Birds to Look For Areas of Interest Tours & Itineraries Suggested Reading San Jorge Art Gallery Ecuadorian Bird Paintings for Sale
Andean Cock of the Rock San Jorge de Tandayapa-Milpe-Cosanga Reserves

The Magic Birding Circuit Photoslide Show

The Magic Birding Circuit in Ecuador
(Read about San Jorge's Four Private Birding Reserves)

THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA.   
WE ARE THE ONLY BIRDING FACILITY TO OWN 4 PRIVATE BIRDING RESERVES AND 2 ECO-LODGES IN ECUADOR.

Birding List ~ The Magic Birding Circuit

San Jorge owns four private birding reserves throughout Ecuador known as The Magic Birding Circuit. Our birding tours range from the High Barren Plains to the Subtropical Rain Forest, making for an exceptionally well-rounded excursion. Kept in the rich, natural state, all of our exclusive reserves offer the chance to fully immerse yourself in all that is Ecuador- the diverse array of flora, fauna, climate regions and hundreds of beautiful bird species await you.  Our tours will take you through San Jorge Botanical Reserve (High Barren Plains and Highland Rain Forest in the Quito Foothills), San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve (Tandayapa Valley Cloud Forest) San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu Bird & Wildlife Reserve (Andes Cloud Forest) adjoining Antizana National Park, (Las Caucheras Road near Cosanga Village) , and San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve, (Upper lowlands Subtropical Rainforest), located next to Mindo, known for its majestic waterfalls. Over 800 species have been identified throughout The Magic Birding Circuit, offering  an unparalleled opportunity to combine nature, culture and birding at its best.

The Magic Birding Circuit at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve - - the region’s only private reserve near Quito. Situated among 200 acres of native flora and fauna in Quito Foothills, a traditional 18th Century Spanish Eco-Resort. This peaceful and rustic mountain lodge is just 17 minutes from Quito Airport, and offers airport transfers 24/7. Amenities include outdoor tempered pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna, central heat, lounge, game room, museum and quality personalized service. El Cucayo Restaurant features fine Ecuadorian and international cuisine overlooking the valley of Quito. Start birding on our prime trails as soon as you arrive, with our specialized birding guides and over 130 species at San Jorge Botanical Reserve.  Stroll through exotic gardens and view up to 13 varieties of hummingbirds at their feeders.

NEW ** San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge ~ our brand new birding lodge is located in the Subtropical Rainforest with its beautiful pristine birding trails running rivers, cascading waterfalls, observatory decks with panoramic views, 300 varieties of orchids, plus over 450 species of birds. Hammocks are strung for relaxing in comfort and watching the birds at their feeders. You can even spot birds through the windows of your room! San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge (near Mindo) has the comfort and rustic elegance of a Subtropical Rainforest lodge, with spectacular scenery, making it the ideal retreat for bird watchers.

ECUADOR AN ECOLOGICAL MIRACLE ~ THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT IN ECUADOR

San Jorge's two birding lodge locations are central to the 4 climate steps of Ecuador; offering day trips to each of our private birding reserves.

PRE-SCHEDULED TOUR DATES: October 18 – 29;  November 1 – 12, 2008
Or, select your own travel dates throughout the year.

Day One - Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito

Day Two - Morning birding San Jorge Botanical Reserve; Afternoon birding Yanacocha Reserve, (HIGH BARREN PLAINS, HIGHLAND RAINFOREST, CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Quito

Day Three - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve, Lower Valley (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe

Days Four & Five - Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe

Day Six - Birding Pedro Vicente Maldonado (SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe

Day Seven - Birding Mindo Road & Milpe Tower (SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Quito

Day Eight - Birding Papallacta Pass & Cuyuja (HIGH BARREN PLAINS) overnight Baeza

Day Nine & Ten - Birding San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve (CLOUD FOREST), overnight Day Nine - Baeza; overnight Day Ten San Jorge/Quito

Day Eleven - Birding Upper Tandayapa Valley & world famous Nono-Mindo Road (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge (B,bL,D) Farewell dinner with Folkloric Ballet Show!

Day Twelve - AM transfer to Quito Airport (B)

CONTACT US FOR PRICING - Choose a pre-scheduled tour date, or specify your own travel dates to us. 
PLEASE TELL US HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE TRAVELING WITH YOU  (Itinerary can easily be lengthened or shortened to fit your schedule)

Includes: Lodging accommodations are based on standard double or triple occupancy. Meals as shown, round trip airport transfers, birding tours, transportation, bi-lingual birding guides, reserve entrance fees, tax.

Excludes: Travel or medical insurance, extra meals/bar, personal expenses

Optional:  Deluxe rooms with view or balcony

Please note: 45% of all tour proceeds go directly towards our continuous conservation efforts at San Jorge’s Four Private Birding Reserves.

Add-on Cultural & Adventure Day Tours offered at San Jorge Eco-Lodge

Cultural: Old Colonial Quito City; Middle of the World; Otavalo Indian Market; Papallacta Hot Springs

Adventure: Horseback Riding; Medicinal Plant & Sacred Waterfalls Hiking Tour, Mountain Biking

Galapagos Island Cruise extensions: 3, 4 or 7 night cruises; First Class or Deluxe including airfare

Peru archeological tour extensions to Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima (5 – 10 day itineraries)

TOUR DESCRIPTIONS:

Scarlet Bellied Mountain Tanager San Jorge Botanical Reserve Quito

San Jorge Botanical Private Reserve (High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest/Paramo) in the Quito Foothills. We will have the opportunity to see the Rufous Antpitta, Hooded Siskin, Black Flowerpiercer, Variable Hawk, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (endangered) and hummingbirds such as the Purple-backed Thornbill, Golden-breasted Puffleg, and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. These are just a few of over 130 bird species found in this paradise. While walking through the gardens of San Jorge you will also find a wide variety of hummingbirds at their feeders including the Western Emerald, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, White-bellied Woodstar, Sparkling Violetear, Shining Sunbeam, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Mountain Velvetbreast, Green-tailed Trainbearer, and the Great Sapphirewing. All at an altitude of 3150 mts.! At the same time you will have the opportunity to take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalso. We can observe 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve. We’ve recently spotted the very rare Curve-billed Tinamou, Red-crested Cotinga, Andean Condor and the endemic and endangered Black-breasted Puffleg.

San Jorge de Tandayapa Private Hummingbird Reserve (Cloud Forest) in the lower valley (part of the Choco Endemic Bird Area of Northwest Ecuador). Take in panoramic views, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers (40 species of orchids!) and exotic wildlife while visiting Tandayapa. Our bungalow deck with hammocks is set up for relaxing at lunchtime (pictured at left). You may spot up to 15 varieties of Hummingbirds, Tanager flocks including the Grass-green Tanager and Blue-winged Mountain-tanager, Toucan Barbet, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, as well as the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. The well-known Nono-Mindo Road excursion is also included.

Violet Tailed Sylph San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve

Semi Collared Hawk San Jorge de Cosanga Bird & Wildlife Reserve

San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve (Andes Cloud Forest), adjoining Antizana National Park, (Las Caucheras Road near Cosanga Village), is a birdwatchers paradise within the subtropical eastern slopes of the Andes. Surrounded by forest-covered mountain ridges, Cosanga-Yanayuca adjoins the beautiful and immense 120,000 hectare Antizana National Park Reserve. Possible sightings may include the Crested Quetzal, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Scaly-naped Parrot, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Emerald Toucanet, Blackburnian Warbler, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Black-capped Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Masked Flowerpiercer, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Lacrimose Mountain-tanager, Palm Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain-tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Golden-crowned Tanager, Hooded Mountain-tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Slaty Finch, Grass-green Tanager, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Northern Mountain-cacique, Subtropical Cacique, Russet-backed Oropendola, Stripe-headed Brush-Finch, Roadside Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Sickle-winged Guan, White-capped Parrot, Cinnamon Flycatcher and Rufous Antpitta. Hummingbird species include the Tawny-bellied Hermit, Green-fronted Lancebill, Lazuline Sabrewing, Brown Violetear, Wire-crested Thorntail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Bronzy Inca, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Tourmaline Sunangel, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Long-tailed Sylph and Wedge-billed Hummingbird.

Choco Toucan San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve

Birding through relatively untouched temperate and subtropical forest, we will look for the Swallow-tailed Kite, Cattle Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Ruddy Pigeon, Maroon-tailed Parakeet, Red-billed Parrot, Bronze-winged Parrot, White-collared Swift, Red-headed Barbet, Bay-headed Tanager, Summer Tanager, Black-capped Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, White-lined Tanager, Palm Tanager, Swallow Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Rufous-throated Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Lemon-rumped Tanager, Golden Tanager, Thick billed Euphonia, Buff-throated Saltator, Black-winged Saltator, Blue-black Grassquit, Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Squirrel Cuckoo, Roadside Hawk, Toucan Barbet , Laughing Falcon, Gray-headed Kite, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, White-winged Tanager, Moss-backed Tanager, Ochre-breasted Tanager, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Band-backed Wren, Black-striped Sparrow, Broad-billed Motmot, Rufous Motmot, Barred Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Long-tailed Antbird, Buff-rumped Warbler, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Tyrannulet, Golden-olive Woodpecker. Hummingbird species include the White-whiskered Hermit, Stripe-throated Hermit, Tooth-bellied Hummingbird, White-necked Jacobin, Green Thorntail, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, Purple-crowned Fairy, and Purple-throated Woodstar.

Pale Mandible Aracari Pedro Vicente Maldonado

Pedro Vicente Maldonado (Subtropical Rainforest) The climate is warm and humid with spectacular foliage. Great opportunities can be found here to spot Tanagers including the Scarlet, Moss-backed, Scarlet-and-white, and Gray-and-gold, often all in the same flock. Other species found here include the Lineated Woodpecker, Club-winged Manakffin, Choco Warbler, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Broad-billed Motmot, Choco Toucan, Pallid Dove, White-whiskered Hermit, Choco Trogon, and Purple-chested Hummingbird.

Papallacta Pass and Cuyuja (Highland Rainforest/Andean Cloud Forest). Visit Cayambe Coca National Park and Antizana National Park. Beautiful sightseeing of the Paramo, when skies are clear - Highland Rainforest and Andean Cloud Forest. An opportune time to bird in the Amazon Basin. Birding trails up to 2000 - 4000 meters o.s.l. Tour ranges from the cold Andes Barren Plains, down to the gorgeous Cloud Forest. Possible Condor, variable Hawk, Black Chested Buzzard Eagle, Andean Teal, Torrent Duck, White capped dipper, Torrent tyranulet, Stout billed & bar winged Cinclodes, Stripe Canestero, Tawny Antpitta, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Plumbeous Sierran Finch, Golden Quetzal, Crested Questzal, Inca Jay, Turquoise Jay, Chestnut breasted Coronet, Chestnut bellied Clorophonia, Swordbilled Hummingbird, Northern Mountain Cacique, Violet tailed Sylph, Yellow billed pin tail, Neotropical Cormorant, Spotted Sandpiper, Red rump bush Tyrant, Carunculated Cara Cara.

Yanacocha (Cloud Forest) Located on the backside of the Pichincha Mountains, Yanacocha is home to a number of interesting high-elevation species. Mountain Tanagers are abundant at this elevation and we'll hope to find the Scarlet-bellied and Buff-breasted varieties as well as the Bar-bellied Woodpecker and Barred Fruiteater. Between April and June, the Black-breasted Puffleg has been sighted, one of the most rare hummingbirds in the world! Several other hummingbird species are also common in the area.

Add-on or Substitute Cultural & Adventure Day Tours offered at San Jorge Eco-Lodge

Cultural: Old Colonial Quito City; Middle of the World; Otavalo Indian Market; Papallacta Hot Springs

Adventure: Horseback Riding; Medicinal Plant & Sacred Waterfalls Hiking Tour, Mountain Biking

Galapagos Island Cruise extensions: 3, 4 or 7 night cruises; First Class or Deluxe including airfare

Peru archeological tour extensions to Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima (5 – 10 day itineraries)

Suggested Readings

Quito Clothes Drive: www.eco-lodgesanjorge.com/clothes_drive.shtml

COMMENTARIES FROM RECENT BIRDERS

MAGIC BIRDING IN ECUADOR
recently published in ABA Winging It Magazine
Mar/Apr 2007 edition

Located in northwestern South America, Ecuador is famously rich in bird life. More than 1,600 species of birds occur here, roughly 20% of the world’s total. Visitors who want to take full advantage of all that Ecuador has to offer will need to gain access to a variety of regions, many of them remote; a seasoned, bilin­gual guide is essential. With access to four private reserves and accommodation at two ecolodges, San Jorge Eco-Lodges and Botanical Reserves is a natural choice for birding in Ecuador

Less than 20 minutes from the Quito airport, birders will find unique opportunities to experience four ecosystems: High Barren Plains and Highland Rainforests outside of Quito, Tandayapa Valley Cloud Forest, Upper Lowland Subtropical Rainforest in Milpe, and Andes Cloud Forest adjoining Antizana National Park, (Las Caucheras Road near Cosanga Village) . The Lodge and reserves are owned and operated by Dr George Cruz, who functions as both birding guide and hospitable host. With over 1,200 protected acres to bird and explore, San Jorge also prides itself on conservation by preserving the habitat of many indigenous plants and animals, including more than 800 species of birds. This impressive number includes rare species such as the Andean Condor and Greater Scythebill, as well as such endangered species such as the Rulbus Antpiua, Orange-breasted Falcon, and Glistening-green Tanager. Forty-five per­cent of all tour proceeds go directly toward continuous conservation efforts.

San Jorge Ecolodge and Botanical Reserve in Quito, located in the high barren plains and highland rainforest ecosystem, offer birders the chance to fully immerse themselves in Ecuador’s nat­ural beauty. Exploring the reserve can produce up to thirteen species of hurnmingbirds, including Purple-backed Thornbill and Golden-breasted Puffleg, as well as astounding views of the surrounding volcanoes (Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pulu­lahua, Pichincha, and lllalso).

Just 45 minutes from the ecolodge and reserve, lying peace­fully within the cloud forest in the lower Tandayapa Valley, San Jorgc de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve is part of the Choco Endemic Bird Area of northwest Ecuador. Here birders have the oppor­tunity to take in spectacular panoramic views and spot a wide variety of cloud forest birds.

In the Upper Lowland Subtropical Rainforest, a new ecolodge was opened at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid and Bird Reserve in late 2006. Birders here will find excellent birding opportunities with over 450 birds, 300 orchids, wide trails and observatory sites, and an extremely peaceful setting. Recent sight­ings in Milpe include Choco Toucans and Toucan Barbels.

On the subtropical eastern slopes of the Andes near the San lsidro Valley, San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Reserve is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Adjoining the Antisana National Park, this site preserves 60 acres of virgin forest, home to ocelets, pumas, monkeys, porcupines, armadillos, and spectacled bears. Hun­dreds of bird species are protected here as well.

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