Magical Guyana: Rainforest & Savanna - October 2026
Dates: October 4 - 15, 2026
Leader: David Ascanio
E-bird
Total Species: 283 birds
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Overall Summary
Our journey through magical Guyana was an extraordinary celebration of birds, landscapes, and unforgettable encounters, taking us from the Atlantic coast to the vast Rupununi savannas and the magnificent rainforests of the Guianan Shield.
We began along the Mahaica River, where bizarre Hoatzins, Blood-colored Woodpeckers, and White-bellied Piculets provided a thrilling introduction. A Rufous Crab Hawk in the mangroves, brilliant Scarlet Ibises along the coastal mudflats, and spectacular macaws flying over Georgetown’s Botanical Gardens completed an exciting first day.
Flying south to Lethem, we entered the legendary Rupununi, where endless savannas stretched toward the distant Pacaraima Mountains. Our first encounters included Pinnated Bittern, Maguari Stork, and numerous grassland birds. The following morning, a boat trip along the Rupununi River delivered one of our earliest highlights: two magnificent Agami Herons displaying their exquisite plumage. Black Caimans, Boat-billed Herons, and the elusive Undulated Tinamou added to this memorable experience.
The rainforest surrounding Atta Canopy Walkway provided another remarkable day. Black-faced Hawk, Pompadour Cotinga, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, and Purple-throated Fruitcrow offered unforgettable views before a dazzling male Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock stole the show at its traditional lek.
Our visit to Karassabai brought another extraordinary encounter. After locating a flock of endangered Sun Parakeets, we watched these spectacular birds flying overhead and eventually perching for wonderful photographs. Their brilliant colors against the surrounding landscape created one of the tour’s most treasured memories.
During eBird’s October Big Day, we explored the gallery forests bordering Brazil along the Ireng River. Rio Branco Antbird performed beautifully, while persistence finally rewarded us with outstanding views of a pair of Hoary-throated Spinetails. Later, Riverside Warbler added another specialty to our growing list.
Continuing south, the sweeping grasslands surrounding Wichabai Ranch introduced us to White-throated Kingbird, the delightful Bearded Tachuri, and Sharp-tailed Ibis. Yet the greatest adventure was still ahead.
Under an ocean of stars, we departed before dawn toward Sand Creek in search of the endangered Red Siskin. En route, Leroy spotted a magnificent Giant Anteater, an unexpected highlight that electrified the group. Shortly afterward, accompanied by members of the South Rupununi Conservation Society, we encountered five Red Siskins, including males, females, and juveniles. Watching these brilliant red birds feeding and preening in their natural habitat was profoundly moving. For me, this extraordinary encounter ranked among the most memorable moments of my birding career.
Our return toward Lethem brought additional sightings, including Finsch’s Euphonia and Gray-headed Kite. From the air, the breathtaking transition between the Rupununi savannas and seemingly endless rainforest provided a spectacular farewell to southern Guyana.
Although unfavorable circumstances forced the cancellation of our planned visit to Kaieteur Falls, an afternoon at Bounty Farm delivered over 40 species, including Point-tailed Palmcreeper and Green Ibis, ending our birding adventures on a wonderfully positive note.
Beyond the exceptional birds, Guyana captivated us with its pristine wilderness, magnificent scenery, delicious cuisine, and genuinely welcoming people. From the radiant Sun Parakeets to the endangered Red Siskins, every day offered something remarkable. We departed with treasured memories, renewed appreciation for conservation, and the certainty that magical Guyana remains one of South America’s most extraordinary birding destinations.
Day-by-Day Summary
October 5 – Mahaica River and Georgetown Botanical Gardens
Our adventure began with bizarre Hoatzins, followed by excellent views of Blood-colored Woodpecker and White-bellied Piculet. A Rufous Crab Hawk delighted us in coastal mangroves, while brilliant Scarlet Ibises illuminated the mudflats. Georgetown’s Botanical Gardens provided a spectacular finale, with parrots and macaws streaming overhead.
October 6 – Flight to Lethem and Rock View Lodge
Flying to Lethem, we entered the legendary Rupununi, where sweeping savannas stretched toward the Pacaraima and Takutu mountains. Despite drought conditions, remaining ponds attracted Pinnated Bittern and Maguari Stork, while seedeaters and other open-country passerines completed our introduction to this remarkable landscape.
October 7 – Rupununi River and Camoudi Pond
Accompanied by calling chachalacas and Black Caracaras, our boat trip produced Boat-billed Herons, Black Caimans, and two magnificent Agami Herons displaying exquisite plumage. Riverine forests revealed Amazonian Black-Tyrant and Undulated Tinamou, while a drying pond attracted numerous birds.
October 8 – Atta Canopy Walkway and Cock-of-the-Rock Trail
Rainforest birding delivered Black-faced Hawk, Pompadour Cotinga, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, antbirds, trogons, tyrant-flycatchers, and Purple-throated Fruitcrow. A dazzling male Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock at its lek completed an extraordinary day among the Guianan Shield’s remarkable birds.
October 9 – Karassabai
After enjoying seedeaters and Grassland Sparrows, we reached one of the endangered Sun Parakeet’s last strongholds. Following their calls, we located a flock whose spectacular colors thrilled everyone as they flew overhead and eventually perched for unforgettable photographs.
October 10 – Ireng River, October Big Day
During eBird’s October Big Day, the Ireng River’s gallery forests rewarded us with Rio Branco Antbird and, after four attempts, outstanding views of Hoary-throated Spinetails. Later, the Moco Moco trail produced Riverside Warbler and several forest-edge species.
October 11 – South Rupununi
Traveling toward Wichabai Ranch, we crossed breathtaking grasslands, finding White-throated Kingbird and Bearded Tachuri. A seasonal wetland provided excellent views of Sharp-tailed Ibis and other waterbirds, completing another memorable day.
October 12 – South Rupununi, Sand Creek
Beneath an ocean of stars, we departed searching for endangered Red Siskins. En route, Leroy spotted a magnificent Giant Anteater! Accompanied by the South Rupununi Conservation Society, we eventually encountered five Red Siskins, including males, females, and juveniles. Watching these brilliant red sparks feeding and preening was among the most memorable experiences of my birding career.
October 13 – Wichabai to Lethem and Georgetown
Our final morning produced Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks and Finsch’s Euphonias. Searching Moriche palms for Point-tailed Palmcreeper proved unsuccessful, although Gray-headed Kite and Hepatic Tanager provided consolation. Our return flight revealed breathtaking savannas merging into endless rainforest.
October 14 – Georgetown
Although our Kaieteur Falls flight was canceled, Leon arranged a rewarding visit to Bounty Farm, where we recorded over 40 species, including Point-tailed Palmcreeper and Green Ibis. We departed magical Guyana with treasured memories of extraordinary wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and wonderfully welcoming people.
Wildlife Seen:
Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla.
Weeping Capuchin, Cebus olivaceus.
Guianan Red Howler Monkey, Alouatta macconnelli.
Red-rumped Agouti, Dasyprocta agouti.
Giant Otter, Pteronura brasiliensis.
Crab-eating Fox, Cerdocyon thous.
Small Indian Mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus.
Black Caiman, Melanosuchus niger.
Tropical House Gecko, Hemidactylus mabouia.
South American Ground Lizard, Ameiva ameiva.
Bronze Anole, Anolis aeneus.
Marine Toad / Cane Toad.