A Serendipitous Encounter in Mindo

As I stepped off the train in Los Bancos, the air was thick with the promise of adventure. The rhythmic clatter of the rails still echoed in my ears, a comforting reminder of the journey that had brought me here. I had heard whispers of a birding tour led by a man named Marcelo, whose passion for the avian world was said to be unparalleled. Intrigued, I found myself drawn to the idea of exploring the lush landscapes of Mindo under his expert guidance.

Marcelo was associated with Rubby’s Hostal, a charming abode nestled in the heart of Mindo. It was there that I first met him, a man whose eyes sparkled with the knowledge of the skies. His reputation preceded him, and I was eager to see if the tales of his expertise were true. As we set out on our first day, the anticipation was palpable. The early morning mist clung to the trees, and the world seemed to hold its breath in expectation.

Our journey began at the Cock o’ the Rock lek, a place where the vibrant hues of the quetzals and toucans painted the sky. Marcelo’s ability to spot and identify these magnificent creatures was nothing short of magical. With a deft hand, he set up his spotting scope, allowing us to witness the avian ballet unfolding before us. The Mindo entrance road was alive with the calls of parrots and the flutter of wings, a symphony of nature that left me in awe.

The Dance of the Umbrella Birds

The following day, we ventured west to the hamlet of 23 de Decembre, where an Umbrella bird lek awaited. The journey there was a leisurely one, the landscape unfurling like a tapestry of greens and golds. As we arrived, the peculiar dance of the Umbrella birds captivated my senses. Their strange, almost otherworldly display was a testament to the wonders of the natural world.

Marcelo’s knowledge of the local fauna was evident as he pointed out the various species that graced our path. The call of the Black Solitaire echoed through the trees, answered by the Andean Solitaire in a duet that seemed to transcend time. Though the Orange-breasted fruit-eater remained elusive, the sight of a Plate-billed toucan family more than compensated for its absence.

As the sun climbed higher, the day grew warm, and the birds retreated into the shade. Yet, the memories of their vibrant plumage lingered, a kaleidoscope of colors etched into my mind. It was in these moments of quiet reflection that I felt a deep connection to the world around me, a reminder of the beauty that exists in the slow, deliberate pace of life.

Ascending the Tower at Rio Silanche

Our final day took us to Rio Silanche, a preserve known for its towering observation platform. As we ascended the 17-meter structure, the world below seemed to shrink, leaving us suspended in a realm of avian wonder. The view from the top was breathtaking, a panorama of treetops and sky that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Here, the birds came to us, drawn by Marcelo’s expert calls. The Yellow-bellied trogon, the rufous mot mot, and a host of tanagers flitted about, their colors a vivid contrast against the verdant backdrop. Each sighting was a revelation, a moment of pure joy that filled my heart with gratitude.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the journey I had undertaken. Marcelo’s passion and expertise had opened my eyes to a world I had only glimpsed from the windows of a train. The slow, deliberate pace of our days in Mindo had allowed me to savor each moment, to truly appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

In the end, it was not just the birds that had captured my heart, but the experience itself—a reminder of the joy that can be found in the simple act of observing, of being present in the moment. As I boarded the train once more, the memories of Mindo lingered, a cherished chapter in my journey through life.