I'm back from Panamá for only a few hours now, and I've already received a report that demands immediate attention. José Perez of the Canopy Tower and a group from Field Guides led by Chris Benesh and George Armistead found the Spotted Rail pictured above at Tocumen Marsh, I believe on March 6th, at roughly the same spot where a Gray-breasted Crake was found about a year-and-a-half ago (first by Robert Ridgely, then by me and Carlos Bethancourt). A brief scan of the literature indicates that this is roughly the 4th sighting of this species in Panamá, and the first in over 20 years. José also said that an immature rail was also seen, meaning that the Spotted Rail is breeding at Tocumen; this is only the second report of breeding in Panamá. Chris Benesh apparently also collected audio recordings of the vocalizing rail. This is a sighting of the first order, a bird that is so rare that it was not even on the wish list for any of us in Panamá. Carlos Bethancourt of the Canopy Tower notes that Tocumen may be a great spot for rare rails, and certainly more careful study of the area is needed.
Above are a couple more good shots from José Perez; at left is a Mangrove Cuckoo found at Ft. Sherman on the Caribbean coast of Panamá on 3/4. This species is a very rare migrant to Panamá in the northern winter season. At right is a nice look at a Speckled Mourner, filmed on Pipeline Road on 3/3- this species is always present in the area in small numbers, but is tough to spot and even tougher to capture on film. Great work José!
Another great report comes from Alfred Raab, a Swiss-born Canadian who is buying property in Panamá. Alfred found an American Avocet near Punta Chame, which would represent the 4th record for the country. I spread the word before departing Panamá, and the Xenornis website is tracking reports of this bird.
I'm just back from two weeks in Panamá, and I have many good reports to share; work-related considerations demand that I will not have time to share details of my sightings for a few days- stay tuned!
