One of Sani Lodge’s specialties is bird watching, thanks to its privileged location both south and north of the Napo River. This allows access to various Amazon forest ecosystems, niches, and habitats promptly and efficiently.
FOREST TYPES
Sani Lodge boasts two distinct types of flooded forest: Varzea and Igapó. White waters flood the river banks with brown and milk-colored hues due to the high concentration of dissolved organic matter carried by the Napo River from its source in the Cotopaxi Volcano. This process naturally fertilizes the topsoil of the Varzea and Gallery forests.
Igapó is a type of forest flooded by black water. It takes on a coloration similar to black tea due to the large number of tannins produced by the decomposition of organic matter in streams, swamps, and lagoons. The acidic pH has enabled the growth of different plant species from those found in white water or terra firme forests.
Terra firme forests never flood, as they are typically situated in elevated areas or hills.
BIRD SPECIES UPDATE
The update published several years ago indicated a total of 567 species of birds at Sani Lodge. The latest figures demonstrate that this number has now reached 593. This allows us to become the foremost bird-watching site, in addition to our advantageous geographical position and the availability of over 10,000 hectares of land for this activity, which is unparalleled in the Napo region.
CANOPY TOWER AND THE BAR
The tower offers views of raptors, mixed flocks of tanagers, honeycreepers, macaws, toucans, and parrots. However, the bar and new dock with a cold drink are highly recommended spots for birding.
NEW FEEDER
The recently discovered natural feeder in the Sani territory is an excellent addition to the local wildlife. The site is attracting a variety of macaws, including chestnut-fronted, red-billed, and the remarkable yellow and blue varieties, which visit daily to feed on the wood of a dead tree.
PASSIONATE BIRDERS
In my early days of guiding, I was fortunate to be appointed to guide John V. Moore, a renowned ornithologist and pioneer in recording bird vocalizations.
When I met him, I was forthcoming about my limited knowledge of birds; John graciously acknowledged this and commented, “You have young eyes to help us find birds.” ,this proved to be an accurate assessment
COCHA ANTSHRIKE
This species is found in the small black-water tributaries of the Napo River, where it is typically located in the undergrowth of Várzea. It is an uncommon sighting and is a specialty of Sani. The IUCN has classified this bird as «near threatened» due to the limited extent of its distribution area, which renders it vulnerable to impacts on its habitat.
UNFORGETTABLE
While canoeing in the creek one morning, I spotted a dark-colored bird in the bushes near the water. John was thrilled by the sighting, which lasted for about two minutes until the bird flew into the Varzea forest. This was followed by a high-pitched shout of «Cocha Antshrike,» as it was his first sighting after a long search in different corners of the Ecuadorian Amazon. My young eyes did a great job!
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