El Dorado Reserve – Colombia

About

The El Dorado Bird Reserve is in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. This American Bird Conservancy supported reserve, is located within a group of mountains isolated from the Andes. The varying elevation can range from sea level to 19,000 feet. This area is host to the most continental range-restricted birds worldwide making it an ideal place for birding. Nature photographers flock to El Dorado Bird Reserve to capture photos of the Crowned Woodnymph, White-tailed Starfrontlet, Lesser Violetear, White-tipped Quetzal, and Blue-naped Chlorophonia. Upon daybreak, nature photographers have the opportunity to see the Santa Marta Parakeet. Its core breeding population lives within the highest point in the El Dorado Bird Reserve. Other popular native species that nature photographers can find in the reserve are Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, Santa Marta Tapaculo, and Santa Marta Screech-Owl, which can often be seen close to the lodge. This lodge is also a critical stopover for birds flying in migration to the United States and Canada.

The El Dorado lodge is a small accommodation nestled in the reserve. It features 5 Kogihabs a short distance from the lodge. These small scenery viewpoints are inspired by the Kogi people, an indigenous ethnic group that lives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A great view for birders and nature photographers alike. El Dorado is considered an Alliance for Zero Extinction site. Established in 2005, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is ranked as the second-most important site for threatened birds and amphibians in the world.

Owen traveled to the El Dorado Reserve in February 2016.