Laguna Hedionda

Laguna Hedionda

Laguna Hedionda was by far the most abundant with flamingos. Altitude: 4126 metres. -21.573056,-68.038611


James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

When their food, algae, is getting scarce on the shallows, they venture out as deep as needed to get to where the algae is. Here they seem to be floating as…


Andean Gull (Chroicocephalus serranus)

Andean Gull (Chroicocephalus serranus)

The only Andean gull (Chroicocephalus serranus) I saw nesting, and this one has done what many have done before - steal the nest from a Flamingo. Apparently…


James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

Even at these muddy sections of the lagoon, the flamingos find food that seemingly outweighs the energy spent ovecoming the suction of the mud. A few flaps of…


Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

Altitude 4200 metres. Ecuador-0.492576,-78.200855


Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

Antisana plant 03 (Geranium sp.)

At this altitude the Geraniums are very small, but still easy to recognize. Altitude 4200 metres. Ecuador-0.492576,-78.200855


Gentiana sedifolia

Gentiana sedifolia

Gentiana sedifolia is very variable, so pattern varies. I found many in bloom here in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Mesmerizing color and pattern that can…


Gentianella cerastioides

Gentianella cerastioides

At first glance gentianella cerastioides resembles a crocus. I was lucky to visit when in bloom, and they thrive here in the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Here…


Lasiocephalus ovatus

Lasiocephalus ovatus

Native range of lasiocephalus ovatus is Colombia and Ecuador. Altitude 4200 metres. Ecuador-0.492576,-78.200855


Chuquiraga jussieui

Chuquiraga jussieui

Chuquiraga jussieui has an iconic inflorescence - so huge and conspicuous. How is it able to make such a huge infloresence at this altitude and with seemingly…