Clay lick site, Napo river, Ecuador

This photo was taken from a boat on the Napo river, showing a clay lick site on shore. A clay lick site is an exposed section of clay that is habitually used by parrots and similar birds to compensate for the toxins in their diet.

Unfortunately, during our attempt, no birds proceeded to actually lick clay, and this is not due to a lack of birds. Predators have learned about the popularity of this spot, which is why the birds take ample time for their approach, testing safety by getting ever closer. The approach may take as much as an hour and can be canceled at any time.

The birds did not feel safe on this day. Instead of a clay lick, all we got is clay.