Porto Jofre Morning Safari Day Two

We have a later start this morning: breakfast at 05:30, leave at 06:30. David is still feeling pretty rough, so again decides to stay behind when Roberto and I go off.

Having already seen eight jaguars (including the one at dinner the first night), we head to a different location this morning.

The scene may look idyllic, but the water is dirty and certainly not good for swimming as there are a number of dangers lurking under the surface: caiman, piranha, and sweet-water stingray to mention a few.

Capybara
These giant guinea pigs are the world's largest rodents, at twice the size of the beaver.

The most interesting thing about capybara is that they are known to eat their poo in the mornings.

I am disappointed that we don't see them do this (I think). We do see one of the youngsters drinking, however.

Pied Lapwing

Amazon Kingfisher

Wood Stork

Great Egret

Roseate Spoonbill

Black Crowned Night Heron

Rufescent Tiger Heron

Greater Ani trying to hide

Black Howler Monkeys
Today we see the male – which is actually black – as well as the golden-coloured female we saw yesterday.

One of the females has a baby on her back!

Golden Tegu Lizard

Green Iguana

More Capybara

Caiman
There are caimans everywhere!

This guy is a real giant of a grandaddy!

I didn't realise until today, that caiman (and crocodiles) have no tongue as such. Well, technically they do, but the tongue is held in place at the roof of the mouth by a membrane. Because caimans spend so much time underwater, the tongue helps keep the throat closed, protecting the animal's airway. Unlike other species, the tongue plays no part in feeding.

This poor guy is missing the tip of his tail – he could have had an encounter with a jaguar, or possibly even one of his own. Caimans have been known to turn to cannibalism.

More Capybara

Jabiru

Nesting Site
We arrive in an area where almost every tree has a birds' nest. It is a beautiful, peaceful place with lots of tall trees offering shade, and we are the only people here, so I ask if we can just hang around for a while.

Jabiru on her nest

I try to photograph some of the numerous birds flying above the canopies, without a great deal of success.

Large Billed Tern

Lesser Yellow Hooded Vulture

Southern Caracara

Neotropic Cormorant

I have a bit more luck with the perched birds.

Anhinga

Cocoi Heron

Lesser Kiskadee

Southern Caracara

Cormorant and Anhinga

The Anhinga is not happy

She has more than her hands full with feeding her young. I am amazed at how far down her throat the youngster sticks his head!

His brother tries to muscle in on the action.

Enough is enough!

We move on to see what else nature has to offer us today.

More Capybara

Southern Screamer

Jabiru

Black Collared Hawk

Bare Faced Ibis

Black Crowned Night Heron

Green Iguana

Cocoi Heron

Another Jabiru - this large bird is the symbol of Pantanal

We return to the lodge for another buffet lunch.

Goodbye from Porto Jofre for now. Thank you Undiscovered Destinations for arranging this trip.