PERU: Andes to Amazon ~ Day 10

Off to a different canopy tower on day 10. This time on the Manu Wildlife Center property, a 20 minute hike from the cabanas. This tower had a metal spiral staircase to the branches of a ceiba tree that was about 30 feet lower than the previous tower. The platform was about level with the canopy, rather than above. Our distance for viewing not as far, but this White-necked Puffbird joined us and stayed for quite awhile. However, we quickly learned that the black flies preferred this canopy platform as they were unbearable!

A few Spix’s Guans appeared in the canopy about 100 yards away, as it began to drizzle a bit.

A Gray-headed Kite flew from the ceiba branches above our heads to a perch in plain view. It must have been right above us, observing us the whole time we were there. It remained perched nearby for the rest of the time we were willing to endure the black flies!

Near the base of the tower, away from the black flies, we found a Violaceous Trogon sitting quite still. Then we were ‘distracted’ by a mixed feeding flock down the trail and went off to see what we could see. The action was so quick that I did not get any photos!

The forest quieted again and we continued along the trail finding few birds, but many other fun things made their way in front of our binocs and cameras. A cool skipper that I still need to ID posed patiently.

I nearly walked into this spider’s web as my eyes wandered in search of birds! Beautiful to look at, but I am certainly glad I didn’t disturb it!

A few steps away, in the middle of this trail, this Katydid was laying eggs on a root.

Near the ned of our walk, this skink made an appearance and posed in several positions before we startled it into hiding as we passed by.

Our afternoon on day 10 was inundated with heavy rain. A few of us went back to the tower after lunch, but were forced to return or get soaked, even through rain jackets. By the time I got back to my cabana, I was soaked through. The hot shower felt good!

Next… day 11 takes us down river where new adventures awaited…