http://birdingecotours.co.za
info@birdingecotours.co.za
Comprehensive Southeast Brazil: Intervales to Linhares 2015
When they first landed on its shores in the 1500s, the Portuguese discovered a vast stretch of verdant rainforest cloaking much of the Atlantic coast of what would one day be Brazil. After centuries of deforestation, only 7% of this forest’s original area remains in remnants scattered within the most densely populated region of Brazil. Despite the long history of human population growth and disturbance, these highly threatened pockets of Atlantic Rainforest harbor an incredibly diverse and often highly endangered collection of bird species. Due to being long isolated from neighboring Neotropical wet forest ecosystems by a dry grassland and thorn-scrub corridor in the interior of Brazil, these forests possess a diverse and fascinating range of species, many of which are found nowhere else. In a country with more than 200 endemic bird species (the fourth highest total for a single country in the world), the vast majority are found in the Atlantic Rainforest. By exploring various parks and preserves in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo, we hope to encounter up to 70 Brazilian endemics and an additional 90 Atlantic Rainforest endemics on this tour, including such rare and charismatic species as Swallow-tailed Cotinga and the endemics Red-billed Curassow and Three-toed Jacamar.
From Rio de Janeiro we embark on our journey to Itatiaia National Park, the oldest national park in Brazil. Here we will get our first taste of Atlantic Rainforest birding by exploring both the lower and higher elevation moss-laden slopes for Black-and-gold Cotinga, White-bibbed Antbird, Brown Tanager (all endemics), and more. Just over the border in São Paulo state, Campos do Jordão will offer our best opportunity to see the unusual Black-capped Piprites, a bird that would not look out of place in the Himalayan foothills. After a brief stop for the recently described São Paulo Antwren (split from Marsh Antwren only in 2013 and not yet recognized by most authorities), we explore coastal Ubatuba for lowland specialties such as Black-hooded Antwren, Saw-billed Hermit, and Buff-throated Purpletuft (all endemic). We then head towards Serra dos Tucanos for a couple of days. There, we hope to catch up to the much-desired Grey-winged Cotinga and revel in the excellent views of various Atlantic Rainforest endemics at the lodge feeders. Bring your cameras! As we head back to Rio de Janeiro for our flight to Vitória, we will swing by the arid beach scrub habitat of the Praia Seca area for the endemic Restinga Antwren (not recognized as a full species by IOC).
From Vitória, in the state of Espírito Santo, we drive southwest to the town of Cachoeira de Itapemirim to target two difficult endemics: Plumbeous Antvireo and Wied’s Tyrant-Manakin. On the following two mornings we also try for the difficult, endemic, highly endangered, and very beautiful Cherry-throated Tanager at a reserve near Venda Nova do Imigrante. We then head north to the Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve near Linhares for a few days to see lowland endemics such as Red-billed Curassow, Red-browed Amazon, and Black-headed Berryeater. We then fly to São Paulo for the last leg of our journey.
We save the best for last! Intervales State Park is part of one of the largest remaining pieces of contiguous Atlantic Rainforest left in Brazil. Within this emerald paradise of deeply cut valleys, mossy forests and trickling streams we hope to have some of our best birding, while we search for such delights as Russet-winged Spadebill, Black-fronted Piping Guan, and Helmeted Woodpecker among a dizzying array of tyrant flycatchers, antbirds, furnariids, and tanagers. This species-rich site can potentially produce our highest day list totals of the tour. Finally, we go to the coastal town of Cananéia for a few more endemic species like Restinga Tyrannulet and Red-tailed Amazon, and for Azure Jay, before returning to São Paulo, where the tour ends.
Please note that the detailed itinerary below cannot be guaranteed as it is only a rough guide and can be changed (usually slightly) due to factors such as availability of accommodation, updated information on the state of accommodation, roads, or birding sites, the discretion of the guides and other factors.
Itinerary (26 days/25 nights)
Day 1. Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro.
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro.
Day 2. Transfer to Itatiaia National Park, birding the lower part of Itatiaia
Today we drive to Itatiaia National Park with a stop at a wetland along the way to begin familiarizing ourselves with many of southeast Brazil’s common open country and wetland species such as Chestnut-capped Blackbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Yellow-rumped Marshbird. Once we arrive at the scenic Hotel Donati, we begin birding around the lodge grounds and roadsides: Surucua Trogon, Frilled Coquette (endemic), Green-headed Tanager, and more can be present, while the fruit and hummingbird feeders should attract species like Saffron Toucanet, White-throated Hummingbird, and Scale-throated Hermit. After dinner, we can try for the resident Tawny-browed Owl.
Overnight: Hotel Donati, Itatiaia
Day 3. Birding all day in the lower part of Itatiaia
On this day we concentrate our efforts on the extensive network of trails in the lower elevations of Itatiaia National Park (700-1,400m). By sifting through various feeding flocks and listening for birds in the undergrowth, we will focus on species which are difficult to see elsewhere on this trip: the exquisitely patterned White-bibbed Antbird (endemic), the shy Spot-winged Wood Quail, and the cryptic White-browed Foliage-gleaner (endemic) are among them.
Overnight: Hotel Donati, Itatiaia
Day 4. Birding all day in the upper part of Itatiaia
We need an early start to arrive at the entrance of the Agulhas Negras road (1,550-2,400m) at dawn. The beginning of this high-elevation road passes through beautiful moss-laden cloud forest, where our main target will be the endemic Black-and-gold Cotinga. Colorful feeding flocks should be commonplace, with regular species including Diademed Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager (endemic), and Thick-billed Saltator. Climbing higher still, the habitat becomes much more open and slowly gives way to high-altitude fields and rocky outcrops. The endemic and highly localized Itatiaia Spinetail is our main target at this elevation.
Overnight: Hotel Donati, Itatiaia
Day 5. Birding in the morning in Itatiaia, transfer to Campos do Jordão
After some early morning birding in Itatiaia National Park to pick up any birds we might still be missing, we drive west to Campos do Jordão and time our arrival so that we can see Vinaceous-breasted Amazon coming to roost at the Horto Florestal. The European character of Campos do Jordão is immediately apparent with all the hydrangeas, Swiss chalets, and chocolatiers!
Overnight: Campos do Jordão
Day 6. Birding along Pedra do Bau Road
We spend our day birding Pedra do Bau Road. The high-altitude forest here is much drier with much larger stands of distinctive Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle Trees) than the Agulhas Negras Road. Correspondingly, the bird composition is a bit different, and some species are more common at this site. Araucaria Tit-Spinetail, Golden-winged Cacique, and Sharp-billed Treehunter should all be regularly encountered, although our main target will be the lovely Black-capped Piprites. We also stop at the very end of the road to look for Hellmayr’s Pipit.
Overnight: Campos do Jordão
Day 7. Transfer to Ubatuba with a stop en route for São Paulo Antwren
Today we travel to the coastal city of Ubatuba, with a stop en route to look for the recently described São Paulo Antwren. Despite being endemic to an area right on the outskirts of one of the largest cities in the world, ornithologists only submitted a formal description of this species in 2013. Once we arrive in Ubatuba, we visit the feeders at Folha Seca to search for the robust Saw-billed Hermit (endemic) and fairy-like Festive Coquette. These hummingbird feeders provide excellent photo opportunities due to the many low, bare branches for perching. This site is also excellent for lowland rainforest species like Brazilian Tanager and Riverbank Warbler.
Overnight: Ubatuba
Day 8. Birding all day at sites around Ubatuba
We spend all day birding sites around Ubatuba for the many endemic lowland rainforest species found here: the boldly marked, endemic Black-cheeked Gnateater lurks in the undergrowth; Spot-backed Antshrike works vine tangles in the subcanopy; the diminutive Fork-tailed Tody-Tyrant flits nervously in stands of bamboo; the cute, endemic Buff-throated Purpletuft sallies from exposed perches. These are just some of the targets we hope to connect with during the day.
Overnight: Ubatuba
Day 9. Birding in the morning at Pereque, transfer to Serra dos Tucanos
We make our way to Serra dos Tucanos Lodge northeast of Rio de Janeiro. However, we must first stop at Pereque for the recently rediscovered, endemic Black-hooded Antwren. Ornithologists first collected this species over a hundred years ago and did not see it again until 1987. Once we arrive at the beautiful Serra dos Tucanos Lodge, we spend some quality time at the feeders, considered some of the best in the world, for unbeatable views of a wide variety of Atlantic Rainforest endemics.
Overnight: Serra dos Tucanos Lodge
Days 10 - 12. Birding at Serra dos Tucanos Lodge and nearby areas
Using the lovely Serra dos Tucanos Lodge as our base, we explore the Serra dos Órgãos and surrounding areas for the next three days. Although the daily schedule can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors, we plan to visit the following areas in no pre-determined order: Pico da Caledônia, Sumidouro, and Portão Azul. Towering Pico da Caledônia offers our only chance for Grey-winged Cotinga, a recently described Brazilian endemic that lives only in the stunted forests below the treeline in the Serra dos Órgãos. The area around Sumidouro provides a totally different experience as it sits in a rain shadow and as a result has a wide variety of open country species. The main target here is the unique and endemic Three-toed Jacamar. Finally, Portão Azul is a stronghold for the endemic Half-collared Sparrow, where it is abundant.
Overnight: Serra dos Tucanos Lodge
Day 13. Birding Praia Seca, transfer to Cachoeiro de Itapemirim
We need an early start today to arrive at the coastal restinga habitat found between the town of Praia Seca and the city of Cabo Frio by early morning. The restinga at this site is an open landscape composed of medium-high bushes and thorny scrub on sandy soils. The endemic Restinga Antwren (according to IOC a subspecies of the equally endemic Serra Antwren) is our main target, although the many saltpans and beaches nearby should hold a variety of migrant waders and seabirds. Afterwards, we drive to Rio de Janeiro to catch our flight to Vitória, the state capital of Espírito Santo, for the next part of our journey. After the short flight we continue to the town of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim for the night.
Overnight: Cachoeiro de Itapemirim
Day 14. Birding Cafundó Preserve, transfer to Venda Nova do Imigrante
Just a short drive from our hotel, our morning birding commences in the forests of Cafundó Private Preserve for two highly localized Brazilian endemics: Plumbeous Antvireo and Wied’s Tyrant-Manakin. More open and marshy areas nearby contain a different set of birds, including the spectacular Streamer-tailed Tyrant. After a sumptuous lunch at a fazenda (ranch), we make the short drive to Venda Nova do Imigrante to put ourselves in position for Cherry-throated Tanager.
Overnight: Venda Nova do Imigrante
Day 15. Birding all day near Venda Nova do Imigrante
Perhaps the rarest species possible on this itinerary, the critically endangered Cherry-throated Tanager, appears to persist in only a few fragments of foothill forest in Espírito Santo, despite intensive searches to find more populations. The known global population is only about a dozen birds. Boldly and distinctively marked in silver, black, white, and red, this tanager is a potential tour highlight due to its combination of rarity and beauty. It merits a special effort! While searching for this species, we can observe a variety of other birds in mixed feeding flocks, such as Black-billed Scythebill and Sharpbill.
Overnight: Venda Nova do Imigrante
Day 16. Birding near Venda Nova do Imigrante, transfer to Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve
We spend an extra morning of birding in the foothill forest near Venda Nova do Imigrante, giving us another chance for the tanager if we missed it on the previous day. Then we drive north to the Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve near Linhares, stopping at the Augusto Ruschi estate in Santa Teresa en route to enjoy the famous (and very active) hummingbird feeders.
Overnight: Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve, Linhares
Day 17 - 18. Birding at Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve
We spend the next few days birding the lowland Atlantic Rainforest of the Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve. An early morning start at this location is essential, as activity peaks early and declines rapidly in the heat of the day. Fortunately our beautiful accommodations are just minutes away from the forest. Red-billed Curassow (endemic) and Solitary Tinamou regularly cross the road at first light, while a variety of parrots such as the endemics Red-browed Amazon, White-eared Parakeet, and Ochre-marked Parakeet become active soon after. Black-headed Berryeater (endemic), East Brazilian Pygmy Owl, and White-necked Hawk (endemic) are among the more special birds of this site. If weather permits, we will do some night birding for nightjars such as Ocellated Poorwill and owls such as Tawny-browed Owl.
Overnight: Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve, Linhares
Day 19. Drive back to Vitória, transfer to Intervales State Park
This is mostly a travel day. After driving from Linhares to Vitória, with a stop at the Andre Ruschi feeders for the endemic Minute Hermit, we board our flight to São Paulo. Once in São Paulo, our next destination is Intervales State Park (literally meaning ‘between the valleys’, due to the deeply cut ravines typical here), where we stay for the next four days. Our lodging here is literally at the doorstep of great birding!
Overnight: Intervales State Park
Day 20 - 23. Birding Intervales State Park
Birding from the extensive mountain road and trail system, we search for Black-fronted Piping Guan, Mantled Hawk, Helmeted Woodpecker, Squamate Antbird (endemic), Rufous-capped Motmot, and Buff-bellied Puffbird, among others, for the next few days. Special targets such as the endemic Slaty Bristlefront (the local race soon to be described as a distinct species from the nominate form), Variegated Antpitta, and Russet-winged Spadebill inhabit the deeply forested gullies, while mixed feeding flocks of tanagers around the lodge can have beauties like Azure-shouldered Tanager, Black-legged Dacnis, and Chestnut-backed Tanager. Night birding is potentially productive. Rusty-barred Owl and Long-trained Nightjar are our main targets on the evening shift.
Overnight: Intervales State Park
Day 24. Birding Intervales State Park in the morning, transfer to Cananéia
After one more round of birding in the early morning, we have to pull ourselves away from Intervales State Park in order to reach our next destination, the old coastal town of Cananéia.
Overnight: Cananéia
Day 25. Birding Cananéia
The area around the resort town of Cananéia features a series of barrier islands with a low, dense forest growing on sandy soils called restinga (visually very different from the restinga around Praia Seca in Rio de Janeiro state). A unique set of Atlantic Rainforest endemics live in this highly endangered ecosystem, including Red-tailed Amazon, Restinga Tyrannulet, and the near-endemic Azure Jay, all of which we target at this site.
Overnight: Cananéia
Day 26, Birding Cananéia in the morning, transfer to São Paulo
After some early morning birding around Cananéia for any misses from the previous day, we drive back to São Paulo, where the tour ends.
Duration: 26 days
Limit: 4 – 8
Date: October 6 – 31 2015
Start: Rio de Janeiro
End: São Paulo
Price: TBD
Single supplement: TBD
Price includes:
Meals
Accommodation
Guiding fees
Entrance fees
All transport while on tour
Tolls
Price excludes:
International flights
Items of a personal nature, e.g. gifts
Alcoholic drinks
Personal insurance
Gratuities
Share with your friends: |
