Protective parent

A number of bare-faced currasows (Crax fasciolata) reside in the forests around our lodge. During the day, these birds spend most of their time walking along the ground in search of food. Currasows have a varied diet, which includes seeds, fruit, small vertebrates and invertebrates.
The female currasow has an ingenious way of protecting her young. As there are many creatures in the Pantanal who would delight at eating a young, defenseless currasow, the female currasow has resorted to fanning open her tail feathers whilst she walks. The chick walks beneath the tail, and thus remains both well hidden and close to its mum, who would endeavour to protect the chick should a predator approach...

Hudini the boa constrictor

One September morning, Stefan and our field guide Adauto took our guest Amanda for a brief safari walk, as she was flying out later that morning . Leaving the lodge building compound area, Adauto who has an amazing eye to spot wildlife, spotted a Boa Constrictor that was partially hidden under some leaves and enjoying the early morning sun rays. Stefan kindly came over to the main building to let me know so I could view this beautiful animal and take some pictures. As I walked over Stefan pointed where the boa was laying and I could not see it even thinking Stefan was taking me on. However, once I perceived its amazing camouflage the creature materialized in its full glory. Stefan had his macro lens and wanted a more intimate "eye to eye" image so totally disregarding the local tick inhabitants he mad him self comfortable on the floor as Amanda looked on
Eventually our friend made its way to a standing tree where it disappeared in what seemed like a cavity under the roots. Or was it still there well camouflaged and I could not see it?

Hungry agouti

When a tree comes into fruit here, it is always interesting to see which animals come to feed on its fruits. Right beside our lodge, there is a tree which is currently full of fruit. And, as the photo above illustrates, a small, forest-dwelling rodent, called an Azara's agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) has been quick to take advantage of the the tree's fallen fruits. As well as eating fruit, Azara's agoutis also eat leaves and roots. Agoutis are quite shy and elusive creatures, so it is always nice to see them going about their daily routine.

Pantanal colours

The Pantanal has an abundance of colourful creatures residing in it. Some of the most colourful creatures are its birds. Here is just a small selection of colourful birds which we are always delighted to see around the lodge:


The red and green macaw (Ara chloropterus) is one of 3 large macaw species which we regularly see here. It loves to feed on the seeds of the acuri palm tree (Platonia insignis) of which there are many here. Red and green macaws nest in the holes of trees. The photo below shows two such macaws checking out the nesting suitability of a tree just metres from the house.


The toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) is no doubt one of the most well known birds of the Pantanal. Although they can be quite shy, they are regularly seen here. They are not the strongest flyers so will normally choose to hop between the branches of trees. Toco toucans have a varied diet, eating fruit (as can be seen in the photo below), insects, frogs and even nestlings.


The yellow-billed cardinal (Paroaria capitata), as shown below, can often be seen in small groups, fluttering between bushes and trees beside the river. This bird is a seed-eater as is indicated by its powerful beak.