COLOMBIA December 2009 |
From Dec 06 to 19, 2009, Sheridan Coffey and myself birded the eastern Andes, north coast, and Santa Marta Mtns of Colombia (for the first leg in the Andes, Dan Peak joined us) using Medellin-based birding guide Pablo Flores Valencia click here to email Pablo.
Mountain Grackle Macroagelaius subalaris Onzaga Road near Soata, five hours north of Bogota. After much searching we encountered a group of six birds right next to the road at one point but they quickly moved downslope, allowing me only good flight views (the chestnut underwing coverts are quite striking). Later we found three birds atop some tall trees. The lighting prevented me from getting any worthwhile photos - but at least it is a pic of a Mountain Grackle (you can just about make out the chestnut "tab" below the bend of the wing). NOTE: it appeared that the birds at this time of year were avoiding strong direct sunlight - both groups moved down into shaded areas once the sun settled on them...? :
