Barro Colorado Island & Panama Canal
The sun lit the rainforest as it was rising. The warm yellow tones made the spectacular rainforest shine even more. It really was a great sight for the early risers as we were repositioning to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island (BCI). An icon of tropical studies, BCI is one of the most productive research stations in the tropics of the world. We had the privilege of visiting the island to learn about their important discoveries and current lab activity. A lush rainforest that has been extensively studied represents not only what may be the best known plot of rainforest on the planet, but also a fascinating place for nature lovers.
Different species of monkeys, agoutis and squirrels were seen on the different outings. The birdlife kept us all very amused. Snail kites, kiskadees, tinamus, trogons, trogons and toucans were hopping in the treetops, while the chestnut backed antbirds were sharing their beautiful song in the understory. We had a great sighting of a curious spectacled owl that wanted to see us as we passed by.
In the afternoon we resumed our southbound transit of the Panama Canal. At the Culebra Cut we could appreciate the expansion of the Canal at its fullest where tractors and dredgers were working to broaden it. Several American crocodiles were spotted by our naturalists along the shores.
We finally reached Pedro Miguel Locks and it made us remember about the importance of water and the extensive watershed that makes our transit across the isthmus possible. Nowhere is a forest safer than where the communities are economically benefited by it and they are aware of its importance. Good for Panama and the Canal!
Short after dinner we crossed Miraflores Locks and reached the Southern Sea with an impressive view of the growing city of Panama.
We are just eager to see what tomorrow brings.
The sun lit the rainforest as it was rising. The warm yellow tones made the spectacular rainforest shine even more. It really was a great sight for the early risers as we were repositioning to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island (BCI). An icon of tropical studies, BCI is one of the most productive research stations in the tropics of the world. We had the privilege of visiting the island to learn about their important discoveries and current lab activity. A lush rainforest that has been extensively studied represents not only what may be the best known plot of rainforest on the planet, but also a fascinating place for nature lovers.
Different species of monkeys, agoutis and squirrels were seen on the different outings. The birdlife kept us all very amused. Snail kites, kiskadees, tinamus, trogons, trogons and toucans were hopping in the treetops, while the chestnut backed antbirds were sharing their beautiful song in the understory. We had a great sighting of a curious spectacled owl that wanted to see us as we passed by.
In the afternoon we resumed our southbound transit of the Panama Canal. At the Culebra Cut we could appreciate the expansion of the Canal at its fullest where tractors and dredgers were working to broaden it. Several American crocodiles were spotted by our naturalists along the shores.
We finally reached Pedro Miguel Locks and it made us remember about the importance of water and the extensive watershed that makes our transit across the isthmus possible. Nowhere is a forest safer than where the communities are economically benefited by it and they are aware of its importance. Good for Panama and the Canal!
Short after dinner we crossed Miraflores Locks and reached the Southern Sea with an impressive view of the growing city of Panama.
We are just eager to see what tomorrow brings.
