Nauto Caño and San Frañcisco
Last night we sailed downstream and in the morning we were tied up to the riverbank at the entrance to a narrow tributary called Nauta Caño. Our morning plans were to head out in the skiffs to enjoy this area. As the near full moon was setting amongst patchy fog, we entered this narrow channel, barely wider than our skiffs. This was the perfect place for observing various birds that rely on the changing water levels. Kingfishers, flycatchers, and hawks lined the bank, with nearly every dead snag having one of these perched upon it.
Many shorebirds lined the banks, finding food in the mud. Wattled Jacanas with their long toes waded amongst the vegetation. A crisp Pied Lapwing was a hit, along with a large Horned Screamer. Also joining in were glossy colored Great Anis and stunning yellow and black Oriole Blackbirds.
It was not solely about birds though. We discussed many of the trees growing along the bank including the Cecropia and the figs. A few green iguanas were basking in the early morning rays, warming up to prepare for a diet of leaves. One group spotted some squirrel monkeys while eagle eyes picked out a few sloths. These vegetarians spend lots of time balled up looking like a termite nest, but one was seen crossing between trees.
Terra firme is the type of forest that even at the highest level of the river does not flood. Because of this, a much higher diversity of species is able to live in this area. More plants are able to adapt to tiny niches, and reproduce in an amazing diversity of ways. Many more insects survive here, not being pushed out by the rising waters. Our walks in the afternoon explored this type of forest near the small community of San Frañcisco. After passing through a small plantation of corn, bananas and yuca, we entered the forest and learned about the many plants, their roles in the forest, and their uses by the local people.
After we boarded Delfin II, we sailed downstream to the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers, which is the beginning of the mighty Amazon. From here, we turned up the Ucayali, and after a short time reached the area known as Yucuruchi where we went ashore to explore the rain forest at night. Frogs, a tarantula, many katydids and crickets were fun discoveries. A Common Potoo calling at the nearly full moon ended the day much like it began.
