Seven species have been observed in the monitoring for the first time in 2020, but only one is a new entry on our overall species list.
Noé found a Rufescent Screech-Owl (Megascops ingens) in December. This species can actually often be heard on the way to the Cock-of-the-Rock Lek (where it was also registered), but is usually active before 6:00am when the monitoring starts.
Holger registered a Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) in June. Pauraques are commonly observed on the trails around the lodge, but much like the Rufescent Screech-Owl it is typically active during the night and at dawn before 6:00am.
Noé registered observed a Plain-tailed Wren (Pheugopedius euophrys) in July. As you would expect it was found almost at the highest monitoring point of Santa Lucía. This species is indeed somewhat rare in the reserve and has not been observed all that often - if at all - during regular hikes either.
It's a bit surprising that the Bronze-winged Parrot (Pionus chalcopterus) is also a first timer. In the reserve it is far rarer than the Red-billed Parrot of course, but at the bottom of Santa Lucía and in the more disturbed areas the Bronze-winged is the more common species. A few years ago we actually observed a nest of Bronze-winged Parrot near the main trail.
The Rufous-throated Tanager (Tangara rufigula) is a species more known from lower elevations and it seems to be somewhat seasonal in the region. On 1st of June Holger registered one individual on the mules' trail near the second resting point on the way up to the lodge.
The Black-capped Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) has been observed on several ocassions in higher parts of Santa Lucía before. In 2020 four individuals were registered on two different occassions (May and December) by Holger.
In March a Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) was observed for the first time within the reserve. As it is often seen it was carrying a baby bird under his wings. It appeared on the main trail between two pastures. This is indeed a new species for our overall bird list. Meanwhile it seems to have become common in Nanegal (a small town about seven kilometers from Santa Lucía).
