sports
Birdwatch: Climbing to 4,400 metres to spot a rare rufous-bellied seedsnipe
Our writer travels to the eastern Andes in search of one of Ecuador’s most elusive birds
TL;DR
- The author traveled to Cayambe Coca national park in the eastern Andes, at an altitude of 4,400 meters, to spot the rufous-bellied seedsnipe.
- The guide, Juan Carlos, spotted the birds first, and the author made a laborious ascent to join him.
- Two rufous-bellied seedsnipes were observed and photographed; they are described as plump, grouse-like birds with intricate plumage.
- Seedsnipes are a unique family of waders that inhabit harsh South American environments.