In the Clouds

Golden Tanager, Colombia © 2026 Tina Horne Photo, LLC

Lush.  Green.  Mountains.  These are some of the words that come to my mind as I reflect on my recent trip to the Western Andes of Colombia.  Tropical.  Misty.  Birds.  More words come to mind and it puts me right back there.  It is a place so different from my home in coastal New England.  But that is part of why I travel, to experience something other -  to meet new people, try new foods, immerse myself in another way of being.  I find myself in awe whenever the mist silently rolls into the cloud forest.  I delight in the constant birdsong in the air.  The tropical flowers burst with color. The people are warm and kind.  The food is incredibly delicious and fresh, and I try new foods such as sour guava and lulo.

White-necked Jacobin, Colombia © 2026 Tina Horne Photo, LLC

But of course, the real reason I travel here is for the incredible diversity of birds and the opportunity to photograph them.  Colombia has around 2000 species making it the birdiest place on the planet.  I spend my days visiting private fincas, or farms, where the birds are plentiful and the owners are welcoming. 

Black-throated Mango, Colombia © 2026 Tina Horne Photo, LLC

I quickly learn to recognize new birds:  Multi-colored Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Crimson-rumped Toucanet.  And the hummingbirds: White-booted Racket Tail, Brown Violetear, Black-throated Mango.  The list is endless and it seems everyone has an invite to the party.  It is a photographer’s dream and my head is in the clouds, literally and figuratively.

Thank you for reading…

Tina