Santa Marta Parakeet— Photo: ProAves Colombia/www.proaves.org

VENT leader Steve Hilty is featured in an article about birding in Colombia which appeared in the June 25, 2009 edition of the Wall Street Journal, and also in an article in the Spring 2011 issue of Living Bird, the quarterly magazine of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

A short, excellent introduction to the birds of northern Colombia; the Santa Marta Mountains can be reached in a single direct flight from Miami or in two flights via Bogotá; an endemic-rich, weeklong adventure from the seacoast to 9,000 feet; flamingos, flycatchers, hummingbirds, colorful tanagers, and some antpittas that we may actually see.

One of the most endemic-rich sites in Colombia is, ironically, one of the closest for travelers—the Santa Marta Mountains. These lofty, pyramid-shaped mountains spring up from the shores of the Caribbean to nearly 20,000 feet, and they are a birder's dream. Here there are almost 20 species of endemics, as well as gorgeous scenery including snow-capped peaks on clear mornings, and a new and comfortable mountain lodge located in a perfect climate zone. It's an ideal one-week getaway and, to top it off, a completely different set of birds can be found in the foothills, and another just a few hours away in the nearby Guajira Desert. Most of Santa Marta's endemics are, logically enough, preceded by the name Santa Marta, so there's a Santa Marta Parakeet, a screech-owl, a foliage-gleaner, an antpitta, a bush-tyrant, a wren, a brush-finch, a warbler, a tapaculo, and so on. Even better, some are actually easy to see, although a few require patience (and maybe a bit of luck).

Besides the endemics, there are many other interesting species ranging from Sickle-winged Guans and White-tipped Quetzals to Black-fronted Wood-Quail, near the lodge. We also plan to spend a little time in coastal and desert habitats and in the Santa Marta foothills. Each area has its own subset of distinctive birds—flamingos on the coast, Vermilion Cardinals and White-whiskered Spinetails in the desert, and Keel-billed Toucans, Golden-winged Sparrows, and Black-backed Antshrikes in the foothills.

If you're curious about Colombia–and who isn't—this is the perfect first trip for those with limited time. We think you will be pleasantly surprised by the birds, the beauty of the country, and the friendliness of the people. The only risk really, is wanting to stay.

Lowland hotels (three nights) good at both sites; three nights in pleasant mountain lodge (singles may not be available); food good; moderate pace with no strenuous walking; some midday breaks; mostly walking on roads or short trails close to a lodge; sea level to ca. 9,000 feet; warm to hot in lowlands, cool in mountains; rain unlikely in lowlands, a possibility in highlands.