Tag Archives: Sachatamia

Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii)

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The Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) is a species of hummingbird and a firm favourite with birders in Ecuador.  The fashion-forward little beauty not only sports the distinctive rackets on the end of his long tail but different coloured boots!  On the western slopes of the Andes (Mindo area), the hummingbirds are sophisticated and elegant in fluffy white boots.  On the eastern slopes (WildSumaco, Napo, etc) they dazzle in rusty orange boots.  Either way, they are dressed for success and you won’t want to miss them!

These 2 photos showing white boots were taken at Angel Paz Refuge in Mindo area.

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This little guy is proudly showing his orange boots at Wildsumaco.  See the iridescence by night!IMG_4716 DSCN2141

You can find them in in the Andean cordillera of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.  They are easily seen at the hummingbird feeders in most lodges in the Mindo area and at Wildsumaco Lodge.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOTED RACKET-TAILS

Wikipedia

Birdlife

Neotropical Birds

American Bird Conservancy

VIDEOS

Filmed at Wild Sumaco, this video shows how fast they really are.

Looking adorable with very puffy boots!

There’s a short clips here NOT at a hummingbird feeder.

 

Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis)

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The Volet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) is a species of hummingbird.which lives in areas from 300–2,100 metres (980–6,890 ft) in elevation, though typically above 900 metres (3,000 ft) on the west slope of the Andes.

I may not go in much for “selfies” but I am more than happy to take “sylphies”!

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They are found in Ecuador & Colombia.  Probably the most easily accessed locations to eco-tourists would be the hummingbird feeders at lodges in the Mindo area.  I took these photos at Sachatamia Lodge.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT VIOLET-TAILED SYLPHS

Wikipedia

Birdlife

Neotropical Birds

VIDEOS

This clip stands out for not being on a feeder.

In this clip you can see the Sylph with other hummingbirds at one of the Sachatamia feeders.

 

Lodge Review: Sachatamia, Mindo, Ecuador

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When you are in one of the top birding spots in the world such as Mindo, Ecuador, you need a lodge that understands the need of birders and Sachatamia easily ticks all the boxes!

Beautiful birdy location – check!

Attractive cabins  rooms – check!

Friendly staff who can cater for birders, book good guides, early breakfasts, etc – check!

Full service restaurant with ala carte menu – check!

Easy to find location on main road but away from traffic, near birding reserve – check!

Let’s take a closer look.

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This statue always freaked me out at night, I think someone is standing there!DSCN1528

There are several nice porches where you can sit and relax and watch tanagers * hummingbirds coming to the feeders.DSCN1525 DSCN1526 DSCN1527

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The grounds are spacious and have paved walkways between cabins and facilities.  They are light at night but it’s still best to bring a torch.DSCN1530

I didn’t get a photo of the pool and jacuzzi as my battery was dead when we used it after the first day of birding.  See them on the website.  It was great to have a hot soak after a full day birding!DSCN1529 DSCN1531 DSCN1532 DSCN1533 DSCN1534

This was our cabin.  It’s a duplex but no one was in the room next door so we had it all to ourselves.DSCN1535 DSCN1536

Views to die for!DSCN1537 DSCN1538

We actually arrived at night so one of the staff had to show us how to get to the cabin.DSCN1072

Rooms are attractively furnished and have bird artwork.  Wifi doesn’t reach to the cabins but you can get online at the restaurant & front porch.DSCN1071 DSCN1070 DSCN1069 DSCN1073

This is the lobby which is next to the restaurant.  You can sit here and watch birds even when it’s raining.DSCN1516 DSCN1519 DSCN1521 DSCN1524 DSCN1515 DSCN1514

We like a window seat for meals so we can enjoy the view.  DSCN1509

 

Enjoying our breakfast while watching hummingbirds enjoy their breakfast!DSCN1512 DSCN1513 DSCN1510 DSCN1511

Sachatamia was my personal favourite out of all the accommodation on this trip and I hope these photos show you why.  They have also earned a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor so others agree.  It’s reasonably priced and can be booked direct with them on their website or use a booking portal to get airline miles like Rocketmiles, Pointshound or Hotels.com via TopCashBack.  The staff here are lovely and always happy to help with anything you need.  We stayed 3 nights and wish it would have been longer!