ML621988682

Observation details

Expected around the Lagunas. Seen on the backside of the third Laguna. Two birds seen at first chasing each other satisfied the initial angst about whether we might dip them. Several hours of walking around near the backside of the lake proved quite difficult, but didn't yield better views. Eventually we settled down on a large boulder to eat lunch. About midway through lunch, we saw the bird pictured below coming to some flowering bushes near the boulder. This bird was interacting with at least two other individuals and zipping between the flowering bushes and a large crack in the hillside (maybe to a nest site?). This individual made several trips back and forth and spent a significant amount of time in two different bushes, allowing for amazing close-up views and observation. It was fascinating to watch it feed by hanging from the flowers in what feels like a very un-hummingbird-like feeding style. What an amazing privilege to get to spend several hours watching this species in such a beautiful location. It's such a special feeling to think about being the only people seeing a species at that instant.