• PORTUGUÊS

31 March 2011

Volunteering at REGUA 2011

Our programme of the International Volunteers at REGUA has started very well this year. We had a large group arriving in February with Chris, Timmo, Bea, Monica, Beca, Jose, Ed, Rowan and Lisa and though the weather was hot and rainy, they have helped with the nursery, planting trees and their cultivation. Luckily Ed, Rowan, Lisa and Jose under Beca's translation skills were really keen to pass their basketball skills and the kids loved every moment (first photo below). We put up a net and the ball has been bouncing since. Beca with her experience in teacher work in US parks passed her vision of the world free of garbage and her preparation of a PowerPoint presentation did well to enthuse the young volunteers that we are all responsible for our clean up (second photo below). Our congratulations to these young teachers who help inspire the kids here and multiply the message.

30 March 2011

Another successful land purchase at REGUA

At the end of March the latest land purchase at REGUA was completed for another 35 hectares in the Matumbo area. REGUA has been very successful at acquiring a series of small parcels of land in this area, which is essential to provide a safe corridor between the core REGUA reserve and the newer purchases from the brothers Carlos and Ricardo Lemgruber. Pressure on this area continues from small houses and will grow when the track from Guapiaçu to the main Cachoeiras road is paved, which is currently underway. There are still another 50 or so hectares that have been offered for sale in this area, but because of the housing potential unfortunately the price is high at about R$4,000 per hectare (about GB£1,500).

This purchase takes the land owned by REGUA to about 4,500 hectares and was generously funded by the Body Shop and the World Land Trust.

29 March 2011

The Serra dos Órgãos National Park

The Serra dos Órgãos National Park was created in 1939 as the third national park in Brazil, with the objective of protecting the remaining hill forest and to protect the water sources that are abundant in the region. This Park covers an area of 12,000 hectares from 145 metres above sea level to 2,263 metres and has ten peaks higher than 2,000 metres and a further six over 1,500 metres. At the Park centre there is a fantastic raised walkway that enables you to get close to some of the canopy birds and also to look down on the forest floor where great views of some of the difficult species such as anthrushes, leaftossers and tinamous can be seen. Other special birds include both species of rare parrotlets (Golden-tailed and Brown-backed – both difficult to see but heard regularly), Tufted and Giant Antshrike, and many many others (see photos of Mottled Owl and Large-headed Flatbill below). The Park is about 1.5 hours drive from REGUA, and visits can easily be arranged.

28 March 2011

The return of the Black-legged Dacnis

After an absence of some months, 2 male and 1 female Black-legged Dacnis were observed by Adilei near the tree hide on the wetlands, and they have been seen almost daily since then. This species is categorized as 'Vulnerable' by Birdlife International, and interestingly at REGUA seems to prefer the 5-6 year old tree plantations.

27 March 2011

February sightings

February brought some great birding, including another new bird for the reserve. Highlights around the reserve include:

Onofre Cunha Trail: Limpkin, Uniform Crake showing well at times (first photo below by Adilei Carvalho da Cunha, second photo below by Leonardo Pimentel), Black-capped Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Black-banded Owl, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-capped Motmot, Black-necked Aracari and REGUA's first Olivaceous Flatbill found and photographed by Adilei (photo below).

Waldenoor and Veludo Trail: Mantled Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Frilled Coquette, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, White-bibbed Antbird, Scaled Woodcreeper, Green-backed, Chestnut-crowned and White-winged Becards and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Long-tailed Potoo, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird (photo below), Spot-billed Toucanet (photo below), Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-throated Woodcreeper, Spix's Spinetail, Ochre-breasted, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Plain Xenops, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila, Wing-barred Piprites, Pin-tailed Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, White-thighed Swallow, Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Wetland, adjacent forest trails and lodge garden: Tataupa Tinamou in the lodge garden, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (breeding again), Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan (on the lodge feeders), Anhinga (photo below by volunteer Will Freeman), Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Cocoi Heron, Capped Heron, Snail Kite, Laughing Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, South American Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, Blue Ground-Dove, Pale-vented Pigeon, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Orange-winged Parrot, Striped Cuckoo (including a juvenile being fed by a Yellow-chinned Spinetail), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Striped Owl, Biscutate Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, White Woodpecker (on lodge feeders), Blond-crested Woodpecker, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Wing-banded Hornero, Southern Antpipit, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Euler's Flycatcher, Fuscous Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached and Long-billed Wrens, Black-capped Donacobius, Hooded Tanager, Swallow-Tanager and Pileated Finch.

26 March 2011

New Portuguese REGUA website launched

After months of hard work we are pleased to announce that our new Portuguese website is now online! Many thanks to Jorge Bizarro and Pedro Moraes for their hard work preparing the content, and to Lee Dingain for building the site. To check it out go to www.regua.org.br.

Novo site Português REGUA lançado

Após meses de trabalho intenso é com prazer que anunciamos que o nosso novo website em Português já está no ar! Muito obrigado Jorge Bizarro e Pedro Moraes pelo esforço desenvolvido na preparação do conteúdo, e Lee Dingain para a construção do site. Para vislumbrá-lo acesse www.regua.org.br.

21 March 2011

Tree planting at REGUA breaks the 100,000 mark!

Our tree planting programme started in 2005 when 6,300 trees were planted near the lodge. The growth rate here at REGUA is rapid, and these trees are now maturing into good quality secondary forest, attracting an increasing diversity of wildlife. Since then, we've learnt a lot about reforestation; how to prepare the ground, which species to plant and when best to plant them, and this has helped us increase the survival rate of saplings. Throughout the year our rangers and volunteers collect the seeds of pioneer species from the forest, which are germinated in our nursery before being transplanted on to the reserve during the rainy season. With the planting around the wetland now complete, we are now concentrating on reforesting areas of land to join isolated forest fragments. Last year we built a new nursery which has increased the capacity of seedlings we can process, and now the number of trees planted around the reserve stands at an incredible 105,000!! None of this would have been possible without our many supporters, and we would like to say a huge thank you to the World Land Trust, to REGUA staff and to our volunteers for all their incredibly hard work! Below are a selection of photos from the 2010/11 tree planting season (many thanks to Will Freeman for supplying his fantastic photos).

07 February 2011

World Land Trust runners fund a REGUA ranger

A team of runners from the World Land Trust who took part in the London Royal Parks Half Marathon last October have raised an incredible £5,333 for REGUA! The money will enable us to fund a local ranger to patrol the reserve and protect it from hunting and other threats. Hunting on REGUA land has been reduced by about 98%, enabling us to introduce Critically Endangered species to the reserve such as the rare Red-billed Currasow, a bird that became extinct in Rio State during the 60s and with now only 250 remaining in the the wild! An enormous thank you to everyone who donated and to the dedication of the runners who took part.

However, the World Land Trust are not stopping there. Their 2011 campaign, Keepers of the Wild, is raising funds to employ rangers on all of their project partners reserves, including REGUA. If you would like to donate then please click here.

04 February 2011

Rio Bird Club visit

REGUA has recently received another visit from the Rio de Janeiro Bird Club. Gustavo Pedro and Virginio stopped by for some birding and photography and took some fantastic photos, including some great shots of the Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, which are breeding once again at the wetland. Check them out on Gustavo's website.

28 January 2011

Roundup of the 2010 birding year at REGUA

Bird photographer and author, Edson Endrigo and Rafael Bessa got the birding year off to a flying start by finding the first new bird for the reserve for 2010 - not one but at least 2 Yellow-billed Cuckoos (first photo). The birds showed extremely well for several days in February feasting on catapillars in the lodge garden. Also in February, a pair of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (second photo) bred at the wetland producing 8 young. This constitutes the first breeding record for Rio State and the birds are still present at the time of writing.

The higher reaches of REGUA (above 900 m) are extremely remote and inaccessible and therefore have been explored very little so far. REGUA bird guide, Leonardo, spent some time surveying the higher altitude forest and found an incredible eight new bird species for the REGUA list: Plovercrest, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Red-eyed Thornbird, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Greenish Tyrannulet, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant and Hellmayr's Pipit. Although these species are difficult to see at REGUA, guests can see most of them quite easily on several of our excursions.

The REGUA bird list then stood at 450, but it wasn't long before the 451st species was found. On 22 April, Adilei and REGUA volunteer Scott Watson found a fantastic male Rufous-capped Antshrike at the wetland (read Scott's review here), and the bird remained in the area, on and off, for much of the year. In the same month, birder, author and BBC broadcaster, Bill Oddie, visited us for a few days with World Land Trust CEO John Burton. Bill was very impressed with the work we are doing to restore the Atlantic Forest and kindly made a short video about REGUA while walking around the wetland (to watch, click here). Later, Bill also stopped by the REGUA stand at the Birdfair to find out how things were progressing.

In May, Luciana Barcante, from Rio de Janeiro State University, began a two year study of hummingbirds at REGUA. Leonardo has been assisting her and has found a number of scarce birds in the mist nets, such as Barred Forest-Falcon, Dusky-throated Hermit, Planalto Woodcreeper and White-browed Foliage-gleaner. Also in May, while studying a roosting Long-tailed Potoo on the Waterfall Trail, REGUA supporter Lee Dingain discovered what appears to be a previously undescribed feature that is unique to this species. Lee is currently preparing a short paper for publication (more here). In June another new bird for REGUA was found when Adilei came across a Grey-bellied Spinetail on a newly purchased part of the reserve.

2010 was a record year for tourism at REGUA, with both independent birders and several tour companies visiting us. Most of the REGUA specialities showed well, with plenty of good sightings of Shrike-like Cotinga, Spotted Bamboowren and Masked Duck, as well as record numbers of Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Salvadori's Antwren, Russet-winged Spadebill (at least four birds) and Black-legged Dacnis being recorded. A number of species only rarely recorded at REGUA were also seen, including the second record of Black-necked Aracari and the third record of Great Black-Hawk, as well as memorable sightings of Bat Falcon, Blue Ground-Dove, Brown-backed Parrotlet, White-vented Violet-ear, Amethyst Woodstar, White-bearded Antshrike, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater and Gilt-edged Tanager. But the action didn't stop at dusk. Up to three Black-banded Owl showed very well at times (photo below copyright © 2010 Sacha Haywood), along with frequent encounters with Giant Snipe, Tawny-browed Owl, Mottled Owl, Striped Owl, Long-tailed and Common Potoos and Short-tailed Nighthawk.

In October Leonardo did it again and found yet another new species for the REGUA list, this time in the form of a beautiful Plumbeous Rail at the wetland (photo below). It is perhaps surprising that this widespread species hadn't been recorded before and hopefully they will become a permanent addition to the reserve's avifauna. The number of bird species recorded at the wetland area alone is now more than 220!

27 January 2011

Recent sightings

December and January are the hottest and most humid months in the Atlantic Forest Lowlands. In January we close the lodge and many of our staff take time off for their holidays. Not our ever observant bird guide Adilei however, he had other plans - more birding around the reserve! Highlights include:

Brown and Tataupa Tinamous, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Chimango Caracara (only the second record for REGUA at the wetland!), Barred Forest-Falcon, Limpkin, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Giant Snipe, Scaled Dove (appear to be becoming regular at Onofre Cunha), Blue Ground-Dove (around the wetland), Pale-vented Pigeon, Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Blue-winged Parrotlet (first photo), Orange-winged Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, Tawny-browed Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls nesting at the wetland (second photo), Striped Owl, Long-tailed Potoo, Biscutate Swift, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Frilled Coquette, White-chinned Sapphire, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, White-eared Puffbird (third photo), Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Saffron Toucanet, White Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Short-tailed Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Scaled Woodcreeper, Spix's Spinetail, Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Pin-tailed Manakin, Green-backed Becard, Lemon-chested Greenlet, White-thighed Swallow, Barn Swallow (uncommon at REGUA), Moustached and Long-billed Wrens, Black-capped Donacobius, Olive-green Tanager, Brazilian Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Yellow-green Grosbeak and Orange-bellied Euphonia.

26 January 2011

The Lodge flourishes

The year 2010 was a great year for visitor numbers at the Lodge. The number of bed-nights was the highest ever at just over 1,500, and we have already received bookings of over 1,000 for this year. As the numbers grow it does put greater pressure on all the staff at REGUA, and therefore we are delighted to announce that one of our previous visitors, Helen Cavilla, has volunteered to help out. Helen will be at REGUA from June to November and amongst other things will be helping with the booking arrangements, ensuring the smooth running of the Lodge, and making sure that all the visitors have an enjoyable stay and leave with a better understanding of the project and its objectives. Nicholas and Raquel will of course continue to be responsible for the full range of activities at REGUA including acting as the principal hosts for visitors, but having a dedicated person looking after the guests during the peak months should help things run evenly more smoothly.

17 January 2011

REGUA spared of the terrible mudslides

Our summer at REGUA is normally a time associated with intense heat and a lot of rain, and this last month it has been no different. The speed at which houses are built in what are called "irregular sites" defies all of Brazil's municipal and state planning departments. The increasing demands for building sites, especially economic housing, their disrespect to environmental laws, cutting costs in building materials coupled with the governments incapacity to control urban expansion, backlog of routine inspections, with their limited staff, and an all too well known tardiness in judicial action, all cumulate to produce an extensive history of disasters in landslides over the last 50 years. And now our growing knowledge of climatic change only furthers our concern for those living in precarious conditions. Last Tuesday to Wednesday night, massive Cumulus nimbus clouds associated with a colossal amount of moisture encountered a freak pressure area over Nova Friburgo and Teresópolis and the resulting unleashed rain amounted to between 270mm and 350mm within a few hours. This unprecedented deluge met with the already moist soil conditions and it didn't take long for landslides to form on forested slopes as well those with houses, with unbelievably horrendous results. Areas where we had lived in Friburgo and travelled through on our way to birding sites have seen massive mud and earth slides and rivers of tsunami proportions passing through these areas, completely covering cars, crumpling houses and destroying bridges and roads with a tremendous loss of life.

These tradegies one always sees on TV seem far removed, but when you see it in real life having known the area quite well, the enormity of our own fragile existence and the stupid things we are doing to the environment hit home. Fortunately we were spared of these rains and our area of REGUA saw no landslides and though we have felt a huge amount of rain all is in order. Sadly a known Três Picos Park ranger by the name of Verly (first on the left in the photo) died and we knew him as the man who brought a caiman to REGUA's wetlands and for his devoted line for his duty to arresting hunting and forest fires. There has been a huge effect of solidariety and people are helping in every way. Your thoughts are with us.

23 December 2010

Recent sightings

Its been a very busy couple of months at the lodge with lots of guests and several tour companies coming and going. The birding has been excellent! Summer migrants have now arrived in good numbers and many species are at various stages of nesting. We've also being experiencing some fantastic night-birding and Leonardo found yet another new bird for the reserve (see below), taking our bird list to 453 (excluding excursions)! Highlights from around the reserve include:

Elfin Forest and São José Trails: The undoubted highlight has been several Shrike-like Cotingas that have been showing very well on both trails.

Onofre Cunha Trail: Giant Snipe, Tawny-browed Owl, Mottled Owl, Black-banded Owl and Long-tailed Potoo have been amongst the highlights on this ever popular night excursion.

Waldenoor and Veludo Trail: Mantled Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Plain Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Green-barred Woodpecker, Piratic Flycatcher, Streaked Flycatcher, Variegated Flycatcher and Green-backed Becard (photo below).

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Long-tailed Potoo, Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Salvadori's Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-throated Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (at the waterfall), Plain Xenops, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant (photo below), Greyish Mourner, Grey-hooded Attila, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Wetland, adjacent forest trails and lodge garden: 4 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, Rufous-thighed Kite, Laughing Falcon (top photo below), Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Plumbeous Rail (the first record for the reserve), Scaled Dove, Dark-billed Cuckoo (middle photo below), Striped Cuckoo, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (bottom photo below), Striped Owl, Common Potoo, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, White Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Wing-banded Hornero, Southern Antpipit, Sooty Tyrannulet, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Euler's Flycatcher, Fuscous Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Hooded Tanager, Swallow-Tanager, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch and Pileated Finch. Since 2005 a staggering 220 species of birds have been recorded at the wetland alone!

Mammal sightings around the reserve have included South-eastern Common Opossum, plenty of Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths, Fishing Bat, Orange-spined Hairy Dwarf Porcupine and lots of Capybara at the wetland. We'ves also noted plenty of signs of Puma around the reserve!

21 December 2010

New REGUA newsletter

The last REGUA newsletter of 2010 is now available online to download. In this issue Nicholas Locke gives the latest news on all areas of the REGUA project and looks ahead to 2011. Click here to download it.

22 November 2010

New Checklist of the Birds of REGUA

REGUA supporter Lee Dingain has completed work on the new REGUA bird checklist. The checklist covers all species recorded within the reserve boundary and includes a number of colour photos as well as seasonal abundance bar graphs for each species (the result of four years data gathered mainly by our guides Adilei and Leonardo) and is one of the first checklists in the neotropics to include such data. We are currently awaiting the first batch from the printers, but for a sneak preview see Lee's Birding Blog.

16 October 2010

August and September sightings

August marks the beginning of the breeding season in south-east Brazil and by September many birds are already feeding young. There's been plenty of wet and windy spells but this hasn't stopped us seeing some fantastic birds! Several cotinga species have been showing well, including Red-ruffed Fruitcrows (August is the peak month for sightings), Swallow-tailed Cotingas on the Waterfall Trail and singing male Shrike-like Cotingas on the Waterfall Trail and Elfin Forest Trail. There's also been some excellent night-birding, including a most intriging record of several Nacunda Nighthawks seen along the road from REGUA to Guapimirim by an Ornitholodays group. Highlights for the main trails include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Slaty Bristlefront, Pale-browed Treehunter, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Long-tailed Tyrant, Bare-throated Bellbird, Green-backed Becard, Yellow-green Grosbeak and Green-winged Saltator. No sign of any Eastern Striped Manakins though!

Elfin Forest Trail: It's been very windy up on this trail of late, but Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Salvadori's Antwren, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Black-billed Scythebill, White-browed Foliage-gleaner and Shrike-like Cotinga (around post 950m) were amongst the birds seen.

Onofre Cunha Trail: This trail continues to produce excellent night-birding. To reduce the impact from visiting birders we are now restricting visits to fixed departures. Highlights include: South American Snipe, Giant Snipe, Tawny-browed Owl, Mottled Owl, 3 Black-banded Owls, Burrowing Owl, Long-tailed Potoo and Common Potoo.

São José Trail: Rufous-capped Motmot, Giant Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Southern Antpipit, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant and Red-ruffed Fruitcrow (photo below).

Waldenoor and Veludo Trail: Mantled Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Plain Parakeet, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Tufted Antshrike, Variable Antshrike, Scaled Antbird, Spotted Bamboowren, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Piratic Flycatcher, Streaked Flycatcher, Variegated Flycatcher, Black-crowned Tityra, Black-tailed Tityra, Green-backed Becard, Temminck's Seedeater and Sooty Grassquit.

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Least Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Potoo, Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Salvadori's Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-throated Woodcreeper, Planalto Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (at the waterfall), Plain Xenops, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin (including a lek), Sharpbill, Shrike-like Cotinga, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Wetland, adjacent forest trails and lodge garden: Plenty of Masked Duck (see the excellent photo by Sue Healey below), several Rusty-margined Guans coming to feeders in the lodge garden, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, Grey-headed Kite, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Laughing Falcon, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Solitary Sandpiper, Scaled Dove, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl (around the REGUA office), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Striped Owl, Common Potoo, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, White Woodpecker, Green-barred Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Wing-banded Hornero, Southern Antpipit, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Euler's Flycatcher, Fuscous Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Hooded Tanager, Swallow-Tanager, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Pileated Finch (second photo below) and Crested Oropendola (in the lodge garden).

30 September 2010

Is it a bird? No it's Adilei!

Bruce Gilchrist, artist and joint founder of London Fieldworks, spent time at REGUA in 2009 as part of a British Council Artist Links residency hosted by REGUA, and recorded this video of our bird guide Adilei and his amazing mimicry skills. Click here to watck him at work - http://vimeo.com/15321746. Adilei mimics six bird species - can you identify them?

20 September 2010

Hawkmoth bonanza!

At last the local authorities have replaced the footbridge across the River Guapi Assu that leads from the reserve to the village, and they have done it in style. The new strong tubular structure has a concrete footpath, and most importantly has a line of very bright white lights that are left on all night. These are proving irresistible to moths, and on just one night we found 18 hawkmoths of 16 species - a remarkable total, especially as it is still winter and not the peak flight period. The photo shows 11 hawkmoths of 10 species, ranging from the largest Neococytius cluentius (second from bottom) to the smallest Enyo Ocypete (centre). We tried to get all the species in one photo but some wouldn't play ball and flew off!

04 September 2010

New article on the altitudinal distribution of Atlantic Forest birds

Our bird guide, Leonardo Pimentel, has co-authored a fascinating article on the altitudinal distribution of Atlantic Forest birds. The article, Altitudinal distribution of birds in a mountainous region in southeastern Brazil, was published in Zoologia, the journal of the Sociedade Brasileira de Zoologia. To download a copy click here.

19 August 2010

Recent sightings on excursions

We've had some fantastic sightings on our excursions recently.

Cabo Frio: Great looks at the Critically Endangered Restinga Antwren in the restinga habitat around the town, with Hook-billed Kite, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant and Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant also seen. The mangroves and coastal lagoons nearby have also been very productive, with White-cheeked Pintail, Brown Booby, Little Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Clapper Rail, Semipalmated and Collared Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, Royal, Yellow-billed and Cayenne Terns and Grey-hooded Gull amongst the species seen.

Macaé de Cima: A White-bearded Antshrike (photo below) has been uncharacteristically obliging, giving incredible views! Other highlights at this montane site include Dusky-legged Guan, Golden-tailed Parrotlets seen very well, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Amethyst Woodstar, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous Gnateater, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, White-throated and Planalto Woodcreepers, Rufous-capped and Pallid Spinetails, White-browed and White-collared Foliage-gleaners, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Chestnut-headed Tanager, Hepatic Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Pico da Caledônia: Highlights include Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Red-eyed Thornbird, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Black-and-gold Cotinga (photo below), Grey-winged Cotinga, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

Sumidouro: We've had some excellent views of the threatened Three-toed Jacamar on this excursion, along with very close encounters with Blue-winged Macaws. Other species seen include White-eyed Parakeet, Common Barn Owl, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Serra Antwren, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Crested Black-Tyrant, White-rumped Monjita, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Gilt-edged Tanager and Crested Oropendola.

10 August 2010

British Birdfair 2010

REGUA volunteers Lee Dingain and Rachel Walls will once again be representing REGUA at the British Birdwatching Fair this year. Come and visit us on the World Land Trust stand (marquee 4, stand nos. 14 and 15) and find out about birding at REGUA, the latest sightings, the improvements to the lodge and progress our crucial conservation work. The Birdfair will be held at Egleton Nature Reserve in Rutland from the 20 to 22 August.

09 August 2010

Recent sightings

June and July saw some excellent birds recorded around the reserve including a new species for REGUA - Grey-bellied Spinetail. Highlights include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Bat Falcon, Saw-billed Hermit, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Bare-throated Bellbird, Red-necked Tanager, Gilt-edged Tanager (a very good record for such a low altitude), Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Elfin Forest and Grey Trails: Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-browed, Ochre-breasted, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Pale-browed Treehunter, Russet-winged Spadebill and Brown Tanager.

Lodge garden: Rusty-margined Guan, Collared Forest-Falcon, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Orange-winged Parrot, Biscutate Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Brazilian Ruby, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, White Woodpecker and Black-legged Dacnis. Crab-eating Foxes also continue to visit the garden (photo below).

Onofre Cunha: Guests joining our pre-dawn excursions to this forest fragment have had excellent views of Tawny-browed Owl and Black-banded Owl, however, Giant Snipe continue to be elusive with birds only being heard. Limpkin, Striped Cuckoo, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-capped Motmot and Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant are amongst the other birds seen here.

São José Trail: Shrike-like Cotinga are still present along the beginning of this trail, along with Giant Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-collared Foliage-gleaners, Southern Antpipit, Bare-throated Bellbird and Red-ruffed Fruitcrow.

Waldenoor and Veludo Trail: White-necked and Mantled Hawks, Black Hawk-Eagle, Frilled Coquette, White-eared and Crescent-chested Puffbirds, Saffron Toucanet, Black-necked Aracari, Yellow-fronted and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Tufted Antshrike, Unicoloured Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren (showing regularly), Grey-bellied Spinetail (new for REGUA), Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, White-crested Tyrannulet (first photo below), Euler's Flycatcher, Tropical Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Bare-throated Bellbird, Green-backed Becard, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Black-capped Becard (second photo below), Olive-green Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Uniform Finch and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Waterfall Trail: Brown Tinamou, White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, White-eyed Parakeet, Least Pygmy-Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Grey-hooded Attila, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow and Gilt-edged Tanager.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: 6 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pinnated Bittern (first photo below), Capped Heron (second photo below), Great Black-Hawk (the third record for REGUA), Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Orange-winged Parrot, Striped Cuckoo, Biscutate Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Brazilian Ruby, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, Black-necked Aracari (the second record for REGUA - third photo below), White Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Wing-banded Hornero, Greenish Elaenia, White-crested Tyrannulet, Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached and Long-billed Wrens, Black-capped Donacobius, Yellow-legged Thrush, Fawn-breasted, Green-headed and Rufous-headed Tanagers, Black-legged Dacnis and Hooded Siskin (forth photo below).

02 August 2010

REGUA receives generous wedding gift

Last November Dale and Helen visited REGUA and in July this year they became Mr and Mrs Middleton. Instead of handing out a wedding list they very generously asked for donations from their many birding friends to be given to REGUA to support our conservation work. We are delighted to report that the wedding went smoothly, a total of £530.00 was raised which will be put towards further land purchases in the Matumbo Gap area, and the message about REGUA's work has been spread wider in Yorkshire. Thank you both so much, and we look forward to your next visit.

06 July 2010

First field ecology course takes place at REGUA

One of our main goals, besides habitat restoration, environmental education and research, is to attract the Brazilian university community to perform research, teaching, workshops and educational activities at REGUA, profiting from its diverse habitats, support logistics and a safe environment to work. During the weekend of 21 - 24 May, REGUA received for the first time a team of 23 graduate students, four teachers and a driver from UFRJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro). The goal was to perform Entomologia I discipline field ecology classes, with some sampling techniques practical training in different types of habitat.

Initial contact was made through Dr. José Ricardo Mermudez, a specialist on Coleoptera (especially the Anthribidae family), who visited REGUA previously to see conditions in loco, support logistics and suitable local spots for the field activities with his students. For receiving this group, REGUA speeded up the acquisition of 23 chairs for the new Laboratory, and the UFRJ crew just brought in their gear for practical classes.

On the first day the students learned how to sample litter soil fauna. They sampled three different habitats: moist forest soil, open forest border and pasture. The following days, the group headed for the São José Trail, with its magnificent forest patches, to survey aquatic arthropods in the Rio do Gato waterfalls and rapids. That night, a Light Trap was set and the students made turns every hour during the night, counting the all the insects that landed on the sheath, attracted by the mercury vapor bulbs.

Food was plenty and widely appreciated (university students do eat a lot) and in the evening some talents showed up spontaneously - in a typical carioca setting - as a band of percussionist, cavaquinho and guitar for some samba and chorinho playing, quite appreciated by the volunteers that happily joined the band. Everybody went home quite satisfied and at least two students want to submit their research project for Md in REGUA, dealing with two Coleoptera families. This will be the first time this important insect order will be sampled in REGUA.

13 June 2010

April and May sightings

Although the last two months might have been quiet for guests at the lodge, it certainly hasn't been quiet for birds! Our guides Adilei and Leonardo have been busy birding the trails and although birds are much less vocal during our winter months, the birding is still excellent - just check out the species listed below!!

At this time of year large mixed-species flocks are roaming the forest in search of food and many trees are fruiting attracting a wide variety of species. Another bonus of winter is that it is also drier, cooler and bird activity often remains high throughout the day. Highlights in April and May were many, but some that stand out include Brown-backed Parrotlet, 2 Swallow-tailed Cotingas, at least 4 Shrike-like Cotingas (including 3 near the lodge), 4+ Salvadori's Antwrens on three trails, 4 Russet-winged Spadebills showing on three trails, good sightings of Black-legged Dacnis and some fantastic night-birding!

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: White-necked Hawk, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Reddish Hermit, Surucua and Black-throated Trogons, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Yellow-fronted, Yellow-eared, Yellow-throated and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Spot-backed Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, 2 Slaty Bristlefront, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Long-tailed Tyrant, Large-headed Flatbill, White-thighed Swallow, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, 2 Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Rufous-headed Tanager, over 50 Blue Dacnis in one fruiting tree and Sooty Grassquit. Fruiting trees at the top of the trail have been attracting cotingas including 2 Swallow-tailed Cotinga (photo below), a Hooded Berryeater and several Bare-throated Bellbirds.

Elfin Forest Trail: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Spot-backed Antshrike, a pair of Salvadori's Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Such's Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-throated Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Russet-winged Spadebill and Grey-hooded Attila.

Grey Trail: Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-billed Toucanet, Star-throated Antwren, Short-tailed Antthrush, White-throated Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, 2 Russet-winged Spadebills, Pin-tailed Manakin, Sharpbill, Olive-green Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Black-throated Grosbeak.

Onofre Cunha: The trail here has been amazing for night-birding, especially in the early morning. 2 Black-banded Owls have been showing very well (photo below), along with Mottled Owl, Tawny-browed Owl and Long-tailed Potoo. Other birds recorded here include Collared Forest-Falcon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Giant Cowbird and a striking partial albino Sayaca Tanager.

São José Trail: Least Pygmy-Owl, Surucua Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Salvadori's Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Southern Antpipit, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Grey-hooded Attila and 3 Shrike-like Cotinga at the regular winter site (photo below).

Waldenoor and our new Veludo Trail: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Mantled Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Plain Parakeet, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Frilled Coquette, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Variable Antshrike, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren (photo below), Scaled Woodcreeper, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Sharpbill, Green-backed Becard, Olive-green Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Uniform Finch, Yellow-green and Black-throated Grosbeaks, Green-winged Saltator, Green-chinned Euphonia and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

Waterfall Trail: Brown Tinamou, Dusky-legged Guan, White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Barred Forest-Falcon, Brown-backed Parrotlet, Pileated Parrot, Blue-bellied Parrot, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Potoo (at its roost site), Pauraque, Saw-billed, Dusky-throated and Scale-throated Hermits, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared and Yellow-throated Woodpeckers, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Short-tailed Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged, White-throated, Planalto and Lesser Woodcreepers, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (at the waterfall), Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Oustalet's Tyrannulet, White-throated and Russet-winged Spadebills, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin (photo below), Sharpbill, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Shrike-like Cotinga, White-thighed Swallow, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Black-throated Grosbeak and Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.

Wetland, adjacent forest trails and Lodge garden: 2 adult and 3 immature Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, 5 Muscovy Duck, 1 Masked Duck (where they go at this time of year is still a mystery), 3 Rusty-margined Guan (visiting the lodge feeders daily), Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pinnated Bittern (from the hide), 2 Cocoi Heron, Capped Heron, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Laughing and Aplomado Falcons, Limpkin, some excellent rail encounters including Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake and some bold Blackish Rails, Solitary Sandpiper, Scaled Dove, Maroon-bellied Parakeet (large numbers around the wetland and lodge feeders daily), Blue-winged Parrotlet, 2 Orange-winged Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo, Barn Owl, 2 Tropical Screech-Owl (at the usual roost site), 2 Tawny-browed Owl showing well around the conservation centre, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Biscutate Swift, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, a Brazilian Ruby (the male still present defending its feeders in the lodge garden), Rufous-capped Motmot (including 2 birds seen regularly in the lodge garden), Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, White, Yellow-throated and Blond-crested Woodpeckers (in the lodge garden), Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, 2 Planalto Tyrannulet in the lodge garden, Greenish Elaenia (the first for Rio State still present around the lodge!), White-crested Tyrannulet, Green-backed and Crested Becards, Rufous-browed Peppershrike (including a bird in the lodge garden), Lemon-chested Greenlet, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Yellow-legged Thrush (first ever record on the lodge feeders), 12 species of tanager in the lodge garden including Hooded, Flame-crested, Ruby-crowned, Brazilian, Golden-chevroned, Green-headed, Red-necked, Burnished-buff and Yellow-backed Tanagers, Swallow-Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager (at the wetland - very low altitude for this species), at least 5 Black-legged Dacnis around the wetland (a winter migrant at REGUA - second photo below), Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Black-throated Grosbeak, Masked Yellowthroat, at least 50 Red-rumped Caciques feeding in the lodge garden, Hooded Siskin, Purple-throated Euphonia and Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.

There have also been some fantastic mammals seen around the reserve including: Common Grey Four-eyed Opossum, Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Yellow Armadillo (in the lodge garden - photo below), Common (Tufted-ear) Marmoset, Crab-eating Fox (visiting the lodge garden), Greater Grison, Orange-spined Hairy Dwarf Porcupine, at least 40 Capybara at the wetland and Red-rumped Agouti.

For more bird sightings and photos taken at REGUA in May see Lee's Birding Blog (you will need to scroll down to see older posts).

11 June 2010

Two year hummingbird survey begins at REGUA

Luciana Barcante, a masters student at Rio de Janeiro State University, has began a two year survey of hummingbirds at REGUA. The aim of the survey is to study hummingbird diversity from sea level up to 1,800 m, at 400-500 m altitudinal intervals. Lucinana and her team will be visiting REGUA once a month, using mist nets to identify and take measurements of hummingbirds caught. REGUA guide, Leonardo, is assisting with identification and banding. The first visit took place at the end of May on the Waterfall Trail and revealed some interesting records. Saw-billed Hermits were abundant, 2 Dusky-throated Hermits were caught (a very difficult species to see - 1st photo) and a Scale-throated Hermit was found at only 400 m (a very low altitude for this species).

Other species caught in the nets included Barred Forest-Falcon (2nd photo), Rufous-capped Motmot (3rd photo), Star-throated Antwren, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser (4th photo), Planalto Woodcreeper (5th photo) and White-browed Foliage-gleaner.

More photos from the ringing sessions here.

04 June 2010

Rufous-capped Antshrike at REGUA

Great news for birders visiting REGUA, a male Rufous-capped Antshrike has been found!! On April 22 a single male bird was first heard and then observed by lodge guide Adilei and resident volunteer Scott Watson at the wetland. This great bird responded well to playback where we were able to record its vocalizations as well as take a few photos (below). This widespread South American species is usually a bird of much higher elevations in montane scrubland further to the south, and in the São Paulo area. There are 5 sub-species distributed from Andean Peru eastward towards Argentina. The bird observed at REGUA is of the nominate sub-species Thamnophilus ruficapillus ruficapillus, and the observation of this bird (for the second time at REGUA) may indicate a range expansion or a yet unknown yearly movement to lower elevations. This bird was observed 3 more times in the following week at the newly planted hill on the South side of the wetlands, mimicking its favoured scrub-like, open habitat.

29 May 2010

REGUA streamed live to the Chelsea Flower Show

REGUA partners, the World Land Trust, have been at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London this week, highlighting the plight of the Atlantic Forest with their award winning Saving the Atlantic Rainforest exhibit. REGUA volunteers, Rachel Walls and Lee Dingain, helped out on the stand today and received much interest in the Atlantic Forest and REGUA, including some potential visitors and volunteers. The exhibit featured a webcam streaming live action from the bird feeders at REGUA which proved to be a big success, with bird activity being almost constant for the first four hours or so of the day. 15 species were noted including 3 Rusty-margined Guans, small flocks of Green-headed Tanagers, Red-necked Tanager and a surprise first for the Lodge garden - a male Yellow-legged Thrush! Happy 21st birthday to the World Land Trust!

28 May 2010

High altitude survey reveals news birds for REGUA

REGUA bird guide, Leonardo Pimentel, has recently been exploring the forest in some of the highest and least visited parts of the Reserve. These areas are very remote and difficult to reach, but Leonardo's efforts were well rewarded with eight new birds for REGUA being found: Plovercrest, Glittering-bellied Emerald, Red-eyed Thornbird (photo below), Sharp-billed Treehunter, Greenish Tyrannulet, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant and Hellmayr's Pipit. This brings the total number of bird species recorded at REGUA to 449 and the number of Atlantic Forest endemics to 116! What will be number 450?

27 May 2010

Bill Oddie visits REGUA

At the end of April, REGUA received a three day visit from television presenter and writer Bill Oddie. Bill was part of a group led by World Land Trust CEO John Burton, who travelled to REGUA and then on to Missiones to learn more about the wonderful pioneering conservation work in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil in preparation for the Chelsea Flower Show. Bill had agreed to help on the WLT stand at Chelsea on the press day. This was his first visit to Brazil and although most of his time was spent around the newly restored wetlands and reforested areas, he did find time to walk the Green Trail to the waterfall and see a few of the reserve's speciality birds. He was immensely impressed with REGUA, especially at the habitat restoration work and was amazed by the speed of tree growth.

More about Bill's visit and a short film clip made at the wetlands can be viewed at the WLT website.

25 May 2010

World Land Trust win gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show

REGUA partner, the World Land Trust, has been awarded a gold medal for its Saving the Atlantic Rainforest exhibit at this years RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The exhibit, located in the Continuous Learning section, was also awarded "Best in Section" as well! The exhibit recreates a small patch of the Atlantic Forest and features a representation of a tree nursery and live streaming via webcam of the action from the bird feeders at REGUA. The Chelsea Flower Show runs until Saturday 29th May, when two REGUA volunteers, Rachel Walls and Lee Dingain, will also be helping to man the stand. For further details and to view the webcam click here.

22 May 2010

Winter birding at REGUA

REGUA webmaster and birder, Lee Dingain, has recently revisited us to see how the Reserve has been developing and gather updates for the website. Most birders visit REGUA between July and November (the austral spring, when birds are more vocal), but Lee has been keen to experience what the birding is like at this time of year and has had a lot of success. To find out what he has seen check out his blog at http://leedingain.blogspot.com/ (you will need to scroll down for older posts).

22 April 2010

March sightings

Another great month for bird sightings with many guests seeing over 100 species a day!

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Guests enjoyed excellent views of a Hook-billed Kite (a rare bird here) as well as Saw-billed Hermit, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Shrike-like Cotinga, Red-necked Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Elfin Forest Trail: Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, White-bearded Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, White-browed, Ochre-breasted, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Pale-browed Treehunter and Brown Tanager.

Onofre Cunha: Limpkin, Striped Cuckoo, Tawny-browed Owl, Black-banded Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-capped Motmot, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, White-rumped Monjita, Long-billed Wren and Orange-bellied Euphonia.

São José Trail: Least Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Potoo, Saffron Toucanet, Tufted Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Black-billed Scythebill, Ochre-breasted, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-collared Foliage-gleaners and Shrike-like Cotinga.

Waldenoor: Black Hawk-Eagle, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Blond-crested Woodpecker, White-bibbed Antbird, Bare-throated Bellbird, Shrike-like Cotinga, Azure-shouldered Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Waterfall Trail: Brown Tinamou, White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow, Red-necked Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Wetland, adjacent forest trails and Lodge garden: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Pied-billed Grebe, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, 2 Scaled Dove (hot on the heals of REGUA's first record back in December), Blue Ground-Dove, Pale-vented Pigeon, White-eyed Parakeet, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Orange-winged Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Biscutate Swift, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, Glittering-throated Emerald, Brazilian Ruby at the Lodge feeders, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird (in the Lodge garden), White Woodpecker, White-flanked Antwren, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, Greenish Elaenia, Small-billed Elaenia, Bran-coloured Flycatcher, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Brazilian Tanager, an unusual (at this altitude) record of Brassy-breasted Tanager, Black-legged Dacnis (showing well in the Lodge garden) and Chestnut-vented Conebill.

Sightings on our excursions have included:

Macaé de Cima: Several Brown-backed Parrotlets, Pileated Parrot, Plovercrest, Brazilian Ruby, Black-throated Trogon, Saffron Toucanet, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, White-shouldered Fire-eye, White-throated Woodcreeper, Planalto Woodcreeper, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Chestnut-headed Tanager, Fawn-breasted and Brassy-breasted Tanagers.

Pico da Caledônia: Dusky-legged Guan, Black Hawk-Eagle, Red-legged Seriema, Pale-vented Pigeon, Pileated Parrot, Plovercrest, White-eared Puffbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Highland Elaenia, Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, Grey-winged Cotinga (see photo below), Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Cinnamon, Chestnut-headed, Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

07 March 2010

February sightings

The peak period for visiting birders at REGUA is between August to November. This is generally considered the best time of year for sightings, because most birds are either busy feeding young or singing to attract a mate and so are more vocal and easier to find. But the quality of the birds seen last month (which include yet another new species for the reserve) just goes to show that the birding here can be excellent any any time of the year. Highlights around the reserve include:

Elfin Forest Trail: Adilei and Leonardo found some real rarities on this trail last month, including Brown-backed Parrotlet and White-bearded Antshrike. Other highlights were Dusky-legged Guan, Black Hawk-Eagle, Barred Forest-Falcon, Plumbeous Pigeon, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Tawny-browed Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Dusky-throated Hermit, Brazilian Ruby, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Spot-backed Antshrike, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren, Ochre-rumped Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Spotted Bamboowren, Slaty Bristlefront, Such's Antthrush, Scaled Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Pallid Spinetail, White-browed Foliage-gleaner, Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Oustalet's Tyrannulet, Large-headed Flatbill, Brown Tanager, Uniform Finch, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Black-throated Grosbeak and Green-chinned Euphonia.

Grey Trail: A Russet-winged Spadebill has been showing well (photo below) and Black-throated Trogon, Spot-billed Toucanet, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird and Yellow-green Grosbeak have also been seen.

Waterfall Trail: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, White-necked Hawk, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Pileated Parrot, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Unicoloured Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, White-throated Woodcreeper, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: The pair of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks that turned up last November have now bred producing 8 young! Lets hope this is the start of a small range expansion for this species at REGUA (click here for a photo). If this wasn't exciting enough, on the 26th the lodge garden produced the first new bird for the reserve of the new decade - Yellow-billed Cuckoo (top photo below)! Found by Edson Endrigo, at least two birds were seen feeding alongside the closely related Dark-billed Cuckoo (bottom photo below) in a tree that had an infestation of catapillars. Nearby a third species of coccyzus cuckoo, Pearly-breasted Cuckoo, was also seen! Other birds logged around the wetland include Tataupa Tinamou, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Crane Hawk, Limpkin, Russet-crowned Crake, Rufous-sided Crake, Blackish Rail, Solitary Sandpiper, Tropical Screech-Owl, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Black-legged Dacnis, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Lined Seedeater and Red-cowled Cardinal.

We've also had some excellent sightings on our excursions in February, including:

Cabo Frio: Excellent views of the critically endangered Restinga Antwren, along with Brown Booby, Little Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, Collared Plover, American Oystercatcher, Black-necked Stilt, Grey-hooded Gull, South American Tern, Minute Hermit, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant and Lemon-chested Greenlet.

Macaé de Cima: Plovercrest, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertonis Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Pallid Spinetail, White-browed Foliage-gleaner, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, Pale-browed Treehunter, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Hooded Berryeater, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Pin-tailed Manakin, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Crested Oropendola and Green-chinned Euphonia.

Serra dos Órgãos National Park: Brown Tinamou, Dusky-legged Guan, Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Plumbeous Pigeon, Pileated Parrot, Mottled Owl (photo below), Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Giant Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Black-billed Scythebill, Pallid Spinetail, Hooded Berryeater, Pin-tailed Manakin, Sharpbill, Buffy-fronted Seedeater and Half-collared Sparrow.

20 February 2010

Research co-ordinator appointed

REGUA is delighted to announce the appointment of Jorge Bizarro in a new post as Research Co-ordinator. Jorge has a degree in medicine from Lisbon, an MD and PhD in Biological Sciences from Parana and has worked in medical research as well as teaching human palaeontology and bioethics. His main interests are in entomology, especially the relationship between Lepidoptera and their host species, and has published a number of papers and collaborated in the preparation of several books on the subject. Amongst other things, Jorge will be responsible for co-ordinating the growing number of research projects at REGUA, working with the Brazilian Universities and Institutions to promote and obtain funding for further research and to assist in the dissemination of information through the website, publications and journals. This is a part-time role, and Jorge will spend his remaining two days per week studying for a Post Doc in Rio. In its brief history to date, REGUA has developed an enviable bird list and some notable mammal records, but Jorge's appointment will help focus more attention on the many other taxonomic groups which abound in the forest.

18 January 2010

New birds for REGUA in 2009

Five new birds were added to the REGUA list in 2009, taking the total number of bird species recorded on the reserve to an amazing 440! The first of these was a pair of Peach-fronted Parakeets found at the wetland on 27th May by our guide Adilei (top photo). Peach-fronted Parakeet is common in the Cerrado but the Serra do Mar mountains form the southern limit of their range. It wasn't until October that the second new bird was found - a Rufous-capped Antshrike behind the nursery, again found by sharp-eyed Adilei. November saw the next two additions - on the 1st, 6 Black-necked Aracaris flew across the road at the entrance to the reserve. These birds were seen by tour guide and photographer Edson Endrigo and his group, together with Adilei, and a pair was even seen copulating! Then on the 16th, Alan Martin found a pair of Black-bellied Whisting-Ducks at the wetland (bottom photo) where they looked instantly at home and have been seen regularly since. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is expanding and may well become established alongside the resident White-faced Whistling-Ducks. Finally a Scaled Dove at the wetland on 29 December, seen by Adilei, Leonardo and Nicholas (see December sightings below for a photo), was the last new bird of the year. Scaled Dove is most commonly found in dry habitats such as Cerrado and it is thought that deforestation of the Cerrado is forcing them to move to new areas.

02 January 2010

December sightings

We are now well into our summer here at REGUA. The weather continues to be hot and humid and many species of bird now have recently fledged chicks, providing some excellent birding for our guests. December also saw another new species added to the REGUA list! Sightings from around the reserve include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Hook-billed Kite, Slaty Bristlefront and Eastern Striped Manakin.

Elfin Forest Trail: Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Black-billed Scythebill and Russet-winged Spadebill.

Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Plain Parakeet, Saw-billed Hermit, Frilled Coquette, Rufous-tailed Jacamar and Green-chinned Euphonia.

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Pileated Parrot, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Potoo - still present at its roost site, Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Salvadori's Antwren, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged, White-throated, Planalto and Lesser Woodcreepers, Black-capped, Buff-fronted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Plain and Streaked Xenops, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, White-throated Spadebill, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, White-necked Thrush, Olive-green Tanager, Yellow-green and Black-throated Grosbeaks.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Brazilian Teal with young, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, Grey-headed Kite, Snail Kite, Rufous-thighed Kite, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Laughing Falcon, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, Solitary Sandpiper, Scaled Dove - the first record for REGUA (see top photo below), Grey-fronted Dove, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, Tropical Screech-Owl - the pair at the office have bred producing 2 young (see bottom photo below), Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Striped Owl, Reddish Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, nesting Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Plain Xenops, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Southern Antpipit, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Euler's Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Swallow-Tanager and Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch.

11 December 2009

November sightings

November has been very hot and humid with a lot of rain, but this hasn't stopped us seeing some great birds! Highlights from around the reserve include: 2 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (new for REGUA), Muscovy Duck with 6, reducing to 4 chicks, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan visiting the lodge feeders, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Rufous-thighed Kite, Crane Hawk, White-necked Hawk, 2 Crowned Eagles over the wetland, 2 American Kestrel, Rufous-sided Crake, 2 Giant Snipe at a new feeding site found by our guide Adilei, Solitary Sandpiper, Plain-breasted Ground-Dove, Blue Ground-Dove, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Blue-bellied Parrot, 6 Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo, Tropical Screech-Owl, Black-capped Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, 2 Striped Owl, Long-tailed Potoo roosting on the Waterfall Trail (see photo below), Common Potoo, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Reddish Hermit, Black-throated Mango still visiting the lodge feeders, White-chinned Sapphire, Black-throated Trogon, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed and Saffron Toucanets, 6 Black-necked Aracari (new for REGUA), Chestnut-backed Antshrike showing on the nest, Spot-breasted and Plain Antvireos, Star-throated Antwren, 2 White-flanked Antwren in the lodge garden, Salvadori's Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper with young, Southern Antpipit, Greenish Elaenia, lots of Yellow Tyrannulets, White-rumped Monjita, good numbers of Piratic, Streaked and Fork-tailed Flycatchers, Pin-tailed Manakin, Greenish Schiffornis, Shrike-like Cotinga on the Elfin Forest Trail, Black-capped Donacobius, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch, Lined Seedeater, Sooty Grassquit, Yellow-green Grosbeak, Purple-throated Euphonia at the lodge feeders, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia (see photo below) and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

The best mammal sighting was a Puma seen by one of our rangers! Other mammals seen include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Greater Grison (see photo below) and Red-rumped Agouti.

07 December 2009

2009/10 tree planting season begins

In November we planted the first 3,000 of the 30,000 trees that we plan to plant over the next few months. Tree planting around the wetland is now complete and so we have begun reforesting other parts of the reserve. 20,000 saplings of pioneer tree species will be planted on the recently purchased Matumbo Gap land (top photo below) and 10,000 around the Small Wetland, and much of this work will take place in December and January. Most of these saplings have been grown from seeds collected from the forest throughout the year by our rangers and volunteers. Preparing the ground, planting and care of the saplings is hard work in the summer heat and humidity (bottom photo below), but necessary to ensure a high success rate. This important planting has been funded by the World Land Trust and SOS Mata Atlântica.

01 December 2009

REGUA becomes haven for rescued wildlife

The reputation of REGUA as a safe place for wildlife is spreading within the local community. When faced with a caiman (top photo) in a drainage ditch on a building site in the town of Cachoeiras de Macacu, instead of shooting the unfortunate creature the site manager called the Fire Brigade who called the Três Picos Park office, who trapped it and brought it to REGUA for release. The wetlands already have over 30 caiman that have arrived by themselves without help, but there is always room for a few more.

A few days later a Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (bottom photo) was found beside the main road heading away from the forest towards some houses. With some difficulty the sloth was loaded into a sack and driven to the Reserve where it was released in the Lodge garden. Over the course of the next hour before dusk this sloth posed for numerous photographs, but by the next morning had disappeared into the forest.

27 November 2009

Common Potoo nest

This year we have been treated to some excellent views of a Common Potoo which has nested on a bamboo tree stake beside the wetlands. The first photo (left), taken on 9th November, shows the tiny chick being incubated by the adult soon after hatching. On 15th November the chick had already grown rapidly in size (middle photo) and by the 20th November it was too big to be sat on by the adult (right photo). This chick was particularly lucky as it faced at least two life-threatening events. Several days after first discovery, our guide Adilei was disappointed to find the egg on the ground beside the stake, but carefully replaced it and the bird fortunately returned to incubate and hatch the chick. The second near fatal event was on the 20th November, several hours after the last photo was taken, when a freak storm with winds of over 100 mph swept through the wetlands and Lodge garden blowing over trees and snapping branches. When the winds subsided we found the chick on the ground again, soaking wet and looking very miserable. Once again it was returned to the stake after a good drying, and seemed none the worse when checked the next day.

19 November 2009

Recent sightings on excursions

Birds seen on our excursions over the last couple of months include:

Macaé de Cima: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Scale-throated Hermit, Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Amethyst Woodstar, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed and Green-barred Woodpeckers, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Rufous-tailed (Brazilian) Antthrush, Planalto Woodcreeper, Red-eyed Thornbird, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Pale-browed and Sharp-billed Treehunters, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Sharpbill, Shrike-like Cotinga, Brown Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch and White-browed (White-rimmed) Warbler.

Pico da Caledônia: Large-tailed Antshrike (see photo below taken last year), Rufous-capped Antshrike, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Rufous-capped, Grey-bellied and Spix's Spinetails, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Rough-legged, Planalto and Grey-capped Tyrannulets, Highland Elaenia, Blue-billed and Velvety Black-Tyrants, Shear-tailed Grey Tyrant, Swallow-tailed, Black-and-gold and Grey-winged Cotingas, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Cinnamon, Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers.

Sumidouro: Red-legged Seriema, White-eyed Parakeet, Three-toed Jacamar, Serra Antwren, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Hangnest Tody-Tyrant and Streamer-tailed Tyrant.

09 November 2009

Recent sightings

Bird sightings from around the reserve in September and October include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Brown Tinamou, Variable Screech-Owl (first record for this trail), Frilled Coquette, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker (the race found here, P. f. erythropis, actually has a red throat - see photo below), Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged, White-throated and Lesser Woodcreepers, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Grey-hooded Attila, Eastern Striped Manakin and Turquoise Tanager.

Elfin Forest Trail: Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Salvadori's Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Short-tailed Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser and Shrike-like Cotinga.

Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk, White-eared Puffbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Blue Manakin, Green-backed, Chestnut-crowned and Crested Becards and Rufous-headed Tanager.

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Blue-bellied Parrot, Variable Screech-Owl (at the usual roost site), Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Star-throated, White-flanked (including one a ringed/banded bird), Unicoloured, Rufous-winged and Streak-capped Antwrens, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Black-capped and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, Southern Antpipit, Grey-hooded Attila, Pin-tailed Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, White-thighed Swallow, White-necked Thrush and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Tataupa Tinamou, Muscovy Duck (with six young), up to 25 Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, Whistling Heron, Osprey, Grey-headed, Snail and Plumbeous Kites, Bicoloured, White-necked and Short-tailed Hawks, Laughing and Aplomado Falcons, Limpkin, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Giant Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, Blue Ground-Dove, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo (including a juvenile being feed by Yellow-chinned Spinetails), Barn Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Striped Owl, Common Potoo (an adult with a chick), Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Spot-tailed Nightjar, Scissor-tailed Nightjar, Reddish Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, White-barred Piculet, White, Yellow-eared and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Rufous-capped Antshrike (new for REGUA), Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked and Unicoloured Antwrens, Scaled and White-bibbed Antbirds, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Ochre-faced, Yellow-lored and Common Tody-Flycatchers, Greenish Elaenia, Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Whiskered Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Hooded, Flame-crested, Brazilian and Yellow-backed Tanagers, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Chestnut-vented Conebill and Pileated Finch.

Elsewhere on the reserve, Russet-winged Spadebill have been showing on the Grey Trail and Rusty-margined Guans have been visiting the lodge feeders. Hummers at the lodge feeders have included Rufous-breasted Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Black Jacobin, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Glittering-throated Emerald and Amethyst Woodstar, and a Black-throated Mango also put in a appearance. Lastly, on the Onofre Cunha land, 6 Black-necked Aracari were seen - a new species for the reserve!

Mammal sightings include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Greater Grison and good numbers of Capybara (see photo below), and we have also found prints of Margay and Paca at the new wetland.

06 November 2009

Wetland extension flooded

We have long had the ambition to restore the wetlands that once existed around the lodge. Last month this ambition became one step nearer to becoming reality, when after months of hard work the final area to be restored was flooded. The original wetland - drained in the 1980s to make way for agriculture and pasture - was largely wooded swamp covered with water-loving trees (Tabebuia cassinoides) and palms (Bactris spp.), dripping with orchids and bromeliads. The restored wetland looks very different and includes a wider range of habitats such as small lakes, Typha reedbeds and wet grassland, as well as areas of replanted Tabebuia. Since restoration began in 2005, the wetland has been maturing quickly and biodiversity increasing rapidly. Over 200 species of birds have now been recorded, caiman and Capybara have moved in, and in a short while it is planned to replant the first Cattleya harrisonia orchids that existed long ago. The latest phase differs from the others in that it has been designed so that the water level can be raised and lowered to attract wading birds, and migrant Solitary Sandpipers (a scarce migrant at REGUA) have already been seen. One tower hide already exists and a new hide will be ready by March 2010. The addition of the new flooded area, some 3 hectares in size, has increased the total area flooded at REGUA to around 15 hectares. Many thanks to everyone who has supported us on this exciting project.

15 October 2009

New lizard found for Rio State

In September 2007, a research team based at REGUA found a new species of lizard for Rio State in a small patch of lowland forest partly owned by REGUA, just outside the core reserve. The Slender Anole Anolis fuscoauratus is a common species in the Amazon basin but poorly known in the Atlantic Forest (see photo below by Davor Vrcibradic). This record represents a large range extension for this species. To read more click here.

25 September 2009

REGUA in Royal Entomological Society magazine

The summer 2009 issue of Antenna - the bulletin of the Royal Entomological Society - features an excellent article by John Feltwell, a trustee of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Trust, highlighting the huge diveristy of moths found at REGUA and inviting anyone with an interest in moths to help us identify the large number of unidentified moths that we have photographed at the reserve.

If you would like to get involved then please see our unidentifed moths page. Antenna is available free to Royal Entomological Society members - please visit their website for details.

14 September 2009

New Photo of the Month web page!

Over the years, guests staying at the lodge, and our guides, have taken many amazing bird photos at REGUA. To showcase some of these images we have set up a Photo of the Month feature on our website, starting off with Steve Blain's beautiful shot of a Swallow-tailed Cotinga. To take a look click on this link - http://www.guapiassubirdlodge.com/.

10 September 2009

August sightings

We are now entering early spring and many birds are preparing to breed. Different species are at different stages of nesting, with many only just starting to form territories but some already have well-grown chicks (see below)! August sightings from around the reserve include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Rufous-winged Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Lesser Woodcreeper, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Russet-winged Spadebill (the first record on this trail), Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Grey-hooded Attila, Eastern Striped Manakin, Shrike-like Cotinga, White-winged Becard, Black-capped Becard, Turquoise Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

Elfin Forest Trail: Mantled Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Golden-tailed Parrotlet, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Giant Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren and Variegated Antpitta.

Waldenoor: White-necked Hawk, Mantled Hawk (this is the most reliable area on the reserve for this species), Plain Parakeet, Scaly-headed Parrot, Reddish Hermit, Frilled Coquette, White-eared Puffbird, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Star-throated Antwren, Slaty Bristlefront, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Whiskered Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Green-backed Becard, Olive-green Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, a pair of Green-chinned Euphonia (see photo below) and Chestnut-bellied Euphonia.

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Slaty Bristlefront, White-throated Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper (at the waterfall), Southern Antpipit, White-throated Spadebill, Whiskered Flycatcher, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Turquoise Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Muscovy Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Whistling Heron, Capped Heron, Grey-headed Kite, Snail Kite, Great Black-Hawk (the second record for REGUA), Laughing Falcon, Limpkin, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Rufous-sided Crake, Ash-throated Crake, Blackish Rail, excellent views of Giant Snipe, Barn Owl, 2 Tropical Screech-Owls (at the usual roost site), Tawny-browed Owl, Striped Owl - including these 2 juveniles (see photo below), Scissor-tailed Nightjar, White-chinned Sapphire, White Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Tufted Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Black-cheeked Gnateater, White-throated Woodcreeper, Wing-banded Hornero, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Brazilian Tanager and Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch.

Highlights on our excursions include:

Macaé de Cima: Dusky-legged Guan, Aplomado Falcon, Scale-throated Hermit, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Channel-billed Toucan, Saffron Toucanet, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Bertoni's Antbird, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Slaty Bristlefront, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet, Bare-throated Bellbird, Brassy-breasted Tanager and Uniform Finch.

Pico da Caledônia: White-tailed Hawk, Red-legged Seriema, Plovercrest, Glittering-bellied Emerald, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Variable Antshrike, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Scaled Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Grey-capped Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Grey-winged Cotinga, Pin-tailed Manakin, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Cinnamon Tanager, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Diademed Tanager, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Green-winged Saltator and White-browed Warbler.

Serra dos Órgãos National Park: Spot-winged Wood-Quail, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Green-barred Woodpecker, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Rufous-tailed Antthrush, Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Hooded Berryeater, Brown Tanager, Half-collared Sparrow and White-browed Warbler.

Sumidouro: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, American Kestrel, White-eyed Parakeet, Striped Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, White-vented Violet-ear, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, 5+ Three-toed Jacamars seen on a single trip, Giant Antshrike, Crested Black-Tyrant, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Uniform Finch and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

Mammal sightings in August have included: Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Greater Fishing Bat, Tufted-ear Marmoset, Brown Howler Monkey, Brazilian Squirrel, Orange-spined Hairy Dwarf Porcupine, Capybara and Red-rumped Agouti. Finally, an intriguing record is that of a dead Southern Tamandua found in the forest behind the wetland, indicating that these animals are still present in the area.

09 August 2009

Another major land purchase for REGUA

On the 17th July contracts were signed with Carlos and Anna Lemgruber to purchase an area of about 1,700 acres of wonderful forest that adjoins the recently purchased Matumbo Gap properties. This purchase takes the land owned by REGUA to over 11,000 acres, with a further 7,000 acres under a management agreement. The purchase has been made possible by the generous support of the World Land Trust, and especially BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) who are raising funds through a number of their member zoos. However, although the contract has been signed, only half the money has been raised to date and we have been able to go ahead with the purchase thanks to an interest-free loan from one of our long-term supporters. The WLT and BIAZA will be working hard over the next year to pay this loan back, but if you would like to help please visit http://www.worldlandtrust.org/projects/brazil.htm#donation.

06 August 2009

Latest sightings

Highlights from around the reserve in June and July include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: White-necked Hawk, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Slaty Bristlefront, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Bare-throated Bellbird, Eastern Striped Manakin and Shrike-like Cotinga.

São José Trail: Rufous-capped Motmot, Blond-crested Woodpecker, White-bibbed Antbird, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Greyish Mourner and Shrike-like Cotinga.

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, Salvadori's Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser (with young), Scaled Woodcreeper, Southern Antpipit, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Bare-throated Bellbird, Shrike-like Cotinga, Pin-tailed Manakin, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Azure-shouldered Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager and Yellow-green Grosbeak.

Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Green-backed Becard, Buffy-fronted and Temminck's Seedeaters and Green-chinned Euphonia.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Up to 8 Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pinnated Bittern, Whistling Heron, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Collared Forest-Falcon, Limpkin, Blackish Rail, Giant Snipe, White-eyed and Maroon-bellied Parakeets (in the Lodge garden), Orange-winged Parrot, Tropical Screech-Owl (still at the usual roost site), Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Tufted Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird, Southern Antpipit, Bran-coloured Flycatcher (see photo below), Yellow-browed Tyrant, a female Swallow-tailed Cotinga (a very unusual record, seen by the Rio de Janeiro Bird Club), Shrike-like Cotinga, Brazilian Tanager, a female Black-legged Dacnis, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch and Pileated Finch.

Elsewhere, Russet-winged Spadebill has been showing on the Elfin Forest Trail and just outside the reserve our guide Adilei has seen Black-banded Owl in his garden. Mammal sightings around the reserve include four Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths seen in a day, Tayra, Common Grey Four-eyed Opossum and Tufted-ear Marmosets on the Lodge feeders (see photo below).

31 July 2009

Wetland extended

The final phase of the wetlands restoration project, which will double its size, is nearing completion at REGUA. During the last few months Nicholas has had a team of labourers building the new dam and carving out the various pools and channels (see top photo below). All that remains is to finish the overflow channel (see bottom photo below) to take any flood water and block the stream which will allow the new wetlands to fill. Based on our experience of the previous phases it will only be a matter of weeks before the birds and caiman start to move in. Nicholas also has plans to build a new observation tower behind the volunteers' accommodation which will provide wonderful views across this new wetland and the mountains behind.

28 July 2009

Biodiversity increases in the Lodge garden

As the Lodge garden matures, the number and variety of species visiting the feeders is increasing. A large flock of Maroon-bellied Parakeets (see photo below) have become daily visitors, along with eight species of tanagers, several Tufted-ear Marmosets and even a Black-legged Dacnis. Perhaps even better, a pair of the reintroduced Red-billed Curassows have taken up residency around the Lodge area.

23 July 2009

Guapi Assu Bird Lodge expanded

Improvements to the Lodge are now almost complete, ready for the busiest time of year for visitors. An excellent new bedroom with its own private balcony has been built and two single rooms have been created. The Lodge can now accommodate a maximum of 18 people in six double, two twin and two single rooms and all rooms have their own en-suite bathrooms. Three of the double rooms (the premier rooms) are larger and have their own balconies with views across the mountains. Whilst this building work was in progress we also improved the water supply and replaced the solar heating system to ensure a more reliable supply of hot water for the increasing number of visitors. In addition, extra volunteer accommodation has also been built, with the old stable block near the office now converted into two comfortable units for longer-staying volunteers.

11 July 2009

REGUA at the British Birdwatching Fair 2009

REGUA will once again be represented at the British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland in the UK - 21 to 23 August. Volunteers Lee Dingain, John Harris, Martin Smart and Rachel Walls will be on the World Land Trust stand (marquee 4, stand nos. 14 and 15) with the very latest information on our conservation work, birding at REGUA, visiting the reserve and volunteering opportunities. Please come by and see us. For information about the Birdfair click here.

19 June 2009

May sightings

Bird sightings from around the reserve in May include: Tataupa Tinamou, Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Black Hawk-Eagle, Peach-fronted Parakeet (new for the reserve), Tawny-browed Owl, Least Pygmy-Owl, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Surucua Trogon, Green Kingfisher, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Saffron Toucanet, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill (see photo below), Spix's Spinetail, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, Southern Antpipit, Whiskered Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Pin-tailed Manakin, Greenish Schiffornis, Shrike-like Cotinga, Brown Tanager, Buffy-fronted Seedeater, Temminck's Seedeater, Yellow-green Grosbeak, Green-chinned Euphonia and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

11 June 2009

REGUA creates first RPPN reserve in region

REGUA has just received a grant from the Brazilian charity Aliança para a Conservação da Mata Atlântica (Alliance for the Conservation of the Atlantic Forest), to create the first RPPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve) in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The alliance is a fusion between Conservation International-Brazil, SOS Mata Atlântica and The Nature Conservancy and aims to stimulate landowners into setting aside their forested land throughout Brazil. The RPPN status is a recognized conservation unit and this act is written into their legal titles in a permanent manner. Many environmentally responsible landowners with a deep rooted passion for conservation find this mechanism a way to protect their land and ensure its safety for the future. The 350 hectares at REGUA will act as a buffer to the Três Picos State Park and show local landowners REGUA's commitment to the environment. In a day and age where REGUA is setting standards in conservation practices, this has been particularly important.

08 May 2009

April bird sightings

Birding highlights from around the reserve in April include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Grey-hooded Attila and Turquoise Tanager.

Elfin Forest Trail: Mantled Hawk, Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pygmy-Owl, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Giant Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren (now a regular bird on the reserve - see photo below), Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird and Large-headed Flatbill.

São José Trail: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Least Pygmy-Owl (see photo below), Saw-billed Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Spot-billed Toucanet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Spot-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Ferruginous Antbird, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Black-capped Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-eyed Foliage-gleaner, Plain Xenops, Streaked Xenops, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, White-throated Spadebill, Greyish Mourner, Large-headed Flatbill, Grey-hooded Attila and White-necked Thrush.

Waterfall Trail: Black Hawk-Eagle, Tawny-browed Owl, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Unicoloured Antwren and Slaty Bristlefront.

Wetland and adjacent trails: Muscovy Duck, Masked Duck, Rusty-margined Guan, Capped Heron, Collared Forest-Falcon (see photo below), Grey-fronted Dove, Orange-winged Parrot, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Reddish Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Unicoloured Antwren, Rufous-winged Antwren, Scaled Antbird, Streak-capped Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Plain Xenops, Grey-hooded Flycatcher, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Southern Antpipit, Greenish Elaenia, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Euler's Flycatcher, Greyish Mourner, Moustached Wren, Long-billed Wren, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Black-legged Dacnis, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Red-rumped Cacique and Blue-naped Chlorophonia.

30 April 2009

Matumbo corridor protected

The purchase in March of a 40 hectare plot of land brings to the end almost eighteen months of hard work negotiating the purchase of a network of small land holdings to create a corridor of protected land between REGUA and the estate owned by our friend Carlos Lemgruber. In total REGUA has purchased 334 hectares from 12 different families using funds donated by the World Land Trust, American Bird Conservancy and the IUCN National Committee for the Netherlands.

Some of the purchases were extremely complex due to the uncertainty of land boundaries and the number of family members that claimed a share in each plot, however as always, Nicholas' perseverance and diplomatic skills eventually resolved all the issues. This area is critical to REGUA's ambition to ultimately join up the reserve with the land owned by the Primatology Centre but it was threatened by the gradual spread of small houses and subsistence farms along the tracks radiating from Matumbo.

These purchases bring the land protected by REGUA to 6,949 hectares, although in reality the actual size is likely to be significantly greater than this as historically land deeds have understated the sizes in order to minimise state taxes. Meanwhile REGUA is already working on its next purchase, the 675 hectare Lemgruber estate using money raised by the World Land Trust and BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).

23 April 2009

March sightings

Highlights of bird sightings around the reserve in March include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: White-necked Hawk, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Variegated Antpitta and Slaty Bristlefront.

Elfin Forest Trail: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Salvadori's Antwren and Russet-winged Spadebill.

São José Trail: White-bibbed Antbird, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, Lesser Woodcreeper, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Southern Antpipit, Greyish Mourner and 2 Shrike-like Cotinga.

Waldenoor: Mantled Hawk and Yellow-fronted Woodpecker.

Waterfall Trail: Buff-bellied Puffbird, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Scaled Woodcreeper, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant and Azure-shouldered Tanager.

Wetland and adjacent trails: Tataupa Tinamou, Masked Duck, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Whistling Heron, Collared Forest-Falcon, Limpkin, Blackish Rail, White-eyed Parakeet (a flock visiting the Lodge garden), Blue-winged Parrotlet, Orange-winged Parrot, Tropical Screech-Owl, Pauraque, Tufted Antshrike, a pair of Black-legged Dacnis feeding young (see photo below), Sooty Grassquit and Pileated Finch.

Mammal sightings around the reserve include up to four Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths seen in a day and Tayra.

05 April 2009

REGUA visits Muriqui stronghold

Our project manager Nicholas Locke, has recently returned from a trip to the remote Caratinga Biological Station located in the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural - Feliciano Miguel Abdala (RPPN-FMA) in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The Reserve is run by Preserve-Muriqui - a charity dedicated to protecting the critically endangered Woolly Spider Monkey or Northern Muriqui Brachyteles hipoxanthus. The Muriqui is the largest endemic mammal in Brazil and one of the 25 most threatened primates in the world. It is estimated that only around 500 remain in the wild and about a third of these are found at RPPN-FMA. Preserve-Muriqui offer opportunities for researchers and volunteers. For more information go to the Preserve-Muriqui website. To read more about Nicholas' visit see the March 2009 newsletter.

01 April 2009

New reptiles for REGUA

During November 2008, REGUA had a visit from Cambridgeshire zoologist, Chris Knowles. For his four week visit, five camera traps were used to photograph and film as many species as possible. Mostly Chris was looking for snakes and other reptiles and with this he had much success. Fifteen species of reptiles were identified and within this number three were new for the reserve: the Atlantic Coralsnake Micrurus corallinus (see photo below), Pale-necked Whip Snake Chironius laevicollis and the extremely rare Small-headed Worm Lizard Leposternon microcephalum. Finding these species indicates that there is really a huge diversity of species that are rarely seen at the Reserve. In addition to the reptiles, Chris was able to film Capybara, Paca, Crab-eating Fox and several opossom species, although unfortunately the heavy rain in the forest claimed a few of his camera traps!

30 March 2009

New REGUA newsletter now online

The latest newsletter is now available. Nicholas Locke, our project manager, reports on the very latest developments across all areas of the REGUA project, including: school visits, the Young Rangers programme, Agenda 21, tree planting, reintroduction and tourism. Click here to download it.

24 March 2009

February bird sightings

February is the end of our summer and the breeding season is now coming to a close. Sightings in February include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: A juvenile Tawny-browed Owl (see photo below), a pair of Salvadori's Antwren, Slaty Bristlefront and Rufous-breasted Leaftosser.

São José Trail: Ruddy Quail-Dove, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-bibbed Antbird and a immature male Hooded Berryeater seen singing just behind the wetland (a species normally found at a much higher altitude).

Waldenoor: Crescent-chested Puffbird, Slaty Bristlefront, Red-necked Tanager and Rufous-headed Tanager.

Wetland and adjacent trails: Tataupa Tinamou, Masked Duck, Striated Heron, Whistling Heron, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Grey-headed Kite, Rufous-thighed Kite, Limpkin, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned Crake (see photo below), Giant Snipe, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, 2 Tropical Screech-Owl (at the usual roost site), Striped Owl, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Green Kingfisher, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Tufted Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Sooretama Slaty Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Wing-banded Hornero, White-winged Becard, Lemon-chested Greenlet, Long-billed Wren, Black-capped Donacobius, Hooded Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, an influx of Swallow-Tanager (with counts of over 30 birds), Red-legged Honeycreeper, Lined Seedeater and Red-rumped Cacique.

Macaé de Cima: Plovercrest, Bertoni's Antbird, Hooded Berryeater, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Greenish Schiffornis, Cinnamon Tanager and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch.

20 March 2009

Volunteers needed to teach English at REGUA

We are seeking volunteers to teach English to local children taking part in our Young Rangers programme and our staff. You will need to be organised, motivated, self-reliant and an possess excellent communication skills. Ideally you will have previous experience in teaching English and a basic knowledge of Portuguese would be advantageous. Volunteers would be required to spend at least two months at REGUA. If you would like get involved then please email an informal CV to Nicholas Locke at aregua@terra.com.br.

21 February 2009

Mapping volunteer required

REGUA is currenly looking for a volunteer to help out with mapping around the reserve. At present, very little of the reserve has been accurately mapped and we are in need of accurate maps of trails as well as various plots of land for possible purchase. If you have mapping skills, software to create maps from GPS co-ordinates, and would like to spend some time volunteering in the Brazilian rainforest, then we would like to hear from you. Please contact Nicholas Locke at aregua@terra.com.br.

17 February 2009

REGUA on Facebook

REGUA now has it's own Facebook web page. Facebook is the most popular social networking website and is currently ranked the 8th most visited website in the world! Therefore Facebook can be used to further increase REGUA's web presence, and the message of conservation. Our Facebook page includes information about REGUA and our conservation work, as well as photo galleries, video clips and links to our partner's Facebook pages. Registered Facebook users can also leave messages on our 'Wall'.

To check out our Facebook page click on the link below:

http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/REGUA/50575065591

13 February 2009

REGUA timeline updated

To read a summary of milestones reached in 2008, and find out what REGUA has achieved so far, see our updated timeline page.

09 February 2009

Help wanted with identifying moths

Over the last few years we have been taking photographs of the huge diversity of moths found around the reserve, in order to develop a database of the species present. Unfortunately there are no field guides available and so identification is often a difficult and slow process, and many species remain unidentified. If you are a keen lepidopterist and would like to help us identify the many mysterious moths we have photographed, then check out our new web page of unidentified moths.

26 January 2009

Giant moths at REGUA

The title for the largest moth in the world is usually awarded to the Atlas Moth Attacus atlas, however this can be misleading. Whilst the Atlas Moth may be the largest in terms of total wing surface, the White Witch Moth Thysania agrippina is believed to have the largest wing-span of any moth or insect in the world, with a record wing-span of 280 mm. The Atlas Moth is native to Asia but now occurs in South America, however its distribution and status is uncertain. To our knowledge the Atlas Moth has only been recorded once at REGUA, in August 2008 at the Lodge (see top photo below). The White Witch Moth is found throughout Latin America, as far south as the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. At REGUA there have been regular sightings of the White Witch Moth in the forest and around the Lodge (see bottom photo below).

20 January 2009

New REGUA newsletter now online

The December 2008 newsletter is now available. In this issue, project managers Nicholas and Raquel Locke, report on their time at the BirdLife International World Conservation Conference in Buenos Aires last September, as well as the latest on protection, restoration, reintroduction, education, research and tourism. Click here to read it.

04 January 2009

Birds new for REGUA in 2008

2008 turned out to be an excellent year for new birds at REGUA. 10 new species for the reserve were recorded - Little Blue Heron, Crowned Eagle, a storm-blown South American Tern (see top photo below), a vagrant Greenish Elaenia, Small-billed Elaenia, Swainson's Flycatcher, Thrush-like Schiffornis, Eastern Slaty Thrush, Magpie Tanager (see bottom photo below) and a pair of nest-building Golden-rumped Euphonias. With a bird list now standing at 436 species, REGUA has possibly the highest bird diversity of any site in the Atlantic Forest. Hopefully 2009 will see even more new species added!

29 December 2008

Endangered parrot in care

This extraordinary photo shows a juvenile Brown-backed Parrotlet Touit melanotus, a parrot endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and classified as Endangered. This young bird was handed in to staff at Serra dos Órgãos National Park near REGUA. Raquel Batista, girlfriend of our guide Leonardo and a researcher at the park, has experience of hand rearing birds, and so set to work feeding the bird a diet of mashed banana. Trapping birds for the cage bird trade is illegal in Brazil, although it remains a common activity. However, this bird has a slightly damaged wing and so it is thought that it probably fell out of it's nest and was not removed by a hunter. The bird is recovering and doing well and it is hoped that it can be released in the near future.

19 December 2008

Rare Tropical Worm Lizard found at REGUA

On 7 November 2008, guests walking the Waterfall Trail discovered a new species of snake for the reserve - a beautiful, but deadly, Atlantic Coralsnake Micrurus corallinus. While photographing the snake, the group noticed that the snake had killed an earthworm-like creature. Suspected to be an amphisbaenian - a reptile related to lizards and snakes - the identification was confirmed by Chris Knowles of Shepreth Wildlife Park, Cambridgeshire, UK, as being a Small-headed Worm Lizard Leposternon microcephalum. Amphisbaenians are rare and poorly known because they spend most of their lives burrowing underground. There are about 150 species, found mainly in South America and Africa. They have reinforced skulls and loose skin which enables them to burrow, are blind (their eyes are covered in skins and scales), and carnivorous, using their hearing to locate prey. This discovery has not only increased our knowledge of the biodiversity of the reserve, but has enabled us to learn about one of the more mysterious animals that make up the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.

11 December 2008

Night-birding at REGUA

For many of our guests, Giant Snipe is high on their list of target birds. A nocturnal species, Giant Snipe are most often seen flying over the wetland at dusk, giving their distinctive call. However, over the last couple of months we have been having some amazing encounters, with up to 4 birds showing well on the ground just a few metres away (see top photo below)! Other recent sightings around the wetland at night include 2 Striped Owls (see middle photo below), a pair of Barn Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Tawny-browed Owl, Common Potoo, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Spot-tailed Nightjar and some superb Scissor-tailed Nightjars. Mammal sightings have also been good with Common Grey Four-eyed Opossum, South-eastern Common Opossom, Nine-banded Armadillo, Fishing Bat, Crab-eating Fox and Capybara all making appearances. In addition to the wetlands we have also been exploring the forest trails at night, the highlight so far being a pair of Variable Screech-Owls (see bottom photo below) on the Waterfall Trail.

04 December 2008

Latest sightings

Over the last few weeks we have been running a lot of birding excursions from the Lodge, especially to Macaé de Cima and Pico da Caledônia for high altitude birds. Highlights from these trips include:

Macaé de Cima: Plovercrest, a very confiding pair of Giant Antshrikes right out in the open (see photo below), Rufous-backed Antvireo, Rufous Gnateater, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Sharp-billed Treehunter, Hooded Berryeater, Bare-throated Bellbird and Black-and-gold Cotinga.

Pico da Caledônia: Sightings of Grey-winged Cotinga on two consecutive trips, including one bird perched on a communications mast! (see photo below), Plovercrest, White-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-browed Woodpecker, Large-tailed Antshrike, Rufous-tailed and Dusky-tailed Antbirds, Mouse-coloured Tapaculo showing well on the path, several Itatiaia Thistletail, Pallid Spinetail, Olivaceous and Highland Elaenias, White-crested Tyrannulet, Blue-billed Black-Tyrant, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Shear-tailed Grey-Tyrant, 6 Swallow-tailed cotingas, Bare-throated Bellbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Serra do Mar Tyrant-Manakin, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch and Thick-billed Saltator.

To see more of Leonardo's photos taken on these excursions click here.

27 November 2008

Recent sightings

Throughout September, October and November, our guides Adilei and Leonardo have been busy guiding guests staying at the Lodge. The weather has been unusually humid, with lots of rain at times, but this has not stopped us seeing many excellent birds. Highlights include:

4x4 Track to Casa Anibal: Rusty-margined Guan, Black Hawk-Eagle, Ferruginous Pigmy-Owl, Frilled Coquette, Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Eared Pigmy-Tyrant, Bare-throated Bellbird, Eastern Striped Manakin (see photo below), Long-billed Wren, Turquoise and Rufous-headed Tanagers, Red-legged Honeycreeper and Blue-naped Chlorophonia. Mammals seen include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth and Red-rumped Agouti.

Elfin Forest Trail: Blue-bellied Parrot, Least Pigmy-Owl, Saw-billed Hermit, Brazilian Ruby, Salvadori's Antwren, White-bibbed Antbird, Variegated Antpitta, Slaty Bristlefront, Short-tailed Antthrush, Black-billed Scythebill, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Sharpbill, 2 male Shrike-like Cotingas showing well on territory (see photo below), Brown, Olive-green and Azure-shouldered Tanagers and Green-chinned Euphonia. Mammals seen include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Brown Howler Monkey and Brown Capuchin Monkey.

Grey Trail: Rufous-capped Motmot, Spot-backed Antshrike, Salvadori's Antwren (see photo below), Scaled Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Black-cheeked Gnateater, White-throated Woodcreeper and Russet-winged Spadebill.

Lodge Garden: Rusty-margined Guan, Whistling Heron (yes, actually in the garden!), Bicoloured Hawk, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail (coming to the feeders!), Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, 8 species of hummer including Reddish Hermit, White-vented Violet-ear (see photo below) and a female Amethyst Woodstar, Channel-billed Toucan, White, Yellow-eared and Blond-crested Woodpeckers, Ochre-faced and Yellow-lored Tody-Flycatchers, Greenish Elaenia (the first for Rio State still present?), Lemon-chested Greenlet, Curl-crested Jay, Long-billed Wren, Hooded Tanager, up to 7 Red-legged Honeycreepers, White-bellied Seedeater, and Purple-throated Euphonia. Mammals sighted in the garden include Paca and 2 Crab-eating Foxes (see photo below)!

Waterfall Trail: White-necked Hawk, 2 Variable Screech-Owl, 2 roosting Common Potoo, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-capped Motmot, Buff-bellied and Crescent-chested Puffbirds, Channel-billed Toucan, Spot-billed Toucanet, Unicoloured Antwren, Scaled Antbird, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Rufous-capped Antthrush, Rufous-breasted Leaftosser, Pale-browed Treehunter, Southern Antpipit (see photo below), Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Long-tailed Tyrant, Greyish Mourner, Bare-throated Bellbird, Pin-tailed Manakin, White-thighed Swallow, a pair of Eastern Slaty Thrush (new for the reserve) and lots of Turquoise Tanagers. The hummer feeders at the start of the trail have had Saw-billed Hermit, White-chinned Sapphire and Amethyst Woodstar amongst the 8 hummer species coming in. Mammals seen on the trail include Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth and Orange-spined Hairy Dwarf Porcupine.

Wetland and adjacent forest trails: Tatuapa Tinamou, up to 18 Masked Duck, Magnificent Frigatebird, Pinnated Bittern, Whistling Heron, Little Blue Heron (new for the reserve), Rufous-thighed Kite, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Russet-crowned, Rufous-sided and Ash-throated Crakes, Blackish Rail, Sungrebe, Giant Snipe (showing very well in the evenings - see photo below), Solitary Sandpiper, South American Tern (new for the reserve), Orange-winged Parrot, Greater Ani, at least 4 Tropical Screech-Owl (including the 2 regular roosting birds), Tawny-browed Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, 2 Striped Owl (showing well most nights), 2 Common Potoo, 2 Short-tailed Nighthawk, Scissor-tailed Nightjar, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, White-chinned Sapphire, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Tufted and Sooretama Slaty Antshrikes, Southern Antpipit, Eye-ringed Tody-Tyrant, Small-billed Elaenia (new for the reserve), Vermillion Flycatcher, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow (see photo below), Lemon-chested Greenlet, Long-billed Wren, Hooded Tanager and Wedge-tailed Grassfinch.

24 November 2008

10 more Red-billed Curassows released

On 19 September 2008, another 10 Red-billed Curassows Crax blumenbachii were released at REGUA. Stephen Rumsey of BART, which funds the project, was present to open the release pen. The birds needed some encouragement but after a while the group of 2 males and 8 females finally took their first steps into the wild. There have now been a total of 48 Red-billed Curassows released at REGUA, all of which have had radio tags and numbered rings fitted. Some of these birds have been predated and some have lost their tags, but the 23 known survivors are providing vital information which will assist with the planning and implementation of further release programmes. Birds are occasionally sighted around the reserve and biologist Christine Steiner from São Carlos University, São Paulo, who is studying the birds, is hopeful that one pair might possibly breed in the current season (August 2008 to March 2009).

22 November 2008

Primatology Centre excursion update

Huge numbers of birds are killed every year as they fly into windows, but the discovery of a dead Shrike-like Cotinga next to a window at the Primatology Centre (Centro de Primatologia do Rio de Janeiro), near REGUA, was a surprise. The photo shows a beautiful male that was found dead in mid-August and is now destined to join their small collection of skins. Although Shrike-like Cotingas are regularly seen in the forest at REGUA, they are rare birds, and this incident demonstrates the quality of the habitat also to be found in the grounds of the Primatology Centre, which is only about 40 minutes drive away. The Centre is not open to the public, however, guests staying at the Lodge may visit on excursions organised by REGUA. Other birds recently seen here include Rufous-capped Motmot, Star-throated Antwren, Black-cheeked Gnateater and Bare-throated Bellbird.

02 September 2008

The Lodge garden improves

As the garden and surrounding area matures, the list of birds and mammals seen around the feeders increases. Recent additions to the more usual tanagers and euphonias have included Rusty-margined Guan, Orange-winged Parrot and up to five Tufted-ear Marmosets. But the feeders continue to attract visitors at night as well with several species of bats at the hummingbird feeders.

Two weeks ago the first Paca was seen feeding on bananas. Pacas are one of the most favoured quarry for hunters, and so the appearance in the garden is another favourable sign of the reduction in hunting pressure. The provision of manioc roots underneath the feeder encouraged the Paca to return on the following three nights, so it is hoped that this will be a regular visitor to accompany the evening caiparinhas on the terrace.

22 August 2008

Birdfair 2008

REGUA was represented on the World Land Trust stand again this year, with volunteers Rachel Walls, Lee Dingain and Martin Smart working hard to promote the excellent birdwatching and pioneering conservation work at REGUA and Guapi Assu Bird Lodge. It was a very exciting event with many people and several new tour operators showing an interest. Many familiar faces and enthusiastic supporters of REGUA came by to say hello and hear about the latest projects taking place. We also met one group who booked to stay at the Lodge this September after visiting us at the stand last year, proving that the Birdfair is well worth the investment! Ruth and Alan of The Biggest Twitch came to say hello and gave REGUA a fabulous mention during their lecture, where they spoke about their adventures to date. All in all we felt the Birdfair was very worthwhile, with even more people visiting the stand this year. Many people had friends and work colleagues that had recommended us, so the word is spreading! Many thanks to everyone who stopped by and we look forward to meeting you in Brazil soon.

29 July 2008

Brown-backed Parrotlets sighted on Macaé de Cima excursion

Brown-backed Parrotlet Touit melanotus is a rare Brazilian endemic confined to the Atlantic Forest and classified as Endangered by Birdlife International. This is a very difficult bird to catch up with, but guests on our high altitude Macaé de Cima excursion were treated to good views when a group of eight birds landed in front of them. Wildlife photographer Margaret Welby was there and managed a record shot despite the lack of light and the birds being a little distant. Since then we have returned to the site and again seen the birds. Lets hope they hang around. Margaret is a regular visitor to REGUA and will be exhibiting her photos (including several taken at REGUA) at the Birdfair (marquee 1, stand no. 73).

22 July 2008

REGUA in new rainforest book

John Feltwell's latest book, 'Rainforests' has just been published and contains over 600 pages and 300 colour plates describing the marvels of the rainforest from the forest floor to the rainforest canopy. John is a trustee of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Trust and a long-time supporter of REGUA, which is mentioned regularly throughout the book and there is a separate chapter on Atlantic rainforests.

We have negotiated a special price of £40 to include postage in the UK, from which John will donate £5 to REGUA for each order. The book can be ordered by sending a cheque (made payable to John Feltwell) to John Feltwell, Marlham, Henley Down, Catsfield, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9BN, but please make sure you mention that you are a friend of REGUA.

20 July 2008

British Birdwatching Fair 2008

REGUA will again be at the Birdfair at Rutland, UK, on 15-17 August. Our stand will have loads of information about birding at REGUA, staying at our Guapi Assu Bird Lodge, birding excursions available from the lodge and the latest updates on all the important conservation work we are doing. Come and see us at the World Land Trust stand in marquee 4, stand nos. 14 and 15. For information about the Birdfair go to www.birdfair.org.uk.

11 July 2008

The Biggest Twitch visit REGUA

British birders Alan Davies and Ruth Miller (on the right of the picture below) are mid way through an attempt to beat the record for the highest number of bird species seen in a year (currently 3,662). As they go they are also raising awareness of the importance of conserving the habitats birds live in, and raising money for conservation. They write:

"Since arriving here, we've birded a few of the trails at REGUA with Adilei and a Dutch couple, Anja and Roy, who have a lifelist of over 5,000 species, so we've been in very good company. On just one day walking the trails here, we saw 106 species which is testament to the fantastic habitat at REGUA, not just the pristine forest but also the incredibly wildlife-rich restored wetland area. Some of the key species that we added to our list are Black-cheeked Gnateater, Blue Manakin, Shrike-like Cotinga, Spot-billed Toucanet and Masked Duck to name just a few. In only two birding days, we've added 61 new species for the year, an incredible result putting our total year list at 2,726. This is such a great place to be based - very comfortable accommodation, plenty of delicious home-made food, very friendly and welcoming staff, excellent trails, and of course, such a great welcome from Nicholas and Raquel who really make you feel at home here. In fact, it'll be hard to leave."

To follow Alan and Ruth's adventures visit www.thebiggesttwitch.com.

03 July 2008

Take a virtual tour of REGUA

Four virtual tours of REGUA have been added to the Wildlife Focus website - the multimedia site of the World Land Trust. Each tour is a 360 degree panorama that you can use your mouse to look around as if you were standing on the spot. The tours include the REGUA wetland, the view from the hide, the Serra dos Órgãos mountains and the land of our project partner Carlos Lemgruber. To check them out visit http://www.wildlifefocus.org/tours/regua/index.htm.

14 June 2008

REGUA guides rediscover locally extinct woodpecker

On Friday 13th June, while on an excursion to Serra dos Órgãos National Park with guests staying at our Guapi Assu Bird Lodge, our guide Leonardo rediscovered a species of woodpecker considered extinct for the Park - Robust Woodpecker Campephilus robustus. Leonardo writes "Its last register was in 1894 and only six skins are known in museums from the region. All members of our group: Dave, Margaret, Phil and Sue were lucky in seeing this fantastic bird".

Networking in Belize

Nicholas Locke, our project manager, has just returned from a workshop organized by the World Land Trust (WLT) and funded by IUCN Netherlands that was held at the La Milpa Field Station, Rio Bravo in Belize. REGUA was one of 18 WLT project partners attending. The title of the workshop was 'Financial Sustainability of Private Protected Areas' and the objective was to discuss some of the main issues highlighted by partners at the previous meeting held in Amsterdam in September 2006. Topics covered during the meeting included: Payment for Ecological Services (P.E.S.), Carbon Sequestration, Ecological Restoration/Avoided Deforestation, Tourism, Volunteers & Education, Trust/Endowment Funds, Corporate Funding and Social Sustainability/Community Involvement.

Outside the formal sessions there were also many opportunities to discuss issues and plans with other project leaders. Nicholas reports: "it was a real pleasure to participate with all the partners and share experiences at developing strategies on the front line of conservation". The symposium was closed with a press conference held at the Fort George Hotel in Belize City, and press coverage was given through radio, national television and an article in the 'Reporter' newspaper. More on this will follow in our next newsletter.

17 May 2008

New land purchases

The World Land Trust has raised £200,000 for REGUA to purchase 12 small plots of land totalling 326 hectares above the village of Matumbo to create a safe corridor between existing REGUA land and land owned by REGUA partner Carlos Lemgruber (the 'Matumbo Gap'). So far the sale of eight of these plots has been completed, and it is hoped that the remaining four will be finalised over the next few weeks. Determining the boundaries and the land ownership for each of the plots has been extremely difficult and time consuming, and many of the plots have multiple family members which make negotiations lengthy and complex. However this is a critical block of land in an area that is facing increased urbanisation and hunting pressure.

10 May 2008

New bird for Rio State sighted at REGUA

When our local bird guides are not busy guiding guests they are out in the forest looking for birds and other wildlife. Last week our guide Adilei took several photos of a mystery bird he found near our Guapi Assu Bird Lodge. Unsure of its identity, several leading ornithologists were consulted and the bird has now been positively identified as a Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata. Ricardo Gagliardi, who keeps the Rio State list, confirms that this is not only a new bird for REGUA, but also the first ever sighting of this species for the state! Well done Adilei for finding and photographing this exciting bird.

08 May 2008

38,000 trees now planted at REGUA

Our tree planting season runs from December to March and is timed to coincide with our wet season (which occurs in our summer months). Planting for the 2007/08 season has just come to an end, and with generous funding from the World Land Trust we have been able to plant an amazing 20,000 trees. This brings the total number of trees that have now been planted at REGUA to 38,000!

As with previous years, many of the trees have been planted around the wetland but this year we have planted much of the large grassy hill opposite the lodge. Not only will this greatly enhance the already spectacular view from the lodge, but it is hoped that the trees will slowly attract more forest birds to the area. Watering on this scale is never an easy task and thankfully the recent wet weather has helped to get the trees off to a good start. More on this will follow in the next REGUA newsletter.

08 December 2007

REGUA in the Telegraph

In August 2007, Peter Hughes from the British newspaper the Telegraph visited REGUA to find out more about the project and to see for himself all the hard work we are doing. To read the article Reassembling Eden click here.

18 October 2007

REGUA in the Times

Simon Barnes from the Times and John Burton from the World Land Trust visited REGUA to report on something positive happening to rainforest. To read the article Good news from the forest by Simon Barnes click here.

© 2011 Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu

Site Map  |  Privacy Policy  |  Back to Top