26/08/2026
SITE SHOWCASE: FRUTTI TOUR (lowlands). On extended birding stays (3+ nights) we visit an area of the Pacific lowlands (c.980ft/300m elevation) near the town of Pedro Vicente Maldonado, west of the lodge. The birding there is markedly different from that within the cloudforest around the lodge (5740ft/1750m), so many new birds are to be expected. We usually start the day at Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary for some forest birding before visiting the unique and amazing feeders at Frutti Tour, where a siege of birds comes in. The hummingbirds are crazy there, with some special ones to target, like Long-billed Starthroat, Bronzy and White-whiskered Hermits, Purple-chested and Violet-bellied Hummingbirds, and Black-throated Mango. These are only easily seen here in the Tandayapa region. Then you have other feeders, which attract three species of woodpeckers (Golden-olive and Black-cheeked Woodpeckers, and the massive black, white, and red, Lineated Woodpecker). The feeders also often attract Dusky-faced Tanager, for fans of family listing, as this is from the small Mitrospingid Tanager family. Other lowland birds that may be seen there include, Pacific Antwren, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Red-billed Scythebill, and Great Antshrike. It is so totally different from the other days spent higher up, it is a thrilling experience that often surpasses a hundred species between the two sites and plentiful photos at the latter one, Frutti Tour. Here are some of the birds from Frutti Tour, a newish and exciting site that has become a must visit one in a very short time, and has brought in a good income for the private people who run the reserve from their birding and photography visitors. So it is a local conservation success story as they now protect some forest that would have been flattened for farming. Our visits help keep the forest standing. Sam
