Just a note to let you know we were very pleased with our Venezuela trip. Jim was a great host, as we first learned on our Panama trip. It's a beautiful country to visit with our stay at Casa Maria tops on our list. I can't say enough about Jim. He surely puts his clients first and has such an extensive knowledge about the birds we see or hope to see. He does his homework and it pays off for us. I'm not sure what's up next for us, but be assured, we'll be back to BirdTreks.

I attach a photo or two from the trip. Feel free to use them (or not) as you wish.

The Hoatzin was my favorite bird, but tough to get close to for photography. I eventually prevailed. This one was taken at Hato Pinero.

The Gray-necked Wood-Rail just walked up to me and them darted off. Also taken at Hato Pinero.

The Russet-throated Puffbird was also seen at Hato Pinero and sat well for my camera.

And finally, the Bearded Helmetcrest was photographed high in the Paramo. The photo is not as sharp as I'd like and doesn't show its crest but nevertheless is a bird most would like to see on a Venezuela trip.

All for now.

Don Pirie