Barry: I can help a bit, though others will undoubtedly be of more help.
See notes interspersed.

On Wed, 20 Nov 1996, Barry Levine wrote:

> I will be heading to Ecuador in February. I will be taking along with me
> a 78 year old friend who wants to live out a dream of birding there. He
> is in pretty good shape and has no problem with hiking up hills that are
> not too steep. A hike of a couple of miles is also not a problem for him.
> With this in mind, here are my questions for any one who can be of help.
>
> Is this during the rainy season?
Yes

> How rainy is the rainy season?

Pretty wet; travel eastside could be tough; scheduling of flights more
insecure.

> What is the weather like in the Mindo region at that time of the year?
DK

> Is this a good time to be in Ecuador to see birds? Will they be
> singing,breeding?

It's always a good time to bird in Ecuador.

> Other than Mindo where else might you recommend to someone who does not
> want to be at heights over 10,000 feet?
Try Tinalandia west from Quito toward Sto. Domingo - excellent for lower
montane species (e.g., Toucan Barbet, Pavonine (?) Quetzal, even the
Long-wattled Umbrellabird apparently (I didn't see it there)).

Also try the Flotel on the upper Napo - I've heard good things about it,
and it's a comfortable way to get exposure to the eastside forest. Run
by Metropolitan Touring in Quito.


> Is renting a car a good idea? If so is a 4 wheel drive vehicle a wise choice?

Yes - many agencies in Quito and Guayaquil. I think you're asking for more
trouble and expense than it's worth to go with 4WD.

> If renting a car is too prohibitive, what are some other options?

Other than an organized trip, you'll be relying on public transport -
goes everywhere, excellent for face-to-face contact with everyday
Ecuadorians, but slow, relatively inefficient.

> What is the best place for us to stay in Mindo? My friend wants to see
> the Cock of the Rock, so staying in Mindo and hiking for 3 hours to get
> to the lek is not an option.

DK

> Are there other good places wh ere we can easily see this bird?

DK

> Does anyone know someone in Ecuador who would through the kindness of
> their hearts takes people out to show them local birds?

DK

> Any places people would recommend in the jungle? I am familiar with La Selva.

(see Flotel, Tinalandia notes above)

>
> Please bear in mind that we would be traveling on a somewhat fixed
> budget.My friend is viewing this as his last journey to this area and
> would like to do as much as possible. I have only a week of vacation, so
> my friend will be staying for a week by himself. He would like that to be
> in a place where he could bird during the days,have pleasant nights and
> have a taxi pick him up and get him to the airport. This is really
> important, as he is somewhat forgetful. Hence, my final question. Where
> would be the best spot for him to be able to accomplish this?
>
> Thank you for any and all help. I know I've asked quite a few questions.
> But, I'm also trying to be proactive in setting up this trip, so that it
> works out best.
>
> Barry Levine
> Seattle,Wa.
> levineb at belnet.bellevue.k12.wa.us
>

Must it be Ecuador? There are many opportunities in eastern Peru (I have
some ideas if this is appealing).

Why not go on an organized tour? A bit more expensive, but you and your
friend can focus on the wildlife, scenery and people and forget the
details, logistics. Check listings in Audubon mag. or the like.

Galapagos would be great for a week, but sounds like you and friend want
rainforest.

Good luck - it's a beautiful country and extremely birdy.

Tom Love
Dept. Soc/Anth
Linfield College
McMinnville, OR 97128
tlove at linfield.edu
(503) 434-2504