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Discover the amazing Parrot & Macaw Clay Lick at Tambopata
- 5 August, 2023
- BAAWAJA EXPEDITIONS
Have you ever wondered what magical places the majestic Amazon rainforest could hide? Today, I invite you to discover one of them, the Parrot Clay Lick in Tambopata, a natural spectacle that leaves all its visitors fascinated. Are you ready to live an exciting adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon?
What is a clay lick?
To understand the magnitude of what you are about to discover, we need to first clarify what a Collpa is. This term, coming from the Quechua language, refers to a specific place that animals, mainly birds, visit regularly. But why are these places so popular among the fauna of the region? The answer lies in nutrition.
Collpas are rich in minerals and offer a varied diet, crucial to the health and well-being of these species. They are, in essence, a kind of natural restaurant where local wildlife can obtain essential nutritional intake.
In particular, we will focus on the parrot and macaw clay licks, which are among the most numerous and colorful, a true treasure of Peruvian biodiversity.
Parrot Clay Lick in Tambopata: A spectacle without equal
When dawn breaks in the jungle, one of the first sounds that can be heard is that of hundreds of parrots and macaws flying towards their favorite restaurant: the Parrot Clay Lick in Tambopata. These beautiful specimens, with their vivid colors and indomitable energy, turn the clay lick into a moving canvas, a true living work of art.
The noise they make is deafening, yet intoxicating. Their squawking, chirping and cackling fill the air with a jungle symphony that transports you to another world.
The Sister Clay Lick
The Parrot Clay Lick in Tambopata, although incredibly beautiful, is not alone. There are other clay licks that, like sisters in this spectacle of nature, also contribute their grain of sand to the symphony of life and color of the Peruvian Amazon.
Macaw Clay Lick in Tambopata
The Macaw Clay Lick in Tambopata is another incredible scenery. Here, the majestic macaws, with their large sizes and vibrant colors, are the protagonists. Every visit to this clay lick is an opportunity to admire their beauty and learn more about their behavior and habits.
Cachuela Parrot Clay Lick
The Cachuela Parrot Clay Lick is a lesser known but equally spectacular place. Here, parrots of various species converge every morning to enjoy the mineral-rich clay. With a little luck, you will be able to observe several species of parrots in one place, a true blessing for any bird lover.
Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick
At the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, you will be able to appreciate the impressive variety of macaws in the region. This place is especially famous for being one of the few places where you can see the rare blue macaws, an endangered species that is a true treasure of the Amazon.
Colorado Macaw Clay Lick
The Colorado Macaw Clay Lick is another spectacle not to be missed. Here, the scarlet macaws, with their bright red plumage, create an unforgettable spectacle that adds more color to the already vibrant palette of the Amazon rainforest.
The diversity of birds that visit these clay licks is simply incredible. You will be able to observe macaws of various colors, parrots of different species, parakeets and many other birds. In each Collpa, you can learn something new and appreciate the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon.
Why do parrots and macaws visit clay licks?
The clay in the clay licks contains certain minerals that are essential to the diet of parrots and macaws. Among these minerals are sodium, calcium and magnesium, which are vital to their health and well-being.
In addition, clay licks are also social places where birds can interact with each other. In these gatherings, parrots and macaws can find mates, socialize and learn from each other.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Parrot Clay Lick in Tambopata, as well as the other clay licks, is during the dry season, which runs from April through November. During this time, weather conditions make the clay more accessible to birds.
In the wet season, rain can make it more difficult for birds to reach the clay, which can result in fewer birds at the clay licks. Although it is still possible to see birds during this time of year, the dry season definitely offers a more rewarding experience.
How to get there?
Tambopata is a national park located in the Peruvian Amazon, in the Madre de Dios region. The most common way to get there is to fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, the closest city to the park.
From Puerto Maldonado, you take a boat to travel along the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers until you reach the park. This boat trip is an adventure in itself, as it gives you the opportunity to observe life along the rivers and the lush vegetation that surrounds them.
Conclusion
Visiting the Parrot Clay Lick in Tambopata is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to appreciate the amazing biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. From the majestic flight of parrots and macaws to the vibrant symphony of jungle sounds, every moment is a treat for the senses.
But, to truly appreciate the beauty of the Parrot Clay Lick and its sisters, you have to experience it for yourself. So, are you ready to embark on this incredible adventure? Remember, the Amazon awaits you with its wonders to discover, come and experience the Parrot Clay Lick in Tambopata!