Neotropical Eco Foundation

Birding Safaris

Here we present an entryway to our bird sightings and photograph database based on the locations where we have taken the photographs

We organize them around various "Safaris". In most cases these are our favorite birding locations and contain a mix of forest, shore and savanna sites.

Serra do Mar – Maresias: This is a new area for us, which we have only visited once - so far. Referred to as the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, it's really north-eastern, the area is rugged, rocky coastline, interspersed with beautiful, vest pocket beaches and bays and lots of small nearby islands. (It reminds me of California's Monterrey Coast a bit.) The mountains rise spectacularly behind the beach, and provide a backdrop for some of the wettest rainforest on the planet, much of which is protected in State and Federal parks.

Campinas Area: Campinas is a metropolitan area about 60 miles from São Paulo. In the immediate environs of our home we have photographed over 100 species of birds (see the list, and some of the photographs in an urban / suburban setting. Our B&B can accommodate small groups for birding around the house and as a base for some of the other areas described below.

Joaquim Egidio / Itatiba: Close to Campinas, this safari is a short walk / drive along the back roads of the region. Passing through alternatively cattle pasture and some patches of remaining Atlantic rainforest. We have cataloged over 75 species in this small district! The countryside is beautiful, as can be seen in the accompanying pictures.

Serra da Mantiqueira – Joanopolis / Extrema: This trip encompasses the south-western tip of the Mantiqueira Mountains. This mountain range, which rises over 6,000 feet in places was named by the original Amerindian inhabitants. The name, Mantiqueira, means "Mountain that weeps". Just one look at it will tell you why - it is hard to imagine a place with more water!

Intervales: We just got back from a trip to this birding paradise. Soon we will publish a full trip report and post the photos here, but we can tell you: it is spectacular! The park contains over 100,000 acres of prime rain forest and is home to many species.

Monte Verde: This is in an area in the southern part of the state of Minas Gerais. Nestled in the center of a tree farming region, Monte Verde contains some good highland moist forest habitat. We have documented some spectacular multi-species feeding activities as well as beautiful scenery

Itatiba Zoo side trip: This small, private Zoo is dedicated principally to birds, but has some other interesting animals for viewing. While most of the species you see here are captive, if you are sharp you can spy out a considerable number of locally wild species. The Zoo encompasses an area of forest with several lakes and gives one a feeling for how it might have been in the distant past.