Salesópolis/SP - Macuquinho Lodge

          e-Bird hotspots: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L9078534

                                         https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2428783

           Only 2 hours by car from São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, without having to face the city traffic, Salesópolis is our first suggestion for those with one free day in the city or around the airport.

          Salesopolis Marshes are the best, and one of the only places in the world, to observe the endemic and critically endangered São Paulo Antwren (Stymphalornis paulista). The species, the only endemic bird of the state of São Paulo, was discovered by scientists only in 2005, during private consultancy work. Very similar to its cousin from Paraná (Marsh Antwren - Stymphalornis acutirostris), the black, rather than gray, color of its forehead caught the attention of scientists. Ecological and taxonomic studies, which led to the species' official description in 2014, suggest that both the São Paulo and Paraná species have been separated for more than 10,000 years and should be considered full species.

          If the presence of this distinguished resident was already enough to attract birdwatchers from all over the world to the destination, the opening of the excellent Macuquinho Lodge, a few kilometers from the best observation points of the Antwren, has made the destination one of the favorites among nature lovers visiting Brazil’s southeastern region. The location offers comfortable rooms, delicious homemade food, exclusive and personalized service... and plenty of birds. Various feeding stations bring joy to photographers, as they attract a selection of endemic Atlantic Forest birds like the Brazilian, Brassy-breasted and Green-headed Tanagers, many hummingbirds, including the endemics Brazilian Ruby and White-throated Hummingbird. Specially designed hideouts provide unique opportunities to encounter hard-to-spot birds, such as Red-and-white Crake, White-breasted Tapaculo, Brown Tinamou and rare antbirds such as Giant Antshrike and White-shouldered Fire-eye.

        In addition to these attractions, visitors can also explore the many trails on the property in search of more Atlantic Forest endemics, like the Blackish-blue Seedeater and the Sharp-billed Treehunter. Owling is also pretty productive and depending on the season might give you a chance for the elusive Buff-fronted Owl. If you don’t have time for a overnight and owling we can still add some water birds to our list with a stop by the Salesopolis Wetlands in our way back to GRU Airport.