What’s your favourite hen species?
The Yellow-eared Parrot, an endemic treasure of Colombia, needs to be my favourite!
What’s your title, and the place do you reside?
I’m Leyden Heredia, however most individuals know me as Asherita Viajera. I name Cali, Colombia, my residence, though I’m not often there since I’m all the time touring, birding, guiding, or exploring new birding spots.
What are the principle areas or areas you cowl as a hen information?
I information primarily in Valle del Cauca, the place the unimaginable biodiversity ranges from dry forests to the Chocó biogeographical area and cloud forests. I additionally information within the Amazon (Mocagua indigenous neighborhood), the sub-Andean forests of Huila, the high-Andean forests and páramos close to Manizales, and the distinctive Wax Palm forest in Tolima, and I’m growing new routes in northern Colombia, supporting native communities in Santander. These areas collectively host over 1,000 hen species, together with 60+ endemics.
How lengthy have you ever been a hen information?
I’ve been birding for over six years, talking in birding occasions at completely different nations in South, Central, and North America for over 4 years, and guiding for 2 years and a half since I bought my certification, deepening my love for birds and conservation in each journey and expertise.
Andean Motmot
How did you get into hen guiding?
I grew up on a small farm in a distant city in Cundinamarca, within the central a part of Colombia. There, in the course of the fields, listening to the birds and surrounded by a tremendous panorama, cows, and hens, I shaped a long-lasting bond with nature that may stick with me till the tip of my days. After ending highschool there, I moved to the capital Bogotá and began college, learning to turn into a forestry engineer, however sadly, after greater than 3 years of studying about ecosystems, ecology, and crops, I couldn’t afford to finish my diploma. Later, I moved to Valle del Cauca, the place my ardour for nature walks and my neighborhood of native vacationers grew even stronger. This led me to a magical place, an nearly virgin territory that had been ready for me to essentially open my eyes to what could be my mission in life: CONSERVATION. It was a land with unimaginable biodiversity, the place a small household had constructed a modest enterprise that finally turned some of the essential birding locations in Colombia and some of the of 100 locations that I really feel as my residence in rural Colombia. Once I visited, I felt like my coronary heart actually belonged to that place, watching these feathered jewels take flight. From that second on, I began birding, and after a number of twists in my life story, I made a decision to pursue my ardour and turn into a birding information (AKA Pokémon grasp) now my life record proudly boasts 1242 species spanning 7 nations, you’ll be able to see my eBird profile right here: https://ebird.org/profile/MTM3MzU4MA/world
Right here you’ll be able to see an previous however good video (Spanish with English sub) https://youtu.be/etlUp4Goe8U
Golden-eared Tanager
What are the points of being a hen information that you just like greatest? Which points do you dislike most?
I completely love educating and sharing my information about Colombia’s wealthy tradition, numerous crops, native indigenous knowledge, and unimaginable wildlife. It’s an honor to share not simply the hen species, but additionally the deep connections I’ve cultivated with the land and its folks. Witnessing the second when somebody first feels that spark of awe whereas recognizing a uncommon hen or understanding the importance of native practices, all the time looks like magic to me. I really feel as if the territory itself has named me its ambassador, permitting me to information others by means of its wonders. What actually fills my coronary heart is seeing native companies develop and flourish, realizing that they play a key function in preserving our pure heritage. Each go to is greater than a visit; it’s a bond that’s shaped between guests and this land I maintain pricey. It’s bittersweet when a tour ends, and I’ve to say goodbye to those new mates, feeling just like the land is giving them its personal farewell. I all the time hope that it’s not a remaining goodbye however a “so long,” as they carry a bit of Colombia of their hearts.
I really feel emotional and unhappy each time I go to a spot the place there’s some type of human intervention, chopping bushes, air pollution, and so forth. I additionally really feel a bit indignant with some companies that reap the benefits of native territories by not giving something again to the territory or its inhabitants.
Ruby-topaz Hummingbird
What are the highest 5-10 birds in your area that you just assume are essentially the most fascinating for visiting birders?
The Multicolored Tanager, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Yellow-eared Parrot, Toucan Barbet, Golden-eared Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, Buffy Helmetcrest, Crescent-faced Antpitta, Chestnut Woodquail, and Tolima Blossomcrown are some must-sees!
Multicolored Tanager
Are you able to define not less than one typical birdwatching journey in your space?
Certainly one of my favourite birding spots is Kilometro 18 close to Cali, the place the cloud forest presents a birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s an hour’s drive from the town, and also you’ll discover feeders filled with fruit and nectar, attracting an array of birds just like the Multicolored Tanager, hummingbirds just like the White-booted Racket-tail, and even endemic species just like the Chestnut Woodquail. It’s a deal with for each birders and photographers!
What different solutions are you able to give to birders taken with your space?
Colombia is a year-round birding vacation spot, however for migration season, go to between September and April. Endemics are right here year-round! Pack gentle, keep away from onerous instances, carry a raincoat, sunscreen, and mountain climbing boots (If touring to wet locations rubber boots). At all times prioritize native guides and companies to make sure your go to helps conservation and native communities. And naturally, include an open coronary heart and go away smiles and love!
Tolima Blossomcrown
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is taken with birding with you, how can they greatest contact you?
You will discover me on all social media platforms as @asheritaviajera, e-mail me at [email protected], or message me on WhatsApp/Telegram at +57 321 289 7272.
The rest you’d prefer to share?
I encourage all birders to decide on locations that help native communities. It’s not nearly seeing birds—it’s about investing within the individuals who defend their habitats. Your selections make an enormous distinction in conservation efforts and assist protect the tradition and tales of those distinctive areas. Additionally, I invite you to help sharing and following content material creators (like me) who work onerous to create consciousness and present the world the perfect of their locations, cultures, and birds, this encourages ardour to maintain engaged on it!
Pink-headed Barbet
