This was the year that the idea of opening a birdwatching centre in Ubatuba was hatched, developed and realised. It was an ambitious idea as nothing of its kind has been attempted in Brazil before. There have some ups and downs along the way, progress has been slow but sure.
We thought the story could be told best in pictures, so here goes:
Rick and Douglas (owner of Rancho Pica Pau) deciding where the centre should be housed. July 2009.
The observation area before...
... and after clearing.
Time to rest and recover with a nice hot cuppa! (Yes it was actually cold that day).
Feeders were placed and laced ready for the birds, 'build it and they will come!'
Inauguration day, a proud moment.
Local children performed a bit of conservation themed theatre...
... and Elis planted a new tree, sybollic of new beginnings.
From humble beginnings...
...with a little hard work and determination...
... the centre now looks like this!
The growing reference library and some items for sale.
Our dear old friend, regular visitor and mascot, the Buff-throated Purpletuft, for which the Rancho Pica Pau is becoming famous.
One of this years bird highlights was this short-staying Capped Heron.
One of the years exciting (?) events was when the ford flooded stranding us inside the Rancho Pica Pau. The supply of warming, old, Cachaça (sugar based alcoholic drink) kept us all warm though.
This is what it normally looks like in the wet season. (Summer)...
... and this is what it looks like in the dry season. (Winter).
Happy New year to you all, and we hope to see some of you at the centre in 2010. Please come and support us.
All photographs on this page copyright Rick and Elis Simpson.
