Early this morning, our captain found a suitable spot to tie-up the Delfin II along the bank of the Ucayali River. The wake-up knock was at 5:30, giving us just enough time to enjoy a quick cup of coffee, before boarding the skiffs for the morning excursion. This morning we were headed across the Ucayali to explore a particular area, in hopes of finding one of the large parrots of the Amazon Basin—the blue-and-yellow macaw. There is a particular type of tree used for nesting that attracts these magnificent and beautifully colored parrots to this region of the Ucayali. It was a little dark and gloomy, but we were not disappointed! Almost as soon as we crossed the river, the first birds were visible, sitting high in the tops of large trees on the river bank. Along with the macaws were large numbers of the smaller red-bellied parrots, sitting in groups in the tree tops.
The birds started heading off to feed, and we continued on toward another destination slightly further up the river. It was the mouth of the Belluda Cano, a narrow waterway that led us back away from the main river, and deeper into the rainforest habitat. There were plenty of birds as usual to entertain our curiosity, and even a three-toed sloth or two along the way.
Soon however, it was time to return for another delicious breakfast, before once again boarding the skiffs. For the next few hours, we would explore much deeper into the forest via the Belluda Cano.
This time, it was our turn to see some of the amazing primates that live in the Amazon River area of Peru. First there were saddle-back tamarins, then we were treated to some great looks at owl monkeys, a nocturnal species, as they rested during the day. Finally, our guides spotted a larger species that they were particularly looking for in this area, the monk saki monkey. These incredible primates look like old men wearing large fur coats, and are quite rare to see, so we were very fortunate to have such a good, long look at these wonderful animals! Again, it was time to return, eat lunch, take a siesta, and reposition the Delfin II for our late afternoon and evening excursions.
Along the way we had several presentations, one on “Wildlife Photography”, and another on origami towel folding, which was presented by one of the cabin stewards, both entertaining and fun!
At 4:30 it was time to board the skiffs and explore the Dorado, and a large back-water area off the main river. Almost immediately, we had a good sighting of a three-toed sloth. Further along, there was a large variety of birds, including the very prehistoric looking hoatzin, a large bird that appears at first glance to be the “missing link” between dinosaurs and birds! Our other goal was to stay out a little later this evening and look for caiman, and other night-time creatures, as darkness enveloped the jungle. Our guides used a spotlight to see the reflection on their eyes, and then we could steer the skiff over for a closer look. Almost immediately we did find several small caiman, which we were able to approach for a closer look.
Soon it was again time to return to the boat, take a quick shower, eat dinner and reminisce about the wonderful day we had!
