14 Nov 2012
Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
The large Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera) is unmistakable and very conspicuous, and I saw several of them here at River Alota. A haven in the middle of…
14 Nov 2012
Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
The huge, dry Altiplano is not without water. Several springs feed lagoons and rivers - even in the deepest of the dry season. This is River Alota, shallow…
14 Nov 2012
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli)
This shallow river is teaming with life and fish - in the middle of the desert. I wonder how the fish could end up here - are they remnants of the time when…
14 Nov 2012
Altiplano butterfly 01
One of very few butterflies I saw on the Altiplano. In the Amazon there's a lack of salt and they sometimes swarm aound sweat or urine stains in the landscape.…
28 Nov 2011
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
28 Nov 2011
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…
28 Nov 2011
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…
28 Nov 2011
Lasiocephalus ovatus
Native range of lasiocephalus ovatus is Colombia and Ecuador. Altitude 4200 metres. Ecuador-0.492576,-78.200855
28 Nov 2011
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…