Barro Colorado Island
The beautiful forest of Barro Colorado greeted us under a swift sunrise. The green waters from the Gatun Lake were as peaceful as ever. We waited for a filling breakfast and then headed to the Smithsonian station to begin our hikes. While we prepared on land, the Zodiacs took off to explore the coastline of the island. At the start of the trails, a troop of spider monkeys jumped enthusiastically over head. Fruit hunting was their order of the day, before the morning sun got too hot. Howler monkeys were spotted at the same time on the coast of the island. Inside the forest the chestnut mandibled toucans made the most of the summer season, as their calls filled the air. Breeding time has arrived. The excellent guides from the Smithsonian interpreted the surrounding as we advanced on the trail towards the massive kapok (Ceiba pentandra).
On the water the snail kites were all around waiting to spot an apple snail for breakfast. At the same time a couple of bat falcons perched high on the branches of an old tree. Cicadas made themselves heard as their symphonies filled the rainforest with a delicious array of sounds. Out of nowhere some scrapping noises were heard and to our amazement a Mexican tamandua was having his way with a colony of Aztec ants. What a great sighting! It was a young female.
Later in the day we took the Banana Canal, famous for its wildlife. To the amazement of those who where present, manatees were spotted floating gracefully in the calm waters. What a treat!
The passing of the last set of locks was passed early in the afternoon. So we had the opportunity of seeing the first set at night, and the second today at daytime.
We concluded the evening with a great sunset. We had a unique experience. Life gave us the chance of experiencing great ecosystems this week. Hopefully these memories will be in our souls for life. Life is limitless!
The beautiful forest of Barro Colorado greeted us under a swift sunrise. The green waters from the Gatun Lake were as peaceful as ever. We waited for a filling breakfast and then headed to the Smithsonian station to begin our hikes. While we prepared on land, the Zodiacs took off to explore the coastline of the island. At the start of the trails, a troop of spider monkeys jumped enthusiastically over head. Fruit hunting was their order of the day, before the morning sun got too hot. Howler monkeys were spotted at the same time on the coast of the island. Inside the forest the chestnut mandibled toucans made the most of the summer season, as their calls filled the air. Breeding time has arrived. The excellent guides from the Smithsonian interpreted the surrounding as we advanced on the trail towards the massive kapok (Ceiba pentandra).
On the water the snail kites were all around waiting to spot an apple snail for breakfast. At the same time a couple of bat falcons perched high on the branches of an old tree. Cicadas made themselves heard as their symphonies filled the rainforest with a delicious array of sounds. Out of nowhere some scrapping noises were heard and to our amazement a Mexican tamandua was having his way with a colony of Aztec ants. What a great sighting! It was a young female.
Later in the day we took the Banana Canal, famous for its wildlife. To the amazement of those who where present, manatees were spotted floating gracefully in the calm waters. What a treat!
The passing of the last set of locks was passed early in the afternoon. So we had the opportunity of seeing the first set at night, and the second today at daytime.
We concluded the evening with a great sunset. We had a unique experience. Life gave us the chance of experiencing great ecosystems this week. Hopefully these memories will be in our souls for life. Life is limitless!
