Quest for the Horned Guan – Cerro Paquisis, Santiago, Guatemala.

Published on by joelsuch

IMG_73156 February 2017

In my trek to see the legendary Horned Guan, my dreams of seeing the amazing creature appears to end in smoke and ruins. After a long and steep hike up the mountain, we are confronted by a raging wildfire at our exact Horned Guan destination. However, not all hope is lost. Adjacent to the pillaring smoke and sweltering flames, the guan appears. This endangered bird is one of the top target species of Guatemala, and I am privileged to get great views and capture a unique flight photo. Thanks to local guide, Cruz Chikibal, for a successful day!

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The awe-inspiring Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus) takes flight from the upper canopy of the cloud forest. Though the Horned Guan resembles other guans, it is not a true guan. It is actually the only surviving member of an ancient lineage of cracids.
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Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus)
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The view while hiking back down Cerro Paquisis.
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Our three-guan day included this Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) and the Highland Guan (Penelopina nigra).
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Cruz Chikibal and I after a successful search for the Resplendent Quetzal the following day.

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