Panama: Fall at El Valle's Canopy Lodge - October 2026
Dates: October 24 - 31, 2026
Leader: Kevin Burke
E-bird
Total Species: 198 birds
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Overall Summary
El Valle is a magical place in so many regards. It is the largest community in the world located inside an (extinct) volcano. An average elevation of 2,400 feet makes this place comfortable, with temperatures usually topping out in the mid-70s and lows only around ten degrees lower. The wide variety of habitats, from the cloud forests of Altos de María to the lowland savanna of Juan Hombrón, makes this a particularly diverse trip. The setting of the Canopy Family's Canopy Lodge was an amazing home base. The food, the feeders, and most of all, the people made this an unforgettable trip.
Starting the mornings at the Canopy Lodge feeders is a real treat. Rufous Motmot, Clay-colored Thrush, and Crimson-backed Tanager are daily visitors. A walk around the property usually turned up Green Kingfisher, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, and Gray-headed Chachalaca. Birding around the immediate area of El Valle was also a treat. We didn’t have to go very far to see birds such as Boat-billed Heron, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, and Spectacled Owl. We also got to explore the market in El Valle, with its shops, restaurants, and produce vendors. It is a vibrant community.
We spent two days exploring the high-elevation cloud forest habitats of Altos de María. This large, gated community has extensive intact forest, making it great for birds such as Yellow-eared Toucanet, Snowcap, and Common Chlorospingus. Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths forage in the Cecropia trees here. The views are stunning, with sweeping scenes of the Pacific Ocean everywhere. Tanagers, too! Flame-rumped, Bay-headed, Silver-throated, Golden-hooded, and many more light up the trees like Christmastime. The weather made us feel more like we were in the Pacific Northwest than Panama: intermittent gray skies, drizzle, and a slight wind. It didn’t deter us from finding good birds and having a great time.
A full day in the lowlands was a stark contrast to the cool, lush surroundings of Altos de María. The hot savanna of Juan Hombrón and the surrounding beach area yielded many new birds. Raptors are much more prevalent here. Savanna Hawks hunted the fields alongside Aplomado Falcons. Pearl Kites, Laughing Falcon, and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture were all sighted today. It was a good day for flycatchers, too. Panama Beardless-Tyrannulet, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Streaked Flycatcher were all busy foraging for the ample insects. One of the more scenic lunch spots on the trip was a beach house right on the water. We dined while watching Blue-footed Boobies, Magnificent Frigatebirds, and Green Iguanas. A few birds made us work for them. Straight-billed Woodcreeper and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl tried to stay hidden but eventually showed nicely. A long, hot day full of new birds for the trip was enjoyed by all. On the way home, a single Laughing Falcon was spotted in a nearby tree to usher us home.
El Valle is worth a visit. There were way too many highlights, such as a Black-crowned Antpitta at our feet and a displaying Sunbittern, to mention. It is better experienced firsthand. The group was outstanding; we all laughed and enjoyed the experiences as they came. It is better to share these moments with good people. The Canopy Lodge staff is top-notch. The food was outstanding, the accommodations excellent, and, again, the birds were spectacular. Come see Panama done right.
Day-by-Day Summary
October 24 - Birding the grounds of the Canopy Lodge: we walked the trails of the Canopy Lodge orienting ourselves to the area. We saw Green Kingfisher, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Rufous Motmot, and many more bird species.
October 25 - Today we birded several locations around El Valle, including Las Mosas, Cara Iguana, and Dwindas Lodge. We saw Boat-billed Heron, Little Tinamou, Barred Antshrike, Spectacled Owl, and many more species.
October 26 - We birded Altas de Maria a private gated community at higher elevation. Highlights today included a displaying Sunbittern, Snowcap, Yellow-eared Toucanette, Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, and many more.
October 27 - Today we birded around El Valle again with stops at the Toucan feeders, Candalario farm, and Mata Hogado. We witnessed a very close Black-crowned Antpitta, Collared Aracari, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, Mottled Owl, Tody Motmot, and many more.
October 28 - We birded Altas de Maria again today. Here we had Bay-headed Tanager, Common Chlorospingus, White-ruffed Manakin, Snowcap, Green Honeycreeper, and many more.
October 29 - Today we birded Juan Hombron lowlands and Santa Clara beach area. Raptors were plentiful today with Savanna Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Laughing Falcon, Zone-tailed Hawk all seen. Other highlights were the endemic Veraguan Mango and lunch at the beach house.
October 30 - We birded locally at Las Mosas again today and saw the Rosy Thrush-Tanager. We spent time in El Valle enjoying the market and travelled back to Panama City for departure. We had a nice farewell dinner in Panama City.
October 31 - Departure day.
Wildlife Seen:
Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth
Red-tailed Squirrel
Central American Agouti
Green Iguana
Brown Basilisk
Blue-winged Helicopter
Confusia Tigerwing
Common Opossum