p.1 #1 · Ecuador is for lovers - birds lovers that is - Round 1 (Image Heavy)
Congratulations to kdacharya for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 3 votes - View Previous Winners
I wanted to do a trip with my son of the longest time. He is heading off to his first job in DC next week and we never had a father son trip. I wanted to find some common ground for the both of us. I do not play video games and he did not do wildlife photography. But both of us love to travel, and had not been to S America. So it made sense to plan for Ecuador. I had 3 requirements, trip had to be done in or around the 2nd part of July, the group would only consist of my son and I, the photo tour guide would teach my son wildlife photography. With a lot a help from fellow Fmer's (Amit, Eric and Faizan thanks to each one of you) the father and son duo, set off to meet Luis Alcivar, who not only accommodated each of these requirements but went beyond the expected. At the end of the trip my son, Luis and I were best friends. What more could someone ask for. We were laughing, joking, and taking pictures at the same time. Luis did such a great job that in 2 days, my son was taking better pictures than I (does not say much about me ). Also my son's reflexes were a lot faster than mine
Anyways we saw over 190 species (including Male and Females) in 10 days, over 150 if you count M/F as one species (2 days were devoted to travel internally and to get there). We shot in and around Quito, Andes high lands, mid lands, lowlands, upper rain forest, mid rain forest and spent a day in a lake in the Amazon rain forest. We saw and or took pictures of over 40 different humming birds species.
In fact when I asked my son what was the best part about Ecuador was, he said humming birds - go figure. I would highly recommend a trip down there.
There were many unique species as well. Hopefully I'll be able to post more that 100 different species all told.
Here goes.
p.1 #5 · Ecuador is for lovers - birds lovers that is - Round 1 (Image Heavy)
Sounds like an amazing trip! Excellent images and excellent memories. You cannot go wrong with that combo. I am back from a recent trip to Ecuador too, and most of these species I did not see (saw the last one). Looking forward to batch 2.
p.1 #6 · Ecuador is for lovers - birds lovers that is - Round 1 (Image Heavy)
KD,
Spectacular and a special set. I got my 17 year old to get down with me during the summer months. Before he heads off to college, next year, will get another one with him. Will ping you guys when it’s time.
p.1 #9 · Ecuador is for lovers - birds lovers that is - Round 1 (Image Heavy)
These beautiful photos are the bonus to the main story of your wonderful trip with your son. Congratulations! Now you have discovered a new common interest in bird photography, something you can do together many times in the future.
p.1 #13 · Ecuador is for lovers - birds lovers that is - Round 1 (Image Heavy)
KCollett wrote:
Sounds like an amazing trip! Excellent images and excellent memories. You cannot go wrong with that combo. I am back from a recent trip to Ecuador too, and most of these species I did not see (saw the last one). Looking forward to batch 2.
thanks Ken. How many days were you in Ecuador? please do post some shots. Hope you like batch 2 and 3
p.1 #16 · Ecuador is for lovers - birds lovers that is - Round 1 (Image Heavy)
KD ! Just another example of your incredible skills. These are fantastic as always. That first shot of the Hoatzin blew me away then they just kept coming. Even better is the time you spent with your son, good for you guys. Great, great work. YGMV
p.1 #18 · Ecuador is for lovers - birds lovers that is - Round 1 (Image Heavy)
Hi KD...
As a longtime fan of your work, this set further cements your talent as a photographer. However, and more importantly, your bond with your son during this trip must have been far more rewarding for you (and him). Photography has as many different motivations as photographers I suppose, but your particular motivation on this trip is indeed heartwarming.
). Also my son's reflexes were a lot faster than mine
