Jan 20--Red-billed Scythebill

Friday, January 20, 2006
La Mona

We work the mist nets again in the morning, capturing a Red-billed Scythebill, Scale-backed Antbird, a Scale–crested Pygmy Tyrant, and a Violet-bellied Hummingbird (left), among others.

Red-billed Scythebill, Scale-backed Antbird, Scale-crested
Pygmy tyrant

When we get back to camp we find big bowls of popcorn, which the Ecuadorians often eat in their noonday soup, and the typical big midday meal: soup, rice, tomatoes, onions, beans, egg, fried plantain, juices, coffee, tea, cookies, snacks.  Ecuadorian coffee is hot milk to which is added instant coffee. I ask for Café Americano or simply agua calliente to get coffee made with water.

Alejandro finally came up to the camp last night. He and Carlos were out until early morning collecting specimens. They found three Fer de Lances, and a variety of frogs. Carlos plans to name a frog after Alejandro. He has already collected two species that he does not think are on record.

Carlos--no, he is not holding a frog or snake or lizard--only his cell phone