It dawned as clear and beautiful this morning as it was last night. It’s amazing to see such clear skies in the Amazon, and even more delightful with the waxing moon just a day or so away from being full.
This morning we explored the Zapote River. Here we were rewarded with two new mammal sightings: the yellow-crowned brush-tailed rat and the saddle-backed tamarin. The yellow-crowned brush-tailed rat poked its head out of its hole in the branch of a tree that hung over the river. It was very photogenic with a grayish stripe on the center of its face and black on the sides. The saddle-backed tamarin was larger than the smallest monkey we have seen—tiny pygmy marmoset but also long tailed and speedy and as it ran around the trees. At the end of the morning we stopped at the small village near the mouth of the river. These people truly live in the varzea or flood forest. Their houses, built on stilts, are adapted for the several feet of water that will flood under them when the water reaches higher points in a month or two.
In the afternoon, we explored Supay River. By the end of the week one is tempted to think there can be nothing new to see. But as we discovered so many other times, each little creek, river and section of forest has its own special sightings to share with those who search. This afternoon was no different. Our seventh monkey species of the week was sighted here—the dusky titi monkey, as well as a few new birds and some that are becoming old friends (like the black collared hawk). More than anything we enjoyed relaxing in the skiffs, and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Amazon. How do we capture all of that and take it home? How will we describe the lush humid forests and the muddy rivers that run through them? The diversity of life that abounds here? The people that are as much a part of this place as the trees are? Photos are a start, and our added stories will make them come alive. The sense of this place that we take home in our hearts and souls is the key.
And then there are the wonderful people we met on board Delfin II—crew and shipmates alike. Tonight, after dinner, the multi-talented musicians on the crew entertained us once again. We joined the celebration and danced with them and assisted on percussion as best we could. A fine ending to an amazing week.
