From top: Black-necked Woodpecker; Torrent Duck; Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Golden-headed Quetzal (female), streets of Leimebamba; front garden La Casona de Leimebamba; dining area and bedroom of hotel.
23 June: Today we travelled from Pomacochas to Leimebamba, stopping in the Utcubamba Valley en route. Unfortunately the Koepkcke's Screech-Owls were not at their favoured roost this morning (although they had been present the previous day). We continued to Leimebamba reaching the cloud forests just above the town for lunch in the field. The rest of the afternoon was spent here before descending into Leimebamba where we spent the night at the delightful "La Casona de Leimebamba". Simple and clean with hot water and delicious food with attentive staff, this hotel was voted a favourite by the group at the end of the tour.
Today's birds included Torrent Duck, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Andean Condor, Spot-throated Hummingbirds, White-bellied Hummingbird, Rainbow Starfrontlet, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Purple-throated Sunangel, Golden-headed Quetzals (up to 5), Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan (2), Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Black-necked Woodpecker (5), Strong-billed Wodcreeper, Montane Woodcreepers, Line-cheeked Spinetail (race baroni), Pearled Treerunner, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, White-banded Tyrannulets, Torrent Tyrannulets, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant, White-collared Jays (10), White-capped Dipper, Maranon Thrush (6+), Speckle-breasted Wren, Spectacled Redstart, Russet-crowned Warbler, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Buff-bellied Tanagers (12), Blue-and-Yellow Tanager, Mountain Cacique (20+).
