We are in the depths of winter with continuing snow and frigid weather. Our windows have been feathered with frost.
We crave some colour and reminders of warmer climes. Here are some photos from our time in Panama City in February 2019 before we headed to our birding excursions at the Canopy Family lodges.
Our hotel overlooked the Panama Canal as it neared the Pacific Ocean.
The variety of birds along shoreline and in the vegetation along the canal was a revelation to us. We had practiced some tropical bird identification at home and were thrilled to recognize some of the birds we had studied and some new ones.
Plush-crested Jay, Saffron Finches, Tropical Kingbird, Crimson-backed Tanager, Pale-vented Pigeon, Ruddy Ground Dove.
We were particularly pleased to find different species of hummingbirds resting on branches in clear sight. Panama is home to 59 species of hummingbirds, most of which do not migrate.
Amazilia, Veraguan Mango, Rufous-tailed and emerald hummingbirds.
We were also thrilled to find some familiar birds along the shoreline. Whimbrel, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret.
The Amador Causeway was built of rock extracted during the excavations from the Panama Canal. The causeway joins the four small Causeway Islands and acts as a breakwater for the entrance to the Panama Canal. We visited several sites along the causeway to find even more birds.
The Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, highlights Panama’s natural history. The gardens on its grounds were cultivated to attract a variety of bird species.
Variable Seedeater, Great-tailed Grackle (f), Barred Antshrike, Amazilia, Garden Emerald, Monarch butterfly, Cattle Tyrant, Tropical Mockingbird.
Some bird identifications could be tricky:
A few other sightings along the causeway: Brown Pelican, Great Egret, Magnificent Frigatebird
Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Yello Warbler (Mangrove), Barred Antshrike (f), Barred Anstshrike (m), Crimson-backed Tanager, Blue-Grey Tanager, Palm Tanagers
After a few days in Panama City, we were off to Canopy Lodge in the mountain valley of El Valle de Antón. We may take you there next…
Warm Music for a Cold Winter
This playlist contains some of my favourite summer songs.