Birding 19 Mar, 2010

19 March 2010
Today we visited Metropolitan National Park on the outskirts of Panama City. We arrived at 6:35am and birded the main loop, which included the mirador (viewpoint), and returned to the hotel by 12:00pm. Birding was very good at the park today, especially along the lower trails.

After a shower we went to Albrook Mall for lunch at Popeye's Chicken (a sinful, yet tasty treat). We then checked out a few electronics stores before heading to Ancon Hill, and then to Punta Culebra, a marine exhibit presented by the Smithsonian Institute, located along the Amador Causeway. We concluded the day by attempting to tour Old Town Panama City but got hopelessly lost in the maze of traffic and ended up returning to the hotel by 5:00pm. Last day tomorrow and an early rise for the drive to Achiote Road on the Carribbean side - can't wait.

Mike's highlights: 1 lifer includes Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet; other highlights inlcude excellent looks at Collared Aracari and Keel-billed Toucan, as well as great looks at Purple-crowned Fairy, White-bellied Antbird, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Yellow-backed Oriole, and Blue Seed-Finch.

Dad's highlights: Collared Aracari, Squirrel Cuckoo, Yellow-backed Oriole, Geoffrey's Tamarin, Jesus Christ Lizards (running on water), view from Ancon Hill, Punta Culebra marine exhibit, and Orange-billed Sparrow.

Complete story to follow...

Total species seen today = 78
Total lifers today = 1
Total cumulative lifers for trip = 23
Total species seen at Metropolitan Park = 69
Total cumulative species at Metropolitan Park = 83
Total species for trip = 204