While we were at the Posada Amazonas lodge in the Amazon, we saw many cool creatures, from monkeys to birds to capybaras. My favorite animals to see (although it was pretty hard to choose a favorite) were the many species of insects and arachnids found on every tree, always amazing. I saw a scorpion (thank you for pointing that one out, Elliot), many spiders, some moth larvae, some centipedes, and many, many snails. Snails were in trees, on leaves, on flowers, everywhere! The mosquitoes, on the other hand, were, should I say, annoying, but because of the rain, we didn't see too many for a few days. Speaking of creepy-crawlies, we were offered to try termites, a food source for those who have run out of supplies. I...tried some. It tasted a little weird, but if you didn't think about it, you could eat them without difficulty.
Don't get me wrong, the birds and mammals were spectacular as well! We saw some grey titi monkeys and we saw and HEARD some howler monkeys. The titi monkeys were adorable; I wanted to hold one! We also saw some gorgeous scarlet macaws. They were like the birds you see in movies, only better! We saw them fly by; flashes of yellow, blue, and red darted across the sky as we took the boat back to dry land. They were flying to the clay licks, where they eat the red-brown earth to help with digestion. I don't know how that helps, but I'll do my best to find out. The guides were amazing! They could just say, without another thought, "That's definitely a green violetear, a type of hummingbird." Just like that! Wow! The insects were still one of the chart toppers.
Don't get me wrong, the birds and mammals were spectacular as well! We saw some grey titi monkeys and we saw and HEARD some howler monkeys. The titi monkeys were adorable; I wanted to hold one! We also saw some gorgeous scarlet macaws. They were like the birds you see in movies, only better! We saw them fly by; flashes of yellow, blue, and red darted across the sky as we took the boat back to dry land. They were flying to the clay licks, where they eat the red-brown earth to help with digestion. I don't know how that helps, but I'll do my best to find out. The guides were amazing! They could just say, without another thought, "That's definitely a green violetear, a type of hummingbird." Just like that! Wow! The insects were still one of the chart toppers.
The bugs of the Amazon are so different from our own. One night, I saw an especially unique bug in the lodge gift shop--but not under glass. A giant moth flitted around the shop, a brown, hummingbird-size insect that was constantly in motion. Finally, our little--I mean big--friend came to rest on the window screen, which is exactly when I took this photo. I tried to take more, but after spending a while looking crazy as I ran after a bug with my camera, I gave up. Just as I left, my feisty friend flew away into the darkness. I wonder what he's up to now! Maybe the beauty of nature can sometimes be found in small surprises.
Too bad no one offered you any snails to eat!
Hugs, Mom
I loved your blog Becca! Your little friend looks so silky, shiny, and smooth. I also have a little friend. It's a hummingbird that always sits on the same branch, in the same tree in my backyard. It will let me get a foot away from it to take its picture or just watch it. I'm still trying to find out whether the hummingbird is male or female. Hmmmm. What a mystery.
Hi, this is Ian. I remember seeing that moth too. I couldn't get any good pic though... anyway, great shot of that moth.
Hi Rebecca!
Your Grand-Dad is a famous bird watcher, you show great talent as a bug and moth watcher, will the next generation go around with microscopes to inform us about ameobas, parameciums and other small hidden wonders of nature?
Merci en tout cas pour cette photo, magnifique et originale. C'est chouette de pouvoir te suivre à distance grâce à ce blog.
Hey Ian! Great to hear from you! Blog more! It's great learning about your trip. Tell to others to blog more too! That would be awesome!
I'm looking forward to seeing your bird field guide illustrations of the 30+ birds you were able to positively identify. Nature is wonderful, isn't it.
Do they have tarantulas in Peru? Did you see one. I saw one in Costa rica 8 years ago--brown body, pink (1) legs, and huge.
Mamou and I are very proud of you.
I love this picture! I cant believe everything that you guys are experiencing! I cant tell you happy and excited for you guys, and although the trip is now over i feel like I'm still amidst the most amazing journey! Even though I not there! You guys rock!
~Celeste~