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Recent bird sightings:
Sites - Loro Orejiamarillo Bird Reserve

Site evaluation: 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars
Species:  
Elevation: 1900-3300 m
Climate: Mild and wet
Trails: Roadside
Accommodation: 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars
Food: 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars
Hot water: Yes
Electricity: Yes
Communications: Cell phone
Region: Choco & Cauca Valley
Location: Jardin, Dept. of Antioquia
Summary: The Loro Orejiamarillo (Yellow-eared Parrot) bird reserve owned by Fundacion ProAves is located above the pleasant colonial town of Jardin, which offers excellent accommodation. It is the best place to find the Critically Endangered and spectacular Colombian endemic, the Yellow-eared Parrot. A growing population of 350 of these large parrots inhabits the steep hillsides above Jardin, dependent on the endangered wax palm for nesting and roosting sites. Intense conservation actions were necessary to protect the remaining parrots and palms; these efforts have been very effective, and are ongoing.
Endemics: Yellow-eared Parrot, Munchique Wood-Wren, Red-bellied Grackle
Key Species: Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Spillmann’s Tapaculo, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Moustached Antpitta, White-capped Tanager, Tanager Finch
Access: 2.5 hrs from Medellín to Jardin, 4 x 4 vehicle necessary to travel to the reserve above Jardin.
Site Description: UPDATE: April 2009. The critically endangered Colombian endemic Munchique Wood-Wren has recently been discovered in the forest at Jardin and seen by both local biologists and visiting tour groups! There has also been a Yellow-eared Parrot dormitory which was viewable at least from Jan-March. Over 70 birds were using this dormitory, accessible via 30 min trail from the road. It is unclear, however, whether this new dormitory will continue to be used throughout the year and into the future. In the same area as the dormitory the Yellow-eared Parrots were using two artificial next boxes from Feb-April - easy to get fantastic views!

The spectacular Yellow-eared Parrot is the target here, and is fairly commonly seen while flying between roosting and feeding sites from a spectacular viewpoint in the reserve. It is also occasionally seen feeding, when it seems to be remarkably unaffected by human presence, sometimes foraging very close to observers!

The landscape ranges from pastures to patches of good forest along the route from Jardin up to the reserve. While the parrots may appear anywhere, the forest is best for other birds. Along with typical highland species look for Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Acorn Woodpecker, White-browed Spinetail, Spillmann’s Tapaculo, Chestnut-crowned Cotinga, Golden-faced Whitestart, Golden-crowned Tanager, Black-and-white Seedeater and Tanager Finch. Mixed flocks contain a good variety of highland tanagers, flycatchers, warblers, furnarids and hemispinguses. Groups of White-capped Tanagers are occasionally found here, while Moustached Antpitta has been heard in the reserve.
Photos:
Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Benjamin Freeman Yellow-eared Parrot, Benjamin Freeman Yellow-eared Parrot, Benjamin Freeman Yellow-eared Parrot, Benjamin Freeman
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