When you say the word Amazon, one thing that certainly pops into your mind is wildlife. Exotic, colorful, exciting, and diverse are all characteristics that many of us imagine. Today, from start to finish, we enjoyed some amazing encounters with the wildlife of the Amazon.
At first light, flocks of migrating Fork-tailed Flycatchers were passing overhead, joining the other flycatchers in snatching up the many insects. Parrots and parakeets noisily erupted from the trees in massive flocks. The tiny Pygmy Marmoset fed on the sap of riverside trees. Birdlife was every color of the rainbow, and varied in size from the diminutive hummingbird to the massive hawks and herons. Many groups of monkeys were spotted, including tamarin and squirrel monkeys, both in large numbers. Sloths were slowly grazing on various leaves, and some were seen moving, but just a bit. Even a couple of snakes were encountered, and enjoyed, by most.
As the sun began to set, we stayed out to enjoy the shift change. Dolphins were actively feeding in the forest, as Horned Screamers and Hoatzins noisily prepared for sleep. Many Macaws were heading off to a roost, of three different species. An owl, Pauraques, and Potoos all began to call, while hundreds of bats emerged to feed. Some bats were feeding on insects, some were searching for fruit or nectar, and some were even catching fish. Our final encounter for the evening was with Spectacled Caimans. We mostly spotted young animals, but it was quite exciting to get such close views and excellent photos.
