What’s your favourite chook species?
The Yellow-eared Parrot, an endemic treasure of Colombia, must 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 dwelling, though I’m hardly ever there since I’m at all times touring, birding, guiding, or exploring new birding spots.
What are the principle areas or areas you cowl as a chook information?
I information primarily in Valle del Cauca, the place the unbelievable biodiversity ranges from dry forests to the Chocó biogeographical area and cloud forests. I additionally information within the Amazon (Mocagua indigenous group), 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 creating new routes in northern Colombia, supporting native communities in Santander. These areas collectively host over 1,000 chook species, together with 60+ endemics.
How lengthy have you ever been a chook 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 received my certification, deepening my love for birds and conservation in each journey and expertise.
Andean Motmot
How did you get into chook 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 an incredible panorama, cows, and hens, I shaped an enduring bond with nature that can stick with me till the tip of my days. After ending highschool there, I moved to the capital Bogotá and began college, finding out 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 group 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 unbelievable biodiversity, the place a small household had constructed a modest enterprise that ultimately grew to become some of the vital birding locations in Colombia and some of the of 100 locations that I really feel as my dwelling in rural Colombia. After I visited, I felt like my coronary heart really 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 may see my eBird profile right here: https://ebird.org/profile/MTM3MzU4MA/world
Right here you may see an outdated however good video (Spanish with English sub) https://youtu.be/etlUp4Goe8U
Golden-eared Tanager
What are the facets of being a chook information that you simply like greatest? Which facets do you dislike most?
I completely love instructing and sharing my information about Colombia’s wealthy tradition, various crops, native indigenous knowledge, and unbelievable wildlife. It’s an honor to share not simply the chook species, but in addition 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 chook or understanding the importance of native practices, at all times looks like magic to me. I really feel as if the territory itself has named me its ambassador, permitting me to information others via its wonders. What really fills my coronary heart is seeing native companies develop and flourish, figuring out 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 pals, feeling just like the land is giving them its personal farewell. I at all times 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 may be some sort 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 simply assume are essentially the most attention-grabbing 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 gives a birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s an hour’s drive from 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 recommendations are you able to give to birders all in favour of 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, convey a raincoat, sunscreen, and climbing boots (If touring to wet locations rubber boots). All the time 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 all in favour of birding with you, how can they greatest contact you?
Yow will discover me on all social media platforms as @asheritaviajera, e mail me at howdy@asherita.com, or message me on WhatsApp/Telegram at +57 321 289 7272.
The rest you’d wish 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 decisions 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 one of the best of their locations, cultures, and birds, this encourages ardour to maintain engaged on it!
Crimson-headed Barbet
