2007 Panama

Birds were everywhere at this hotel, and the ornamental pools outside the main foyer proved to be a useful drinking area for a number of species.

From our room, we looked out to a row of small trees and bushes which were thoroughfares for birds and animals. Always something going on there, but we had to beware of mosquitoes at dawn and dusk at this level. Tennis facilities were also in the grounds, but we never saw anyone use them.

Another view of the wildlife area just outside our room.

At least that is what it looked like. At this distance, it was difficult to be sure, but the outline was very much the same as the birds we have seen throughout the Caribbean islands we have visited. This species creates a raucus cacophony of calls in the early morning.

These birds came in as a staggered flock every night and settled down in the trees with much calling and noise. This is a long shot frame from our DV video camera.

An even closer view of one of the Parakeets, from a stll frame from the DV camera.

This pretty Woodpecker came to the trees outside our room, and stayed long enough for some long-shot video. Another still frame from the video.

Distribution from Panama to Trinidad and south to Argentina. There are three species in this family, all members of the Cuckoo family. Also known as the Black Cuckoo.

A fairly common species throughout Central America and the Caribbean. You could usually hear one calling in the gardens of the hotel most times.

A passing species seen along the bushes opposite our room. A DV still frame from our video.

This is actually a pretty bird, but here the red areas are mostly covered by the folded wings. In flight it displays its red back more impressively.

An extreme long shot. Although I can't now remember where it was taken, the background suggests that it was somewhere on the banks of the Rio Chagres in the hotel grounds.

Normally a common garden species here, this insect had settled on one of the hotel walkways for some reason. Maybe it had taken on board too much nectar so needed a flat area to land safely.

Probably Riodinidae? This family is very varied, and widespread in the tropics and is usually made up from strikingly patterned and colourful insects. I have not found the ID of this to confirm its membership yet.

Riodinidae, Riodininae Wingspan 24mm A single specimen was found inside a Foyer Window.

Hesperiidae, Eudaminae Wingspan: ~40mm. Found fluttering about in a Foyer window. Caught and released outside.

Nymphalidae, Morphinae Wingspan:~160mm This picture is an individual in the Hotel Butterfly Garden. However, others were seen occasionally passing through the hotel gardens - a beautiful sight.

Nymphalidae, Morphinae Wingspan:~200mm Found on a wall apparently attracted to a walkway light at the hotel one evening. Not easy to identify this time, but a specimen attracted to the hotel in 2019 showed its upper-side (picture will be posted later in the 2019 set). I am therefore guessing the species is the same from this area. Not until recently did I notice a small Pyralid moth resting on the wing-tip of this one - an amazing contrast in size!