Day 11

Another morning at Las Tangaras, trying to pick up some of out missing targets saw us back up by the Hummingbird feeders for first light. As dawn broke over the Western Andes a Collared Forest-falcon called but failed to show. Walking the road produced a few new species, notable Olive Finch, Rufous-browed Tryannulete; Lemon-browed Flycatcher; Collared Trogon; Choco Vireo; Black and White Becard, Golden-winged Manakin; Yellow-collared Honeyeater and Hepatic Tanager.

Back at the lodge for lunch a pair of Hawks over the ridge caused some confussion at first before giving themselves up as a pair of Variable Hawks.

After lunch it was on the road back to Medellin, hopefully picking up Apical Flycatcher, which had eluded us so far. With the species seemingly absent from its usual haunts in the Cauca Valley Alejandro decided to try a new site, which meant crossing the River Cauca further north than usual. We eventually got to the correct spot, an area of sandy forest and despite the mid afternoon heat started to search for the flycatcher. The forest was quiet, not surprising given the time of day and the going was slow, but a singing Crested Oropendula was new for the trip. Recent rains had left damp patches in the sand and some of these attracted numerous small, colourful butterflies, of 2 species      . Just as we were beginning to give up hope, Alejando hear a flycatcher and we soon located it, quite high. Unsatisfactory views were obtained, just about allowing us to note the salient features before if flew off. Well we’d seen it, but the views were, at best, poor.  Making our way back to the bus another individual was found in a cleared area and this provided clear, prolonged views. Now it could be satisfactorily ticked.  After this success,. It was back on the road to Medellin.