Jocotoco Antpitta

Happy Day after Halloween. Beware the Antpitta!

I meant to post this yesterday.

While editing the usual pictures of a cute bird that my wife says is shaped like an avocado on stilts, I came across an image of it emerged from the shadows with parts of an earthworm. I leaned into this while editing to bring the viewer to the gruesome worm and the red eyes. Happy Day after Halloween!

One of the target species of a southern Ecuador trip was the Jocotoco Antpitta. The Casa Simpson Lodge is owned by the Jocotoco Foundation.
This photo, under the direction of the refuge to protect this rare species, was taken while on a guided walk by refuge staff. The refuge staff have trained several species of antpitta to come to their call and receive cut up worms as a reward. This practice, which has greatly increased ecotourism with associated land preservation, was pioneered by Angel Paz. We were fortunate to meet Angel and a “Maria” on a trip to northern Ecuador.

Here’s an Audubon article about Angel Paz. https://www.audubon.org/magazine/day-72-birding-local-legend