In the waning moments as I prepare to depart for two months in Panamá, the guides at the Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge submitted another set of wonderful sightings. Let's start at the Canopy Lodge; Tino Sanchez enjoyed three of the best days one could expect from the El Valle area- when a professional birding guide is blown away by the variety of rare birds located, you know you've had a good week! On June 19th Tino found Blue-fronted Parrotlet, Black Guan, and Green Thorntail on Las Minas Trail near La Mesa. The first of these is of particular interest, as this species was considered to be exclusive to the opposite (eastern) side of the Canal until recently documented sightings from Altos del Maria. On June 20th, at Cerro Gaital, Tino found a pair of male Blue Seedeaters, a Spotted Barbtail, and a Slaty Antwren. The first species was almost unknown from the area until a few years ago, and the latter two are considered quite rare at this locale. Finally, Tino enjoyed a magical day at Altos del Maria on June 21st, finding Black-crowned Anpitta, Snowcap, White-tailed Emerald, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Black Guan, and many other fine species. Congratulations to Tino for this excellent run of luck (and demonstration of skill)!
From The Canopy Tower, veteran guide José Soto weighed in with another trio of excellent sightings. First, on June 18th José and a group enjoyed outstanding looks at a Yellow-breasted Crake at the Ammo Dump Ponds. This tiny rail is a very difficult find anywhere in Panamá, and at Ammo Dump the reports are few and far between; the only records of which I am aware in recent years are of a family group found by Alexis Sanchez, myself, and others in August of 2003, and another individual located by José Perez in July of last year. José Soto's second A-list sighting of the week came on June 20th, when he found an Olivaceous Piculet near the Chagres River in the town of Gamboa. This tiny woodpecker is a tough find in the area, reported only a few times a year at best, most recently by José Perez earlier this month. Finally, Sr. Soto capped the week off with great looks at a pair of Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoos on Pipeline Road; this enigmatic species is the bird-of-the-trip for any visiting birder lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Well done José!
