Day #10 (Sat. Oct. 7)
The Rincon de Puembo – what a luxurious hotel! Our room was at the far end of the atrium seen here.
Rincon de Puembo, second floor of atrium
Rincon de Puembo pool
Rincon de Puembo
We caught a cab around noon for the short drive to the Puembo Birding Garden, where we had lunch, and enjoyed a last opportunity to see both new birds, and some old favorites.
Blue-grey Tanager
Blue and Yellow Tanager
Eared Dove
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
Saffron Finches
Saffron Finch
Scrub Tanager
Shiny Cowbird
Sparkling Violetear
Sparkling Violetear
If I had to choose a favorite hummingbird, of those many we had seen, it would be the Sparkling Violetear.
Lee and Mike had yet to leave, and Kathy, myself and Jim met up with them for dinner at the hotel. As always, the food was very good. And, thanks Jim for picking up the tab! Then we hung out until it was time to leave for the airport, which transportation was provided by the hotel.
The flight home might have been unendurable, with my original seat forcing my knees into the seat ahead. Then Kathy spotted two empty exit seats, which seats provide more legroom. Thank God for that! Which airline was it? It was American Airlines, so be warned!
How do Kathy and I grade our trip? We give it an A+, in every respect. What stands out? First and foremost, Edwin stands out. What a guide, what a guy! Next, as far as I can tell, the itinerary took us to the best birding spots and best scenery in that part of Ecuador. The lodging and food could not be beat. The bus we traveled in was very comfortable. Our contacts with Ecuadorians were always amiable. And our fellow birders were a pleasure to be with (thank you all!). If Road Scholar offers a birding trip to southern Ecuador, as Edwin mentioned was possible (and Edwin is the guide), sign us up.
