A friend from school, Marisol, moved to Cusco with her kid some time ago.
Last Sunday she asked us if we wanted to take a walk with her, her boy and the dog. Of course we accepted and met early for breakfast together before climbing up to get around Sacsayhuaman.
It took us around an hour and it was worth it!
Rufous-collared Sparrow
On the way up we found new birds, a couple of them with pending id and sadly with no pic to help us (guess we have to go back some time soon hehe)
We didn't get into Sacsayhuaman, an important Incan Fortress, but walked around before heading to Q'enqo chico, a small set of ruins in a spot that gives you an amazing view of the city.
Mel-bird(er) at Q'enqo chico ruins
It was hot and sunny, they were tons of Rufous-collared Sparrows singing and the idea of not doing anything but stare at the blue sky, green mountains and pretty birds was so great!
Rufous-collared Sparrow
One of the highlights of the walk was the fact that we gained a couple of new birders to the cause! hahaha... both my friend and her 8 year old Santiago were amazed about how close they could see the birds with the binoculars (the four of us took turns to see) and the boy was so excited he kept asking about the birds and asking for the binoculars over and over again.
Santiago and the party's binoculars
It was so great to spend a nice day with friends and to have been able to share a bit of our love for nature and birds with them. By the way, can anyone recommend binoculars for kids that can be found on this side of the world?? Can't let Santiago escape!!
Band-tailed Seedeater
We saw:
Great Thrush (lifer!)
Great Sapphirewing (lifer!)
Band-tailed Seedeater (lifer!)
Black-hooded Siskins
Rufous-collared Sparrows (way too many of them)
A hummingbird that we were not able to id or photograph
A hawk waaay too far to id
Some sort of wren that was too fast
Might sound like a little list, but it was our first Sunday in the city, and we went out with a kid and a dog, not very bird-friendly ;)
Band-tailed Seedeater
I hope that soon we'll be able to go back there again and learn more about the birds on the area, it is fun to be out!
9 comments:
Wow, new birds AND Inca ruins.........does it get any better than that!?!
What a wonderful outing you had.
I think you are amazing. Giving the love of birds to a child is the best of gifts!
I so enjoy seeing the birds too. I may never get to come to your beautiful country. Seeing through the lens of your camera and reading your words makes your world come alive for me.
Thank you,
Sherry
What a beautiful walk. Glad I stopped by.
- A fellow nature blogger (found you ont he Nature Blog Network)
Wow! Sounds like a great trip, Mel. So many beautiful birds!! Having a positive effect on a young potential birder is so rewarding. Sorry I'm no help with the binoculars. How about the Audubon Society? Perhaps they recommend a brand for youngsters.
Just stopping by to say hello, Mel. Hope all is well with you and Tommy.
I'm always amazed by the great birds you see, "little list" or no.
Besos,
Delia
Hello everyone!
Sorry for not replying before, thank you all for stopping by, for your kind words and good wishes.
I sure hope that things will get better soon, we are adapting to our new city, work, life, weather, even food! But we'll manage.
If you come down this way, be sure to let me know ;)
Mel those ruins look beautiful! I am very sorry to hear your father is unwell and send you both wishes for strength and health from a far away.
Hi Russell,
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the ruins and nature fit perfect and are beautiful!
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