All Good Things Must Come to an End

And so begins our final full week of surveying for GVI in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Those remaining were excited to make the most of what is left of this amazing experience. The week primarily revolved around EM’s getting out and about leading surveys as part of their BTEC qualification. These included a benthic survey in Stream 2, an amphibian night walk in Stream 1: highlights of which included a Fer-De-Lance snake at close range, as well as the elusive tree boa, a rare and exciting spot for all involved, and a final bird mist-netting session which resulted in hummingbirds, two thrush species (one being Swainsons thrush - Catharus ustulatus), an olive-faced flat-bill and an oscillated woodcreeper - Xiphorhynchus ocellatus (new to the species list). Unfortunately the team were forced into hiding under mozzie nets in the forest to escape the omnipresent sweat-bees!

Fabio, Benito and Elvis from the highschool enjoyed their stay and got a good chance to see how the survey work was done, as well as practise their English and made a good contribution to the team. Many thanks for their hard work and enthusiasm.

The final week also played host to a last attempt to beat the locals in Mondana at football. Needless to say, the team lost horribly 4-1, whilst also sustaining a few minor injuries. All in all a rather unsuccessful but thoroughly enjoyable Sunday!

And so, signing off from the last blog of this expedition, thanks for reading about our amazing time here, until next time!

All Good Things Must Come to an End