Colombia is a rich habitat for birds, in fact it is the worlds leading country for bird diversity. There are close to 2000 different species and we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity on our trip to Colombia. For Jeff and I, as photographers there are two types of birding options:

  1. We go to them by touring their environment. For us, this is a walk through the woods, scrub or jungle to spot birds with a local guide. This is great for spotting birds in their habit and for finding birds that may not otherwise be seen. For example, a local expert may know where an owl has its nest.
  2. They come to us via bird blinds and feeders. In this scenario, we sit and wait at a more idyllic setting that has been created with natural looking perches and food enticements. We  photographers are often sitting in an enclosure to allow the birds to be more comfortable approaching the food.

After completing our “birding” extension, we knew the chances of photographing exotic birds would be less intensive. Yes, we knew we might spot them in a tree or off in the distance, but the likelihood of capturing a great photo was not high.

Our morning birding walk in Minca proved this fact. We spotted some exotic birds high up in the trees. It was enough to “tick” them off our list, but not photo worthy (except to prove we had seen it).

Collared Aracari

Keel-billed Toucan

Then the next morning, as we exited our room, I was surprised to see a Keel-billed Toucan just outside our lodge door. As Jeff fumbled with the lock, I quietly whispered, “Jeff don’t move”.  I received the usual irritated response as Jeff doesn’t’ like to be told what to do, “Whaaaat!”…..

Patiently, I instructed him to ,”Turn slowly”. Glancing over his shoulder he could now see the Keel-billed Toucan in all his glory just a few feet away.

Oops, I dropped my bug

It took only a split second for him to bolt back into the room to retrieve a camera. Fortunately, that sudden movement did not spook our quarry. I followed suit, and by the time I grabbed my camera. Jeff was already “clicking” away. Jeff with his 300mm, and I joined him with my 70-200mm.

It was if the Kiel-billed knew the routine and began posing.

Do you see what I see?

How is this pose?

What about  this pose?

 Soon a flock of people had accumulated inside and outside our room as the Toucan entertained us all.

Nice to meet you!

I can scratch that itch for you!

Our unexpected Toucan surprise offered 10 minutes of pure photography pleasure. It was also a chance to meet several of our fellow guests at  Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge.