September 8: A Bounty of Birds
After breakfast, we left Pousada Rio Claro and headed for Porto Jofre, which lies at the end of the Transpantaneira. Porto Jofre is the Holy Land for those in search of jaguars. Pantanal jaguars are the largest jaguars in the world. The bountiful food supply and lack of serious predators has been very good for these beautiful cats.
There are many other amazing creatures that also live in the area around Porto Jofre—especially birds. Paulo is known internationally for his encyclopedic knowledge of Brazilian birds and other wildlife, and he shared many interesting facts about the flora and fauna that greatly enriched my trip. [He is also kindly checking my bird identifications for posts here—thank you, Paulo!!!]
Capybaras are often spotted with birds sitting on their backs or heads. Their feathered friends are not always very well-behaved, as you can see from the white spots on the capybara’s back. But NOTHING seems to bother these rodents very much. They are the most placid animals I’ve ever seen…
Capybara and Friends (Cattle Tyrants)
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Although I confess that these two images made me reconsider that assessment. They reminded me of family photo sessions where Mom is trying to get everyone to behave and she’s about to lose her mind in the process. Here dad (left) and teenaged daughter (right) appear to be on the outs with one another, and Mom (center) is wishing she was somewhere else having a glass of wine.
Capybara family ignoring the photographers
©️APaige Baker, 2019
But Mom eventually manages to get them to pose, even if Dad and Daughter are refusing to look at one another (or the photographer) and none of them looks particularly happy!
Capybara family
©️APaige Baker, 2019
After we visited with the capybaras, we stopped at a nice resort for a break. There were gorgeous birds EVERYWHERE!
Cattle Tyrant
©️APaige Baker, 2019
These tiny yellow-billed cardinals were some of my favorites. They were present just about everywhere we went on the trip, and they were just as cheerful as they could be. They are particularly pretty in large flocks, where their bright red heads shine like rubies in the sun.
Yellow-Billed Cardinals
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Orange-Backed Troupial
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Narrow-Billed Woodcreeper
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Until we reached Porto Jofre, I could say with perfect confidence that the Chaco Chacalacas were by FAR the noisiest birds I’d ever heard. They love to sing the song of their people—loudly and in chorus. But they have one competitor for loudest bird, and that’s the Hyacinth Macaw (see below).
Chaco Chacalacas
©️APaige Baker, 2019
It was lovely to find that toucans are every bit as gorgeous in person as they are on the Fruit Loops box!
Toco Toucan
©️APaige Baker, 2019
This Palm Tanager was NOT happy with the Giant Kiskadee trying to get in on the papaya action. As for me, I was thrilled to find that I had actually managed to freeze that Kiskadee in motion!
Palm Tanager and Great Kiskadee
©️APaige Baker, 2019
This Chaco Chacalaca was much prettier than the others I photographed above—but every bit as raucous.
Chaco Chacalaca
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Caciques build the most interesting nests!
Yellow-Rumped Cacique
©️APaige Baker, 2019
I think this is a female Crimson-Crested Woodpecker. All I could think about when I was hitting the shutter button was the old Woody Woodpecker sound…
Crimson-Crested Woodpecker
©️APaige Baker, 2019
The highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of the Hyacinth Macaws. They have a permanent expression that says “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!” They also look as if they are going to break into a tap dancing routine at any moment…
Hyacinth Macaws
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Lily Pad Bridge
Hotel Pantanal North
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Wattled Jacana (juvenile)
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Striated Heron
©️APaige Baker, 2019
Sunset, Porto Jofre, Brazil
©️APaige Baker, 2019