BRAZIL November 2008: Intervales State Park.

Carmo Road, Intervales State Park November 2008.

Normally Itatiaia is the most productive single site on an Atlantic Forest birding tour but this year Intervales takes all awards. True, it's usually a close-run thing anyway but this month Intervales won hands down. The Carmo Road in Intervales compared very favourably with the Agulhas Road (Itatiaia) for quality and the first morning there was simply mind-blowing. Hooded Berryeater, Pale-browed Treehunters, Spotted Bamboo-Wren, Cinnamon-vented Piha, Mantled Hawk, Tufted Antshrike, Dusky-tailed Antbird and Pin-tailed Manakin were all seen in quick succession despite the constant drizzle.

Our home for the duration of our stay was "Pica-Pao" (Brazilian for woodpecker) but unfortunately the park authorities have decided not to put out any feeders nowadays. Large-tailed Antshrike and Variegated Antpittas were regular songsters outside our rooms.

Rufous-thighed Kite, Intervales November 2008.

Our guide Luis took us on a bit of a hike one morning to see Atlantic Royal Flycatchers at their nest site. The trail took us to the bottom of a valley and along a stream where we managed to get good views of Sharp-tailed Streamcreepers as well as the most decorated flycatcher you can imagine (that I didn't get a photo of!).

Rufous-capped Motmot, Intervales November 2008.

Rufous-bellied Thrush, Intervales November 2008.

Creamy-bellied Thrush, Intervales November 2008.

Digiscoping Mouse-coloured Tapaculo, Intervales November 2008.

Grey-hooded Attila, Intervales November 2008.

Intervales is a top site for antshrikes too. We managed great views of White-bearded Antshrike in the bamboo and after a real battle a Giant Antshrike gave itself up. Nightbirding was a little disappointing but the Long-trained Nightjars on the road were just superb.