Part I. San Jorge Ecolodge
February 26-27, 2006 Map
Statue at San Jorge Ecolodge
This statue of a man and horse is at the main entrance to the San Jorge Ecolodge. In spite of the old-fashioned costume, the man has a strong resemblance to…
San Jorge Ecolodge Buildings
The San Jorge Ecolodge was our headquarters for the trip. It is located on a mountainside overlooking Quito, only about half an hour from the airport. The…
Courtyard Gate
This was the entrance to the building where my room was located. Note the beautifully preserved and restored old hand-carved wooden door. There was also an…
Courtyard at San Jorge Ecolodge
The guest rooms opened off this courtyard, which somewhat resembles a motel, but existed long before cars. Note the beautiful stonework.
My Room at San Jorge Ecolodge
The rooms were simply but attractively furnished. Note the bird wall hanging to the right of the fireplace. The fireplace was a necessity as the nights get down…
Llamas at San Jorge Ecolodge
Llamas and horses roamed freely on the grounds. One morning, I was in my room when four llamas walked past the window so close that I could have touched them.…
Lupines, etc. at San Jorgé
This patch of wildflowers was located on the mountainside above San Jorge.
Mountain of the Lonely Tree
This mountain, an extinct volcano, was across Quito from the San Jorge Ecolodge.
Mountain of the Lonely Tree
Here is a more zoomed in view of the mountain in which you can see the tree for which it is named. Unfortunately, it is a eucalyptus tree that is not native to…
Quito as seen from the San Jorge Ecolodge
This is a view of Quito as seen from the San Jorge Ecolodge on a cloudy, somewhat rainy day..
Sparkling Violet Ear
This large hummingbird, seen here at a feeder at the San Jorge Ecolodge, is fairly common in the Quito area.
Shining Sunbeam
This small hummingbird was photographed at dusk from the window of my room.
Shining Sunbeam
This is another view of the bird in the previous photo. I pressed the shutter release just as it was taking off. The wings and tail were in motion, but the feet…
Great Thrush Female
This bird is a close relative of the American robin and has a very robin-like song. It is common at moderate altitudes in the Ecuadorean Andes. The male is…
Part II. Mindo Area
February 28-March 1, 2006. Map
Montane Woodcreeper Mindo
This is a larger relative of the brown creeper found in North America. It is surprising that the photo came out as well as it did, considering the very low…
Tropical Kingbird Mindo
This species is common in the Mindo area, and it loves to perch on wires. In the US, it is found only in extreme southeastern Arizona, and it is considered to…
Golden-Crowned Flycatcher Mindo
This flycatcher is somewhat similar to a great kiskadee. The golden crown is usually not visible.
Toucan Barbet Mindo
This is a spectacular relative of toucans and woodpeckers.
