Further Adventures in the Andean Cloud Forest of Ecuador

I returned to Mindo this spring, and almost over-stayed my 90 day visa. With time and with each footstep the secrets of the cloud forest began to be revealed to me. The colourful Anolis lizards that I'd rarely seen on my 2007 visit I was now able to find each day almost at will, having learned just where to look for them.  I concentrated much effort on documenting their lives and learned a great deal about their remarkably sophisticated behaviour in the process.  

A long-standing desire to capture and photograph the little known Ecuadorian Toad-headed Pit-viper (Bothrocophias campbelli) was also  amply  fulfilled.

And, perhaps most thrillingly, I came face to face with the elusive Andean or Spectacled Bear, finding a sow with two year old cub high in the mossy cloud forest.

I cannot thank La Familia Garzon enough for taking such good care of me during my stay.
Image 1
  • Caterpillar with poisonous defensive spines, Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.
Image 2
  • Stingless bee colony, Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.
Image 3
  • Red-faced Spinetail (Cranioleuca erythrops), Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.
Image 4
  • Mountain Sipo (Chironius monticola), Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.
Image 5
  • Clearwing or Glasswing butterfly (Ithomiidae) feeding on dead cockroach, Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.
Image 6
  • Bromeliad flower (Tillandsia sp.), Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.
Image 7
  • Tiger beetle (Pseudoxycheila sp.), Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador. This genus is endemic to the Andes.
Image 8
  • Bromeliad flower (Pitcairnia sp.), Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.
Image 9
  • Shiny Whipsnake (Chironius grandisquamis), injured individual, likely attacked by bird of prey, skull visible, Mindo, west slope of Andes, Ecuador.