PANAMA
Birds and Tropical Ecology

One of the youngest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Panama's birth was intertwined with United States geopolitics early in the 20th century. The region bordering the Panama Canal has some of the finest nature-watching in Central America. The watershed, important to conservationists and governments, has been protected throughout the century. There are several large preserves less than 50 miles from the capital, Panama City. Over 25% of the nation is protected, outdoing famous neighbor Costa Rica, with the actual forest cover over 40%. We begin at the Canal, one of the great engineering marvels, where we visit the locks and museum.

Four nights we lodge at the renowned Canopy Tower, which offers birdwatching in the canopy from the breakfast table, not to mention sweeping views from the observation deck. Short drives and walks allow access to a broad network of trails including famed Pipeline Road, a fascinating transect of forest that takes us from Pacific to Atlantic slopes. Wetlands harbor numerous aquatic species including Agami and Boat-billed Heron, Crakes, Wood-Rails, and Jacanas. The often skulking and enigmatic Antbirds are frequently seen in the open understory and include beauties like Spotted Antbird and Dot-winged and Checker-throated Antwrens. Interspersed throughout one delights in Motmots, Toucans, Trogons and Tanagers. Spider and Howler Monkeys, Sloth, Tamandua Anteater, Agouti, and even Capybara are mammals likely to be seen. One day we take the train to the east coast near Colon; this ways the first transcontinental railway, carved through the jungle.

To the north we stay three nights at Canopy Lodge, sister property to the Canopy Tower, sequestered on the eastern rim of an enormous extinct caldera know as El Valle de Anton. Here we have an interesting blend of tropical dry forest melding into cloud forest. The lodge is handsomely set beside a small stream and garden, with such regulars as Lemon-rumped and Crimson-backed Tanagers, Oropendolas, Euphonias, and the tantalizing Rosy Thrush Tanager.

A short flight north from the capital we explore Chiriqui Province for four days. The Hotel Los Quetzales is nestled on the flank of 10,000 foot Baru Volcano, beside Baru National Park. The volcano is Panama's highest mountain, and home to the Resplendent Quetzal and Myriad Tanagers and hummingbirds. Picturesque coffee plantations provide additional habitats.

For our last two days we fly to the San Blas Islands where the Kuna Indians live in an independent "Comarcha." Despite 500 years of "contact" they still wear traditional clothes, speak their own language, and weave their famous and distinctive molas. The San Blas Islands form a 250 mile-long chain of dozens of islands. Dolphin Lodge has access to authentic villages and excellent Caribbean snorkeling, seabirds, and beaches. We fly back to Panama City mid-morning for a last day visiting attractive older portions of town and other options.

March 6 - 21, 2009

GROUND COST: $4375 (includes four internal flights)

LEADER: Marc Egger & Regional Naturalists

LIMIT: 14