In November 2006 Naturetrek clients were fortunate enough to see both Jaguar and Ocelot at Hato Pinero on our Venezuela - Llanos bargain bird tour.
Client Keith Cherry charts a typical afternoon at Hato Pinero. "The lorry arrived and we were off again. New birds were soon listed including Forest Elaenia, Orinocan Saltator, Glittering-throated Emerald, Groove-billed Ani, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Grey-necked Woodrail, Purple Galinule, Blue-tailed Emerald, Ringed Kingfisher, Spot-breasted Woodpecker and the stunning Rufous-tailed Jacamar. Further on we saw Rusty-backed Spinetail, Red-rumped Woodpecker, Snail Kite and Laughing Falcon. As the light began to fade we happened across a dead tree that was being used as a Vulture roost. A juvenile King Vulture and a juvenile Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture were present along with numerous Black and Turkey Vultures. We moved on and added Bi-coloured Wren before we started lamping again on our return to the ranch seeing numerous Great Potoo, Lesser Nighthawk, White-tailed Nighthawk and Common Paraque. The group received a massive bonus during this session when we all saw a juvenile Jaguar walk out of the undergrowth to the right of the lorry. This excited everyone and was a brilliant way to end the day. We arrived back at the ranch at 20:30hrs, tired but pleased with our day, considering how it had been disrupted by the weather. The evening was brought to an end in the usual way, dinner, call over, chiller cabinet!"
Click here to read a copy of the tour report.