Looking for Spectacled Bear around Bogota

Posted byMichael CookPosted in2. International, Colombia, South AmericaTags:, , , , , , , ,
Spectacled bear near Bogota foraging in the Andean cloud forest, surrounded by frailejones.

Before leaving Colombia we had one free day in the Capital Bogota. There were a few birds we could see in this part of the country plus we had a chance of finding the bear species that Children’s favourite Paddington is based on – the Spectacled (or Andean) Bear. We had to go for it.

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We enlisted the help of local guide Fredy Alexander of Observatorio Aves De Los Andes (WhatsApp +57 311 2521451, Instagram). Fredy guides in the region around Guasca, north east of the city. The day started wet but gradually improved.

Whilst not great conditions for photos in the rain we added several new birds including Bronze-Tailed Thornbill, White-Chinned Thistletail, Silvery-Throated Spinetail, Streak-Throated Bush-Tyrant and Black-Backed Grossbeak.

But for a while we stopped our “birding mode” and were looking for the bear. And we were delighted when after about half an hour Fredy signalled energetically that he had found one. Not only that but we were able to get excellent, close and sustained views of this 20+ year old male Spectacled Bear. Thank you Fredy!

  • Black Andean bear standing near a yucca plant in a grassy field.
    Spectacled Bear
  • Andean bear foraging for food near a spiky plant in a grassy field.
    Feeding
  • Andean bear near a plant in its natural habitat. Spectacled bear in the Andes mountains.
  • Andean bear foraging in a grassy field near spiky plants. Spectacled bear in the Andes Mountains habitat.
  • Andean bear portrait in rainy habitat, showing distinctive facial markings.
  • Andean bear in a grassy field, a rare and endangered South American species.
  • Andean bear eating plant material in a grassy environment. Spectacled bear foraging for food.
    Feeding
  • Andean bear in tall grass. Spectacled bear with black fur and distinctive facial markings.

The weather started to brighten, an Eastern Meadowlark offered an early photo opportunity followed by Mountain Cacique and a pair of Streak-Throated Bush-Tyrants which appeared to be nesting under a bridge over a river.

  • Eastern meadowlark perched on a rock, showing its yellow chest and patterned brown feathers.
    Eastern Meadowlark
  • Southern Lapwing bird standing on a rock in a grassy field.
    Southern Lapwing
  • Black bird with yellow markings perched on a mossy branch.
    Mountain Cacique
  • Rufous-bellied thrush perched on a lichen-covered branch, looking up against a white sky.
    Streak-Throated Bush-Tyrant
  • Brown bird perched on a lichen-covered branch against a white sky.

Moving down the mountain to a lower altitude Fredy took us to a place with a feeder setup he was developing. Here we were delighted to add the Muisca Antpitta (regional endemic), Brown-Breasted Parakeet (vulnerable endemic) and Longuemare’s Sunangel to our life-list.

  • Rufous Antpitta bird perched on a mossy log, showcasing its brown plumage and delicate features.
    Muisca Antpitta
  • Rufous Antpitta bird standing on mossy log in a lush, green environment.
  • Small brown bird with long legs standing on a mossy log in a forest setting.
  • Rufous Antpitta bird standing on a mossy log. Birdwatching in South America.
  • Magnificent hummingbird perched on a lichen-covered branch
    Blue-Throated Starfrontlet
  • Hummingbird perched on a branch, displaying its long beak and colorful plumage.
  • Red-legged partridge on a rock, possibly seen during a drive up Sheriffmuir.
    Longuemare’s Sunangel
  • Hummingbird perched on a mossy branch, showcasing iridescent green feathers and a long beak.

So big thanks to Fredy for helping us track down “Paddington” and leave our time birding in Colombia on a high with 18 lifers in the day. Our total for Colombia was 356 species of which I managed to photograph 172. Our trip total to date upon leaving Colombia was 898. Next up we head to Ecuador with my notional target of 1,000 birds looking very close indeed.

Black bird in flight, "Wild Scot" text. Scottish Wildlife Photos.

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Published by Michael Cook

Wildlife Photographer based in Scotland

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