Nauta Caño and San Francisco
One of the many joys of exploring the Upper Amazon is experiencing the sounds of the rainforest. The variety of noises is incredible, and with so little human presence it is accentuated. Here, there are no jets flying over, car horns, freeway noise or cell phones ringing. Just the sounds of nature. Our day began and ended with the enjoyment of this natural symphony.
A sunrise kayak was the perfect way to experience the sounds of the rainforest. Paddling quietly along a narrow stream allowed for close approach to many species. Oropendolas were nesting overhead, and their dripping water type noise permeated the air. Distant Horned Screamers sounded like braying donkeys. Parrots were nosily chattering about whatever parrots chatter about. And the Great Kiskadee loudly shouted its name.
From the skiffs, the high chirping type noises of the squirrel monkeys alerted us to their presence. Caracaras harshly screamed as we approached, while the haunting call of the Undulated Tinamou teased us from deep in the forest. The rasping tones of the Ringed Kingfisher were a common sound, and maybe only the many sloths didn’t make a peep.
In the afternoon, our rainforest walk including a light bit of rain. We heard it long before we felt it, as the leaves slow the rate of fall. After the rain, quiet was prevalent. A few frogs started up, along with cicadas, but it was mostly very still. A quick visit to the village handicraft center brought everything back to life, with the happy voices of many children. Many buenos tardes, diez soles, hola amigos, and comprames were heard.
To finish the day, we returned to the forest at night. Crickets and grasshoppers provided the background soundtrack, while many other species added their parts. Tree frogs gave some powerful bass, while the laughing call of the Amazonian Bamboo Rat drew our attention to a great mammal sighting. A nocturnal bird, the Common Pauraque whistled and we luckily found it, sitting on a young chick!
The distant rumblings of a large thunderstorm were the sounds in my head as I drifted off to sleep.
