Peru Day 21; Bosque Unchog

  We returned to Bosque Unchog for our second full day birding this site, after a slightly underwhelming first day on the 7^th. The weather had noticeably changed, with fog present all day, with varying degrees of thickness. At one point it even started to rain, our first proper rain in the entire duration of our trip through Peru.

  Birding was once again quite slow, with many of our remaining targets eluding us once again. There was at least one notable mixed species flock, with a good number of birds, including finally good views of the remarkably brown Pardusco, and a few commoner mountain tanagers, as well as a pair of Bay-vented Cotinga in tow. Only one other species flock was encountered during the day, and it only contained commoner species. At the end of the day we had a nice Golden-backed Mountain Tanager, but it did not seem to be associating with any particular flock.

  The Tapaculos remained frustrating, with not a single individual being seen today, but once again all four present at the site being heard. Antpittas however were on much better form, with two nice and confiding Chachapoyas Antpittas being highlights, with one even singing right out in the open as I watched it, although not for particularly long it has to be said.

  The highlight of the day was also an Antpitta. Having heard at least two different Undulated Antpitta on our last day here, it was good to finally connect with one today. Having failed to find anything in the first patches of forest, I continued down the trail for a couple of kilometers until I reached an area of more continuous woodland. There was not much activity, but a Kalinowskis Chat-Tyrant offered something interesting to watch. While looking at that, a large bird flew across the road. While I only caught a glimpse, there seemed to be no substantial tail, which had me curious. Looking through the vegetation I spotted the birds belly, which immediately revealed that it was in fact an Undulated Antpitta. With caution I tried to approach to get a good view, but the bird jumped, helpfully out into the open canopy. Quickly I tried to raise my camera, but the bird kept jumping between branches until it was once again out of sight. With some playback it did come out once more, but again only briefly, but allowing time for a couple of poor record shots. And then it was gone, a brilliant but all too brief encounter with one of the best Antpitta species.

  Otherwise the day was really slow with very little to report. We still have another day planned for Bosque Unchog, but the birds still seem reluctant to play and as such I remain unconvinced that we will pick up on our remaining targets. 

-Chachapoyas Antpitta

-Violet-throated Starfrontlet

-Plain-colored Seedeater

-Bay-vented Cotinga

-Yellow-scarfed Tanager

-Kalinowski's Chat-Tyrant

-Coppery Metaltail

Species List:
Bosque Unchog: Purple-backed Thornbill, Coppery Metaltail, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Andean Lapwing, Undulated Antpitta, Chachapoyas Antpitta, Pearled Treerunner, Barred Fruiteater, Bay-vented Cotinga, Red-crested Cotinga, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, White-throated Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Kalinowski's Chat-Tyrant, Grass Wren, Great Thrush, Slaty Brushfinch, Citrine Warbler, Pardusco, Golden-backed Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, Moustached Flowerpiercer, Masked Flowerpiercer, Drab Hemispingus, Plain-colored Seedeater,