Happy Bird Day in Mindo

Continuing our time in Ecuador we have just spent 5 nights in Mindo about 2 hours from Quito.

Here, I (Michael) celebrated my 50th birthday. Lots of people had sent lovely birthday messages, sound and video too. It was lovely to read, listen or watch these.

When we decided not to go to the Galapagos I had to chose another location for my birthday and Mindo was the obvious choice due to ease of getting to (are security issues in Ecuador) and the amazing reputation for birding.

It didn’t disappoint as we added another 80 lifers to our trip list (over the four days) to take us to 978. More importantly some amazing experiences. Seeing an Andean Cock of the Rock Lek in full ear-splitting action. Tracking down and observing the world’s largest Antpitta (the Giant Antpitta). Seeing a flock of about 20 Rose Faced Parrots (regional endemic) fly in and tuck into a bunch of bananas. And far more than I can share here - see my blog.

Back at our lodge our hosts surprised us with a highly crafted birthday desert with candle. We have now left Mindo and are back in the capital Quito for a few days.Read more