We them headed
up to the Polylepis forest, which is a threatened ecosystem.
New conservation measures have been taken to preserve this vanishing
habitat.
We took our
time to work our way up slope, mindful of the thin air. This also
gave us an opportunity to look at various ground-tyrants and cinclodes,
though the Royal Cinclodes would elude us this trip. Yet again, the
skies overhead were cloudless and blue.
On the way
up, a wandering dog joined the group and stared mournfully at each
of us in turn, hoping for a handout. The dog hit pay dirt with George.
Rummaging in his backpack, he managed to produce several dog biscuits
that he had hauled up to 14,500 feet.
Here is "dog
biscuit" ridge.
On the ridge
in the Polylepis, we saw White-browed Tit-Spinetails, Tawny
Tit-Spinetails, and three species of canasteros: Streak-throated,
Streak-backed, and Line-fronted. While trying to get one of the canasteros
into my scope, I had a Puna Tapaculo walk, or rather scamper, through
the field of view.
The views
down into the valley were nice. A rather expansive farm spread out
on the valley floor.
Jay told us
that past years' tours would make work their way through the Polylepis
and hike out through the valley. It looked like a long walk down to
the road, just visible at the other end.
After this,
the journey back home began. We went down the ridge to the bus, down
the pass to Ollantaytambo, up from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco, then
flying down to Lima. The next morning it was home to Chicago.
Peru
2006 Trip Home
This
page was last updated on 30 July 2006.
Contact Geoff Williamson
with any comments, updates or suggestions.