The Speckled Hatchback: Post #59 – Colombia, part 2

The project aims to highlight the birding opportunities along the Northern Colombia Birding Trail, which spans the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. The region's geography is particularly interesting, with Pico Cristobal Colon, a peak roughly 19,000 feet high, located just 30 miles from the coast. This unique combination of high elevation and proximity to the ocean creates a diverse range of habitats within a small area, making it an attractive destination for birders. The area around Santa Marta, where the project is focused, offers a variety of ecosystems, including coastal estuaries, dry forest, lowland forest, and higher elevation cloud forest. The region is home to a wide range of bird species, including waterbirds, hummingbirds, trogons, tanagers, woodcreepers, and parrots. The project's goal is to attract birders to the region, with the potential to boost the local economy through ecotourism. During the project's 9-day trip to Colombia, the team spent 5 days in the Caribbean region, exploring the coastal estuaries, dry forest, lowland forest, and cloud forest. They were successful in finding species endemic to the region, including the Blue-billed Currasow, which is one of the rarest birds on the planet. The team recorded over 200 species of birds, with all but the waterbirds being life birds for the team leader. The project also included a visit to the Colombian Bird Fair in Cali, where the team attended field trips and talks. The fair was a huge success, with the Colombian government promoting the country as the next big ecotourism destination. With over 1,900 species of birds found within the country, Colombia has the potential to attract a large number of birders. The team's experience in the region was marked by the diversity of habitats and the wide range of bird species present. The project's goal of promoting ecotourism in the region is well-placed, given the region's unique geography and biodiversity. The success of the project will depend on the ability to attract birders to the region and to provide them with a high-quality experience.