Harpy Eagle in Colombia, Good for photography?
How was your experience visiting the nest of a Harpy Eagle in Colombia?
When I decided to birdwatch a Harpy eagle in Colombia, I investigated which places are the best in terms of: 1. taking a good picture (Eye level and closest), 2. Easy Access (road, and time walking) 3. Security and 4. Timing (as you know, the Harpy Eagle nesting cycle lasts 2-3 years, and during this time is the best opportunity to take a good picture of the whole family, Male, female and its pigeon), so these variables are very determinative of my purpose.
Without the variables in mind, I found six possibilities—four in Serranía de la Macarena, one in Chocó, and one in Antioquia. So, I need to make a deep dive into which of them are more compatible with what I'm looking for across my four variables.
After a quick search, talking with locals, and seeing pictures on Instagram of the eagle, I finally found two possibilities in La Serranía de la Macarena that are very compatible with my variables. Both of them have active nests. One of them is farther away, "Vistahermosa"; the other, San Juan de Arama, is closer, at a 6-hour road trip.
I chose San Juan the Arama.
San Juan de Arama is a small town in the department of Meta. This place is on the border of the Serranía de la Macarena, and it is 6 hours from Bogotá, the main Capital, so for me it was an excellent opportunity. I checked road distance, active nest, eye level, security and close for a good picture. But have one variable not at all checked: walking distance. As you know, when you talk with farmers, they talk about walking distance in terms of difficulty and time spent. Still, they are very familiar with this activity, so it is easy for them, and they say the walk is about 30 minutes. So, I bless myself and trust the locals. I went to.
The 4*4 takes me to the mouth of Serrania de la Macarena, where I get out of the car and, with my guide, begin walking. I am not spending more than 15 minutes walking when I took my camera out to try to take pictures of a flock of birds that crossed in front of my head, this moment was mystique. My eyes widen, and my heart beats strongly, making me feel totally alive and anxious to get to the Camp. All the paths I was on were birdwatching, with many birds, toucans, and beautiful landscapes.
After an hour of walking, I finally got to the Camp, the family that cares for and protects the nest. They offered me a huge lunch, which was delicious.
After lunch, we decided to go to the nest; I did not want to waste more time without seeing the Harpy Eagle. So he took me there, a short 15-minute walk. We walked into the rainforest and crossed a river. We saw many butterflies of different colours and sizes. Then, I saw the nest, the pigeon, and the female. That was an epic moment; my tears fell from happiness. The time stopped and stayed there until my camera ran out of storage.
I repeat this routine, from the Camp to the nest during three days, I love it and bring with me more than 5 thousand photos of the Harpy Eagle, Male, Female and his pigeon, in different poses, eating, flying, and more.
As a Guide and a bird photographer, it was one of the most emblematic moments of my life. I recommend visiting the nest of a Harpy Eagle at least once in a lifetime in Colombia.
