FALL AT PANAMA’S CANOPY TOWER

October 10–17, 2015

Tiny Hawk, Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, Panama, October 14, 2015, Barry Zimmer

LEADERS: BARRY ZIMMER & CARLOS BETHANCOURT COMPILED BY: BARRY ZIMMER

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

FALL AT PANAMA’S CANOPY TOWER October 10–17, 2015

By Barry Zimmer

Although I have led over 25 tours to Panama, I don’t think I can remember one that had more special moments than this year’s Canopy Tower tour. In fact, in one six-hour period along Pipeline Road, we had three of my most memorable Panama moments ever!

We had just come down from the observation tower of the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, when Natalia, one of the Center employees, told us she had just located a Pheasant Cuckoo along the trail. This species is hard to see anytime, but is almost exclusively found in the dry season, when it can sometimes be tracked down by its calls. October, however, is the heart of the rainy season, and we had never seen this species on this tour before. Just twenty feet off the trail we could hear the weird ruffling sounds of the bird’s wings, as it foraged in the leaf litter. Soon we had spotted it, as it crept along, alternately fluttering its wings and bobbing its tail. Nearly the size of a roadrunner, we watched this amazing bird for about ten minutes. It was only the second I had ever seen and, I believe, a lifer for everyone in the group!

Riding the high of the cuckoo sighting, we loaded up the vehicles to head further out Pipeline Road. Suddenly, Natalia came running out after us as we were backing out of the parking area. She had just found a Tiny Hawk perched behind the deck, apparently having just captured and eaten a hummingbird! This rarely seen, ridiculously small forest raptor was being bombed by other hummingbirds as it sat perched at the edge of a vine tangle right over our heads. We enjoyed scope-filled views for more than twenty minutes and eventually just had to walk away! Score two for Natalia! A wonderful several hours along Pipeline Road ensued in which we tallied King Vulture, Rufous Motmot, Russet-winged Schiffornis, Pied Puffbird, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, and a host of other amazing species.

The rumbling of late afternoon thunder encouraged us to start back toward the Canopy Tower. A kilometer or so from the beginning of the road, a Great Tinamou darted across the track in front of the lead vehicle. Alas, only the leaders and one member of the group had glimpsed the bird. Having reached the forest on the other side, our chances of relocating it seemed slim. As we piled out of the vehicles and started plotting strategy, the tinamou magically appeared again at the edge of the road. Everyone froze in silence and incredibly, the bird started walking towards us. Sticking to a rather open portion of the forest floor, it slowly (over ten minutes) ambled to within 15 feet of the group, foraging along and paying little attention to us. Tinamous are often heard, but seldom seen denizens of the forest. Catching a glimpse of one is lucky. This was simply unbelievable. Jaws open and in stunned silence, we marveled at such a magical moment.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Of course, these events only cover six hours of an amazing week-long trip. From the Canopy Tower on Day 1, we enjoyed a stunning male Blue Cotinga, Black-breasted Puffbird almost at arm’s-length, a flashy Gartered Trogon, stunning Cinnamon Woodpeckers, Keel-billed Toucans, brilliant Golden-hooded Tanagers, Fulvous-vented Euphonias, and more. Later in the afternoon, feeders at Gamboa were abuzz with Orange-chinned Parakeets, Crimson-backed and Flame-rumped tanagers, and Red- legged Honeycreepers to name a few. The following day, we headed to the foothills of Cerro Azul. A staggering 16 species of hummingbirds were seen that day including Violet-capped Hummingbird, Crowned Woodnymph, three species of hermits, Brown Violetear, Purple-crowned Fairy, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, and White-necked Jacobin. Other highlights included a pair of Yellow-eared Toucanets right overhead, a perched White Hawk, two Crested Guans (another tour first), dazzling Shining and Green honeycreepers, and a wonderful array of tanagers that included Rufous-winged, Bay-headed, Speckled, and Emerald among others. Our first day on Pipeline Road nearly rivaled the second with an immature Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon perched no more than 30 feet away calling over and over for its parents; an army ant swarm that hosted Bicolored, Spotted, and spectacular Ocellated antbirds; Streak-chested Antpitta; Black-striped Woodcreeper; Black-faced Antthrush; perched Ruddy Quail-Dove; four species of trogons; Scaly-throated Leaftosser; and Purple-throated Fruitcrow to name a few.

Other highlights throughout the week included good numbers of migrating raptors (more than 24,000 over the tower one afternoon), a roosting Common Potoo, a Short-tailed Nighthawk right over the tower on three days (a lifer for two of the tower guides), a Black-and-White Owl on the night drive, Broad-billed and Whooping motmots, scope views of Rosy Thrush-Tanager, and Lance-tailed, Blue-crowned, and Red-capped manakins. The list goes on and on. We also enjoyed two species of sloths, three species of monkeys (including the adorable Geoffroy’s Tamarin), coatimundis, and more than 40 species of fabulous butterflies. This was, simply put, an absolutely extraordinary and very memorable week spent in the Canal Zone of Panama at the fantastic Canopy Tower!

ITINERARY:

October 10 - arrival at the Canopy Tower

October 11 – observation deck of tower until 9:30 AM, Semaphore Hill; afternoon to Gamboa (Canopy B & B) & Ammo Dump pond (105 species)

October 12 – Cerro Azul all day (Rosabel’s house, Bill & Claudia’s house and Jerry & Linda’s house), Cerro Jefe (91 species; 152 total)

October 13 - Pipeline Road all day (to Rio Frijolito), Ammo Dump Ponds briefly (96 species; 197 total)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 October 14 – Ammo Dump Ponds, Panama Rainforest Discovery Center (PRDC), Pipeline Road to Rio La Seda, late afternoon tower watch (145 species; 232 total)

October 15 – observation deck of tower until 7:00 AM, Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Canopy B & B; Old Gamboa Road, Police Academy (Summit) Ponds; evening night drive (117 species; 259 total)

October 16 - Metropolitan Park, Panama Viejo (virtually rained out), tower watch or visit to Miraflores Locks (111 species; 281 total)

October 17 – departures for home (281 species total)

KEY:

bold-faced species indicate birds of rare, casual, or accidental occurrence underlined species indicate birds of very uncommon occurrence or species that occur regularly but in such low densities as to be easily missed

BIRDS:

Great Tinamou (Tinamus major) heard every day from the tower, and two were actually seen---one magical experience with a bird on Pipeline Road that walked towards us on the forest floor to within fifteen feet of the group over a ten minute period and another spotted by Alex on the night drive on its roost; this species is usually heard only; voted the second favorite bird of the tour! Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui) heard only at Metropolitan Park Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) best in Gamboa Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) by some at the Ammo Dump Pond Gray-headed Chachalaca (Ortalis cinereiceps) by the folks who visited the locks the last afternoon Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) a pair of these seen well at Rosabel’s house provided a tour first! Black-eared Wood-Quail (Odontophorus melanotis) heard only at Rosabel’s Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) two over the tower one afternoon Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) two by the PRDC and more at the locks Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) wonderful studies of adult and immature birds at Ammo Dump Ponds & Gamboa Great Egret (Ardea alba) Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) one at Panama Viejo in the rain Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) Green Heron (Butorides virescens) Striated Heron (Butorides striata) one adult at the Ammo Dump Ponds Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) a roosting bird at the Police Academy Ponds was a big surprise; only the second time ever for this tour! Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) by a few in passing in Panama City Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) one roosting bird at the Police Academy Ponds Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) eventually great views of six roosting at Police Academy Ponds Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) abundant Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) one seen high overhead on Pipeline Road; very uncommon Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Gray-headed Kite (Leptodon cayanensis) heard only Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) four perched distantly on Cerro Azul; getting late for this species Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) a few late migrants Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) somewhat rare was an immature bird form the tower the last afternoon by Bill & I Tiny Hawk (Accipiter superciliosus) thanks to Natalia, we had unbelievable, prolonged studies of an immature bird from fifteen feet away at the PRDC; only the second time ever that this rarely seen raptor has been seen on this tour! Common Black-Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) not seen by all White Hawk (Pseudastur albicollis) unsurpassed views of perched bird on Cerro Jefe; voted the third favorite bird of the tour!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015

White Hawk, Cerro Jefe, Panama, October 12, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Gray-lined Hawk (Buteo nitidus) one immature bird in Metro Park Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) good numbers of migrants most days with over 20,000 tallied from the Tower on Day 5 (as counted by Jenn; we saw about 4000 of these) Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) pair of light morph birds from the Tower on three days; nice scope views of perched birds Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) migrants seen on three days with a high count of 150 individuals Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) two over Gamboa and one from the tower Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) one heard high overhead along Pipeline, but not seen White-throated Crake (Laterallus albigularis) as is usually the case, this skulking species was heard only Gray-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides cajaneus) also heard only Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) nice views of this stunner on three days Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) six at Gamboa Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) particularly well at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia) probably only by Loretta & I at Panama Viejo in the downpour

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) fifty or more Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) Willet (Tringa semipalmatus) Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) at least one in with Westerns at Panama Viejo Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) hundreds Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis) one fly-by at ammo Dump Scaled Pigeon (Patagioenas speciosa) good scope views from the Tower Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti) Ruddy Quail-Dove (Geotrygon montana) scope views of perched bird for part of group and fly-by views for others; not often seen White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi) Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) many good views of this always impressive species Pheasant Cuckoo (Dromococcyx phaisanellus) a tour first and another find by Natalia at the PRDC; this bird was feeding on the ground just twenty feet away and doing some weird wing display behavior; this species generally disappears in the rainy season, and is not seen or heard until the dry season begins; voted the favorite bird of the tour!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015

Pheasant Cuckoo, PRDC, Panama, October 14, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Greater Ani (Crotophaga major) Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) heard only Black-and-white Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata) fantastic, prolonged views on night drive of this spectacular owl! Short-tailed Nighthawk (Lurocalis semitorquatus) we discovered one the first morning at the tower and it was subsequently seen on three consecutive days; this bird was not only a tour first but a lifer for two of the Canopy Tower guides! Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) great views of bird perched and in flight at Summit Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) one heard distantly on night drive Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) scope views of one on day roost!; spotted by the Metro Park guard! Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) the most numerous swift Short-tailed Swift (Chaetura brachyura) a few only from the PRDC tower Band-rumped Swift (Chaeture spinicaudus) about eleven total; best from the tower Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis) only one from the PRDC tower; unusually scarce

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 8 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) absolutely stunning; 100+ individuals on our Cerro Azul day Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy) eight at Cerro Azul Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris) formerly Western Long-tailed; great studies at the tower & PRDC feeders; seen daily Stripe-throated Hermit (Phaethornis strigularis) formerly Little Hermit; four total Brown Violet-ear (Colibri delphinae) one bird seen well on Cerro Azul (at Jerry & Linda’s) where quite rare Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti) three total, including one coming to a feeder on Cerro Azul; a real stunner! Long-billed Starthroat (Heliomaster longirostris) one at Cerro Azul feeders was unexpected; not seen by all Violet-headed Hummingbird (Klais guimeti) two on Cerro Azul; uncommon White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffoni) two or three regular at Tower feeders Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer (Chalybura urochrysia) 35+ at Cerro Azul Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica) another stunner; 100 or more seen on Cerro Azul; formerly Violet-crowned Woodnymph

Crowned Woodnymph, Cerro Azul, Panama, October 12, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Blue-chested Hummingbird (Polyerata amabilis) common at Tower & PRDC feeders, a few at Cerro Azul feeders Snowy-bellied Hummingbird (Saucerottia edward) 90+ at Cerro Azul, one from the tower

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 9 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) common in more open areas; almost daily Violet-capped Hummingbird (Goldmania violiceps) 25+ at Cerro Azul; gorgeous

Violet-capped Hummingbird, Cerro Azul, Panama, October 12, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Violet-bellied Hummingbird (Damophila julie) an incomparable species Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena) five total with several superb views (our first thanks to Susan) White-tailed Trogon (Trogon viridis) two individuals on Pipeline Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus) six total; formerly Violaceous Trogon Black-throated Trogon (Trogon rufus) four total, our first spotted by Nancy Whooping Motmot (Momotus subrufescens) best at Metro Park; newly split species from the Blue-crowned Motmot complex Rufous Motmot (Barypthengus martii) scope studies on Pipeline, plus another seen on Cerro Azul; heard at dawn from tower each morning Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum) excellent views; six total Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) four total Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) pair at Police Academy Ponds Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) one at the Police Academy Ponds American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) one fly-by at the ammo Dump Ponds for some, another only by Carlos at the Police academy Ponds White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus macrorhynchos) four total; excellent studies from the PRDC tower

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 10 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Black-breasted Puffbird (Notharchus pectoralis) great views from the tower & dining room on two days

Black-breasted Puffbird, Canopy Tower, Panama, October 15, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Pied Puffbird (Notharchus tectus) singles each day on Pipeline White-whiskered Puffbird (Malacoptila panamensis) stunning views of three on Semaphore Hill the first morning and another at the PRDC Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) unusually scarce with only seven seen (although nice views of those) Yellow-eared Toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis) pair on Cerro Azul put on spectacular show; only found on about a third of the trips!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 11 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015

Yellow-eared Toucanet, Cerro Azul, Panama, October 12, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) daily with up to eight in a day; the essence of the tropics! Black-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus) good views of one on Pipeline Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani) best from the tower Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus) widespread Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker (Piculus callopterus) unfortunately this Panamanian endemic was only seen by a few members of the group on Cerro Jefe before it disappeared Cinnamon Woodpecker (Celeus loricatus) great views, especially from the tower Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucus) four total (all spotted by Carolyn I think) with superb views at Gamboa and at Metro Park Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon (Micrastur mirandollei) this species is typically a heard only bird, but we had a calling immature bird along Pipeline no more than thirty feet away that we eventually walked away from; a once in a lifetime experience!

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 12 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015

Slaty-backed Forest Falcon, Pipeline Road, Panama, October 13, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 13 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Collared Forest-Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus) heard only from the tower daily Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) scattered about open areas Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) heard only from the tower Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis) six total Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) one over Cerro Jefe and six over the tower one afternoon Orange-chinned Parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis) exceptional views at Gamboa; almost daily Brown-hooded Parrot (Pyrilia haematotis) flock of eight perched from the tower one afternoon; uncommon Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) Red-lored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis) the most common parrot Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) exceptional views of one at Rosabel’s

Mealy Parrot, Cerro Azul, Panama, October 12, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Fasciated Antshrike (Cymbilaimus lineatus) good views of a few Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) pair at the Ammo Dump Pond Black-crowned Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha) daily with up to seven in one day; formerly called Western Slaty-Antshrike Spot-crowned Ant-Vireo (Dysithamnus puncticeps) heard only Moustached Antwren (Myrmotherula ignota) pair at the PRDC tower seen well; very uncommon White-flanked Antwren (Myrmotherula axillaris) well on Pipeline Road

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 14 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Checker-throated Antwren (Myrmotherula fulviventris) ditto Dot-winged Antwren (Microrhopias quixensis) seen on three days Dusky Antbird (Cercomacra tyrannina) Jet Antbird (Cercomacra nigricans) after some coaxing we had good views near Gamboa of this localized species White-bellied Antbird (Myrmeciza longipes) superb views of this uber skulker near the Gamboa Resort

White-bellied Antbird, Gamboa, Panama, October 15, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Chestnut-backed Antbird (Myrmeciza exsul) also seen extremely well & close Spotted Antbird (Hylophylax naeviodes) several nice views of this striking species, especially at the ant swarm Bicolored Antbird (Gymnopithys leucaspis) great views, especially at the ant swarm Ocellated Antbird (Phaenostictus mcleannani) stunning pair along Pipeline at the ant swarm; scope views; seen on about a fourth of the trips only Streak-chested Antpitta (Hylopezus perspicillatus) after considerable effort we finally got everyone on this amazing bird! Black-faced Antthrush (Formicarius analis) good views of this skulker on Pipeline; heard several other days Scaly-throated Leaftosser (Sclerurus guatemalensis) exceptional scope views of this seldom seen skulker along Pipeline Road; we even saw him tossing leaves Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus) spotted by Carolyn; uncommon Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fulginosa) five total

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 15 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) one in the tower parking area; uncommon Cocoa Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus susurrans) the most widespread Canal Zone woodcreeper Black-striped Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) scope views on Pipeline; uncommon Spotted Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius) one on Cerro Jefe; uncommon Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus) six total Brown-capped Tyrannulet (Ornithion brunneicapillus) excellent studies from the tower of this tiny canopy dweller Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum) Gamboa & Metro Park Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet (Tyrannulus elatus) Forest Elaenia (Myiopagis gaimardii) only one seen Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus) one on Cerro azul Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus) Paltry Tyrannulet (Zimmerius vilissimus) Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus) Cerro Azul Southern Bentbill (Oncostoma olivaceum) great views at Metro park the last morning Common Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum) Gamboa Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher (Todirostrum nigriceps) one from the tower; uncommon Olivaceous Flatbill (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus) good views on Pipeline Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) Metro Park Yellow-margined Flycatcher (Tolmomyias assimilis) Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus) three total Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) only one Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) daily in numbers Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) one at bridge on Cerro Azul for some Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus) heard only Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) Panama Flycatcher (Myiarchus panamensis) one each at Gamboa & Summit Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) Lesser Kiskadee (Philohydor lictor) great views at Gamboa & Summit Ponds Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua) Rusty-margined Flycatcher (Myiozetetes cayanensis) Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis) Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus) one for some at the Chagres bridge crossing Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) abundant Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) a couple of migrant flocks of 20 or so each Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savanna) at the ATM spot thanks to Hany; also one flyby from the tower

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 16 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Russet-winged Schiffornis (Schiffornis stenorhyncha) two along Pipeline; uncommon White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus) pair at Metro Park the last day Purple-throated Fruitcrow (Querula purpurata) Pipeline & PRDC Blue Cotinga (Cotinga nattererii) mal from the tower on two different days plus distant female at the PRDC; absolutely stunning

Blue Cotinga, Canopy Tower, Panama, October 15, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) gorgeous male at Metro Park White-ruffed Manakin (Corapipo altera) striking male on the Cerro Jefe trail; uncommon Blue-crowned Manakin (Pipra coronata) wonderful males on Pipeline; nine total Red-capped Manakin (Pipra mentalis) equally fabulous; our first spotted by Kate on Semaphore Hill Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) one Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) most days Scrub Greenlet (Hylophilus flavipes) one at Gamboa for most Golden-fronted Greenlet (Hylophilus aurantifrons) Gamboa & Metro Park Lesser Greenlet (Hylophilus decurtatus) numerous Green Shrike-Vireo (Vireolanius pulchellus) seen from the tower by some the first morning & again briefly from the PRDC tower on Day 4; not as cooperative as usual Black-chested Jay (Cyanocorax affinis) one on Pipeline and four at Metro Park Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea) daily in numbers

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 17 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Mangrove Swallow (Tachycineta albilinea) best at Gamboa on the docks Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) by some the first afternoon at Ammo Dump Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) scope studies at Gamboa Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) daily in numbers Scaly-breasted Wren (Microcerculus marginatus) heard only on Cerro Azul House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) Rufous-breasted Wren (Thryothorus rutilus) best at Metro Park Black-bellied Wren (Thryothorus fasciatoventris) great views of this skulker on Semaphore Hill the first morning Plain Wren (Thryothorus modestus) Ammo Dump Bay Wren (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) superb looks of this beauty on Pipeline at the Juan Grande bridge; another skulker Buff-breasted Wren (Thryothorus leucotis) White-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucosticta) best on Pipeline Song Wren (Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) Pipeline Road; great song Long-billed Gnatwren (Ramphocaenus melanurus) one right overhead at Metro Park; what a bill! Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea) several nice views Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) almost daily Clay-colored (Robin) Thrush (Turdus grayi) common Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus novaboracensis) Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) one spotted by Susan at Metro Park; uncommon Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotitla varia) three toal Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) two at the Police Academy Ponds Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina) four total Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus) one on Pipeline Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) common Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) six total Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) six total Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) common Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) common, including one in the dining room! Golden-hooded Tanager (Tangara larvata) certainly one of the prettiest tanagers; several nice views Speckled Tanager (Tangara guttata) one on Cerro Azul; very uncommon Plain-colored Tanager (Tangara inornata) seen daily Rufous-winged Tanager (Tangara lavinia) female feeding youngster at Rosabel’s; very uncommon Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola) nine on Cerro Azul; stunning

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 18 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015

Bay-headed Tanager, Cerro Azul, Panama, October 12, 2015, Barry Zimmer

Emerald Tanager (Tangara florida) two brilliant birds on Cerro Jefe Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) by those who went to the locks Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) many excellent views of this beauty, including the “bathing beauty” on Cerro Azul! Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata) briefly on Pipeline Road White-shouldered Tanager (Tachyphonus luctuosus) generally numerous Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus) one at Gamboa feeders and another behind the resort; uncommon in this area Crimson-backed Tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) “sangre del toro”; is there a prettier tanager? Shining Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes lucidus) about a dozen or more on Cerro Azul; absolute gems Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus) thirteen total including a few spectacular males Scarlet-thighed Dacnis (Dacnis venusta) female on Cerro Azul; uncommon Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) several really nice views Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) five on Cerro Azul Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivacea) Cerro Azul Variable Seedeater (Sporophila corvina) Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis) male at the Ammo dump Ponds

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 19 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Ruddy-breasted Seedeater (Sporophila minuta) females at Ammo Dump were a bonus! Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus) Slate-colored Grosbeak (Saltator grossus) only heard Streaked Saltator (Saltator striatipectus) two on Cerro Jefe Rosy Thrush-Tanager (Rhodinocichla rosea) good scope views of this beauty in Metro Park Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava) Cerro Azul & Cerro Jefe Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) fairly common Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) six total Red-throated Ant-Tanager (Habia fuscicauda) Carmiol’s Tanager (Chlorothraupis carmioli) small group on Cerro Jefe; uncommon Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) Blue-black Grosbeak (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) best at base of Pipeline Road Dickcissel (Spiza americana) flock of 37 at Ammo Dump Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) by a few only Yellow-backed Oriole (Icterus chrysater) best views at Metro Park Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas) Ammo Dump; first spotted by Loretta Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) four total Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis) many good views, especially from the tower Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela) Pipeline Road Chestnut-headed Oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) heard only Yellow-crowned Euphonia (Euphonia lueicapilla) Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) Fulvous-vented Euphonia (Euphonia fulvicrissa) seen daily; many close views, especially from the tower White-vented Euphonia (Euphonia minuta) a surprise find on Cerro Azul Tawny-capped Euphonia (Euphonia annae) three on Cerro Jefe Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) one on Cerro Azul

Total species - 281

****in combination with the Canopy Camp tour, 366 species were seen

LEADER ONLY BIRDS:

Band-tailed Barbthroat Bank Swallow

MAMMALS:

Central American Wooly Opossum---one on the night drive in the owl tree

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 20 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth---several great studies; six total Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth---two total; especially well on the night drive right over the road Geoffroy’s Tamarin---adorable; great views from the tower & in Metro Park White-throated Capuchin---seen on three days, including from the tower Mantled Howler Monkey----great views, including howling family right over Pipeline Road Red-tailed Squirrel Variegated Squirrel---two Central American Agouti---many great, close studies Brazilian Free-tailed Bat---cruising around the dining area on a nightly basis False Vampire Bat----enormous bats seen at dusk from the observation deck Unidentified bat species White-nosed Coatimundi

Total species – 12+

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS:

Green Iguana----pair form the tower the last day was particularly impressive Mediterranean (House) Gecko Slender Anole Striped Basilisk Ameiva species Spectacled Caiman----Police Academy Ponds American Crocodile----Police Academy Ponds Tungara Frog---the “pleasant” sound by the tower at night Cane Toad Gulf Coast toad Frog species----found by Bill at Gamboa Caecilian species---very cool legless amphibian at Cerro azul Central American (Common) Slider Mud turtle species

Total species - 8

BUTTERFLIES:

Battus polydamus---Polydamus Swallowtail Parides erithalion---Variable Cattleheart Papilio thoas---Thoas Swallowtail Phoebis sennae---Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis agarithe---Large Orange Sulphur Phoebis philea---Orange-barred Sulphur

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 21 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015 White species---photographed by Bill Arcas cypria---Wavy-lined Sunstreak Strymon melinus---Gray Hairstreak Eyribia lycisca---Blue-winged Sheenmark Ancyluris jurgensenii---Costa-spotted Beautymark----stunning; spotted by Jerry Lamprospilus collucia---Two-toned Ground-streak Detritivora barnesi---Barnes’ Metalmark Emesis lucinda---White-patched Tanmark Dryas julia---Julia Heliconian Heliconius erato---Erato Heliconian Heliconius hecale--Heart-spotted Heliconian Heliconius cydno---Cydno Heliconian---stunning blue & white one Anartia fatima---Fatima or Banded Peacock Anartia jatrophae---White Peacock Siproeta stelenes---Malachite Adelpha iphiclis---Pointer Sister Adelpha species Temenis species---Banner species Hamadryas feronia---Variable Cracker Archaeoprepona demophoon---Two-spotted Prepona Siderone galanthis----Red-striped Leafwing Historis odius---Orion Cecropian Morpho helenor---Blue Morpho or Common Morpho Taygetis thamyra---Common Ur-Satyr Pareuptychia ocirrhoe---White Satyr Posttaygetis penelea---Yellow-spiked Satyr Methona confusa---Confusa Tigerwing Parelbella macleannani---MacLeannan’s Skipper; a new species for the CT list Scarlet-eye species Astraptes alardus---Frosted Flasher Astraptes janeira---Bronzy (Schaus’) Flasher Urbanus procne---Brown Longtail Mylon species---Mylon species Phanes almoda---Almoda Skipper; a new species for the CT list Saliana esperi---Perching Saliana

Total species – 40+

***Special thanks to Jenn Sinasac for help with many of these butterfly identifications. Many of my own butterfly identifications were somewhat speculative, but were based on A Swift Guide to the Butterflies of Mexico and Central America (Glassberg). This book does not include ranges for Panama, making identifications that much more difficult. In some cases I have listed a species which looks very similar, not really knowing if it even occurs in Panama. Many more that were seen, were left unidentified (whites, sulphurs, skippers, etc.). I have tried to include a common name when known.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 22 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015

SIGNIFICANT OTHERS:

Giant (Helicopter) Damselfly Leafcutter ants Army ant swarm Between 200-300 species of moths photographed by Bill

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 23 Fall at Panama’s Canopy Tower 2015