A Place for the Birds

Finca Lérida is a place oriented towards the preservation of fragile ecological systems.  That’s why they limit the trail tours to only 20 persons per tour. Preservation of these eco-systems is a mandatory policy of this mountain hotel.

The Amoruso family is dedicated in keeping Lerida’s proud coffee traditions and boutique mountain hotel attractive to visitors from all corners of the globe.  There is a strong interest on the part of the company to protect the natural status of this place often visited by nature lovers and bird watchers (ornithologists).

According to Audubon Panama, “Panama has an extraordinary wealth of birds for a country of its size. Although only about the size of the U.S. state of South Carolina, a total of 976 species has been recorded to date, exceeding the list for the continental United States and Canada combined. This remarkable diversity owes much to Panama’s location at the juncture between North and South America.”

While I was eating breakfast at terrace cafe about seven o’clock in the morning, I saw more birds that I had even seen in my life.  There were birds of all sizes, shapes and colors.  They were all over the place chirping and playing like often birds do when they’re happy.

Panama is one of the favorite destinations for birdwatchers worldwide.  However, bird watching in Panama would not be complete without visiting Finca Lérida as suggested in Robert S. Ridgle’s, “A Guide to The Birds of Panama.”   Finca Lérida is a place to go “searching for Quetzals and other species”.

The schedule for bird watching starts at 7:30 a.m. ( a hike lasts about four hours).  The fee per person is $80.25 taxes included.  This fare includes a specialized guide, a light lunch and bottled water.

In order to attract birds to their site, the current owners have placed a large amount of brightly painted bird houses in the midst of their gardens.  Every day an employee distribute bananas and other bird feed to these bird shelters.  Maybe that’s why the population is abundant and the birds look so happy and healthy.

Please take a look at the collection of these beautiful bird houses which I observed while strolling through Hotel Lérida’s splendid gardens.  Here we go.

PICTURE GALLERY

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

The green base is a light-sensitive lamp used to light up the site during the cool evenings. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Notice the red container with drinking water for the birds. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

If I were a bird, this is the site where I would spend my vacations.  Delicious bananas, cool weather and a year-long springtime.  Can’t get any better than this.  Tweet!  Good Day.

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Black Birds

Snapshot of a collection of black birds perched on a small tree located on the Second Phase of the Cinta Costera in Panama City, Panama. The Cinta Costera or Coastal Strip has become one of the main tourist attractions of the metropolis. A third phase is currently underway circling the famous Casco Viejo. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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A Bird’s Eye View of the Bay

Snapshot of two buzzards enjoying the view of the Panama Bay and of the Coastal Strip next to the body of water in Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R,

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Iron Birds Suspended in the Air

Snaphot of a large metallic crane suspended on the ceiling of the spacious lobby of the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel in Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of two large metallic cranes floating in the air in the lobby of the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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Ancon Hill is Currently a Protected Natural Reserve

Snapshot of a sign in Ancon Hill indicating it was a protected area and natural reserve. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.

The sign reads, “Cerro Ancon, national patrimony, protected area and natural reserve.  Protect it.”  After Panama assumed full control of the former Panama Canal Zone, many of its areas were declared natural reserves.  It was essential to keep this area intact to generate enough rainfall for the efficient transit of vessels at the Panama Canal.

The day we visited Ancon Hill, we were lucky to find six ñeques on the hill.  Neques or agoutis are terrestrial rodents of the size of a rabbit that inhabit areas of Central America, the West Indies, and northern South America.  They are related to the guinea pigs and look quite similar but have longer legs.  They were not afraid of us even though we were only a couple of feet from where they were.

We also encountered several toucans with their large brightly colored beaks.  I had never seen these exotic tropical birds before.  Toucans are brilliantly colored arboreal fruit-eating bird of tropical America having a very large thin-walled beak.

I’m sure there are other wildlife population living on the slopes of this magnificent hill.  If you are touring Panama City, I strongly encourage you to include a visit to Ancon Hill.    It’s a wonderful experience.  Good Day.

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A Cozy Tiny Park in the Middle of the Forest

Snapshot of a small park on the slopes of Ancon Hill in Panama City, Panama. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.

During a recent foray into Ancon Hill territory, I found this cuddling park at the entrance of the road that leads to the top of Ancon Hill.  I was there with my wife and “The Twisters”.  It was about 8:30 a.m.  The hill was just awaking and the early birds had already started their daily symphony.

The surrounding was very quiet; we were isolated from the roaring crowd below.  Thick foliage, tropical birds, the soft blowing of the wind amongst the trees, and the fresh air is a perfect way to spend a weekend with your loved ones.  Good Day.

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Four Brown Doves on the Lawn

Our longtime gardener, Feliciano, is no longer with us, after more than thirty years.  Old age and bad health, has restricted his gardening activities.  We were lucky to find a replacement.  His name is Jorge and is picking up some of Feliciano’s old customers.  He has fire in the belly and has demonstrated to be a hard-working individual.

Jorge trims our front and back yard every fifteen days with an accuracy of a Swiss watch.  Even though the grass is sparse, we have told him to come and do his trimmings.  The idea is that he can count on a steady cash flow every fifteen days.  We pay him $15,00 for a two-hour job.  I know it isn’t much, but we are living under a tight budget, as most retirees do.  We have to monitor the creeping action of inflation on a 24/7 basis, if you know what I mean.  One example is the price of gasoline.  The price of a gallon of Premium Gasoline (95 Octanes) is $4.58.  Ouch!

After Jorge trimmed the lawn last week, I went to the terrace to breathe some fresh air, and saw four delicate brown doves eating something in the newly cut grass.  I dashed to my office to fetch my birthday camera and capture the scene.  I had to use the camera’s limited zoom, since birds are very nervous and will detect any nearby movements.

I know this picture will not win a Pulitzer prize, but it will give you an idea of what our birds look like in this part of the world.  Here we go.

Snapshot of four delicate brown doves taking a bite in our backyard after the gardener had cut the grass. In Spanish they are called, "tortolitas". Photo ©Omar Upegui R.

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Pigeons de Castilla

While taking pictures of a gorgeous pink tree at the entrance of Residencial El Bosque where I live in Panama City, Panama; a flock of pigeons descended next to me.  They thought I was there to spread crumbs of bread.  I know that an old lady comes every afternoon to bring them food.

Since they came so near to where I was, I couldn’t resist the temptation of capturing them with my Birthday Camera.  Here is a close-up picture of the lovely birds.

Snapshot of lovely pigeons de Castilla during a recent photo walk at Via Ricardo Alfaro in Panama City, Panama. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.

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Flying With the Flock

Snapshot of a flock of birds flying near the Bridge of the Americas on the background. This is the entrance of the Pacific Side of the Panama Canal. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.

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The Passenger

Picture of a fishing vessel floating on Panama Bay with one lonely pelican as a passenger. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.

With this image, I end my series on one of the hottest tourist spots in Panama City, seriously competing with the Panama Canal and the Ruins of Panama Viejo.  It’s time to move on to something different about this amazing isthmus located in the center of the world.  I hope you have enjoyed this journey through Casco Viejo as much as I did preparing the series for you.  Good Day.

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