News Archive
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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.