Are you looking for a book on Ecuador birds or a person who can guide
you through Ecuador?

My wife and I were there in March of 1993, and birded quite a bit.
Here a few thoughts off the top of my head:

If you can afford it, go to the Galapagoes. It was the highlight of
our trip and was much more wonderful than we imagined. Relating to
animals that are largely unafraid of you is something you won't find
anywhere else in the world. And March is a good time to be there,
because the water is warmer than in the fall and it makes snorkeling a
pleasure. The highlight of the Galapagoes is not the birds or
tortoises or iguanas, but snorkeling with the sea lions, who come and
play with you and swirl around you and roll their big eyes at you.
Borrow money if necessary.

The central valley of Ecuador, between the volcanoes, has been largely
devastated and now sprouts a few eucalyptus trees only. You have to go
to the reserves and places recommended in the bird books to see birds.
There are very few in the countryside.

The book "The Birds of the High Andes" can be had for $100 at Libre
Mundi in Quito, whereas it is $160 at Flora and Fauna. I didn't get it
until the end, so don't know how useful it is. The Birds of Columbia
was good to have.

We went to La Selva in the Amazon and saw a lot of birds there. It was
a great experience, and I find the jungle fascinating, but it was not
relaxing at all. Up at 5 am for breakfast and out on the trail by 6.
Birding til lunch, then out again after a short rest. Dirty and sweaty
most of the time. But lots of birds.

Mike Seamans
a-mikese at microsoft.com
Seattle (789-4738)