Ecuador: Refugio Paz de las Aves – Antpittas

Antpittas are difficult to find, so if you are a birder it is quite an achievement to spot one. Ecuador could be named a cradle of antpitta viewing. Staying at the Refugio Paz de las Aves, we got acquainted with the whole family who built this accommodation and run the business. Uncle Angel Paz is the one who “tamed” Giant antpitta without even knowing that it is one of the rarest and shyest birds in South America. He worked as lumberjack back in 2005 and Giant antpitta was occasionally showing up for worms. The bird got a nickname Maria and that’s how the forever friendship began. Angel learned that this wasn’t just a random bird, but one of the rarest birds in the world with a very limited habitat. Angel started learning about antpittas and protecting the area, then the birding tours began. We were lucky to spot Mustached antpitta, Yellow-breasted amtpitta and, Natali’s favorite – Ochre-breasted antpitta (her nickname is Shakira, every time she comes for treats she dances) Even if you are not a birder this is still a very exciting experience to get. We live on a planet that changes every day, so take a chance to see the birds or animals that may disappear soon.