Panama: El Valle's Canopy Lodge - January 2026
Dates: January 17 - 24, 2026
Leaders: Erik Bruhnke & Local Leader
E-bird
Total Species: 183 birds
Click Here to view list.
Overall Summary
Every day of our Panama: El Valle's Canopy Lodge tour was filled with memorable birding experiences amid wonderful scenery, great food, and delightful company. Our birding trip began right along the Panama Canal at our starting hotel!
While birding around the hotel grounds and along the canal, we found much to enjoy. We were initially greeted by Clay-colored Thrushes bouncing among the lawn as a Rusty-margined Flycatcher vocalized near a Social Flycatcher. Two Yellow-crowned Amazons flew past. While watching massive ships passing by, we locked our binoculars on Sandwich Terns, with two uncommon Elegant Terns mixed in among them. Five Hudsonian Whimbrels zipped by over the canal just before we went inside to have breakfast and leave the big city. We observed 31 species just around the hotel grounds!
At the Canopy Lodge, we were welcomed with smiles and the wonderful energy of Danilo, our skillful guide for the days to come. I have led many tours with him over the years, and it is always a joy to bird with him and learn from him. Birdsong filled the air, and gentle water swept below us as we crossed the iconic red entrance bridge to the lodge. We took some moments to enjoy the renowned Canopy Lodge bird feeders. Recently placed fruit welcomed Dusky-faced, Crimson-backed, and Palm tanagers, as well as Buff-throated Saltators. An ambitious Spot-crowned Barbet hopped over to feed amid the commotion, as did two Keel-billed Toucans. Before a tasty onsite lunch, we enjoyed unbelievably cooperative views of a White-tipped Sicklebill that was resting, feeding, and preening directly behind our rooms. During our afternoon outing, we enjoyed views of a Purple-crowned Fairy and flyby Brown-hooded and Blue-headed parrots. The bulk of the afternoon was spent at a new offsite bird-feeding station just moments away. We had great views of Red-crowned Ant-Tanagers and Flame-rumped Tanagers, as well as four different species of hummingbirds and a wintering Black-billed Cuckoo!
The next morning, we set our sights on sampling some cloud forest birding in the Las Minas area. The corridor of trees welcomed many birds, including great views of a Collared Trogon, Chestnut-capped Warbler, gorgeous Silver-throated Tanagers, and a Golden-collared Manakin. A sneaky Golden-winged Warbler scooched by through the canopy at one point. White-breasted Wood-Wrens charmed the woods with their songs. Before lunch, we enjoyed views of two sleepy Tropical Screech-Owls! In the afternoon, we birded just on the other side of town in Las Mosas. A little intermittent rain was no match for us—we had a great time. We enjoyed not one, not two, but three Spectacled Owls there, in addition to a fairly close-feeding Lineated Woodpecker, Golden-hooded Tanagers, and both a Blue Dacnis and some Red-legged Honeycreepers in nearby trees.
The next day, we set our sights on the magnificent and vast reaches of Altos Del Maria, the highest-elevation region of the tour. Before we had even left the lodge, word got out that the White-tipped Sicklebill was visiting behind our rooms, and we took some time to relish this stunning and distinct hummingbird. The steep and meandering roads led us to our birding wonderland for the day. Earlier in the day, we enjoyed views of a large Great Black Hawk, Olive-striped Flycatcher, and Tawny-capped Euphonia among so many special moments. A wintering Black-throated Green Warbler fed in front of us at one point. A little later in the morning, we enjoyed views of a striking Green Hermit feeding on small blossoming flowers, a flock of canopy-feeding Black-and-yellow Tanagers (one of the many cloud forest specialists), and we even got to see a Northern Emerald-Toucanet (another big target). Adorable Plain Antvireos chattered nearby among vines and thin branches. We had a picnic lunch near the Biodiversity Trail, and what a special experience it was. In the afternoon, we enjoyed sightings of a White Hawk soaring overhead and both Blackburnian and Canada warblers, in addition to a beautiful Spotted Woodcreeper. And throughout the day, we were surrounded by gorgeous trees, vines, mosses, and orchids. So much greenery!
The next day, we headed to the lowlands, where vast fields blended into coastal environments. While making our way down the outer slopes of El Valle, we saw fabulous birds like a Lesson’s Motmot (scoped through layers of branches), two Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls, Yellow-green Vireos, both Tennessee and Bay-breasted warblers, and more. We could feel the temperature rising as we entered a new ecoregion and climate of the tour . . . the birding was heating up, too! With careful scanning, we got to see one of the big targets of the morning, Brown-throated Parakeets. It was a joy to see them from a distance, and at one point they flew a little closer to feed in trees very near us. A mid-morning gas station break brought the only chance of the tour to see House Sparrows (yes, House Sparrows), and our sharp-eyed efforts located the little family of sparrows just before we headed back into the field. Birding the lowlands of the Juan Hombron area was next on our list. The birds in this area are exceptional. We enjoyed views of two Savanna Hawks, a Pearl Kite, several Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures, many wading birds, and also tiny birds like Mouse-colored Tyrannulet and Sapphire-throated Hummingbird. A sassy Rufous-browed Peppershrike added to the excitement while we enjoyed a snack in the cool shade. Lunchtime beach birding included birds like Willet, incredibly close Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Pelicans, and three scoped Cocos Boobies! Two tiny, range-restricted Garden Emeralds were seen before we made our way back home. What a day!
A second day of birding in Altos Del Maria was in the works. With a little patience, we saw the dark and dapper Dull-mantled Antbird in the early morning. Schnazzy birds like Common Chlorospingus, Boat-billed Flycatcher, and even a Scarlet-thighed Dacnis were seen (the dacnis is very uncommon for the trip). Despite it being the dry season, these birds were appreciated through some rain as well. As the day progressed at higher elevation, we scored nice moments with Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, White-ruffed Manakin, Tawny-crested Tanagers, Broad-winged Hawks, and others. The shy Snowcap made an appearance just before lunch, as did an incredible Two-barred Flasher. An Olive-striped Flycatcher complemented additional views of a Northern Emerald-Toucanet. A Scaly-breasted Wren gave his high-pitched, thin little song from the deepest green abyss before we headed home. It was a joy to spend some time after dinner with Raúl Arias de Para (founder of the Canopy Family) and his wife, Denise. They are such fabulous people, and after dinner they invited our group to watch a special video put together to commemorate the recent 25th anniversary of the Canopy Family.
Our last morning always comes too soon. On this “cleanup” morning of local birding, we first enjoyed much wildlife at the bird feeders at the Canopy Lodge before making our way into the field. We spent some wonderful moments with two handsome Rufous-crested Coquettes perched out in the open! Another big target of the morning was Tody Motmot, and with some patience we focused our binoculars and scopes on one of these rare little charmers while another called in the distance. Upon seeing the Tody Motmot, we had observed four different motmot species during the tour! An obligatory visit to the market in town offered an array of vibrant, handmade goods for sale. As we entered the lodge one more time, we were greeted by a Green Kingfisher flying by and a kaleidoscope of beautiful butterflies before saying goodbye.
A special thanks goes out to Danilo for sharing his expertise and joy with us every day. It was a thrill to bird with him again. Also, a special thank-you goes out to the kind lodging staff who took great care of us during our stay, the kitchen staff who prepared many delicious meals, the drivers who made our travels possible, and to Raúl and Denise for spending time with us. The entire experience was so memorable. And thank you to all who joined this exciting tour. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Canopy Lodge tour!
Day-by-Day Summary
January 17 - Arrival in Panama City and overnight near the Panama Canal. Evening introductions and preparation for the adventure ahead.
January 18 - Morning birding around the canal and hotel grounds produced species such as Elegant Tern, Yellow-crowned Amazon, and Hudsonian Whimbrel. Transfer to El Valle and the Canopy Lodge, with afternoon birding at the lodge feeders and nearby feeding stations. Highlights included White-tipped Sicklebill, Keel-billed Toucan, Purple-crowned Fairy, and Black-billed Cuckoo.
January 19 - Cloud forest birding in the Las Minas area featured Collared Trogon, Golden-collared Manakin, Silver-throated Tanager, and Tropical Screech-Owl. Afternoon birding in Las Mosas produced Spectacled Owl, Lineated Woodpecker, Blue Dacnis, and Red-legged Honeycreeper.
January 20 - Full-day exploration of the highlands of Altos Del Maria. Highlights included Northern Emerald-Toucanet, Green Hermit, Black-and-yellow Tanager, White Hawk, Canada Warbler, and Spotted Woodcreeper amid lush cloud forest scenery.
January 21 - Descent into the lowlands and coastal habitats. Notable sightings included Brown-throated Parakeet, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Savanna Hawk, Pearl Kite, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Cocos Booby, and Garden Emerald.
January 22 - A second day in the highlands brought Dull-mantled Antbird, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, Snowcap, Two-barred Flasher, White-ruffed Manakin, and Tawny-crested Tanager. Evening gathering with Raúl and Denise Arias de Para celebrating the Canopy Family’s 25th anniversary.
January 23 - Final morning birding around the Canopy Lodge and surrounding areas. Highlights included Rufous-crested Coquette, Tody Motmot, Green Kingfisher, and a final visit to the local artisan market in El Valle.
January 24 - Departure from El Valle and transfer back to Panama City for onward flights home.
Wildlife Seen:
MAMMALS:
Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)
Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni)
Red-tailed Squirrel (Sciurus granatensis)
Variegated Squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides)
Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
Fruit-eating Bat (Artibeus sp.)
REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS:
Striped Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus)
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Central American Whiptail (Holcosus festivus)
Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)
Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)
BUTTERFLIES:
Common Morpho (Morpho peleides)
Rusty-tipped Page (Siproeta epaphus)
Banded Peacock (Anartia Fatima)
Green-celled Cattleheart (Parides childrenae)
Erato Heliconian (Heliconius erato)
Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)
Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)
Two-barred Flasher (Astraptes fulgerator)
Stub-tailed Morpho (Morpho theseus)
MOTHS:
Banana Stowaway (Antichloris viridis)
CLICK BEETLE:
Semiotus ligneus
SCORPION:
Scorpion sp.