PANAMA TRIP NOTES (JUNE 16-29, 2010) © 2010 Callyn Yorke

CONTENTS

Brittle Stars (Ophiurus sp.) Bocas del Toro Archipelago

Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus) Bocas del Toro Archipelago Pumilio Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio) Isla Solarte, BDTA

Common Basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) El Valle, Cocle Long-billed Hermit (Phaethornis longirostris ) PRDC , Canal Zone

Geoffroy's Tamarin (Sanguinus geoffroyi) Canal Zone

Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia latiirostris) El Valle, Central Panama

SUMMARY

Merissa and I visited three distinctly different biogeographical regions in Panama: 1) Lowland Rainforest in the Canal Zone (June 15-19) , 2) Lower Montane Rainforest in El Valle (June 20-23) and 3) Atlantic Coastal Mangrove and Beach Scrub in the Bocas del Toro archipelago (June 24-29). Our primary objectives were to survey the birds and other animals of those areas and determine the feasibility of conducting an Antelope Valley College Tropical Biology class in Panama. All of the objectives, with some minor modifications, were achieved; Panama offers one of the highest diversity of tropical plants and animals in Central America and has a well-developed infrastructure for conducting college-level classes in tropical biology.

Although the Canal Zone yielded the greatest diversity of animals and plants of the three locations we visited, the cost of lodging, food and transportation was well beyond the limits of our student's budget. For example, the Canopy Tower, an old US radar facility leased by the Panama National Park Service to the Canopy Tower Company, and converted into an ecolodge with cramped quarters and plumbing problems, offered spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding secondary forest. But we found the cost (about $360 per night) far in excess of the quality of the facilities, food and transportation. These items might be more affordably obtained elsewhere in the Canal Zone, e.g in the nearby village of Gamboa.

Birders Otmar, Mike and I at Pipeline Road, Soberania National Park Canopy Tower library and viewing area

Room #4 Canopy Tower Map of Pipeline Road, Soberania NP Canal Zone

Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks, viewing west. June 17, 2010

The CT guides were largely excellent at finding and correctly identifying birds (less so with amphibians, reptiles and other animals), yet often failed to communicate with one another regarding the location of specialties (e.g. we learned about a Greater Potoo at the CT's entrance by talking with other guests; the morning guide, whom had found the bird, finished his shift and left the CT without informing the afternoon guide of the occurrence of this rare and cryptic species). Similarly, while at the Canopy Lodge in El Valle, the company bird guides (Canopy Lodge and Canopy Tower are a single company) ) failed to inform each other of the relatively easily accessed Tody Motmot location, resulting in a complete miss of this rare, interesting bird by the group that preceeded us by one day. Considering the high cost of these birding tours run by CT and CL, the mistake was simply inexcusable. Further inconvenience was caused by both a defective toilet and lack of hot water (3/5 nights) in our room.In addition to numerous other inconveniences at CT, the water in the rooms is turned off promptly at 10PM (forget using the toilet afterwards) and on again at 5 AM (or whenever the staff gets around to it).

Lodging, ground transportation and guided bird-walks involving the Canopy Tower organization might have been individually arranged at about one-half to one-third of the prices we paid. Unfortunately, we were obliged to fit into the daily CT tour package (3 hours AM and 3 hours PM of bird- walks), leaving little time to investigate other possiblilities for our students in the Canal Zone. Access to the Canopy lodge is highly restricted to their own staff and vehicles and the tiny, gated military compound is kept locked day and night. Thus, there is no casual wandering around the Canopy Tower property; all excursions to and from the property are controlled by CT's busy, highly trained office manager, whom disappears promptly at 5 PM every day, before guests return from the afternoon guided bird-walk.

Canopy Tower gated entrance

One hopeful observation was that we could arrange (for a fee of $35 per person) to visit the Canopy Tower for a day, while staying elsewhere in the area. Although the CT staff knew of my teaching-scouting objectives well in advance of our arrival (and had reportedly visited my website), the owner of CT ( a wealthy Panamanian with a keen eye for birds combined with the unapologetic intention of separating birders from a hefty sum of money) did not appear during our visit, nor did anyone else with whom I could discuss a special student-study package. However, during an optional excursion from CT, we found an excellent alternative location to observe the animals of the Lowland Rainforest. It was the nearby Panama Rainforest Discovery Center (see photos below) with well-developed trails and an impressive observation tower, the latter reaching the height of the rainforest canopy and hosting an impressive diversity of birds.. Combined with a half-dozen or so species of hummingbirds hovering around the main center, the PRDC is a great location for studying tropical biology and would be an affordable day trip ($20) for our class while in the Canal Zone.

The Canopy Lodge in El Valle, by contrast with the Canopy Tower in the Canal Zone, is both pleasant (3-star) and rich with birdlife. However, few mammals and no primates were found in the area. Aside from the outrageously high cost of this relatively newly constructed ecolodge (which uses local labor and serves inexpensive ethnic food and is the same price as the basic (read 1-star) accomodations at the Canopy Tower), birdlife was extraordinary. Each morning workers place bananas on raised platform feeders in the yard; these attract finches, tangers, honeycreepers, oropendolas, and more Thick-billed Euphonias than I could count. Nearby mountain roadways and trails produced White Hawk, White-tipped Sickle-bill, Tody Motmot, Blue-throated Toucanet, and on our last morning a young Ornate Hawk Eagle (see photos below). Many of these species were not found in the Canal Zone.

During our visit to El Valle, which at about 2,000 ft, in elevation, sits in the caldera of an extinct volcano in west-central Panama, we found several alternative lodging possibilities for our class. These were all at a fraction of the cost of the Canopy Lodge and offered excellent opportunities for studying the flora and fauna of the surrounding Lower Montane forest. One of the best side trips was to the nearby Canopy Adventure Forest ( a for-profit canopy zipline tour, popular with tourists), where two Mottled Owls were found (one of only two species of owl found during our entire trip) were easily approached and photographed; definitely a highlight of our visit to El Valle. Residential areas adjacent to the national park and within a few blocks of the town center, were also quite productive for birds.

El Valle region, Panama

Our final destination in Panama was the Bocas del Toro archipelago, located near the border of Costa Rica in the northeast corner of Panama (see map below). Air Panama provides daily service to BDT from Panama City; the flight takes about 50 minutes and went smoothly both ways in a snazzy SAAB 340 de 25-passenger, 250 mph twin-prop jet, . We stayed in a friendly, affordable bed and breakfast lodge called Bahia del Sol in Saigon Bay in the colorful little town of Bocas del Toro, Colon Island. The owners, a couple from Columbus, Ohio, kindly facilitated all of our daily trips through the archipelago, and included (at no extra cost) humorous anecdotes regarding the local culture, composed of indigenous and transplanted Panamanians, Afro-americans, Chinese, and gringos from Europe and the USA. Tourist activities BDTA include kayaking, bicycling, swimming,snorkelling, SCUBA divining, surfing, fishing, Leatherback Turtle nest-watching, birding, shopping for handicrafts and eating at the numerous local restaurants.

We hired taxis and boats to visit the islands of Colon, Solarte and Bastimentos. Transportation was generally cheap (e.g. taxis anywhere in BDT cost 50 cents:Panama uses the American Dollar for everything). A day-long boat tour of the archipelago, including snorkelling, hiking and birding, and beachcombing, cost us $25 each. Overall, this was the most affordable location in Panama that we visited. And there were good places to study the local flora and fauna.

Snorkelling and underwater photography at Coral Caye, BDTA, Panama

In the Bocas Del Drago area of northwest Colon Island ( the town of Boca del Toro is about 30 minutes away by bus), we found the International Tropical Ecology Center (ITEC). This is a non-profit educational facility dedicated to serving college biology students, originating primarily from the USA. ITEC offers college-level courses in Coral Reef Ecology, Mangrove Ecology, Zoology, Rainforest Ecology, and many other related topics in tropical biology. The director, Dr. Peter Lahanas, invited us to consider bringing our AVC students here for a hands-on experience in tropical biology. The ITEC facility includes affordable lodging in modest but scenically attractive beach cabanas and bunkhouses, all meals, laundry and transportation. The well-equipped lab includes internet access and a museum. Without question, ITEC, serving students since 1997, has the greatest potential of any place we visited in Panama for offering our AVC Tropical Biology students an outstanding educational experience in tropical biology.

Sea Star Beach, Bocas del Drago, Colon Island BDTA ITEC Student quarters, Bocas del Drago, Colon Island, BDTA

ITEC Student quarters, Bocas del Drago, Colon Island, BDTA ITEC Faculty Cabanas, Bocas del Drago, Colon Island, BDTA

Map of the Canal Zone (CZ) and El Valle (EV) survey areas in Panama

Map of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago (BDTA) survey area in Panama.

BIRDS OF PANAMA

The following is a list of 210 species of bird found during our visit to Panama, June 16-29, 2010 (see above for inclusive dates for each location). Abbreviations of locations are (see maps above):

CZ = Canal Zone (Canopy Tower, Gamboa Forest Reserve and Marina, Chagres River, Pipeline Road, Plantation Road, Ammo Pond, Panama Rainforest Discovery Center (PRFDC), Miraflores Locks)

EV = El Valle ( Canopy Lodge, Canopy Forest Adventure, El Valle town and suburbs, La Mesa, Rio de Jesus, Valle Chiquito, Mato Agado River, Mirador Road)

PAH = Pan American Highway between El Valle and Panama City.

BDTA = Bocas del Toro Archipelago ( Isla Colon, Solarte, Bastimentos and surrounding waters).

Numbers following species entries represent highest count during a survey.

AD = adult; IMM = immature; N = nesting.

Taxonomy follows Bethancourt, C. et. al. 2007 (unpublished checklist of the birds of the Canal Zone and Central Panama), with minor modifications (C. Yorke).

Professional Guides: Jose Soto and Alexis Rodriguez (Canal Zone); Moyo Rodriguez (El Valle).

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I; several other birders from the USA, Canada and Europe.

Weather: (1) Canal Zone: variable cloudiness with afternoon and evening thunder showers; Temperature 72 to 85F; Humidity 80-95%. Winds 0-15 mph. (2): El Valle: variable cloudiness, sunny; evening and late-night showers; Temp. 65-80F; Humidity 70-80%; Winds 0-5 mph. (3) Bocas del Toro Archipelago: mostly overcast with occasional clearing; thunder showers alternate evenings; Humidity 85-95%; Winds 0- 15 mph.

Binoculars: Bausch and Lomb 10x42; Bushnell 8x 40.

Photographic Equipment (C. Yorke): Nikon D3x with 300mm f 2.8 IF VR II lens. Hand-held and monopod-supported photos.

TINAMOUS (Tinamidae)

Great Tinamou (Tinamus major) 1 CZ calling, Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Little Tinamou (Cryturellus soui) 1 EV calling.

DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS (Anatidae)

Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) 4 CZ landing near shore at Chagres River.

Muscovy Duck (Carina moschata) 4 EV domesticated.

Grey- lag Goose (Anser anser) 6 EV domesticated.

Chinese Goose (Anser cygnoides) 3 EV domesticated.

CURASSOWS, GUANS AND CHACHALACAS ( Cracidae)

Gray-headed Chachalaca ( Ortalis cinereiceps ) 5 CZ; 3 AD; IMM EV (photo).

BOOBIES AND GANNETS (Sulidae)

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) 2 flying low over water, BDTA: Boca del Drago.

PELICANS (Pelicanidae)

Brown Pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis) 1 CZ; 6 BDTA.

CORMORANTS (Phalacrocoracidae)

Neotropic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax brasilianus) 1 CZ.

DARTERS (Anhingidae)

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) 2 CZ

FRIGATEBIRDS ( Fregatidae)

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) 2 CZ; 10 BDTA.

HERONS ( Ardeidae)

Rufescent Tiger Heron ( Tigrisoma lineatum) 1 AD; IMM CZ (photo).

Rufescent Tiger Heron ( Tigrisoma lineatum) AD and IMM Gamboa, Canal Zone June, 2010.

Great Egret ( Ardea alba) 1 CZ; 2 PAH.

Snowy Egret ( Egretta thula) 1 BDTA.

Little Blue Heron ( Egretta caerulea) 2 CZ; 1 IMM BDTA.

Green-backed Heron ( Butorides striatus virescens) 1 AD Saigon Bay, BDTA.

Striated Green Heron ( Butorides striatus striatus) 1 CZ (photo); 1 BDTA.

Striated Green Heron ( Butorides s. striatus ) Gamboa, June 18, 2010

STORKS ( Ciconidae)

Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) 5 CZ a tight flock flying high over Gamboa.

VULTURES ( Cathartidae)

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) 50 ubiquitous, especially in and around garbage dumps.

Turkey Vulture ( Cathartes aura) 3 ubiquitous but much less abundant than the Black Vulture.

HAWKS, EAGLES AND KITES ( Accipitridae)

Swallow-tailed Kite ( Elanoides forficatus) 2 EV soaring over hillsides and valleys (photo).

Pearl Kite ( Gampsonyx swainsonii) 1 PAH on utility line next to pastureland (photo).

Snail Kite ( Rostrhamnus sociabilis) 2 CZ foraging on an apple snail; carrying nest material: Gamboa.

Crane Hawk ( Geranospiza caerulescens) 1 CZ landed in canopy, PFDC (photo).

Tiny Hawk ( Accipiter superciliosus) 1 CZ seen by others in the group.

White Hawk (Leucopternus albicollis) 1 EV in canopy streamside, hill forest (photo).

Common Black Hawk ( Buteogallus anthracinus) 1 CZ on ground briefly in shady parkland next to main road.

Zone-tailed Hawk ( Buteo albonotatus) 1 CZ tall secondary forest, Pipeline Road.

Gray Hawk (Buteo nitidus) 1 EV.

Roadside Hawk ( Buteo magnirostris) 1 CZ; EV; BDTA.

Ornate Hawk- Eagle ( Spizaetus ornatus) 1 IMM EV in canopy of streamside forest (photo).

FALCONS AND CARACARAS (Falconidae)

Collared Forest Falcon ( Micrastur semitorquatus) 1 CZ tall secondary rainforest; calls.

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) 2 CZ flying low over the Miraflores Locks; 1 EV flying over residential area.

Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis) 2 BDTA pair perched in tall, dead tree at Sandfly Beach, Colon; calls.

RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS ( Rallidae)

Gray-necked Wood-rail ( Aramides cajanea) 2 CZ walking across roadway, Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica) 1 CZ mostly concealed in Water-Hyacinth at edge of Chagres River, Gamboa.

Common Moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus) 6 CZ swimming and wading in shallows at edge of Chagres River, Gamboa.

LIMPKINS (Aramidae)

Limpkin ( Aramus guarauna) 1 CZ foraging in shaded areas at edge of Chagres River, Gamboa.

PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS ( Charadriidae)

Southern Lapwing ( Vanellus chilensis) 2 CZ lawns; 2 EV in a cattle pasture.

JACANAS ( Jacanidae)

Wattled Jacana ( Jacana jacana) 4 CZ AD, IMM in weedy shallows along Chagres River, Gamboa.

GULLS AND TERNS ( Laridae)

Laughing Gull ( Larus atricilla) 6 CZ flying around the Miraflores Locks; 3 BDTA flying over Saigon Bay.

Royal Tern ( Thalasseus maximus) 1 flying and dipping into water at Dolphin Bay, BDTA.

Sandwhich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) 1 CZ flying around the Miraflores Locks.

PIGEONS AND DOVES ( Columbidae)

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) 10 ubiquitous in and around towns.

Pale-vented Pigeon ( Columba cayennensis) ubiquitous in secondary forest and clearings.

Scaled Pigeon ( Columba speciosa) 1 CZ flying over edge of secondary forest.

White-tipped Dove ( Leptotila verreauxi) 2 CZ edge of woodland, Gamboa.

Gray-chested Dove (Leptotila cassinii) 2 CZ tall secondary forest.

Ruddy Quail-dove ( Geotrygon montana) 1 CZ called in with recording; forest floor of mature forest on Pipeline Road.

PARROTS ( Psittacidae)

Olive-throated Parakeet ( Aratinga nana) 6 BDTA common in palms and tall second-growth.

Orange-chinned Parakeet ( Brotogeris jugularis) 8 EV common in second growth and mature forest (photo).

Blue-headed Parrot ( Pionus menstruus) 2 CZ tall secondary forest.

Mealy Amazon ( Amazona farinosa) 5 CZ in mixed species flocks with RLP.

Red-lored Parrot ( Amazona autumnalis) 10 ubiquitous; common in mature secondary forest (photo).

CUCKOOS ( Cuculidae)

Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) 1 CZ edge of tall secondary forest.

Smooth-billed Ani ( Crotophaga ani) 1 CZ; 3 BDTA; pastures at edge of secondary forest.

TYPICAL OWLS ( Strigidae)

Tropical Screech-owl ( Megascops choliba) 2 EV a pair perched together on large exotic Pinus sp. branch (photo).

Mottled Owl ( Ciccaba virgata) 2 EV a pair perched in a deciduous tree in dense jungle over a stream (photo).

POTOOS ( Nyctibiidae)

Great Potoo ( Nyctibius grandis) 1 CZ in tall secondary forest at CT entrance at the main road.

SWIFTS ( Apodidae)

Short-tailed Swift ( Chaetura brachyrura) 10 CZ flying back and forth over tall secondary forest at CT.

Band-rumped Swift ( Chaetura spinicauda) 20 CZ 100-200 ft. over secondary forest next to Chagres River.

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis) 3 CZ 60-100 ft. over secondary forest next to Chagres River.

HUMMINGBIRDS ( Trochilidae)

Long-billed Hermit ( Phaethornis longirostris) 2 CZ around the PRDC feeders.

Stripe-throated Hermit ( Phaethornis strigularis) 1 CZ; EV: La Mesa.

White-necked Jacobin ( Florisuga mellivora) 2 CZ visiting the PRDC feeders (photo).

Violet-bellied Hummingbird ( Damophila julie) 2 CZ edge of forest.

Blue-chested Hummingbird ( Amazilla amabilis) 5 CZ common around CT garden and feeders (photo).

Snowy-bellied Hummingbird ( Amazilia edward) 1 EV ; CZ

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird ( Amazillia tzacati) 1 CZ second growth and edge of forest; 2 EV.

Violet-headed hummingbird (Klais guimeti) 1 EV

Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania columbica) 1 EV

Garden Emerald ( Chlorostilbon assimilis) 1 EV.

White-tipped Sicklebill ( Eutoxeres aquila) 1 EV: secondary forest edge, La Mesa (photo).

Rufous-breasted Hermit ( Glaucis hirsuta) 1 EV

White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffoni) 1 EV.

TROGONS ( Trogonidae)

Violaceous Trogon (Trogon violaceus) 2 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Black-throated Trogon ( Trogon rufus) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Black-tailed Trogon ( Trogon melanurus) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Slaty-tailed Trogon ( Trogon massena) 2 CZ: Plantation Road.

Orange-bellied Trogon ( Trogon auranttiventris) 1 EV: La Mesa (photo).

MOTOMOTS ( Motmotidae)

Tody Motmot ( Hylomanes momotula) 3 EV: Valle Chiquito; Mata Agado River (photo).

Whooping (Blue-crowned) Motmot ( Momotus subrufescens) 1 CZ; 2 EV (photo).

Broad-billed Motmot ( Electron platyrhynchum) 2 CZ; 1 EV (photo).

Rufous Motmot ( Baryphthengus martii) 1 CZ; 1 EV (photo).

KINGFISHERS ( Alcedinidae)

Ringed Kingfisher ( Ceryle torquata) 1 CZ; 1 BDTA.

American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) 1 CZ: Chagres River, Gamboa.

Amazon Kingfisher ( Chloroceryle amazona) 1 CZ: Chagres River (photo).

JACAMARS ( Galbulidae)

Great Jacamar ( Jacamerops aurea) 1 CZ: Canopy Tower Road.

BARBETS AND TOUCANS ( Ramphastidae)

Collared Aracari ( Pteroglossus torquatus) 3 AD; IMM CZ: Canopy Tower( Photo).

Blue-throated (Emerald) Toucanet ( Aulacorhynchus caerleogularis ) 1 EV: La Mesa (photo).

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan ( Ramphastos swainsonii) 1 CZ: PRDC.

Keel-billed Toucan ( Ramphastos sulfuratus) 2 CZ; 2 EV (photo).

WOODPECKERS ( Picidae)

Black-cheeked Woodpecker ( Melanerpes pucherani) 1 CZ: Canopy Tower.

Red-crowned Woodpecker ( Melanerpes rubricapillus) 1 CZ; 1 EV (photo).

Cinnamon Woodpecker ( Celius loricatus) 1 CZ : Pipeline Road.

Lineated Woodpecker ( Dryocopus lineatus) 1 CZ: PRFDC; 1 EV.

Crimson-crested Woodpecker ( Campephilus melanoleucos) 2 CZ: Plantation Road.

OVENBIRDS AND ALLIES ( Furnariidae)

Plain Xenops ( Xenops minutus) 1 CZ; 1 EV (photo)

WOODCREEPERS ( Dendrocolaptidae)

Plain -brown Woodcreeper ( Dendrocincia fuliginosa) 1 CZ.

Buff-throated (Cocoa) Woodcreeper ( Xiphorhynchus guttatus) 2 CZ; 1 EV.

Black-striped Woodcreeper ( Xiphorynchus lachrymosus) 1 CZ.

ANTBIRDS ( Formicariidae)

Fasciated Antshrike (Cymbilaimus lineatus) 1 EV .

Great Antshrike ( Teraba major) 1 (calls) EV: Valle Chiquito.

Western Slaty Antshrike ( Thamnophilus atrinucha) 2 CZ.

Barred Antshrike ( Thamnophilus doliatus) 2 EV (photo).

Plain Antvireo ( Dysithamnus mentalis) 1 EV.

Checker-throated Antwren ( Myrmotherula fulvivnetris) 1 CZ.

White-flanked Antwren ( Myrmotherula axillaris) 2 CZ.

Dot-winged Antwren ( Microrhopias quixensis) 2 CZ.

Dusky Antbird ( Cercomacra tyrannina) 1 EV.

White-bellied Antbird ( Myrmeciza longipes) 1 EV.

Spotted Antbird ( Hylophylax naevioides) 2 CZ.

ANTTHRUSHES AND ANTPITTAS

Black-faced Antthrush ( Formicarius analis) 1 CZ.

Streak-chested Antpitta ( Hylopezus perspicillatus) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS (Tyrannidae)

Forest Elaena ( Myopagis gaimardii) 1 CZ.

Gray Elaena ( Myopagis caniceps) 1 CZ.

Yellow-bellied Elaena ( Elaenia flavogaster) 1 EV (photo)

Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus) 1 EV.

Paltry Tyrannulet ( Zimmerius vilissimus) 1 CZ; 1 EV.

Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant ( Lophotriccus pileatus) 1 EV.

Pale-eyed Pygmy Tyrant ( Lophotriccus pilaris) 1 EV.

Southern Bentbill (Oncostoma olivaceum) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Common Tody-Flycatcher ( Todirostrum cinereum) 1 CZ N Chagres River Marina, Gamboa.

Olivaceous Flatbill ( Rhynchocyclus olivaceus) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher ( Terenotriccus erythrurus) 1 CZ : Pipeline Road.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher ( Myiarchus tuberculifer) 1 CZ.

Lesser Kiskadee (Pitangus lector) 1 CZ: Chagres River, Gamboa.

Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) 1 CZ; 1 EV; 3 BDTA.

Boat-billed Flycatcher ( Megarhynchus pitangua) 1 CZ: Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Rusty-margined Flycatcher ( Myiozetetes cayenensis) 3 CZ: Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Social Flycatcher ( Myiozetetes similis) 2 CZ; 2 EV (photo).

Piratic Flycatcher ( Legatus leucophaius) 3 EV.

Streaked Flycatcher ( Myiodynastes maculatus) 1 CZ.

Tropical Kingbird ( Tyrannus melancholicus) 5 CZ.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher ( Tyrannus savana) 2 CZ: Miraflores.

BECARDS AND TITYRAS

Cinnamon Becard (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) 2 CZ: Gamboa Forest Reserve.

White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus) 1 CZ; 1 (N) EV: Valle Chiquito.

Masked Tityra ( Tityra semifasciata) 1 CZ; 1 EV.

COTINGAS (Cotingidae)

Blue Cotinga (Cotinga nattererii) 2 CZ

Purple-throated Fruitcrow ( Querula purpurata) 2 CZ: PRFDC.

MANAKINS (Pipridae)

Golden-collared Manakin ( Manacus vitellinus) 2 EV (photo); displays, calls. 1 (?) BDTA: Bastimentos Island; calls.

Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) 1 EV ( unseen; calls only).

Blue-crowned Manakin ( Pipra coronata) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Red-capped Manakin ( Pipra mentalis) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

VIREOS ( Vireonidae)

Yellow-green Vireo ( Vireo flavoviridis) 1 EV.

Lesser Greenlet ( Hylophilus decurtatus) 1 CZ.

Golden-fronted Greenlet (Hylophilus aurantifrons) 1 CZ.

JAYS AND CROWS (Corvidae)

Black-chested Jay (Cyanocorax affinis) 2 CZ; 3 EV (photo).

SWALLOWS ( Hirundinidae)

Gray-breasted Martin ( Progne chalybea) 4 CZ: Gamboa; 2 EV; 4 BDTA.

Mangrove Swallow ( Tachycineta albilinea) 2 CZ: Chagres River, Gamboa; 2 BDTA.

Blue and White Swallow ( Notiochelidon cyanoleuca) 2 EV (photo).

Southern Rough-winged Swallow ( Stelgidopterix ruficollis) 2 CZ; 6 EV (photo).

WRENS ( Troglodytidae)

Black-bellied Wren ( Thryothorus fasciatoventris) 1 CZ

Bay Wren ( Thryothorus nigricapillus) 1 CZ; 1 EV.

Rufous-breasted Wren ( Thryothorus rufilus) 1 EV.

Rufous and White Wren (Thryothorus rufalbus) 1 EV.

Plain Wren ( Thryothorus modestus) 1 EV (photo).

White-breasted Woodwren ( Henicorhina leucostica) 1 EV.

Song Wren ( Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Southern House Wren (Troglodytes australis Yorke) 2 EV (photo).

GNATCATCHERS ( Sylviinae)

Long-billed Gnatwren ( Raphocaenus melanurus) 1 CZ: Pipeline Road.

Tropical Gnatcatcher ( Polioptila plumbea) 2 CZ: Gamboa Forest Reserve.

THRUSHES (Turdinae)

Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush ( Catharus aurantirostris) 1 EV: Canopy Lodge streamside trail.

Clay-colored Thrush ( Turdus grayi) 10 EV; 5 BDTA.

WOOD WARBLERS (Parulinae)

Rufous-capped Warbler ( Basileuterus rufifrons) 2 EV.

BANANAQUITS (Coerebinae)

Bananaquit ( Coereba flaveola) 1 EV.

TANAGERS ( Thraupinae)

Common Bush-Tanager ( Chlorospingus opthalmicus) 1 EV.

Dusky-faced Tanager ( Mitrospingus cassinii ) 1 EV.

White-shouldered Tanager ( Tachyphorus luctosus) 2 CZ: Canopy Tower.

Tawny-crested Tanager ( Tachyphorus delatrii) 1 EV.

White-lined Tanager ( Tachyphorus rufus) 1 EV.

Red-crowned Ant-tanager ( Habia rubica) 1 EV.

Flame (Lemon) -rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus) 2 EV.

Crimson-backed Tanager ( Ramphocelus dimidiatus) 2 EV

Blue-gray Tanager ( Thraupis episcopus) 2 CZ; 3 EV (photo); 2 BDTA.

Palm Tanager ( Thraupis palmarum) 6 CZ; 2 EV (photo); 2 BDTA.

Plain-colored Tanager ( Tangara inornata) 2 CZ; 2 EV.

Silver-throated Tanager ( Tangara icterocephala) 2 EV.

Bay-headed Tanager ( Tangara gyrola) 2 EV.

Golden-hooded Tanager ( Tangara larvata) 1 CZ; 2 EV.

Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) 2 CZ.

Scarlet-thighed Dacnis (Dacnis venusta) 1 EV.

Green Honeycreeper ( Chlorophanes spiza) 2 CZ .

Red-legged Honeycreeper ( Cyanerpes cyaneus) 1 CZ; 2 EV.

EUPHONIAS ( Euphoniae)

Yellow-crowned Euphonia ( Euphonia luteicapilla) 2 EV

Tawny-capped Euphonia ( Euphonia anneae) 2 EV.

Thick-billed Euphonia ( Euphonia laniirostris) 20 EV: Canopy Lodge (photo).

BUNTINGS AND ALLIES ( Emberizinae)

Variable Seedeater ( Sporophila americana) 2 CZ; 2 EV; 2 BDTA.

Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis) 1 CZ; 2 EV.

Thick-billed Seedfinch ( Oryzoborus funereus) 1 EV.

Yellow-faced Grassquit ( Tiaris olivaceus) 2 EV.

Black-striped Sparrow (Arremonops conirostris) 1 CZ; 1 EV (photo).

Orange-billed Sparrow ( Arremon aurantirostris) 2 EV: Canopy Lodge (photo).

CARDINALS AND ALLIES ( Cardinalinae)

Streaked Saltator ( Saltator striatipectus) 1 CZ; 2 EV.

Buff-throated Saltator ( Saltator maximus) 2 EV; 1 CZ.

Black-headed Saltator ( Saltator atriceps) 1 CZ: Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Black-faced Grosbeak ( Caryothraustes poliogaster) 1 EV.

Blue-black Grosbeak ( Cyanocompsa cyanoides) 2 CZ.

AMERICAN ORIOLES AND BLACKBIRDS ( Icterinae)

Great-tailed Grackle ( Quiscalus mexicanus) 5 CZ; 6 EV; 5 BDTA.

Shiny Cowbird ( Molothrus bonariensis) 2 EV.

Giant Cowbird ( Molothrus oryzivorus) 4 EV.

Yellow-backed Oriole ( Icterus chrysater) 1 CZ; 2 EV.

Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus mesomelas) 1 CZ: Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Yellow-billed Cacique ( Amblycercus holosericeus) 2 EV .

Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela) 1 CZ: Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Scarlet-rumped Cacique ( Cacicus uropygialis) 2 CZ: (N) Canopy Tower (photo).

Chestnut-headed Oropendola ( Psarocolius wagleri) 6 EV (N) (photo); 2 BDTA.

GOLDFINCHES AND ALLIES

Lesser Goldfinch ( Carduelis psaltria) 1 EV.

OLD WORLD SPARROWS ( Ploceidae)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 4 BDTA.

MAMMALS OF PANAMA (June 16-29, 2010)

The following is a list of 18 species of mammal found during our visit to Panama. Taxonomy follows Emmons, L.H. and F. Feer, 1990. Neotropical Rainforest Mammals. A Field Guide. University of Chicago Press. 281 pp.

CZ = Canal Zone (Canopy Tower, Gamboa Forest Reserve and Marina, Chagres River, Pipeline Road, Plantation Road, Ammo Pond, Panama Rainforest Discovery Center (PRFDC), Miraflores Locks)

EV = El Valle ( Canopy Lodge, Canopy Forest Adventure, El Valle town and suburbs, La Mesa, Rio de Jesus, Valle Chiquito, Mato Agado River, Mirador Road)

PAH = Pan American Highway between El Valle and Panama City.

BDTA = Bocas del Toro Archipelago ( Isla Colon, Solarte, Bastimentos and surrounding waters).

Numbers following species entries represent highest count during a survey.

AD = adult; IMM = immature

Professional Guides: Jose Soto and Alexis Rodriguez (Canal Zone); Moyo Rodriguez (El Valle).

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I; several others from the USA, Canada and Europe.

Weather: (1) Canal Zone: variable cloudiness with brief afternoon and evening thunder showers; Temperature 72 to 85F; Humidity 80-95%. Winds 0-15 mph. (2): El Valle: variable cloudiness, sunny; evening and late-night showers; Temp. 65-80F; Humidity 70-80%; Winds 0-5 mph. (3) Bocas del Toro Archipelago: mostly overcast with occasional clearing; brief thunder showers alternate evenings; Humidity 85-95%; Winds 0- 15 mph. Surf 1-2 ft. (outer islands); bays calm.

Binoculars: Bausch and Lomb 10x42; Bushnell 8x40.

Photographic Equipment (C. Yorke): Nikon D3x with 300mm f 2.8 IF VR II lens. Hand-held and monopod-supported photos.

ANTEATERS, SLOTHS and ARMADILLOS ( Xenartha)

Northern Tamandua ( Tamandua mexicana) 1 CZ climbing high in tree; Pipeline Road.

Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth ( Bradypus variegatus) 2 CZ ; 2 BDTA (photo).

BATS (Chiroptera)

White-lined Sac-winged Bat ( Saccopteryx gymnura) 6 AD; IMM CZ: roosting under bridge on Canopy Tower Road. F nursing young.

Tent-making Bat ( Uroderma bilobatum) 4 AD BDTA: roosting under fold of Traveler Palm leaf in Lin Gillighan's botanical garden, BDT (photo).

TAMARINS (Primates: Callitrichidae)

Geoffroy's Tamarin ( Saguinus geoffroyi) 3 CZ: regular occurrence in the Cercropia trees at the Canopy Lodge (photo).

MONKEYS (Cebidae)

Night Monkey ( Aotus sp.) 1 CZ in tree cavity about 12 feet from the ground in dense forest: Pipeline Road.

Mantled Howler Monkey ( Alouatta palliata) 2 CZ; 2 BDTA. Calling after rains.

White-fronted Capuchin Monkey ( Cebus albifrons) 20 AD; IMM CZ moving quickly through the canopy and subcanopy: Pipeline Road (photo).

RACCOONS AND COATIS ( Procyonidae)

White-nosed Coati ( Nasua narica) 2 CZ crossing roadways in forested areas.

DOLPHINS (Cetacea: Delphinidae)

Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) 1 BDTA: surfacing frequently when pursued by several boatloads of tourists in Dolphin Bay; injury on proximal anterior surface of dorsal fin (photo).

SQUIRRELS (Rodentia: Sciuridae)

Red-tailed Squirrel ( Sciurus granatensis) 2 CZ; EV: active in the supcanopy of secondary forest.

MURID RODENTS ( Rodentia: Muridae)

Norway Rat ( Rattus norvegicus) 2 BDTA: in and around village of BDT.

House Mouse ( Mus musculus) 1 BDTA: same as above.

CAPYBARAS AND AGOUTIS ( Rodentia: Hydrochaeridae and Dasyproctidae)

Capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) 1 CZ: running across roadway toward Chagres River, Gamboa Forest Reserve.

Central American Agouti ( Dasyprocta punctata) 2 CZ one running across lawn with mango, Gamboa Forest Reserve.

SPINY RATS (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

Spiny Rat ( Proechimys semispinosus) 1 CZ live-trapped by mammalogists from the Smithsonian working on spiny rat interspecific competitionand foraging ecology at Pipeline Road (see below).

Armored Rat ( Haplomys gymnurus) 1 CZ live-trapped by mammalogists from the Smithsonian working on spiny rat interspecific competition and foraging ecology at Pipeline Road. Bananas used as bait. Note (trap?) injury to the animal's nose (photo).

RABBITS ( Lagomorpha)

Brazilian Rabbit ( Silvilagus brasiliensis) 1 CZ crossing Canopy Tower Road.

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF PANAMA

The following is a list of 12 species of amphibian and reptile found during our visit to Panama. Nomenclature follows Rainforest Publications 2008 & 2009. www.rainforestpublications.com

CZ = Canal Zone (Canopy Tower, Gamboa Forest Reserve and Marina, Chagres River, Pipeline Road, Plantation Road, Ammo Pond, Panama Rainforest Discovery Center (PRFDC), Miraflores Locks)

EV = El Valle ( Canopy Lodge, Canopy Forest Adventure, El Valle town and suburbs, La Mesa, Rio de Jesus, Valle Chiquito, Mato Agado River, Mirador Road)

PAH = Pan American Highway between El Valle and Panama City.

BDTA = Bocas del Toro Archipelago ( Isla Colon, Solarte, Bastimentos and surrounding waters).

Numbers following species entries represent highest count during a survey.

AD = adult; IMM = immature

Professional Guides: Jose Soto and Alexis Rodriguez (Canal Zone); Moyo Rodriguez (El Valle).

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I; several others from the USA, Canada and Europe.

Binoculars: Bausch and Lomb 10x42; Bushnell 8x40.

Photographic Equipment (C. Yorke): Nikon D3x with 300mm f 2.8 IF VR II lens. Hand-held and monopod-supported photos.

AMPHIBIANS (Amphibia)

FROGS AND TOADS ( Anura)

Banded Rain Frog ( Pristimantis taeniatus ) CZ 1 Pipeline Road (photo).

Litter Frog ( Craugaster sp.) 10 BDTA: common in leaf litter of botanical garden on Colon Island.

Pumilio Dart Frog ( Oophaga pumilio) 10 BDTA: Isla Solarte (orange morph: photo); Isla Bastimentos at Red Frog Beach (red morph with black dorsal spots: photo).

Cane Toad ( Rhinella marina ) 1 EV: LaMesa; hopping across roadway near flooded, grassy depression (photo).

REPTILES (Reptilia)

TURTLES (Chelonia)

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) 5 (sign) BDTA: fresh tracks and nest sites from the previous two nights; egg shells around older nest site on Sandfly Beach, Isla Colon (northeastern side). We walked for two and a half hours one evening (2030 - 2300 hrs.) along a one-mile section of Sandfly beach searching for nesting Leatherback Turtles; none was found. A small guarded enclosure near the entrance to the beach (north of Bluff Beach) evidently had several relocated clutches of turtle eggs; no sign of hatching during our visit. Weather: locally fair, clear and and moonlit, with electrical storms several miles to the southwest; a nearly full moon; light breezes; surf 1-2 ft.

LIZARDS AND SNAKES (Squamata)

Green Iguana ( Iguana iguana) 1 CZ; 1 EV (photo). climbing and resting in tall trees adjacent to clearings.

Slender Anole ( Anolis limifrons) 1 EV; running across patio at the Canopy Lodge.

Stream Anole ( Anolis oxylophus) 1 CZ Pipeline Road (photo)

Common Basilisk (Jesus Christ Lizard) (Basiliscus vittatus) 3 AD; IMM EV : basking on boulders along the stream at the Canopy Lodge (photo).

House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) 2 CZ; 3 EV; on walls of the Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge.

Panamanian Whiptail ( Ameiva leptophrys) 2 BDTA: roadside grass, Sandfly Beach, Isla Colon; distinctive orange throat.

Parrot Snake ( Leptophis sp.) 1 CZ repeatedly writhing with convulsive contortions as if injured, on lawn beneath bird feeder, Gamboa.

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