Tandayapa

In Ecuador, reclaiming rain forest is just beginning to gain momentum.  San Jorge has 3 lodges around Ecuador that are either prime rain forest or forest that they are try to help recover back to their original form.  The lodges have feeders set out to encourage birds to come, which makes it easier to see all the species.  The birds still use the native flowers and fruits as the feeders are often times not well frequented when the fruits and flowers are blooming or in season.  We were not there in the high season, but were amazed to see so many humming birds in one place.  I had to re-learn my whole camera in order to capture these little guys on film.  They are so incredibly fast!  Their irridescent colors change as they dip and turn.   The day started at 6 am to see the early birds and the sun light start to burn off the fog that tended to drop on the valley at night.  The food was wonderful,  giving us an idea of the variety of fruit available and the many different ways Ecuadorians cook plantains and potatoes!  Estalin and Pilar were our wonderful hosts.  I understood a lot with my limited Spanish but returning the conversation was challenging.  Luis was wonderful to share his amazking knowledge of birds, and to help me set up my camera to take better photos!!!