Yanayacu area of the Marañon River
Our expedition on the upper Amazon Basin began this morning exploring the region where the Yanayacu River empties into the Marañon River. Setting off on the early morning birding skiffs, we were welcomed to the Amazon with massive flocks of chattering parakeets against a beautiful sunrise. Numerous birds were seen and some river dolphins as well. Yes, it is true, we are in this mysterious place, the Amazon!
After breakfast we went for an introductory walk through varzea, or flooded forest. Walking on the dry paths, we got a feel for the changes the river makes, as a high water mark was well over our heads on a few of the trees. We received an introduction to the amazing diversity of this place. Birds, ants, butterflies, a frog or two, trees, lianas, and even a squirrel or two. Too many species to even begin to remember but an amazing story of how it all fits together is beginning to assemble in our brains.
After lunch and a siesta, we boarded the skiffs to explore up a gorgeous little tributary, the Yanayacu River. At the junction of the two rivers, dolphins were abundant, with both pink and gray river dolphins feeding all around the boats. A wonderful sighting indeed. Egrets lined the shore and kingfishers guided our way as the river grew more and more narrow. One group of saddleback tamarins were our first group of monkeys after their piercing calls alerted us to their presence.
As the sun fell on the horizon it lit up some of the big cumulus clouds and the bird noise increased. Undulated Tinamous were calling from all sides as clouds of parakeets flew overhead. Just at our turnaround point, the raucous squawking signaled Macaws! Three different flocks of blue-and-yellow Macaws all passed by, a perfect ending to our first day here in the Amazon.
