Thursday, August 20, 2015

Peru, Ollantaytambo - 20th Aug

Ollantaytambo is a jumping-off point for access to Machu Picchu, particularly for those hiking the Inca trail. We were advised to stay there rather than Cusco as it was a little lower so the altitude would affect us less, but it's also a nice little spot in itself, with some Inca ruins. The town is in a valley with a swift-flowing stream. The local area is mainly farmland, but it was quite productive nonetheless. In the fields were; Hooded Siskin, Golden-billed Saltator, Chiquanco Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, House Wren, Band-tailed Seedeater, Greenish Yellow-Finch, Spot-winged Pigeon, Blue-and-white Swallow and American Kestrel. The stream had Torrent Tyrannuulet, Black Phoebe, White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow and Andean Gull.

The journey to Machu Picchu continues with a lovely train journey alongside the stream to Aquas Calientes. Many of the same birds were seen all along the stream, with the addition of Puna Ibis, Andean Swift, and some marvelous Torrent Duck.

Andean Gull. A smashing gull, very smart and confiding. Seen in some numbers over the five days, but always in or over mountain rivers and streams.
Greenish Yellow-Finch
Band-tailed Seedeater
Chiquanco Thrush
Golden-billed Saltator
Hooded Siskin
House Wren everywhere!


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