American Flamingos
I first heard about this fortress-guarded outpost of the Spanish Empire when, many years ago, as a kid, I read about how Francis Drake captured and plundered the town in 1586. Fortresses still guard the harbour, but English pirates are in short supply. I wasn’t able to check Drake’s bird list, but I’m sure he did okay. Colombia has over 2000 species!
Cartegena in 1586
Cartegena is presently a largish, prosperous city with an ambience that reminds one of Mexico – a little. Another reminder that Latin America is not a monolith, neither geographically nor culturally. Unfortunately, out stay was so brief that we weren’t able to sample much of the country of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Coconut ice cream was about it.
Mealy Parrot
The National Aviary is an hour or more from the cruise terminal by bus, the route taking us past farmland and housing developments. I spotted a few hawks enroute, including a Roadside Hawk and a Common Blackhawk.
The aviary seems well-maintained and is a pleasure to visit. Lots of birds hanging around the enclosures, of which there are just enough. I did get a chance to see the splendid Cock of the Rock This was a very rare bird when I was a boy, and one that I fantasized about capturing on an Indiana Jones style expedition into the jungle.
Cock of the Rock
Southern Screamer
Scarlet-Rumped Tanager (female, I think)
My favourite bird here was the Russet-throated Puffbird. I spotted this one watching the proceedings from a convenient branch. Definitely a wild bird. After a few minutes, it was gone, vacating the premises when my back was turned. Cute bird, though.
Russet-throated Puffbird
King Vulture
King Vultures — the Aviary has several of these wonderful birds in its collection. I saw one in the wild, flying over the Panama Canal locks. Quite a majestic bird, as this chap clearly knows. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a shot of the wild bird for all sorts of reasons, but, at least I get to see the rescued ones at the Aviary.
This bird had a broken wing, but checkout those feet! No wonder the Kings get first go at the carcass.
This Nightingale Thrush was busy digging around among the roots, perhaps looking for a tasty bug.
Nightingale Thrush
A few of the birds in the Aviary: the sparrow-sized Pygmy Owl, Spoonbill, Tiger Heron, Harpy Eagle, Chacalaca. And there are sloths.
Three-toed Sloth
Bird Noetz 