I have left the city and exams behind for a more peaceful local, namely Tambo Condor and the Antisana Ecological Reserve.
In the mornings or afternoons (depending on my work schedule for the), I’m greeted by these little fellas (if you count the largest hummingbird in the world as a “little” fella).
What exactly am I doing up in this mountainous area? I am assisting in research on the Andean ibis.
While first recognized as a species by French biologists back in 1894, the Andean ibis has since been considered a subspecies of the buff-necked ibis and then the black-faced ibis. It wasn’t until this year that the IUCN and BirdLife International recognized the Andean ibis as a full species. (Source). In Ecuador, they live near two volcanoes: Antisana and Cotopaxi.
While listed as NT (near threatened) worldwide, the population of Andean ibis in Ecuador is critically endangered, with about 100 individuals estimated in 1999.
But that was 15 years ago. The data for the last fairly comprehensive study on these birds was done near Antisana in 2000, and even after that no one knows where the population near Antisana nests. While we’re still trying to figure that out, we have confirmed a roosting spot.
Yes, these birds roost behind a waterfall (well, two of them do.)
While the ibises are my primary focus, there are other birds to be seen up in the páramo, such as condors and other raptors.
The plant life in the páramo is as beautiful (and sometimes alien) as ever.
While it may look like fun and games from these photos, the páramo is darn cold. It’s one thing to visit for a day and half as I did a little over a month ago, but being out for six hours at a time can be a little chilly. This is especially true since our observations either start in the early morning or last until sunset.
However, staying out while the temperature is hovering around freezing does have some perks, namely incredible views of Antisana.
Up next: Do ibises react to paper mache doppelgangers? I don’t know the answer either, but we’ll hopefully find out next week!