Ed. Note:>/B> Since first writing this report I have become aware of at least five more recent sightings of the Ground-Cuckoos in El Valle: 8/9 (Tino et.al.), 8/11 & 8/14 (Danilo, Tony Nunnery, VENT tour group), 8/25 (me, Danilo, large group), and 9/1 (Carlos, Terry Moore of Leica). I know the birds were located on other dates as well; for at least at short time, it seems that the Canopy Lodge can virtually guarantee sightings of this enigmatic species, an almost unheard-of circumstance. The effort has been immeasurably aided by the work of the employees of the Canopy Adventure, all of whom, if not birding guides per se, are enthusiastic observers of the area's wildlife. The staff has been tracking the movements of the ant swarm on a daily basis, and forwarding this information to the Lodge's guides; on my last visit to the area they were able to show me the army ant swarm's overnight nesting spot, a teeming mass of thousands of ants! All of these fine fellows should be congratulated for their keen observance and hard work, the benefits of which have been enjoyed by dozens of touring birders.

A bunch of other excellent reports have been collected during this period. Danilo Rodríguez and the fellows from Georgia found an Ornate Hawk-Eagle on Las Minas Trail in La Mesa on 7/30, and enjoyed long looks at the very accomodating perched bird. This is the first report of this rare species of which I am aware from the El Valle area.   I heard and saw a pair of Slaty Antwrens at the base of Cerro Gaital on 7/29 and 7/30, and the Canopy Lodge guides they have found a nest in the area; it is probably not currently active, as most species in the region breed late in the dry season (April-May), but the birds may be frequenting a previously-used site. There is at best a small population of Slaty Antwrens in the El Valle area, so any evidence of breeding is exciting news.   I found Eye-ringed Flatbills on the grounds of the Canopy Lodge of July 9th, 28th, and 31st; there are at least two reliable territories for this uncommon species on the property.   I enjoyed a very accomodating look at a pair of vocalizing White-throated Spadebills at the base of Cerro Gaital on 7/29 and 7/30; this species is absurdly tiny, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to collect even modest video (a still from which is presented at right). This species was unknown from the region until a few years ago, but is now known to be an uncommon resident (at best). The usual spots to find it are generally hard to access, so its presence along Gaital's main trail was quite noteworthy.   Ochraceous Wren was noted at Gaital on 7/14 and 7/30, on the latter date visiting perhaps a previously-used nest (Danilo R.). While seen with some regularity in the area, evidence of breeding is welcome news.   I found single vocalizing Slate-colored Seedeaters at La Mesa on 7/29 & 7/30, although vehicular traffic in the area prevented me from collecting audio documentation. Large numbers of this species were noted in the area in the preceding spring (Tino S.), so it seems that my individual birds are but lingering remnants of a probable migratory population. It will be interesting to see if larger counts are registered again in the next year or so.   I observed a single Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher on the Cara Iguana near El Valle on 7/20; this sighting is noteworthy for its location on the Pacific slope of Coclé Province, although Lodge guides tell me it is seen with some regularity here.

Several days of intense work on Pipeline Road yielded several rarities. On 7/24 I found a pair of Moustached Antwrens and a single Gray Elaenia at the second bridge; both are uncommon here, although Carlos Bethancourt believes that the flycatcher is more common than generally believed, and is most easily noted by its vocalization (as was the case with my sighting).   Most intriguing was a vocalizing Great Curassow about 10 km deep on Pipeline on the same date; I was unable to spot the bird, but the booming sound was unmistakeable. Carlos Bethancourt spotted this species in the same area almost a year ago; researchers from the Smithsonian Institute rarely go this deep on the road, and birders are few and far between, so I speculate that a relatively undisturbed population of this rare cracid may lie undetected in the area.   On 7/25 I found a vocalizing Pheasant Cuckoo near the Quebrada Juan Grande, unfortunately only minutes after I parted company with a tour group from the Canopy Tower. This species is a hard find at any time of year, especially during the rainy season, when it vocalizes infrequently.