Staying at the Canopy Tower was an outstanding experience in a unique and beautiful location. In the week I was there, I was able to see many new birds and had the best views I have ever had of many others from the Tower's observation deck and along the trails. This was enabled in part because of the unspoiled and well-protected rain forest, but most of all because of the wonderful guides, Tino and Jose, who led all the excursions. Their superb expertise in spotting birds, identifying their calls, attracting them, and showing them to us, was exceptional. Indeed, they usually had the birds in focus on the spotting scope before I could find them with my own binoculars! And at all times, they shared their extensive knowlege of the birds' natural history as well as fascinating details on the trees, plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs, insects and all the other rain forest inhabitants. they also provided interesting details on the history and culture of Panama, the Canal's operation, and Pipeline Road.

Overall, I tallied about 185 birds, 34 of which were new to me, including many Panama "specialties". Amonmg the many great sightings were Tiny Hawk, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Broad-billed Motmot, several puffbirds, Collared Forest-Falcon, Checker-throated Antwren, Jet-, Spotted- and Ocellated Antbirds, and Streak-chested Antpitta, Also seen were both male and female Blue Cotingas, five different Manakins, Southern Bentbill, ....Golden-crowned Spadebill, Panama Flycatcher, numerous beautiful wrens, Yellow-green Vireo, Rosy Thrush-tanager, Orange-billed sparrow, and many, many others!

And it was a pleasure residing in the Canopy Tower for seven days. The room was comfortable and meticulously clean, and I could see monkeys, toucans and other birds from my own window. The meals were excellent without exception (the Chilean wines were also a nice touch!), and the Staff members were efficient, courteous, and most helpful in all respects.

Although it was the "Green" or rainy season and there were frequent rain showers, we never missed a single excursion, with minor delays on only one or two. In fact the sound of the rain at night was very relaxing!

I would certainly look forward to a return trip to the Canopy Tower, and would also want to spend some time at the new Canopy Lodge in El Valle in the future.