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion.

Other highlights have included:

Serra dos Orgaos National Park: White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Pale-browed Treehunter, Variegated Antpitta, Hooded Berryeater, White-necked Thrush, great views of Brown Tanager and Brassy-breasted Tanager.

Portao Azul Excursion: Laughing Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, Green-barred Woodpecker, Pallid Spinetail, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Ferruginous Antbird, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant (thanks Jeff!), Shear-tailed Gray Tyrant, Rufous-headed Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager, Buffy-fronted Seedeater and Temmincks Seedeater.

Macae de Cima Excursion: Plovercrest, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin and Chestnut-headed Tanager.

High Altitude Excursion: Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet and Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant.

Theodoro Trail: Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, White-throated Woodcreeper, Giant Antshrike, Bertonis Antbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Shrike-like Cotinga and Oustalets Tyrannulet.

Next week we shall give you an update on the highlights from our other excursions!

Toco Toucan on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion. Dave Peters©

Howler Monkey and Antpittas!

2008-09-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks has seen a flurry of activity! Firstly we have found a nest of Black and White Hawk Eagle that is visible from the lodge! We have been seeing the Hawk Eagles on and off over the past couple of weeks and suspected a nest could be close by. Having followed one of the adult birds through the scope to the same tree on three occasions we started to look harder... and there it was, a large stick nest in the middle of a huge forest emergent. One of the adult birds is currently on the nest whilst the other can be seen hunting regularly.

Another highlight has been our first sighting of Brown Howler monkey from the lodge. There was a small group calling just opposite the lodge and after a quick scan with binoculars we managed to locate a large male howler who spent the next hour watching us! Hopefully there will be further sightings of this fantastic mammal in the future!

Pete has had some great bird sightings over the past week whilst leading a group. Highlights have included Barred Forest Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood Rail, Blue-bellied Parrots, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, a new bird for the Serra dos Tucanos list was Buff-throated Woodcreeper in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Black and Gold Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Shear-tailed Gray-Tyrant, Rufous-headed Tanager and Gilt-edged Tanager.

Another highlight this week was getting best views ever of a Variegated Antpitta!

Recent sightings!

2008-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks we have been busy on our usual excursions. The breeding season is now well underway with various “lurking” species responding well to playback. Highlights have included Mantled Hawk, Red-legged Seriema, Dusky-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, Frilled Coquette, 5 Three-toed Jacamars, 2 Crescent-chested Puffbirds are still in the lodge grounds, Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Gray-bellied Spinetail, Tufted Antshrike, Large-tailed Antshrike, White-bearded Antshrike, Serra Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, 6 Swallow-tailed Cotingas have returned to their breeding grounds on our High Altitude Excursion, Hooded Berryeater and Bellbirds are busy calling almost non-stop on the Bamboo Trail, Rufous-headed and Gilt-edged Tanagers on the Portao Azul excursion, Pete also heard the endemic Cinnamon vented Piha at this same location, a bird that we haven’t recorded for at least 6 years!

The photo hide continues to provide guests close up views of Blond-crested Woodpecker, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Green-headed Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, 3 species of Euphonia, 3 species of Thrush, Plain and Reddish-bellied Parakeets.

Blond-crested Woodpecker, taken from the photo hide.

Andy Foster©

New photo hide!

2008-08-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Our new photo hide is ready for action! Located next to 3 feeding stations it offers guests the opportunity to get seriously close up to some of our rare and colourful endemics. There is enough space for 2 people to sit comfortably and a series of 6 openings in the front large enough to fit any size lens through.

Green-headed Tanager from the photo hide. Andy Foster©

Pete has been out guiding on the trails again this week, highlights have included:

Bamboo Trail.
Short-tailed Hawk, Black Hawk Eagle, Slaty Bristlefront, Bertonis Antbird, 3 Black and Gold Cotingas, Hooded Berryeater and 4 Buffy-fronted Seedeaters.

Cedae Trail.
Ochre-breasted Foliage Gleaner, Black-capped Foliage Gleaner, Oustalets Tyrannulet, Spot-backed Antshrike and 4 Rufous-headed Tanagers.

Three-toed Jacamar Excursion.
4 Slaty-breasted Wood-rails, 4 Red-legged Seriema, Striped Cuckoo, Serra Antwren, 5 Magpie Tanagers and of course 4 Three-toed Jacamars.

High Altitude Excursion.
Plovercrest, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant and no less than 15 Bay-chested Warbling Finches.

Sightings from around the lodge have included Black Hawk Eagle, Mantled Hawk, Bare-throated Bellbird, Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeet, Blue-bellied Parrot, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanet, White-throated Woodcreeper, Scaled Antbird, Rufos-capped Antthrush, Brazilian Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, Green-headed Tanager and Red-necked Tanager.

Recent sightings!

2008-08-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Now that spring is underway in south-east Brazil we are beginning to see the first signs of display and courtship between the birds! The endemic Yellow-lored Tody Flycatchers are flying around by the pool collecting nesting material and are once again going to nest in the same area this year. Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper appears to be holding territory just under the bridge by the lodge entrance, so hopefully this will once again use this area to nest and impress our guests with its daily 06.00 am display! Many other species are also beginning to build nests in the grounds of the lodge including Green-headed and Red-necked Tanagers.

Out on the trails Pete and a couple of lucky guests observed a pair of White-bibbed Antbirds displaying in the Serra dos Orgaos National park, also seen there was a very obliging Giant Antshrike. On our Macae de Cima Trail there were good sightings of Mantled Hawk, Giant Antshrike and Chestnut-headed Tanagers.

We are off to exhibit at the Bird Fair in Rutland Water today (thursday 14th August), we hope to see many of you there! Please visit the Bird Fair website for further information.

We shall be in Marquee 1, Stand 50.

New DVD!

2008-07-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

“ Birding Brazil - the Atlantic Rainforest” is a new birding DVD from birder & wildlife film-maker Malcolm Rymer http://www.wildlifevideos.net/ This two hour birding travelogue features 150+ bird species typical of the region, including footage of 47 endemics. The filming location was based at Serra dos Tucanos Lodge which gives ready access to this ever increasingly popular, endemic-rich rainforest environment. The DVD is to be launched soon and will be available from Malcolm at the Bird Fair (Marquee 4, Stand 27) or can be ordered through us at Serra dos Tucanos Lodge, please e-mail for further details.

Don’t forget that we shall also be at the Bird Fair, Marquee 1, Stand 50, see you there!

Recent sightings over the past week have included Buff-bellied Puffbird in the lodge grounds, 8 White-eared Puffbirds on the Three-toed Jacamar Excursion, the first Bare-throated Bellbirds have already started to call on the Bamboo Trail and there was great views of a Black-Hawk Eagle over the lodge. The usual birds are still visiting the bird tables with highlights being Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Green-headed, Golden-chevroned and Ruby-crowned Tanagers.

Recent sightings etc!

2008-07-11T04:45:00.001-07:00

Over the past week highlights have included Brown Tanager and Black-legged Dacnis in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Serra Antwren and Gilt-edged Tanagers on the Three-toed Jacamar excursion, White-bearded Antshrike, Buffy-fronted Seedeater and Slaty Bristlefront on the Theodoro Trail, Orange-winged Amazon, Masked Duck, Scaled Antbird and Fawn-breasted Tanager on the Wetlands excursion. Tufted Antshrike, Gilt-edged Tanager and Greenish Schiffornis at the Portao Azul and on the High Altitude Lower Section Excursion Green-chinned Euphonia, Red-legged Seriema and Black-Hawk Eagle were seen.

The bird feeders have been busy with Green-headed Tanagers, Green Honeycreeper, Brazilian Tanager, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Violaceous, Orange bellied and Chestnut-bellied Euphonias, Spot-billed Toucanets and Blond-crested Woodpecker.

We are in the process of constructing a new photo hide, this is being built next to one of the bird feeders and will provide space for two people at a time to get seriously close up to some great birds giving the opportunity for some fantastic photos!

Birdfair!

2008-06-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

We shall be exhibiting once again this year at the British Birdwatching Fair in Rutland Water from the 15th – 17th August, we will be located in Marquee 1 stand 50, so please come along and see us!

During the past week we have once again seen some great birds! Excursions undertaken this week include the Bamboo Trail, Theodoro Trail, Macae de Cima Trail and the two High Altitude Trails. Birds of note have included White-necked and Mantled Hawk, we had great views from the side of the road of these two impressive raptors, White-rumped Hawk, Plovercrest, Saffron and Spot-billed Toucanets on the bird feeders, Black-billed Scythebill, Bertonis, Rufous-tailed and Dusky-tailed Antbirds, Black and Gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga on a rather cold and misty High Altitude excursion, Blue and Pin-tailed Manakins, Chestnut-headed, Red-necked and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Bay-chested Warbling Finch, Buffy-fronted and Temmincks Seedeaters and 100’s of Uniform Finches!

Stuart Elsom has written an article in the June issue of Birdwatch magazine about his trip to Serra dos Tucanos Lodge and birding the Atlantic forest… so go out and buy yourself a copy!

New excursions!

2008-06-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

We have just had a couple of weeks without guests here at the lodge, this has given us the opportunity to go on some exploration trips and try to add some more excursions to offer our guests. The Portao Azul excursion will soon be up and running, this will be a half day excursion and is approximately an hours drive from the lodge. The habitat is a mixture of mature forest with bamboo and some semi-open secondary growth. A visit there last week turned up Black-legged Dacnis, Temmincks Seedeater, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, White-bearded Antshrike, White-collared Foliage Gleaner, Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Uniform Finch, Gilt-edged Tanager, Tufted Antshrike, Grey-bellied Spinetail and several sites for Half-collared Sparrow.

Ferruginous Antbird. Andy Foster.

On another exploration trip to a private farm the other side of Nova Friburgo we have found a stronghold for Serra Antwren, this is a bird that we have only recorded a handful of times on the Jacamar Excursion, the previous site wasn’t brilliantly reliable, however, at this new site we recorded over 5 individual pairs within a very small area. We intend to make further visits to this area so watch this space!

Sightings update!

2008-05-22T07:47:00.001-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks we have had some brilliant birding! We have had many highlights, some of which are listed below:

Blue-winged Macaw
Pileated Parrot
Blue-bellied Parrot
Plovercrest
Brazilian Ruby
Rufous-capped Motmot
Three-toed Jacamar
Crescent-chested Puffbird
Saffron Toucanet
Spot-billed Toucanet
Yellow-browed Woodpecker
Pale-browed Treehunter
White-collared Foliage Gleaner
Spot-backed Antshrike
Giant Antshrike
White-bearded Antshrike
Slaty Bristlefront
Grey-winged Cotinga
Black and Gold Cotinga
Hooded Berryeater
Bare-throated Bellbird
Oustalets Tyrannulet
Chestnut-headed Tanager
Olive-green Tanager
Azure-shouldered Tanager
Green-chinned Euphonia
Gilt-edged Tanager
Temmincks Seedeater
Half-collared Sparrow

For the full trip report please visit

http://www.surfbirds.com/trip_report.php?id=1381

The new bird table suspended mid canopy on the forest edge is already getting regular visits from a party of 6 Saffron Toucanets and up to 8 Spot-billed Toucanets! Channel-billed Toucans and Crested Oropendolas have also made brief visits to the trees close to the table, so fingers crossed these too will become regular visitors. The vegetable waste feeder hidden away inside the forest is beginning to attract Gray-fronted Doves, but not a lot else at the moment, we shall keep you posted!