San Isidro, Ecuador

A huge variety of moths, katydids, flies, cicadas and other insects are attracted to outdoor lights at night, especially at places such as San Isidro which is many miles distant from other lights. "San Isidro" Owl and Rufous-banded Owl can be often be found near one of the lights waiting for large insects to appear (photos from some past trips are on my homepage).

In the morning there is a burst of activity around the lights as many birds arrive to feast on the insects that can be gleaned from the foliage around the poles. About twenty species of birds were seen before breakfast time. There is often a nice mix of migrants such as Canada Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler and Swainson's Thrush among the resident woodcreepers, flycatchers, caciques and trogons.

Canada Warbler

Cinnamon Flycatcher

Masked Trogon