Cindy and I recently returned from a very enjoyable trip to Panama. We spent the entire trip in central Panama, mostly within the former Canal Zone. We stayed at the Canopy Tower for this trip and were very happy with the decision (for more information see Canopy Tower's home page). The facilities are first rate as was the staff, I would highly recommend this lodge to anyone. 

The Canopy Tower is located with Soberania National Park and is surrounded by quality forest. The birding along the road down Semaphore Hill and on the Plantation Trail was nothing short of fantastic. We also visited the Ammo Dump Ponds in Gamboa, Pipeline Road, Summit Ponds and the old Gamboa Road that are within a few minutes drive. Our longest excursion was to Achiote Road on the Caribbean slope. The staff of the Canopy Tower included two guides, Carlos and José. These two young men two guides, Carlos and Jose are from Panama City and are well on their way to learning the ecology of these forests. They both know birds fairly well and are a pleasure to be around.

23 March

We traveled from Austin to Panama City. Because of delays on almost every leg of our journey we arrive in Panama City well late of our expected time and arrived at the Canopy Tower close to midnight.

24 March

We began this morning on the deck (roof) of the Canopy Tower. This is a real advantage of this lodge. The birding from this vantage point is fantastic. The star of the show most morning is the male Blue Cotinga, which did not disappoint us this day. Green Shrike-Vireos called from the canopy, but proved very difficult to see. We remained on the deck from 6:00 - 8:00 AM before heading down the road. The other highlight of the early morning were Scaled Pigeon, Red-lored and Mealy Parrots, Keel-billed Toucan, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, various species of migrating warblers, Blue Dacnis, Green Honeycreeper, and numerous Scarlet Tanagers.

During our stay we birded the road down Semaphore Hill three times, and I would have liked to have had the opportunity to spend more time there. We spent the remainder of the morning along this road. Highlights included an adult Black Hawk-Eagle, Broad-billed Motmot, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Olivaceous Flatbill, Green Shrike-Vireo, Fulvous-vented Euphonia, Scarlet-rumped Cacique and Chestnut-headed Oropendola. The best part of birding this road (and Plantation Trail) was the antbirds! Every trip down it included many flocks that contained antbirds. The most common species were Dot-winged and Checker-throated Antwrens. Other antbirds that were frequently encountered included Fasciated Antshrike, Western Slaty-Antshrike, White-flanked Antwren, Dusky Antbird, and Chestnut-backed Antbird. Birds weren't the only things were encountered on our walk. Were also saw three species of monkey: Mantled Howler, White-faced Capuchin, and Geoffroy's Tamarin.

There are several hummingbird feeders around the Tower. Violet-bellied Hummingbird was the most common species at the feeders during our stay. White-necked Jacobin was the second most common visitor. Blue-chested and Snowy-bellied Hummingbirds were regular visitors as well and we would occasionally see a Scaly-breasted Hummingbird or a Long-tailed Hermit.

In the afternoon were birded Semaphore Hill again and walked a short distance up Plantation Trail which starts at the bottom of the hill. Many of the same species seen in the morning were encountered, but were also saw Little Hermit, White-vented Plumeleteer, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Great Jacamar, Blue-crowned and Red-capped Manakins, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Gray-headed Tanager and Slate-colored Grosbeak. The highlight of the afternoon was a group of four Ocellated Antbirds. They were moving up the hill and although they did hang around long, we were able to get great looks at this spectacular bird.

25 March

This morning were only spent about 30 minutes on the deck of the Canopy Tower before heading down Semaphore Hill and up the Plantation Trail. Virtually the first bird was a beautiful male Spotted Antbird, a bird I have looked for without success at other locations other tropics. We found a number of species that we had not seen the previous day. These included a Sunbittern along Plantation Trail, Rufous Motmot, White-whiskered Puffbird, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Plain Xenops, Southern Bentbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Black-chested Jay.

During the early afternoon I sat on the deck of the Canopy Tower and added Piratic Flycatcher and Bay-headed Tanager to our growing trip list. At about 3:00 we headed up the Plantation Trail. The bird was as good as it had been in the morning and we added a few species to the day list including Golden-crowned Spadebill, Golden-collared Manakin and Slate-colored Grosbeak.

26 March

We were headed toward the Pipeline Road this morning. The fist stop was at the Ammo Dump Ponds at Gamboa. The avian activity was impressive and we quickly had an impressive list of species. Perhaps the most interesting sighting was an immature Rufescent Tiger-Heron. Although it was standing in the open it was amazingly camouflaged. Other bird found around the ponds included Striated Heron, Muscovy Duck, White-throated Crake, Wattled Jacana, Panama Flycatcher, Crimson-backed Tanager, and Streaked Saltator.

Pipeline Road was not as active as we would have liked, but it was still a wonderful birding experience. The highlight of the day was not a bird. An adult female (?) Ocelot and her half-grown cub crossed the road right in front of the car! We were able to find a small army ant swarm. With it were the expected Bicolored Antbirds along with a Spotted Antbird, Plain-brown and Northern Barred Woodcreepers, and three Song Wrens. Other noteworthy species seen along Pipeline Road included great looks at a Little Tinamou, a male Black-tailed Trogon, White-bellied Antbird, several Spotted Antbirds and Golden-collared Manakins, Black-bellied and Bay Wrens, and a pair of Blue-black Grosbeaks.

In the late afternoon we visited Summit Ponds and the south Old Gamboa Road. We spotted a Capped Heron, Boat-billed Heron and two Greater Anis and the ponds before heading down the road. The road passes through more disturbed forest with some heavily disturbed areas. Along here we found Red-crowned Woodpecker, Fasciated Antshrike, White-bellied and Jet Antbirds, , Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Crimson-backed Tanager and Streaked Saltator.

27 March

We had a very early start for our day trip to Achiote Road. Birding here was mostly in disturbed areas with very little access to good forest except along the roadside. The highlight of the day was seeing two Spectacles Owls on a day roost thanks to José. We also saw Pied and Black-breasted Puffbirds much to my delight. The birding was generally excellent with many species that we had not encountered on the Pacific Slope and many that we had. Some of the species were saw were Blue-headed Parrot, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Black-throated Mango, White-tailed Trogon, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Long-tailed Tyrant, Blue Cotinga, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Black-chested Jay, Sulphur-rumped Tanager and Crested Oropendola.

We stopped by Summit Ponds on our way back to the Canopy Tower where we learned that Carlos has spotted a roosting Great Potoo near the bottom of Semaphore Hill. We birded around the ponds for about a hour adding Buff-breasted Wren before heading for the Tower. Seeing the Great Potoo was definitely a highlight of a trip that was full of them. As we watched it, it began to preen and stretch was the sun was going down. After supper we watch two Kinkajou come down to get bananas that the staff leaves out for them. What a day.

28 March

We had a early flight and so left the Canopy Tower just as the morning bird was about to start. When we arrived at the airport we learned that our flight had been canceled and we would not be leaving until later in the morning. Too bad we didn't know that before we left the Canopy Tower! I guess you learn something everyday.

Below you can read the annotated list of birds which were observed.

• AP - Ammo Dump Ponds in Gamboa
• AR - Achiote Road
• CT - the vicinity of the Canopy Tower proper
• GR - Old Gamboa Road south of Summit Ponds
• PL - Pipeline Road
• PT - Plantation Trail
• SH - along the road on Semaphore Hill

1. Little Tinamou - one seen very well along the Pipeline Road on the 26th
2. Neotropic Cormorant - one at the Gatun locks on the Panama Canal on the 27th
3. Anhinga - one at AP and another at the Summit Ponds on the 26th
4. Magnificent Frigatebird - four at the Gatun locks on the Panama Canal on the 27th
5. Rufescent Tiger-Heron - immature birds seen at AP (26th), CT (26th & 27th), and AR (27th)
6. Great Blue Heron - one at Summit Ponds on the 26th
7. Great Egret - singles along AR and at Summit Ponds on the 27th
8. Snowy Egret - singles at AP on the 26th and along AR on the 27th
9. Little Blue Heron - singles at AP on the 26th and Summit Ponds on the 26th and 27th
10. Tricolored Heron - one along AR on the 26th
11. Cattle Egret - common along AR and at AP
12. Green Heron - one at Summit Ponds on the 26th and 27th
13. Striated Heron - two at AP on the 27th , one at Summit Pond on the 26th and three there on the 27th
14. Capped Heron- one at Summit Ponds on the on the 26th
15. Boat-billed Heron - one seen on the 26th and seven on the 27th at Summit Ponds
16. Wood Stork - one along AR on the 26th
17. Turkey Vulture - common at all locations
18. Black Vulture - common at al locations
19. Muscovy Duck - two adult at AP on the 26th
20. Osprey - singles seen from the CT on the 24th and near Summit Pond on the 27th
21. Swallow-tailed Kite - one is a kettle of Mississippi Kites at the CT on the 24th
22. White-tailed Kite - one along AR on the 27th
23. Mississippi Kite - small kettles ranging from 40 to 100 individuals seen at Ct on the 24th and 25th and from GR on the 26th
24. Roadside Hawk - one along PR on the 26th
25. Broad-winged Hawk - large kettle (250 individuals) seen from GR on the 26th
26. Short-tailed Hawk - two at CT on the 24th and singles seen from there on the 25th and 26th
27. Swainson's Hawk - at least 200 seen from GR on the 26th
28. Zone-tailed Hawk - one from CT on the 24th
29. Black Hawk-Eagle - one adult seen from SH on the 24th
30. Yellow-headed Caracara - two along AR and another along GR on the 27th
31. Gray-headed Chachalaca - small numbers (2-5 birds) seen along SH and PT on the 24th and 25th, two at AP on the 26th and three at GR on the 27th
32. White-throated Crake - at least five seen at AP on the 26th and several heard along AR on the 26th
33. Gray-necked Wood-Rail - one seen very briefly at Summit Ponds on the 26th
34. Common Moorhen - one at AP on the 26th
35. Purple Gallinule - three at AP on the 26th
36. Sunbittern - one along PT on the 25th and one along SH on the 27th
37. Wattled Jacana - up to 10 at AP on the 26th and one at Summit Ponds on the 26th and 27th
38. Solitary Sandpiper - one at Summit Ponds on the 26th
39. Spotted Sandpiper - two on the beach at Pina on the 27th
40. Rock Dove - small numbers in Colon on the 26th and Panama City on the 28th
41. Pale-vented Pigeon - small numbers seen in open habitats along AR and GR.
42. Scaled Pigeon - two seen from CT on the 24th and 25th
43. Ruddy Ground-Dove - two along AR and at GR on the 27th
44. White-tipped Dove - three along PT on the 25th, four along PR on the 25th and five along GR on the 26th
45. Orange-chinned Parakeet - common at CT, SH, PT, PL and AR
46. Blue-headed Parrot - a flock of seven at AR on the 27th
47. Red-lored Parrot - less common than Mealy, but a few pairs seen daily
48. Mealy Parrot - common with several pairs seen daily
49. Squirrel Cuckoo - up to three per day
50. Smooth-billed Ani - uncommon in open habitats such as at AP, GR, and AR
51. Greater Ani - two at Summit Ponds on the 26th and 27th
52. Spectacled Owl - two on a day roost at AR on the 27th
53. Great Potoo - one found on a day roost near the bottom of SH on the 27th
54. Chimney Swift - uncommon (10-20 per day) from the CT
55. Short-tailed Swift - uncommon (about 10 per day) from the CT
56. Band-rumped Swift - common with over 100 per day seen from the CT
57. Rufous-breasted Hermit - four along AR on the 27th
58. Long-tailed Hermit - one at CT feeders on the 25th and two along AR on the 27th
59. Little Hermit - one along PT on the 24th
60. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird - two along SH and one at the feeders at CT on the 24th
61. White-necked Jacobin - common with 10+ at the feeders at CT daily
62. Black-throated Mango - a female seen along AR on the 26th
63. Violet-bellied Hummingbird - common with 25+ visiting the feeders at CT daily
64. Blue-chested Hummingbird - uncommon with 5 or so visiting the feeders at CT daily
65. Snowy-bellied Hummingbird - uncommon with 5 or so visiting the feeders at CT daily
66. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird - two along AR on the 27th
67. White-vented Plumeleteer - singles seen in the forest along SH on the 24 and PT on the 25th and one along PL on the 26th
68. Purple-crowned Fairy - one or two at CT on the 24th, 25th and 26th
69. White-tailed Trogon - one along AR on the 27th
70. Violaceous Trogon - two along PR on the 26th and frequently heard along SH on the 24th and 25th
71. Black-throated Trogon - one along PR on the 26th and frequently heard along SH on the 24th and 25th
72. Black-tailed Trogon - one male seen very well along PR on the 26th
73. Slaty-tailed Trogon - common at CT, SH, PT, PL, and AR with up to three seen per day and many others heard daily
74. Blue-crowned Motmot - one along PT on the 25th and PL on the 26th
75. Rufous Motmot - one along PT on the 25th
76. Broad-billed Motmot - four along SH on the 24th and 25th and two along PR on the 26th
77. Ringed Kingfisher - singles at AP on the 26th and Summit Ponds on the 26th and 27th
78. Green Kingfisher - one at Summit Ponds on the 26th and 27th
79. Black-breasted Puffbird - one along AR on the 27th
80. Pied Puffbird - one along AR on the 27th
81. White-whiskered Puffbird - two along SH and another on PT on the 25th
82. Great Jacamar - two on SH on the 25th
83. Spot-crowned Barbet - two along AR on the 27th
84. Collared Aracari - two at CT on the 25th, four along GR on the 26th and six along AR on the 27th
85. Keel-billed Toucan - common at all locations with up to 10 seen and many more heard per day
86. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan - two at CT on the 25th and 26th, heard less frequently that Keel-billed
87. Black-cheeked Woodpecker - four along AR on the 27th
88. Red-crowned Woodpecker - a female at the base of SH on the 24th, a family group of four on GR on the 26th and two others there on the 27th, and six along AR on the 26th
89. Lineated Woodpecker - a female on SH near CT on the 26th in the same tree as a pair of Crimson-crested Woodpeckers
90. Crimson-crested Woodpecker - two on SH on the 24th and 26th
91. Plain Xenops - three on SH and two on PT on the 25th, four along PR and three along GR on the 26th and one along GR on the 27th
92. Plain-brown Woodcreeper - three with an army ant swarm on PL on the 26th
93. Northern Barred-Woodcreeper - one with an army ant swarm on PL on the 26th
94. Cocoa Woodcreeper - one at CT and two on PT on the 25th and two along PR and one on GR on the 26th
95. Streak-headed Woodcreeper - two along AR on the 27th
96. Fasciated Antshrike - three along SH on the 25th, a pair on GR on the 26th, and four along AR on the 27th
97. Western Slaty-Antshrike - two along SH on the 24th, three along SH and two along PT on the 25th, three at CT on the 26th, and one along AR on the 27th
98. Checker-throated Antwren - two along SH on the 24th, up to 10 along SH and PT on the 25th, and two along AR on the 27th
99. White-flanked Antwren - one on SH on the 24th and two along SH and two along PT on the 25th
100. Dot-winged Antwren - five along SH on the 24th, up to 20 along SH and PT on the 25th, two at PR and two at CT the 26th, and two along AR on the 27th. Dot-winged Antwren was the most common antbird encountered on this trip.
101. Dusky Antbird - one on Sh on the 24th, up to six along SH and PT on the 25th, and one along PR and two on GR on the 26th
102. White-bellied Antbird - one male on PR and a pair along GR on the 26th
103. Chestnut-backed Antbird - three along SH on the 25th, a pair on GR on the 26th, and four along AR on the 27th
104. Jet Antbird - a male along GR on the 26th
105. Spotted Antbird - three along SH on the 25th, a pair on GR on the 26th, and four along AR on the 27th
106. Bicolored Antbird - approximately 15 with an army ant swarm on PL on the 26th
107. Ocellated Antbird - a group of four seen at the bottom of SH on the 25th
108. Black-faced Antthrush - two seen and at least six others heard along PR on the 26th
109. Paltry Tyrannulet - two along SH on the 25th, three along the PL and two on GR on the 26th
110. Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet - two along AR on the 27th
111. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet - one along AR on the 27th
112. Forest Elaenia - aingles along PT on the 24th, AR and GR on the 27th
113. Yellow-bellied Elaenia - three at AP on the 26th and one along AR on the 27th
114. Southern Bentbill - two along SH on the 25th and two along PR and another on GR on the 26th
115. Common Tody-Flycatcher - one along GR on the 26th and two along AR on the 27th
116. Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher - one at the CT on the 24th and 25th
117. Olivaceous Flatbill - one along SH on the 24th and 25th, one along PT on the 25th, and two along AR on the 27th
118. Golden-crowned Spadebill - one along PT on the 25th
119. Royal Flycatcher - two along PT on the 25th
120. Black-tailed Flycatcher - one along GR on the 26th
121. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher - four along SH and two along PT on the 25th, five along PR on the 26th and two along AR on the 27th
122. Olive-sided Flycatcher - one along AR on the 27th
123. Eastern Wood-Pewee - one along AR on the 27th
124. Acadian Flycatcher - one along AR on the 27th
125. Long-tailed Tyrant - two along AR on the 27th
126. Bright-rumped Attila - one seen and others heard along PR on the 26th and two along AR on the 27th
127. Dusky-capped Flycatcher - four along SH on the 24th, up to ten at CT, SH and PT on the 25th, two along PR on the 26th, and three along AR on the 27th
128. Panama Flycatcher - one at AP on the 26th and another at Summit Ponds on the 27th
129. Lesser Kiskadee - one at AP on the 26th
130. Great Kiskadee - three at AP on the 26th
131. Social Flycatcher - four at AP on the 26th and six along AR on the 27th
132. Streaked Flycatcher - one along PR on the 26th, two along AR and one at GR on the 27th
133. Piratic Flycatcher - one at CT on the 25th and one at AP on the 26th
134. Tropical Kingbird - common in open habitats
135. Eastern Kingbird - one at CT on the 25th
136. Masked Tityra - three along SH on the 24th and 25th, two at CT on the 25th, and two along GR on the 27th
137. Blue Cotinga - a male at CT on the 24th and 25th and two males at AR on the 27th
138. Purple-throated Fruitcrow - two at the beginning of PT on the 24th and 12 along AR on the 27th
139. Golden-collared Manakin - two females along PT on the 25th, several males and females along PL on the 26th and up to 10 males and females along AR on the 27th
140. Blue-crowned Manakin - three females and two males along SH on the 25th
141. Red-capped Manakin - three females along SH on the 24th and 26th
142. Red-eyed Vireo - one at GR on the 27th
143. Tawny-crowned Greenlet - two at GR on the 26th and one on the 27th
144. Lesser Greenlet - two on SH on the 25th
145. Green Shrike-Vireo - three along SH on the 24th and one on the 25th, and two along GR on the 26th. This species could be heard almost continuously at CT, SH, PT and PR.
146. Black-chested Jay - two along PT on the 25th and up to 10 along AR on the 27th
147. Gray-breasted Martin - common around the CT and at other locations
148. Mangrove Swallow - one at Gatun on the 27th
149. Blue-and-white Swallow - three at CT on the 25th. These were likely austral migrant overshoots and are apparently rare in central Panama. These were the first reported for the Canopy Tower.
150. Southern Rough-winged Swallow - four at Gatun on the 27th
151. Cliff Swallow - five at CT on the 24th
152. Barn Swallow - common everywhere, over 100 at Gatun on the 27th
153. Black-bellied Wren - one at PR and another at GR on the 26th
154. Bay Wren - foure along PR on the 26th and six along AR on the 27th
155. Buff-breasted Wren - one at GR on the 27th
156. Plain Wren - one along AR on the 27th
157. House Wren - three at AP and three along GR on the 26th and two along AR on the 27th
158. White-breasted Wood-Wren - two at CT and two along PT on the 25th
159. Song Wren - three with an army ant swarm and another elsewhere on PL on the 26th
160. Long-billed Gnatwren - two along SH on the 25th and along GR on the 26th
161. Tropical Gnatcatcher - four along Sh on the 24th , two along GR on the 26th and three there on the 27th
162. Clay-colored Robin - four at AP and up to six along GR on the 26th, 10+ along AR and five along GR on the 27th
163. Tropical Mockingbird - singles at Gatun on the 27th and in Panama City on the 28th
164. Cedar Waxwing - a flock of about 15 individuals at CT on the 24th and 25th
165. Tennessee Warbler - common in mixed flocks with 20+ per day, especially from the CT
166. Yellow Warbler - one at AP on the 26th
167. Chestnut-sided Warbler - common in mixed flocks with 10+ per day, especially from the CT
168. Bay-breasted Warbler - common in mixed flocks with 5+ per day, especially from the CT
169. Black-and-white Warbler - one at Ct on the 24th and one along PT on the 25th
170. Northern Waterthrush - one along PT on the 25th and 26th
171. Kentucky Warbler - one on SH on the 25th
172. Bananaquit - up to 10 along AR on the 27th
173. Gray-headed Tanager - four along SH on the 24th and two along PT on the 25th
174. Sulphur-rumped Tanager - three along AR on the 27th
175. White-shouldered Tanager - up to 10 per day at all locations
176. White-lined Tanager - a male along AR on the 27th
177. Red-throated Ant-Tanager - eight along PR and four at GR on the 26th and six along GR on the 27th
178. Summer Tanager - five per day
179. Scarlet Tanager - up to 10 per day
180. Crimson-backed Tanager - four at AP and six at GR on the 26th and four along AR on the 27th
181. Flame-rumped Tanager - at least 20 along AR on the 27th
182. Blue-gray Tanager - four at AP on the 26th and four along AR on the 27th
183. Palm Tanager - common at all locations
184. Yellow-crowned Euphonia - one along AR on the 27th
185. Thick-billed Euphonia - two, and adult male and an immature male, at AP on the 26th
186. Fulvous-vented Euphonia - males at SH on the 24th and 25th and CT on the 25th
187. Plain-colored Tanager - two from the CT on the 24th, five at PL and three at GR on the 26th, and four along AR on the 27th
188. Bay-headed Tanager - two at CT on the 25th
189. Golden-hooded Tanager - six along AR on the 27th
190. Blue Dacnis - two from CT daily and four along PL on the 26th
191. Green Honeycreeper - - two from CT daily, two along PL on the 26th, and one along AR on the 27th
192. Red-legged Honeycreeper - a pair along PR on the 26th
193. Blue-black Grassquit - six at AP on the 26th and common along AR on the 27th
194. Variable Seedeater - Up to 10 at AP on the 27th also present in disturbed habitats along GR and AR
195. Yellow-bellied Seedeater - four at AP on the 25th and six along AR on the 27th
196. Thick-billed Seed-Finch - two at AP on the 26th and up to six along GR on the 26th and 27th
197. Saffron Finch - a male at Gatun on the 27th
198. Orange-billed Sparrow - two along AR on the 27th
199. Black-striped Sparrow - four at AP on the 26th
200. Streaked Saltator - one at AP and three along GR on the 26th
201. Buff-throated Saltator - four at AP on the 26th and two at AR and Gr on the 27th
202. Black-headed Saltator - two along AR on the 27th
203. Slate-colored Grosbeak - two along SH on the 24th and another at CT on the 25th
204. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - three along GR on the 26th and eight there on the 27th
205. Blue-black Grosbeak - a pair along PR on the 26th
206. Red-breasted Blackbird - six along AR on the 27th
207. Great-tailed Grackle - common in open, disturbed habitats
208. Bronzed Cowbird - one along AR on the 27th
209. Giant Cowbird - one along GR on the 27th
210. Yellow-backed Oriole - four along AR on the 27th
211. Baltimore Oriole - one from the CT on the 26th and eight at GR on the 27th
212. Yellow-billed Cacique - two along SH on the 25th and 26th and two along GR on the 27th
213. Scarlet-rumped Cacique - four along SH on the 24th and 25th and up to six along the PR on the 27th
214. Yellow-rumped Cacique - one along AR on the 27th
215. Crested Oropendola - three along AR on the 27th
216. Chestnut-headed Oropendola - one seen along SH on the 24th and two along PT on the 25th

• Great Tinamou - heard daily around the CT and along the PT on the 25th
• Cinnamon Woodpecker - heard along SH on the 24th and PR on the 26th
• Tawny-throated Leaftosser - one heard along AR on the 27th