The first in the Colombia Blog Series by Colombia Photo Expeditions, in which Kike Calvo profiles interesting information, research and thoughts on Colombia for journalism, ecotourism, science, exploration and photography.
We invite you to explore our site including:
Are you a journalist, organization or tour operator in need of images of Colombia? VWPics.com archives one of the best photo libraries about Colombia, including the widest range of bird photographs in the market.
Photo: Rusty Flowerpiercer © Juan Jose Arango / VWPics
In this episode we explore the top birds of the Choco Region in Colombia.
Colombia: Top Birds at Araucana Lodge 🎥 Birdwatching | Episode 1
In this episode we travel to the Cauca Valley in Cali, Colombia. We unveiled the top ten birds at La Araucana Lodge, a hidden secret 45 min away from the city. The perfect place for birding and nature photography.
Colombia: Top 10 Birds 🎥 Birdwatching | Episode 2
In this episode we professional birding guide talks about Colombia´s top ten birds.
Colombia: La Araucana Lodge 🎥 Lugares con Encanto | Capítulo 1: En este episodio arrancamos una serie dedicada a la lugares con encanto. Hoteles, Ecolodges, y Reservas de Naturaleza que de alguna forma nos han robado el corazón. Nuestra primera parada es en La Araucana Lodge, en la Via al Mar, a 45 min de la ciudad de Cali en Colombia. Un lugar perfecto para la observación de aves y la fotografía.
► Para visitar La Araucana Lodge: http://www.colombiaphotoexpeditions.com
Delfines Rosados de la Orinoquia 🚀 Conservación | Capitulo 8
Conservación | Capitulo 8: En este episodio compartimos un video sobre los delfines rosados de la Orinoquía. Curiosidades, datos curiosos, curiosidades de estos animales, asombrosos, curiosos e inteligentes. El video pertenece al Plan de Conservación dee Toninas y Manatíes en la Región Orinoquía, creado por Corporinoquia, Aquabiosfera y la Fundación Omacha. Agradezco a Fernando Trujillo, Biólogo Marino y Director Científico y Socio Fundador de … Read More Delfines Rosados de la Orinoquia 🚀 Conservación | Capitulo 8
You may have heard of this Colombian delicacy, specifically from the Santander region. But if not, be prepared to be an expert.
First and foremost, what ARE hormigas culonas? The direct translation means fat-bottomed ant. Yep, ants!
Fun facts:
-These small creatures live mainly in the Barichara, Bucaramanga & San Gil areas
-These female ants leave their hill only once a year to go mate, and once they’re full of eggs, it’s time to catch them!
-They are a type of leaf-cutting ant that lives in symbiosis with a particular mushroom. (Symbiosis: when two different organisms live in a close physical association, typically to the advantage of both)
-They feed leaves to the mushroom and then eat the mushroom to feed themselves. When they’re captured, the mushroom is often taken too.
So how did they become a part of the cuisine here? And why do people enjoy eating them?
Every year in April & May, farmers and families from this region travel to seek these ants, as this is the only time you can capture them – and they’re worth a pretty penny! One pound can sell for up to $40USD. This tradition has occurred for centuries and is a large part of the local history, being passed down from cultures & generations as a symbol of fertility. Many times, these will be given as wedding gifts in Santander to bestow the gift of fertility & many children to the newlywed couple.
What’s the best way to eat them & how do I find them?
When the season is right, you’ll see them at street vendors either fried or roasted and generously salted. Roasted is recommended for a smokey flavor, as fried can sometimes be greasy and soggy. With a taste of crunchy popcorn, you can buy them by the bag as the perfect snack. They are rarely enjoyed out of season, especially not by locals. But they can sometimes be found at upscale restaurants in sauces and on top of expensive cuts of meat!
So what do you think? Would you try these little delicacies if you had the chance? What kind of recipe might you use them for?
Discover Colombian recipes here!
Interested in Exploring Colombia? www.colombiaphotoexpeditions.com
Learn more:
Ants: Amazing Pictures & Fun Facts on Animals in Nature
Ants of North America: A Guide to the Genera
The Leafcutter Ants: Civilization by Instinct
Kids:
National Geographic Readers: Ants
Giant Ant Farm
Ant Farms. Ant Farms Guide. Ant Farms and Raising Colonies of Ants as Pets
Hey, Little Ant
Ants Rule: The Long and Short of It
By: Alexx J. for The Adventures of Pili
Cited sources: colombia.com, thebugtrotters.com, theculturetrip.com
A new species to science has been discovered in Colombia, just 90 minutes from one of the lodges we regularly use in our expeditions. If you are interested in photographing this bird, we hope to be able to visit the site in 2020. The bird is locally called Dancing Antpitta because it has a habit of shaking back and forth, but also in honor of the city of Cali, the salsa dancing capital of the world. This makes species number 562 for the city, one of the birdiest on the planet, home to more than 5% of the world’s species.
If you are interested in birdwatching, we suggest you learn more about our upcoming birding and photography expeditions.
观鸟者纪录片摄影探险队 ( The Birders Documentary Photo Expedition )
在这次新的旅途中，我们将跟随“鸟人纪录片”的脚步！！
北哥伦比亚鸟类的踪迹
圣玛尔塔山脉（THE SANTA MARTA MOUNTAINS）、加勒比海岸（CARIBBEAN COAST）和佩里亚山脉（PERIJA MOUNTAINS）
关于我们 (About us)
为什么选择哥伦比亚？(Why Colombia?)
在哥伦比亚观鸟 (Birdwatching in Colombia)
仅限8位观鸟者！
日期：
2020年1月22日-2月2日
2021年1月22日-2月2日（12天）
从巴兰基亚（Barranquilla）开始，在波哥大（Bogota）结束
费用：$3680美元/人
双人间住宿
亮点：整个旅程将跟随纪录片《观鸟者》（“The Birders”）的剧组人员和鸟类专家在拍摄时，沿着哥伦比亚北部鸟类踪迹的拍摄路线。整个行程将从巴兰基亚（Barranquilla）开始，在波哥大（Bogota）结束。圣玛尔塔内华达山脉（Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta）是世界上最高的沿海山脉，也是世界上有着22中独有物种的最重要的特有中心之一。加入我们一起去探寻这些特有物种吧，包括圣玛尔塔鸣角鸮（Santa Marta Screech-owl）、蚁鸫（Antpitta）、山裸鼻雀（Mountain-tanager）、窜鸟（Tapaculo）、拾叶雀（Foliage-gleaner）、薮雀（Brush-finch）、鹦鹉（Parakeet）、蜂鸟（Sabrewing）、丛霸鹟（Bush-tyrant）、食籽雀（Seedeater）、莺（Warbler），以及更多！
- 跟随《观鸟者》（“The Birders”）纪录片拍摄时的路线。
- 在拥有这个国家四分之一特有物种的圣玛尔塔内华达山脉（Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta）进行观鸟。
- 游览哥伦比亚北部神秘的瓜希拉半岛（Guajira peninsula）的干燥森林，寻找凤头主红雀（Vermilion Cardinal）、红鹮（Scarlet Ibis）和小黑纹头雀（Tocuyo Sparrow）。
- 在偏远的，刚刚向观鸟者开放的佩里哈山脉（Perija mountain range）进行观鸟，被认为是哥伦比亚观鸟的圣地。
行程：
第一天：到达巴兰基亚（Barranquilla）
第二天：萨拉曼卡岛路公园（Isla Salamanca NP），Km 4湿地（Km 4 Wetlands）和米卡（Minca）
第三天：米卡（Minca）到埃尔多拉多酒店（El Dorado Lodge）
第四、五天：埃尔多拉多酒店（El Dorado Lodge）
第六天：埃尔多拉多酒店（El Dorado Lodge）到泰罗纳国家公园（Tayrona NP）
第七天：罗纳国家公园（Tayrona NP）到里奥阿查（Riohacha）
第八天：弗拉门科斯动植物保护区（Los Flamencos NP）到佩里哈山脉（Perija Lodge）
第九、十天：佩里哈山脉（Perija Lodge）
第十一天：佩里哈（Perija）到巴耶杜帕尔（Valledupar），坐飞机到波哥大（Bogota）
第十二天：离开波哥大（Bogota）
下载完整的行程：观鸟者纪录片摄影探险
Download Full Itinerary The Birders Documentary Photo Expedition
如果您对我们感兴趣，您可以通过以下方式联系我们：
联系我们：colombiaphotoexpeditions@gmail.com
网址：www.colombiaphotoexpeditions.com
instagram: kikeo (https://www.instagram.com/kikeo)
微信: colombia photo expeditions
我们非常感谢陈泽婷为我们网站提供中文翻译
在哥伦比亚观鸟 (Birdwatching in Colombia)
探索哥伦比亚——文化·音乐·摄影·观鸟之旅
“超过1,900种鸟类——比世界上其他国家都多——哥伦比亚是一个等待被发现的鸟类天堂。 探索高海拔山峰、热带森林、沙漠和沿海栖息地，去寻找一系列热带鸟类，包括鹟、蜂鸟、唐纳雀、巨嘴鸟等。在整个旅程中，去见一见当地组织的成员并了解他们所做的保护工作。”——Audubon
—–
观鸟者纪录片摄影探险队 ( The Birders Documentary Photo Expedition )
在这次新的旅途中，我们将跟随“鸟人纪录片”的脚步！！
北哥伦比亚鸟类的踪迹
圣玛尔塔山脉（THE SANTA MARTA MOUNTAINS）、加勒比海岸（CARIBBEAN COAST）和佩里亚山脉（PERIJA MOUNTAINS）
—-
毫无疑问，哥伦比亚是自然和景观摄影、观鸟以及生态旅游的天堂。与我们的合作伙伴一起，我们将探索以下观鸟路线：
Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus). Photo Juan Jose Arango
- WESTERN ANDES, CAUCA VALLEY, AND PACIFIC LOWLANDS
西部安第斯山脉，考卡山谷省和太平洋低地
这条路线的重点是考卡山谷省内的观鸟点，这是哥伦比亚最具备生物多样化的地区之一。据统计，该省鸟类种类达到惊人的1000种。
最佳出行时期：11月下旬至3月下旬，6月下旬至9月上旬。
Red-headed Barbet ( Eubucco bourcierii ). Photo © Kike Calvo
- NORTHERN COLOMBIA BIRDING TRAIL:
SANTA MARTA MOUNTAINS, GUAJIRA AND SERRANIA DE PERIJA
在哥伦比亚北部，加勒比海岸拥有地球上最高的沿海山脉——圣玛尔塔内华达山脉。这些独立的山脉已被确定为地球上最重要的也是唯一的保护濒临灭绝生物和地方性生物多样性的场所。
最佳出行时期：11月下旬至4月上旬和6月中旬至8月下旬。
Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stubelii) . Photo © Juan Jose Arango
- CENTRAL ANDES AND NORTHERN PORTION OF WESTERN ANDES
中部安第斯山脉，西部安第斯山脉的北部部分
这条路线的重点是安第斯山脉西部和中部的咖啡种植区，这里拥有哥伦比亚超过四分之一的地域特征。安第斯山脉中部地区以高度超过5000米（16,500英尺）的冰川火山为主。它是哥伦比亚最大的国家公园之一。
最佳出行时期：11月下旬至3月下旬，6月下旬至9月上旬。
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) Photo © Juan Jose Arango
- EASTERN ANDES AND MAGDALENA VALLEY
这条路线的重点是首都波哥大（距离2.6km）附近的观鸟地点和广阔的马格达莱纳山谷。东部安第斯山脉有各种高原，高原上拥有许多广受欢迎的物种择以栖息的湿地。
最佳出行时期：11月下旬至3月下旬，6月下旬至9月上旬
- SOUTHERN COLOMBIA: PUTUMAYO AND THE COLOMBIAN MASSIF
哥伦比亚西南部的哥伦比亚山脉和普图马约地区正迅速崛起成为下一个观鸟目的地。该地区近期才开始发展旅游业，几乎还未被开发。哥伦比亚山脉是联合国教科文组织生物圈保护区。这里是哥伦比亚最重要的五条河流：考卡，马格达莱纳，帕蒂亚，普图马约和卡克塔的发源地。
最佳出行时期：12月至3月初及6月底至9月初。
Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stubelii). Photo Juan Jose Arango
- REMOTE COLOMBIA: MITU, SAN JOSE DEL GUAVIARE, INIRIDA, HATO LA AURORA
哥伦比亚偏远地区：米图，瓜维亚雷省圣何塞，伊尼里达，哈托拉奥罗拉
这条路线的重点在于亚马逊和奥里诺科地区等较偏远地段的各种观鸟点。
最佳出行时期：考虑到这些目的地在地理位置上较分散，最佳访问月份和可达性视具体情况/日期而定。
Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera). Photo © Juan Jose Arango
- REMOTE COLOMBIA: URABA GULF
哥伦比亚的乌拉巴地区的西北部与巴拿马接壤，同时连接着太平洋和加勒比海。这块区域尚未被开发。乌拉巴地区是哥伦比亚对国际观鸟者开放的最新目的地，该地区有超过600种鸟类
最佳出行时期：11月下旬至3月
如果您对我们感兴趣，您可以通过以下方式联系我们：
联系我们：colombiaphotoexpeditions@gmail.com
网址：www.colombiaphotoexpeditions.com
instagram: kikeo (https://www.instagram.com/kikeo)
微信: colombia photo expeditions
During the month of March, another group of travelers decided to use the expertise of Colombia Photo Expeditions to explore the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Pictured is National Geographic photographer Karine Aigner with a very happy group.
Interested in organizing your own photo group in Colombia, please contact us.
“In January 2019 we took a birdwatching trip with Colombia Photo Expeditions, operated by their Birding Partner Colombia Birdwatch, a recommendation from Kike Calvo, and we were treated to a fantastic sampling of the country’s bird species. All the locations and birding hotspots have been carefully curated by Christopher Calonje through the years, offering a great experience for new and seasoned birdwatchers alike. Our talented local guide, José Luna, was very skilled at identifying birds by their songs and calls, and pointing them for us—often times more than once, for those of us who didn’t catch them the first time around! We enjoyed the camaraderie afforded by the small group of eight in our tour and the shared experiences as we traveled through the region, admiring its abundant flora and fauna. Colombia is a spectacular place and its people are friendly and welcoming. Chris and his dedicated staff made every effort to ensure we had the best possible experience, both birdwatching and getting to know his country.”
