Obviously, our focus is the big cats on this journey, but we took advantage of seeing other unique wildlife in the area as well. Early morning we headed up river to a known Hyacinth Macaw nesting area. These are the largest of the macaw family and are critically endangered in most of their historic range. Our guide knew of a location with numerous nesting pairs in the area.
As we navigated the river we are always scanning the shorelines for anything exciting. Without fail a family of Giant River Otters, five in total, makes an appearance hunting along the river's edge. It was amazing to watch as they worked together, maximizing their agility and great speed, to encircle and trap fish in the shallows.
As we navigated the river we are always scanning the shorelines for anything exciting. Without fail a family of Giant River Otters, five in total, makes an appearance hunting along the river's edge. It was amazing to watch as they worked together, maximizing their agility and great speed, to encircle and trap fish in the shallows.
We needed to move on as it was still a good distance to reach the Hyacinth location and we were losing dramatic early morning light. These birds need very specific types of trees to nest and feed in. Logging has devastated most of these areas and illegal trade of these wild birds is doing the rest to bring these amazing creatures to the brink.
We soon reached a beach area and, with cameras in hand, we jump out and made our way into the forest. The first Hyacinths quickly make an appearance as we moved into the trees. We can hear more in the distance as they are very loud in their communications with each other. The next few hours were unbelievable watching the Macaws socializing, courting, feeding and flying from perch to perch. In some cases they showed their playful nature by hanging upside down as if showing off.
We soon reached a beach area and, with cameras in hand, we jump out and made our way into the forest. The first Hyacinths quickly make an appearance as we moved into the trees. We can hear more in the distance as they are very loud in their communications with each other. The next few hours were unbelievable watching the Macaws socializing, courting, feeding and flying from perch to perch. In some cases they showed their playful nature by hanging upside down as if showing off.
Time flies when your having fun. This has been the best chance for me to see Hyacinth Macaws in the wild. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Back down the river we went in search of our daily Jaguar fix. A report came in about a big male sighting not to far away. The local boat men network is quite impressive in communicating info with one another and this was a huge advantage to us in maximizing our chances seeing Jaguars. Before we made it to the male sighting a beautiful female made a brief appearance along the river's edge. She seemed content to just sleep in the shade for a while.
Back down the river we went in search of our daily Jaguar fix. A report came in about a big male sighting not to far away. The local boat men network is quite impressive in communicating info with one another and this was a huge advantage to us in maximizing our chances seeing Jaguars. Before we made it to the male sighting a beautiful female made a brief appearance along the river's edge. She seemed content to just sleep in the shade for a while.
We heard the big male was on the move. I hate to leave a Jaguar in pursuit of another, because these cats can vanish in an instant and you can lose a great photo opportunity on both if you are not careful. Fortunately for us we found the big male and these following images speak for themselves.
Mind blowing! I've had the privilege of seeing Jaguars in Belize and Guyana, but not like this. We have had daily sightings of these cats and our heads are spinning. And I'm not talking about the same Jag seen over and over again, incredibly most are different cats.
I can't even imagine what the next few days will bring, but I'll be ready with camera in hand to say the least.
Until Part 4, safe travels,
Edward
I can't even imagine what the next few days will bring, but I'll be ready with camera in hand to say the least.
Until Part 4, safe travels,
Edward
