We were lucky enough to be able to spend two whole days at the Finca Palmonte nature reserve, surrounded by an evergreen mountain forest at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level. The location was perfect for our studies and we were taken aback by the rich diversity of flora and fauna all around us.
Plus, we had the chance to speak to Fausto Recalde from the EcoMinga Foundation. We were keen to learn more from this expert in the climate change exhibited at the Candelaria Reserve.
Miriam took audio recordings in the garden area of Finca Palmonte. Here we observed hummingbirds quenching their thirst with a drink of water.
We also managed to watch several Andean cocks-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) at their breeding spot in the cloud forest near Finca Palmonte.
The glasswing butterfly (Greta oto) is one of very few butterfly species whose wings are almost completely transparent, except for the border.
… and others are much larger. You can see one here boasting beautiful bright colours.
… to large.
Dirk worked his magic again with some more panoramic snaps, capturing the various habitats and documenting the use of the land. On the right, you can see the primeval forest (cloud forest), with agricultural land in front and a secondary forest in the background.
And the weather was finally on our side – it didn’t let us down all day!
