As we put this together, there is a snowfall warning in effect. Snow fell overnight and and is expected to continue into Friday with an accumulation of about 15 cm (6 inches). Last Friday, we thought we might find some wintering ducks and gulls in the open water of Lake Erie. We headed to Port Stanley only to find that the freezing rain and cold temperatures earlier in the week had frozen the shallow water of the lake and left a coat of ice on the ground. There were no birds in sight and no safe way to walk more than a few steps.
Canopy Tower
On our excursions from Canopy Tower, we visited the Soberania National Park and the Rainforest Discovery Center among other locations. During our time along Pipeline Road and from the observation tower at the discovery centre, we saw some familiar birds and some that we had not encountered before.
Ammo Ponds, Pipeline Road in Soberania National Park, and the view from the observation tower.
From the tower, we saw many birds in the distance and a troop of Howler monkeys.
Broad-billed Motmot, Olivaceous Flatbill, Spotted Antwren, Whooping Motmot, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Black-throated Trogon, White-whiskered Puffbird
Golden-hooded Tanager, Blue-grey Tanagers
Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Greater Ani, Rufescent Tiger Heron
On the left: a termite mound. On the right: a Great Potoo. The potoo is a nocturnal hunter that roosts during the day, staying motionless and blending in with its roosting site.
Our most memorable outing from Canopy Tower was a morning spent on the Chagras River and Gatun Lake. Gatun Lake is a large man-made lake that forms part of the Panama Canal.
Next time, we will take you along on the cruise.
Happy Valentine’s Day
The theme for this week is, of course, love. These are all versions of love songs that I am happy to listen to more than once. You can jump to the next song in the playlist at any time. I may have have missed some of your favourites.