A Week at Panama’s Tropical Canopy Tower Ecolodge & Nature Observatory

August 11-18, 2007

Awaken to a tropical chorus of motmots, toucans, and fruitcrows!

Your bedroom is at treetop level, no more than 40 feet from the birds. In the cool Panamanian dawn you can feel Panamá's great rainforest awakening around you. Blue Cotingas and Green Shrike-Vireos, birds normally glimpsed high in the tops of trees, perch right outside your Canopy Tower room.

Up a flight of stairs in the dining room, a cup of coffee and rolls await you. Settle down at a table next to the window. Above the endless tropical forest of Soberanía National Park, a ship glides through the Panamá Canal. The hooting of a distant troupe of monkeys punctuates the birdcalls. You keep your field guide open on the table in front of you beside your rolls and fresh orange juice. In complete comfort, you greet the morning sun. Nothing obstructs your view. Through the unscreened open window, nature carries on its morning business.

This is the best tropical birding you can have, and you should experience it at least once in your life. Don't worry if you are new to birding, this is a great place to start. Hundreds of species can be seen right from your window, most of them clearly illustrated in Panamá's excellent bird guides. The Canopy Tower is also a great place for those with a general interest in exploring the tropical forest. Giant, iridescent Morpho Butterflies flash their blue wings at you as you ride up the twisting road up to the Tower. Howler Monkeys startle you with a sudden roar overhead. Each shrub, tree and flower seems to be different from the last, reflecting Soberanía's extraordinary diversity.

The Canopy Tower is located in the heart of Soberanía National Park, and virtually surrounded by the best birding spots in Central Panama. Most of these hotspots are a mere 10 minute drive from the Tower, and others, such as the Metropolitan Nature Park or the world famous Pipeline Road, are less than half an hour away. The Canopy Tower is located on the Atlantic Slope, but very close to the continental divide. Therefore, it is a great place from which to get a good sense of the differences in habitat between the two slopes, and the different birds that inhabit them.

Cost from Panama: $1,475.00 per person, double occupancy. Limited to 11 participants.

This package includes one week of birding (8 days) Sat-Sat, all meals and lodging, airport transfers, bilingual birding guides, tours to Pipeline Rd, Summit and Gamboa ponds, Plantation Trail, Old North and South Gamboa Rd, Chagres River, Night Tour in the Rainfomobile or the Birdmobile (owling), and Semaphore Hill.

The price does not include a 5% tax levied by the Government of Panama.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday

Pick up at Panama's International Airport. It takes only 45 minutes to drive to the Canopy Tower, located in the heart of Soberanía National Park. You'll be birding within an hour of landing! This evening we'll have an orientation meeting and will provide instructions on the use of the installation. Please note that the Program starts today with dinner and check-in begins at 5PM. If you plan to arrive earlier, an "early-check-in" charge may apply.

Day 2: Sunday

AM: Canopy Tower and Semaphore Hill

The Canopy Tower is a prime location from which to observe the birds and other wildlife of the forest canopy. Since they are right at eye level it is usual to get fantastic views of birds you would hardly see otherwise. You don't have to leave the Tower to find birds, you don't even have to leave your bedroom! Tanagers, Toucans and Tityras can be seen right from your window. The dining area and the roof of the tower are better for finding elusive canopy birds, as well as Howler Monkeys, Tamarins and other mammals. All this without having to venture away from the Tower.

Some of the bird species that we are likely to see from the observation deck are: Green and Red legged Honeycreepers, Green-shrike Vireo, Blue Cotinga , Scaled Pigeon, Mealy and Red lored Amazon, Keel-billed Toucan, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, flycatchers and many others.

At mid morning we'll start exploring the forests of Central Panama and we'll walk down Semaphore Hill Road. This paved road is a little more than a mile long and passes through the forest of Soberanía National Park. Here you will get a chance to see birds and mammals that spend their lives closer to the forest floor, like antbirds and Agoutis.

The bird list of Semaphore Hill Road is extensive, and includes birds from the forest interior as well as edge dwellers. Olivaceous Flatbill and White-whiskered Puffbird are common, and Slate-colored Grossbeak, Bay-headed Tanager, and Great Jacamar are seen frequently. Great Tinamou and Marbled Wood-Quail are heard often, but to see them takes a little more work. This road is also great for raptors: White, Tiny and Bicolored Hawks have been seen, and during migration it's easy to see more than 10 species of warblers and migratory songbirds in one morning. Spring migration is especially striking, as birds will be wearing their breeding plumages.

PM: Plantation Trail

Plantation Road, which starts right by the entrance to the road to the Tower, is a good, easy graded dirt road that passes through a mature forest for about four miles. The road follows a small creek, Río Chico Masambi, where sometimes a Louisiana Waterthrush spends the winter. We have also spotted Sunbitterns and Caimans in this creek. In most places the forest is clear of undergrowth, which makes it especially suited for observing shy, interior forest birds like Tinamous and Leaftossers. Golden-crowned Spadebills are regular around the creek, and White-breasted Wood-Wrens are very easy to find. When visiting Plantation Road you also have a good chance to find an army ant swarm and many of the birds that follow these swarms as they roam the forest floor. Spotted, Bicolored and Ocellated Antbirds, Gray-headed Tanagers, and Plain-brown, Northern Barred and (if you're lucky) Ruddy Woodcreepers. And if you're really lucky you may even find a Hook-billed Kite.

Day 3: Monday

AM: Summit Pond / PM: Old Gamboa Rd.

Old Gamboa Road is, you guessed it, the old road to Gamboa. At the beginning of this bird-rich area, you'll find Summit Ponds, where Boat-billed Herons nest and Capped Herons are seen regularly. Both Kiskadees, and both Green and Striated Herons are seen often, as well as the more common egrets. Going straight through the two ponds you'll be on Old Gamboa Road South, one of the birdiest spots around. This road passes through a variety of habitats, and has plenty of specialties: Blue Ground-Dove, Great Antshrike, Jet Antbird, Black-tailed and Royal Flycatchers, Lance-tailed and Golden-collared Manakins and Rosy Thrush-Tanager are a few highlights. Going North of the pond we will find species like, White-bellied Antbird, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Yellow-backed Oriole, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Yellow-headed Caracara, plus more.

Day 4: Tuesday

AM: Pipeline Rd (first half)

Pipeline Road is the best place in Central Panama to find forest birds, and plenty of them. Eight species of wrens, five trogons, four puffbirds, three motmots, many antbirds and even more flycatchers have been reported from the road. And if its 17 Km are not enough, there's plenty of side trails plus eleven creeks and rivers that can be followed into the forest. Army antswarms are found frequently, attended sometimes by Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo, and there are many Manakin leks right beside the road. Pipeline Road is also a great place for raptors: all three Forest-Falcons are heard if not seen with ease, and Tiny and Plumbeous Hawks and Ornate Hawk-Eagles have been reported a few times. A Harpy Eagle was seen one time right beside the road!

PM: Summit Garden and Harpy Eagle Exhibit

Summit Gardens is a park managed by the Mayor of Panama City. There is a small zoo where you can get a better look at King Vultures, Great Curassows and four species of macaws, as well as Jaguar, Spider Monkeys, and a host of other mammals. The botanical gardens are great for migratory warblers and other forest-edge species, and Blue Cotingas are seen every once in a while.

The Harpy Eagle is Panama's national bird and this park is the site of the Harpy Eagle Exhibit a "state of the art exhibit" sponsored by SONY Corp. which shows films about this magnificent bird, a full-size nest and several panels which trace the importance of the Harpy Eagle in Panamanian history and culture dating back to Pre-Columbian gold artifacts. There are also two live specimens of this bird in a gigantic aviarium. These birds are used in the Raptor Breeding Program of the Peregrine Fund which was recently moved to Panama from Boise, Idaho.

Day 5: Wednesday

AM: Ammo Dump

The Ammo Dump Pond is located just north of Gamboa, on the way to Pipeline Road. It is the best place to see the elusive White-throated Crake, as well as a host of other waterbirds. Least Grebes, Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules are common, and Rufescent Tiger-Heron and American Pygmy-Kingfishers are around, but are not as easy to find. Sometimes you get a Limpkin and maybe even a Least Bittern, and lately a few Snail Kites have been reported.

PM: Chagres River

It is located at the east side of Gatun Lake, we'll be walking along the banks of the river to see other water birds, for example, Amazon Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher, American Pygmy-Kingfishers, as well as, Blue-Crowned Motmot and Cinnamon Woodpecker. We could also see species like Gray-Necked Wood-rail, Green Herons, and Anhinga. In this area we have also often spotted alligators, turtles and capybaras.

Night Tour Owling

At night, the forest changes into a completely different world. More than eight species of Owls and Potoos have been seen on the roads around the Canopy Tower and many interesting mammals, which are active mainly at night, could also be seen. For example: Two-toed Sloth, Kinkajous and Rothschild's Porcupine. If we are really lucky we could see one of the wildcats that inhabit this forest, a Jaguarundi or even an Ocelot.

Day 6: Thursday

Pipeline Rd (second half) / Full Day Trip

Back again to the Pipeline Rd., one of the premier birding sites of the Americas. The second half of Pipeline Rd. offers the possibility of new species because of its overlap with the Atlantic Area. We will be on the lookout for ant swarms, White-necked and Black-breasted Puffbirds, Antpittas, Great Jacamar, Black-tailed Trogon, Crane Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Black-striped Woodcreeper and even a Pheasant Cuckoo. We'll have picnic somewhere in the forest.

Day 7: Friday

Today will be an all-day trip to El Valle. This excursion will take us to an entirely different habitat located on the "other side" of the Panama Canal. On our 2004 day-trip to El Valle, we saw many birds that we had already seen, plus a number that we had not yet seen such as Garden Emerald, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Blue-throated Goldentail, Long-billed Starthroat, White-ruffed Manakin, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Rufous-capped Warbler, Tawny-crested Tanager, Tawny-capped Euphonia, Silver-throated Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis. It is also a very interesting drive there and back!

Day 8: Saturday: Departure

After an early breakfast and a "good-bye" look of the forest from the Observation Deck, we'll take you to the International Airport for your flight home.

CANOPY TOWER TRIP REPORT August 28 – September 5, 2004

by Mark Suomala, Tour Organizer, Guide, and Naturalist

Principal Guide for our group: Carlos Bethancourt (thanks also to José)

Our group tour followed the standard Green Season Package itinerary (as listed on the Canopy Tower website) for Sunday through Thursday, although the days weren’t followed in the exact order of the itinerary. On Friday, instead of revisiting a location that we had already been to, we opted to take the Achiote Road tour even though it was not part of the regular package. There was an extra charge for this day, but it was well worth it, as we saw 124 species! On Saturday, which was originally scheduled to be our departure day, we were unable to depart because of flight cancellations due to Hurricane Frances (poor, poor us!). Fortunately, the Canopy Tower was able to accommodate us for this additional night, and during our extra day we took a special trip to El Valle, where Sr. Raul Arias de Para at his home graciously hosted us. We also took a birding walk with a guide named Danilo Rodriguez in the surrounding foothills, and were shown the sight of the future El Valle birding lodge. During our weeklong tour, we recorded a total of species of 265 bird species, of which 13 were “heard only” (as noted below).

Birds

1. Great Tinamou Tinamus major

Heard only - around the Canopy Tower, and Pipeline Road.

2. Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui

Heard only along the Pipeline Road, and Achiote Road.

3. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps

One seen in Gatun Lake.

4. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis

Several flocks seen flying near the canal. One seen perched near Gamboa Resort.

5. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus

Several birds seen near the Gatun Dam.

6. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga

Seen along the Chagres River.

7. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens

Seen regularly near or over the Canal.

8. Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum

Adult and immature birds seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds.

9. Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi

Seen on Chagres River.

10. Great Egret Ardea alba

Several seen in appropriate habitat.

11. Snowy Egret Egretta thula

One bird seen near Gatun Dam.

12. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea

Several adult and immature plumaged birds seen at various sites.

13. Tricolored Heron Hydranassa tricolor

One bird seen near Gatun Dam.

14. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Several seen.

15. Green Heron Butorides virescens

Several seen at wetland sites.

16. Striated Heron Butorides striatus

Several seen at wetland sites.

17. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea

One distant scope view at the old French Canal.

18. Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius

Several seen at Summit Ponds.

19. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus

Large numbers seen every day. Ubiquitous.

20. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura

Good numbers seen every day.

21. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa

Single birds seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on two different days.

22. Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis

One seen at Summit Ponds.

23. Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Single birds recorded on two dates over the Canal.

24. Gray-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis

Seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on one day.

25. Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus

Seen on several days from the Canopy Tower, and also at Achiote Road.

26. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus

An excellent scope-view of a perched bird at the beginning of the Plantation Trail, and also seen two other times.

27. Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis

Several migrating flocks of one-hundred plus birds seen during one short period after lunch on the Canopy Tower observation deck.

28. Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea

Several migrating flocks of one-hundred plus birds seen during one short period after lunch on the Canopy Tower observation deck. Several individuals seen elsewhere.

29. Tiny Hawk Accipter supercilliosus

Single bird seen perched on bare branch near start of Plantation Trail.

30. Semiplumbeous Hawk Leucopternis semiplumbea

Seen briefly by a few on Achiote Road.

31. White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis

Seen perched on a tree from the Canopy Tower observation deck on two different days.

32. Great Black-Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga

One bird being chased by a Bat Falcon near Old Gamboa Road. Adult and immature birds seen perched near Gatun Dam.

33. Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris

Excellent scope view of bird perched in tree on foothill walk in El Valle.

34. Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus

Single light-morph birds seen soaring near the Canopy Tower on two separate days.

35. Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus

Seen soaring near the Canopy Tower observation deck on our first full day.

Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja

Technically, not countable, but who could forget this pair of incredible birds seen at the Summit Gardens Zoo?! Hopefully they will continue to produce offspring for future release into the wild.

36. Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus

Seen perched on a snag using a scope on the Canopy Tower observation deck.

37. Crested Caracara Polyborus plancus

Two seen briefly flying over the Summit Gardens entrance.

38. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima

Several birds seen on several days near the Canal.

39. Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus

Heard on Pipeline Road for quite a long time. Unable to see, despite a good effort.

40. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis

One bird seen chasing a Great Black Hawk near Gamboa. Two seen interacting and flying about at El Valle foothills. Excellent scope view of perched bird.

41. Gray-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps

Several seen briefly at the Canal crossing.

42. White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis

Several seen and heard, including chicks, at the Ammo Dump Ponds. Also heard and seen on Achiote Road

43. Gray-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea

Three birds seen crossing Achiote Road.

44. Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinica

One bird seen on the Chagres River, and one seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds

45. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Several seen along the Chagres River.

46. Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis

Several seen at the Gamboa Resort area and several near Gatun Lake.

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus

47. Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana

We saw many of these, mostly at the Chagres River and Ammo Dump Ponds.

48. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca

Several seen in fields near Colon.

49. Spotted Sandpiper Actitus macularia

A few seen at scattered wetland locations.

50. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Several seen in fields near Colon.

51. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla

One seen on the Canal.

52. Royal Tern Sterna maxima

One seen near Gatun Dam.

53. Rock Pigeon Columba livia

Several birds seen in urban areas.

54. Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis

Seen nearly daily. Often visible from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

55. Scaled Pigeon Columba speciosa

Seen on a few days, sometimes from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

56. Short-billed Pigeon Columba nigrirostris

Two seen performing mutual-grooming on Achiote Road.

57. Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti

Very common. Seen almost daily.

58. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi

A few seen and heard. Ammo Dump Ponds was a good location to see one.

59. Gray-chested Dove Leptotila cassinii

Single birds flushed on Plantation Trail and Achiote Road.

60. Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis

Many flocks seen in many locations. Noisy and fun to see!

61. Brown-hooded Parrot Pionopsitta haematotis

Seen on departure morning from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

62. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus

Seen on several days and at several locations. Only a few seen at a time. Sometimes feeding in the same trees with other parrot species.

63. Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis

Easily seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. “Cracker-jack” call is distinctive.

64. Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa

Visible from the Canopy Tower observation deck, but less common than the Red-lored.

65. Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana

Seen almost every day, including a few times from the Canopy Tower.

66. Greater Ani Crotophaga major

Seen at Summit Ponds and near old French Canal site.

67. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani

Numerous sightings including many near Gatun Dam on road to Achiote.

68. Vermiculated Screech-Owl

Two birds heard calling in the vicinity of the Lodge.

69. Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata

A pair seen on Old Gamboa Road. A single bird seen on Achiote Road. Daylight sightings of these beautiful birds!

70. Mottled Owl Ciccaba virgata

One bird heard briefly, during night, at Canopy Tower.

71. Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor

Several seen migrating over the observation deck on consecutive days.

72. Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis

A few birds seen during the night-outing on Old Gamboa Roads.

73. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris

Large swift easily seen near Gatun Dam during our trip to Achiote.

74. Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura

Small numbers seen on several days from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

75. Band-rumped Swift Chaetura spinicauda

Small numbers seen on several days from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

76. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis

Small numbers seen on several days from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

77. Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsuta

One bird seen well on Achiote Road.

78. Long-tailed Hermit Phaethornis superciliosus

Seen several times at the Lodge feeders, and once on Pipeline Road.

79. Little Hermit Phaethornis longuemareus

Fleeting glimpses along Pipeline Road, Plantation Trail, and Old Gamboa Road.

80. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora

Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.

81. Garden Emerald Chlorostilbon assimilis

Several seen in El Valle in private garden.

82. Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica

Seen on Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.

83. Violet-bellied Hummingbird Damophila julie

Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.

84. Sapphire-throated Hummingbird Lepidopyga coeruleogularis

Seen by only a few of our group while in El Valle.

85. Blue-throated Goldentail Hylocharis eliciae

Seen once at photo-stop overlook on road to El Valle.

86. Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis

Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.

87. Snowy-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia edward

Seen daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.

88. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl

Seen at several locations. Best view near the start of Pipeline Road.

89. White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffoni

Seen almost daily at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.

90. Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti

Seen at the Canopy Tower, and a few other locations.

91. Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris

Seen by only a few of our group while in El Valle.

92. White-tailed Trogon Trogon viridis

Seen several times including on Pipeline Road and Achiote Road.

93. Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus

Seen from Canopy Tower observation deck and at several other locations.

94. Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus

Seen on Semaphore Hill Road near tower on our departure day.

95. Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus

A difficult view of one near Achiote Road. Not seen by all.

96. Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena

Seen from Canopy Tower observation deck and at several other locations.

97. Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota

Several birds seen on Old Gamboa Road.

98. Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii

Seen on Semaphore Hill Road, Plantation Trail, and at El Valle.

99. Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum

Several sightings on Semaphore Hill Road, including two seen frequenting apparent nest-hole area. Also seen on Pipeline Road.

100. Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquata

Seen twice at Summit Ponds, and once at Chagres River.

101. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona

One seen at Summit Ponds.

102. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana

One seen at Summit Ponds and one at stream-crossing on Achiote Road.

103. White-necked Puffbird Notharchus macrorhynchus

One seen on Achiote Road.

104. Black-breasted Puffbird Notharchus pectoralis

Several were easily seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on our first day. A few additional sightings were had from the Canopy Tower area

105. Pied Puffbird Notharchus tectus

One seen near town center in Achiote.

106. White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis

Several seen on the Plantation Trail at the ant swarm. One seen on Achiote Road.

107. Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus

Often seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. Several seen at other locations.

108. Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus

Often seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. Often seen at other locations.

109. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii

Often seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck. Often seen at other locations.

110. Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani

Seen at several locations.

111. Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus

A few individuals seen at most locations.

112. Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus

Seen well on Achiote Road. A few other scattered sightings.

113. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus

Only a few scattered sightings, but very rewarding to see!

114. Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos

Only a few scattered sightings, but very rewarding to see!

115. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus

Several seen in forest areas.

116. Scaly-throated Leaftosser Sclererus guatemalensis

One heard calling only once on Pipeline Road.

117. Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa

Three birds each seen along the Plantation Trail and Pipeline Road.

118. Northern Barred-Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae

Seen on Plantation Trail at the ant swarm area.

119. Cocoa [Buff-throated] Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans

Seen near Canopy Tower, Achiote Road, and El Valle.

120. Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus

Seen on Pipeline Road. Difficult to see at first, but persistence paid off!

121. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii

One seen at Summit Botanical Gardens grounds.

122. Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus

Seen on Plantation Trail, Semaphore Hill Road, and Old Gamboa Road. “Heard only” bird on Achiote Road.

123. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus

Seen on Old Gamboa Road and at El Valle.

124. Great Antshrike Taraba major

Heard on Achiote Road.

125. Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha

Commonly heard and seen almost daily.

126. Pygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura

Heard on Pipeline Road. Singing from high in the canopy.

127. Checker-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris

Several birds seen along the Plantation Trail and Pipeline Road.

128. White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris

Several birds seen along the Plantation Trail.

129. Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis

Seen along the Pipeline Road, the Plantation Trail, and Semaphore Hill Road.

130. Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina

Seen along the Pipeline Road, the Plantation Trail, and Semaphore Hill Road.

131. Jet Antbird Cercomacra nigricans

Great eye-level looks on Old Gamboa Road.

132. White-bellied Antbird Myrmeciza longipes

Mostly heard only birds, bit one seen on Old Gamboa Road.

133. Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul

Seen along the Pipeline Road, and the Plantation Trail.

134. Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevioides

Seen along Semaphore Hill Road, Pipeline Road and the Plantation Trail.

135. Bicolored Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis

Seen along Semaphore Hill Road, Pipeline Road and the Plantation Trail.

136. Ocellated Antbird Phaenostictus mcleannani

Seen along Semaphore Hill Road, and Pipeline Road. Great views of multiple birds at the Plantation Trail ant swarm.

137. Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis

Heard regularly from several forest locations. Seen on Semaphore Hill Road.

138. Streak-chested (Spectacled) Antpitta Hylopezus perspicillatus

Three birds were heard calling from one area along Pipeline Road. We got great scope looks at one!

139. Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillum

Seen from the Canopy Tower observation deck on our departure day.

140. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum

Seen along the Old Gamboa Road.

141. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus

Seen near Gamboa, Pipeline Road, and Atioche.

142. Forest Elaenia Myiopagis gaimardii

Seen on Old Gamboa Road and Pipeline Road.

143. Gray Elaenia Myiopagis caniceps

One seen on Pipeline Road.

144. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata

One bird seen along the Old Gamboa Road.

145. Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster

Seen on Pipeline Road, Summit Ponds and El Valle.

146. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleaginea

Seen on Semaphore Hill Road and Old Gamboa Road.

147. Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola

One seen on Achiote Road.

148. Yellow-green Tyrannulet Phylloscates flavovirens

One seen in Chagres River area.

149. Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus

At least one seen near the Canopy Tower.

150. Southern Bentbill Oncostoma olivaceum

Several seen on Pipeline, and Plantation Trail. Heard on Old Gamboa Road.

151. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinerium

Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Achiote Road.

152. Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps

Seen in Canopy Tower area, and at El Valle.

153. Brownish Twistwing Cnipodectes subbrunneus

Seen very briefly on Pipeline Road. Elusive.

154. Olivaceous Flatbill Rhynchocyclus olivaceus

Seen on the Plantation Trail, and near the Canopy Tower.

155. Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulohurescens

Seen only in the Old Gamboa Road area.

156. Yellow-margined Flycatcher Tolmomyias assimilis

Seen only in the Old Gamboa Road area.

157. Golden-crowned Spadebill Platyrinchus coronatus

A “heard only” bird on the Plantation Trail.

158. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus

Excellent views of several on Pipeline Raod.

159. Black-tailed Flycatcher Myiobius atricaudus

Single birds seen briefly along the Old Gamboa and Pipeline Roads.

160. Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi

One seen perched along the Achiote Road.

161. Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens

Seen at the Botanical Gardens and Achiote Road.

162. Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus

Several seen along the Achiote Road.

163. Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus

Seen and heard near the Canopy Tower and Pipeline Road.

164. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer

Seen on Old Gamboa Road.

165. Panama Flycatcher Myiarchus panamensis

Seen well on Old Gamboa Road. Also on Pipeline Road.

166. Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor

Seen on Pipeline Road and Old Gamboa Raod.

167. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus

Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.

168. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua

Seen at the Botanical Gardens and Achiote Road.

169. Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis

A color-banded bird seen at Summit Ponds was the highlight. Also seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Achiote Road.

170. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis

Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.

171. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus

Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and El Valle.

172. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris

Seen on Old Gamboa Road and El Valle.

173. Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius

One seen near the old French Canal.

174. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus

Seen often in appropriate habitat.

175. Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus

A flock seen at the Botanical Gardens, and one or two elsewhere.

176. Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana

One seen at Gamboa Resort. Also seen on Pipeline Road, and on drive to El Valle.

177. Thrush-like Schiffornis Schiffornis turdinus

A single bird heard singing along Pipeline Road.

178. Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus

A lucky find on Achiote Road.

179. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata

Seen on Pipeline Road and Achiote Road.

180. Blue Cotinga Cotinga nattererii

Observed in the early mornings from the observation deck. Also seen on Achiote Road.

181. Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata

Seen at the base of Semaphore Hill Road, on Pipeline Road, and on Achiote Road.

182. Golden-collared Manakin Manacus vitellinus

Several females seen on Old Gamboa Road, and Pipeline Road.

183. White-ruffed Manakin Corapipo altera

Female bird seen on foothills walk in El Valle.

184. Lance-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia lanceolata

Heard only bird on Old Gamboa Road.

185. Blue-crowned Manakin Pipra coronata

Females seen on Pipeline Road, Plantation Trail, and Semaphore Hill Road.

186. Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis

Several females seen on Old Gamboa Road, and Pipeline Road.

187. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus

A few scattered migrants already present! Silent?!!!

188. Scrub Greenlet Verdillo flavipes

Seen on Old Gamboa Road.

189. Golden-fronted Greenlet Hylophilus aurantiifrons

Seen on Old Gamboa Road.

190. Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus

Seen at Canopy Tower, and also seen on Old Gamboa Road.

191. Green Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius pulchellus

Several seen at Canopy Tower. Also seen on Old Gamboa Road.

192. Purple Martin Progne subis

One bird seen at the Summit Ponds. Not seen by all.

193. Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea

A common and widespread species seen daily.

194. Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea

A common swallow around the Canal area.

195. White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis

Several seen at El Valle. At least one even seen perched!

196. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

Small numbers recorded daily.

197. Bank Swallow (Sand Martin) Riparia riparia

Seen briefly by one participant.

198. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Recorded virtually daily mainly in lowland non-forested areas.

199. Black-chested Jay Cyanocorax affinis

A tantalizing view of one near the ant swarm on Plantation Trail was finally satisfied by several approaching us on Pipeline Road. Later seen on Achiote Road.

200. Black-bellied Wren Thryothorus fasciatoventris

Heard on Semaphore Hill Road and Pipeline Road. Seen on Achiote Road.

201. Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus

Several birds seen well on Pipeline Road. Heard on Achiote Road.

202. Rufous-breasted Wren Thryothorus rutilus

Seen by only a few on Old Gamboa Road.

203. Buff-breasted Wren Thryothorus leucotis

Highlight was a color-banded bird seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds area. Also seen on Pipeline Road. Heard on Achiote Road.

204. Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus

Seen on Achiote Road, and El Vialle. Heard on Pipeline Road.

205. House Wren Troglodytes aedon

Seen near Gamboa Resort, Achiote Road, and El Vialle.

206. White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta

Seen on Plantation Trail. Heard on Achiote Road.

207. Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys

One seen on foothills walk in El Valle.

208. Song Wren Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus

Heard only bird on Achiote Road.

209. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus

Seen on Semaphore Hill Road and Old Gamboa Road.

210. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea

Seen on Semaphore Hill Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Achiote Road

211. Clay-colored Robin Turdus grayi

Single birds seen in several locations.

212. Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus

Several seen in the village of Gamboa.

213. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia

Seen on Achiote Road.

214. Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca

One seen from the Canopy Tower, and one seen in El Valle.

(NO!) Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea

Originally thought we saw one at El Valle. After review, decided it was a first fall female Blackburnian Warbler.

215. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia

Seen from the Canopy Tower and at El Vialle.

216. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla

Seen at the Canopy Tower, and Old Gamboa Road.

217. Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons

Seen well on foothills walk in El Vialle.

218. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola

Seen on Achiote Road and on foothills walk in El Vialle.

219. Rosy Thrush-Tanager Rhodinocichla rosea

A fantastic series of views of a male singing near the start of Pipeline Road. The female was perched two-feet below him and not seen by all.

220. Gray-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata

Seen well on Plantation Trail. Heard on Old Gamboa Road.

221. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus

Seen in many forested locations.

222. Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii

Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle.

223. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus

Seen on Achiote Road and at El Valle.

224. Red-throated Ant-Tanager Habia fuscicauda

Seen on Pipeline Road, Old Gamboa Road, and Plantation Trail.

225. Crimson-backed Tanager Ramphocelus dimidiatus

Seen on Semaphore Hill Road, Pipeline Road, and Old Gamboa Road.

226. Flame-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus

The bright yellow rump on this bird contrasts dramatically with its black body. Seen on Pipeline Road, Gamboa Resort, Achiote Road, and El Valle.

227. Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus

Fairly common and widespread. Seen almost daily.

228. Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum

Seen daily on the Canopy Tower observation deck and at many other locations.

229. Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla

Seen on the Plantation Trail, Old Gamboa Road, and at El Valle.

230. Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris

This was the commonest Euphonia, with sightings on the Plantation Trail, Old Gamboa Road, Gamboa Resort, Achiote Road, and at El Valle.

231. Tawny-capped Euphonia Euphonia anneae

This species was only seen in El Valle.

232. Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa

Nice views of this species were had on Achiote Road.

233. Plain-colored Tanager Tangara inornata

Seen almost daily. Best views from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

234. Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala

Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle.

235. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola

Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle. What colors!

236. Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata

A good-sized flock was seen in the Old Gamboa Road area, near the railroad crossing. Also seen on Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and at El Valle.

237. Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta

Two seen on the foothills walk in El Valle, hidden in the leaves.

238. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana

Seen on Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and in the Old Gamboa area. Beautiful!

239. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza

Seen regularly from the Canopy Tower observation deck.

240. Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus

Single birds seen on Pipeline Road, and Old Gamboa Road.

241. Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina

Easily seen in disturbed and open country areas such as around the Ammo Dump Ponds.

242. Variable Seedeater Sporophila americanatorqueola

Easily seen in disturbed and open country areas such as around the Ammo Dump Ponds.

243. Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis

Seen at beginning of Pipeline Road, Achiote Road, and in Ammo Dump Ponds area.

244. Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta

One beautiful bird seen at the Ammo Dump Ponds area.

245. Thick-billed (Lesser) Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis

One seen by a few participants on Achiote Road.

246. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea

Several seen on the foothills walk in El Valle.

247. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola

Seen near the Panama Canal, while waiting to cross. Opportunistic birding!

248. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris

Seen very well on the Plantation Trail. Who says sparrows are dull?

249. Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris

Three birds recorded on the road-side edge at Chagres River and three more along the Old Gamboa Road.

250. Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus

Seen on Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.

251. Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus

Seen at Ammo Dump Ponds, on Old Gamboa Road, Achiote Road, and El Valle.

252. Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps

Several seen on Achiote Road.

253. Slate-colored Grosbeak Saltator grossus

A “heard only” bird on Semaphore Hill Road.

254. Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides

Seen well on Pipeline Road with a few scattered sightings elsewhere.

255. Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna

One seen in fields near Gatun Dam.

256. Great-tailed Grackle Cassidix mexicanus

Fairly common around the Ammo Dump Ponds and Old Gamboa Rd.

257. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis

Several seen near private feeders at Gamboa Resort.

258. Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius

One seen on Achiote Road.

259. Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater

First seen in Old Gamboa area, and then along Achiote Road, and in El Valle.

260. Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas

Several beautiful birds seen on Achiote Road.

261. Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus

Seen on Achiote Road, and also on the foothills walk in El Valle.

262. Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus uropygialis

Seen almost every morning from the Canopy Tower observation deck. One youngster was being fed regularly. Seen in several other locations.

263. Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela

Seen on Old Gamboa Road.

264. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus

Several seen high in a tree on Achiote Road.

265. House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Seen in Panama City on departure day.

Mammals

Mantled Howler Monkey Alouetta palliata

White-faced Capuchin Cebus capucinus

Geoffroy's Tamarin Leontocebus goeffroyi

Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmani

Three-toed Sloth Bradypus varigatus

White-nosed Coati Nasua narica

White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus

Varigated Squirrel Sciurus varigatoides

Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis

Capybara Hydrochoerus hydochaeris

Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata

Brazilian Forest Rabbit Sylvilagus brasiliensis

Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus

Central American Wooly Opossum Caluromys derbianus

A number of bats were seen, including what appeared to be fruit bats, but not identified.

Amphibians and Reptiles

(Hourglass?) Tree Frog

Toad spp.

South American Bullfrog

Basilisk Lizard Basiliscus basiliscus

Whiptail spp.

Ground Anole Anolis humilis

Gecko spp.

Green Iguana Iguana iguana

Black River Turtle

Yellow Tiger Snake

Boa Constrictor Boa Constrictor

Brown Vine Snake Oxybelis aeneus

Insects

Leaf-Cutter Ants (Atta species)

Army Ants (Eciton species)

Helicopter Damselfly

Walking Stick

Butterflies (Genus only)

Morpho (2-3 varieties)

Hamadryas

Callicorelyca

Philaethriadido

Papilio

Heliconia

Caligo

Pictures used by permission of the Canopy Tower.

A Week at Panama’s Tropical Canopy Tower Ecolodge & Nature Observatory

August 11-18, 2007

Cost from Panama: $1,475.00 per person, double occupancy. Limited to 11 participants.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday

Day 2: Sunday

Day 3: Monday

Day 4: Tuesday

Day 5: Wednesday

Day 6: Thursday

Day 7: Friday

Day 8: Saturday: Departure

Birds

Mammals

Amphibians and Reptiles

Insects

Butterflies (Genus only)

Mark Suomala P.O. Box 625 Epsom, NH 03234 (603)798-3441

Mark Suomala
P.O. Box 625
Epsom, NH 03234
(603)798-3441