Just a short ride from Ipanema and a pleasant and gentle introduction to the bird watching potential of southern Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro’s Jardim Botanico was created in 1808 by the then Prince Regent Dom João VI who became the 17th King of Portugal. The garden officially opened in 1822, just a few years before Dom João’s death. You can find more information <HERE>.

I was there on 21 September 2012. Birding highlights included Flame-crested Tanager, Channel-billed Toucan, Slaty-breasted Woodrail, Red-shouldered Macaw and Chestnut-backed Antshrike.

There were also good views of Guianan Squirrel and White-tufted Marmoset to kick off the mammal list.

The marmoset is treated as a full species by some (Callithrix jacchus) while others lump it with some close relatives as the Common Marmoset. It occurs naturally further north but has been introduced to Rio and other places in South America.

Do keep off the grass, the gardens are patrolled, very efficiently, by officials on bikes!

Well, the beach springs immediately to mind …

It’s not overly rich in the feathered variety but well worth checking out.

Magnificent Frigatebirds are plentiful.

Behind the beachfront development there is the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. A pleasant place to stroll and get to know some of the common species. A complete circuit is about 7.5 kilometres. It’s mangrove fringed in part.

A Coccoi Heron in the foreground and keep an eye out for the Rufous Hornero …

Common species include Black Vultures overhead, Common Moorhen, Neotropical Cormorant, Great Egret and Coccoi Heron on or by the water. Saffron Finch and Masked Water-tyrant were very evident on the banks earlier this month.

And from Ipanema it’s just a short ride to the botanical gardens …