PERU: Andes to Amazon ~ Day 7 (afternoon)

After departing the clay lick, we ventured onto the Madre de Dios River to head upstream to the lodge. Cocoi Herons were quite numerous with some looking on as we passed, while others took flight.

Large-billed Terns stood facing the breeze on some of the larger islands.

Yellow-billed Terns, much smaller than the Large-billed Terns and Black Skimmers with whom they sometimes kept company, were much more numerous.

A few Collared Plovers (above) were seen and even fewer Pied Plovers, while Spotted Sandpipers were quite numerous along the shoreline.

Arriving back at the Manu Wildlife Center we were greeted by the resident Pale-legged Hornero feeding in the garden.

Butterflies of many species were also numerous in the afternoon sun.

This beautiful grasshopper greeted me as I returned to my cabana to prepare for the afternoon hike along the lodge’s trails.

Lobster Claw Heliconias planted throughout the gardens between the cabanas attracted bees and hummingbirds.

While on the forest trails we came across a troop of Saddle-backed Tamarins, this one with a youngster on her back.

Birding is always enhanced when a swarm of Army Ants moves through. Often too many species of birds for all to see and keep track of as they quickly disappear behind leaves and trees.

THis rich area requires more than a few days of exploration to truly appreciate all it has to offer!