Scarlet Tanager - Female, Uraba, Colombia

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comments (4)

Christine Young

Lion

Just wondering if you kept track of the species you saw in Colombia?! The diversity there is insane. Posted 7 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, we did, and it was a lot of work! The last thing we wanted to do after a day packed with hikes is go through this administration. But we learned from the year before where we let this slip somewhat. Since I share in such detail, typically taking me close to a year to describe everything afterwards, not maintaining this administration means a lot is forgotten or I have to continuously harass experts afterwards.
  
  So this time we fully used local expertise whilst the moment is still fresh. It's about one hour of work per day. Although part of it is a chore, it can also be fun. I particularly enjoy the effect it has on local guides. They really love it when people show a detailed interest in "their" wildlife. It also boosts their confidence and makes them feel valued and important. And this in turn motivates them the next day to join us in our species "hunt". The effect is strong and spreads through their networks.
  
  I'm specifically mentioning this effect because there's a category of birding travel where local guides aren't valued much. In a nutshell: a birder comes, says which are the target birds (typically endemic species), and the only thing the guide is asked to do is to deliver these, typically doing so by blasting audio calls from a speaker (which is harmful and will only work temporarily). A photo isn't even needed, just a visual confirmation, and they can put the check in the box. They can boast about a "lifer" (first personal sight of a bird) and their total lifers, and do a pissing contest with others.
  
  It's an odd way to experience nature in my opinion, in particular because it is so detached from nature itself.
  
  So we're happy to not call ourselves birders, we're naturalists with an open mind in any type of species. We just use birding trips as a vehicle to see as much as we can, as they do tend to be well organized.
  
  Anyway, back on point: yes, Colombia's diversity is stunning. Most bird and amphibian species in the world. Which are key reasons for us to visit but whilst there on the ground, we're seeing fantastic things in other categories as well.
  
  We'll be completing our discovery of this amazing country with a 3rd visit this year :) Posted 7 years ago
2. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  To add, how important local expertise is: this example of a yellow-brown appearing bird I couldn't possibly figure out even with my book. There's hundreds of species in Colombia alone that look superficially similar. Finding out that this is the female of a very explicit looking bird (the male) is something I would have probably never found without local guides. Posted 7 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Taking notes can be so tedious and is something that I have been trying to get better about. I always think that I’ll remember all the details (ha!), but rarely (if ever) do. It’s awesome that you take such an ethical approach and appreciate the local gems (the guides!). In my opinion, I would be unsatisfied just checking a box on a list, I love getting a photograph and observing at a safe distance. I also consider myself as more of a naturalist and find great joy in all of nature, not just a specific niche.

Incredible that you are able to go back for a third visit this year! I’m sure it will be just as memorable as the first two! Posted 7 years ago

The Scarlet tanager

The scarlet tanager is a medium-sized American songbird. Until recently, it was placed in the tanager family, but it and other members of its genus are now classified as belonging to the cardinal family. The species' plumage and vocalizations are similar to other members of the cardinal family, although the "Piranga" species lacks the thick conical bill that many cardinals possess.

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Similar species: Perching Birds

Species identified by Ferdy Christant