Just back from my 4th solo independent trip to Ecuador. This time to the western lowlands. That folks is about the end of the report, because I only managed 90 minutes birding at the wetlands at Chone before being attacked by 4 teenagers, stabbed in my left shoulder and robbed of my cameras. I did manage a few new ticks in that short time so not a complete waste. I flew home asap as I didn't fancy birding with just one arm.
The site is excellent for wetland birds, especially a large egret roost, I noticed while cruising around with the police later. A couple of Cocoi herons, Peruvian meadowlarks singing, stunning birds. Much of the valley close to town was flooded and would have made for a good day's birding before moving on to La Segua just a few kms down the road.
After 8 solo trips to the neotropics this was the very first time anything bad had ever happened, so even though it has put me off do not let it put group travellers off. It is still safer than going out in the UK on a Saturday night.
Regards
Adrian
bad luck Adrian,
hope your shoulder is ok, and you are not put off permanently
sorry to hear it Adrian
thanks for the heads up though. I'm off there myself in the summer... but fortunately staying well clear of that area
hope you are recovering quickly
all the best
Tim