(Nanegalito Ecuador) – “I wondered why there were boots in the truck when you picked me up at the airport,” my friend Marie stated as we were leaving the Paz Bird Refuge (Refugio Paz de las Aves)
Like many nature enthusiasts, I had read Noah Strycker’s Smithsonian story: Why Birdwatchers Flock to Ecuador and secretly plotted to surprise Marie with a unique start to her visit.
One visits Refugio de las Aves with expectations of a positive birding experience – and gets that. One also leaves with a lighter heart, thanks to the spell of a magical realm that began years earlier when Angel Paz tossed those first worms to an elusive and whimsical little bird he named, ‘Maria.’ (in honor of his wife.)
Strycker states in the 2015 story, ” Ángel Paz could be the poster child of local-scale birding. Paz used to log trees on his cloud forest property but realized eight years ago that he could earn more through ecotourism and farming blackberries. When he discovered that visiting birders went crazy over seeing a giant antpitta, he gradually befriended a pair of the birds, naming the female Maria. That led to him becoming obsessed, and soon knowledgeable, about other bird species in the forest. “
Who wouldn’t want to meet this man, his family, and witness the admirable work he was quietly doing?
We experienced the magic of Angel Paz and his feathered friends’ private performances.
Angel Paz
We nibbled ‘mora’ (blackberries/raspberries) as we walked the trails.
We witnessed Angel’s brother Rodrigo calling the birds, and I wistfully recalled when my father mimicked the wild turkeys with the aid of a supple green leaf.
Rodrigo Paz calling his feathered friends
That magical realm is now threatened, and I nudge any earth-loving nature-loving person to please read Angie Drake’s story: Save Refugio de las Aves
How many people have experienced that same magic and would be delighted to help – but how can they help if they don’t know about this dilemma?
The GoFundMe page states: “… After seventeen years of dedicating our lives to these birds and allowing others to share in this experience, we now urgently need your help.
This past year, the beloved Matriarch of our family passed away leaving the property where we originated the business to her nine children. However, Angel and his brother Rodrigo are the only family members who want to preserve this land and its forests so it can continue to provide a refuge for these rare birds into the future…”
The brothers Paz are witnessing the selfless aid from strangers as the donations arrive from various GPS points in the world. This is how our world evolves for the better.
Hope. Esperanza. 
and one more:
.
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
I do hope that common sense prevails and they can see the value of this habitat for the birds.
Sadly that happens at times, when various members of a family don’t have the same long-term vision. And yes, sometimes there is a dire need for money, and they sell out of financial hardship – while the other heirs don’t have the money to buy their siblings’ shares. Life can be a challenge, but that can be when selfless people step in and help — I’m hopeful that with the network of birding and nature lovers, they will meet the deadline.
Crossing my fingers
Oh Lisa! This situation sounds rather familiar, in the Caribbean context. I will share this with BirdsCaribbean colleagues and put out the “GoFundMe” word… We need to fight for these places. The birds look SO wonderful and worth fighting for (of course)…
Thank you Emma! You have a very healthy network of nature-loving people, and perhaps some of them have visited this special refugio. One of these years you’ll find your way here, and I promise to have extra boots ready when you arrive!!!
It’s more than possible that they have… How I would love to come and visit!
(June 8th: The donations continue to roll in. They are now just past ‘half way’ to the goal of 155,000. Amazing! The son Vinicio just added an update that is heartwarming. https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-antpitta )
Reblogged this on Petchary's Blog and commented:
Tomorrow is International Biodiversity Day (May 22, 2022).
The theme is “Building a Shared Future for All Life.” Across the Latin America and Caribbean region, however – such as here in my blogger friend Lisa’s adopted country, Ecuador – we need to build more, and destroy less. But (re)building takes time, and funds. Please read the article in the link here, and please donate to the GoFundMe page if you have a few dollars to spare. Refuges of various kinds need all the help they can get. Thank you Lisa, for bringing this to our attention. Yet another quiet battle for a precious piece of our Planet, and the life that it contains…
We have received a precious gift with everything on this planet. I hope the awareness of the critical mass doesn’t come too late. The more time passes the more I am concerned that beautiful and most of all important natural environments are endangered which in the end, endangered mankind.
Hi Erika – yes times are serious, although there are many beautiful young people stepping onto the stage here – almost appearing out of nowhere – and meeting them gives me great hope. Some want to study marine science; others animals in general, another birds – she’s about to spend two months in Peru studying a specific type of bird-feeding habit while her leaders are studying the affects of fragmentation and adaptation…. everywhere i go, they are there – oftentimes visiting the show at the museo, and I just smile and feel blessed to be witnessing this.
This is what I witness too. There are scary things happen in our world in so many different ways. But still, there is always this silent but powerful counterpart, called love, appearing too. Have a fullfilled time in this wonderful surrounding, Lisa.
And we know that the light, the positive will be the last one standing – if only to begin again from the rubble – the phoenix!
You said that perfectly, Lisa. Powerful words, dear friend. The light will survive and will always lead the way to a new beginning.
Oh, my. I hope they succeed!
Thanks, Emilie — they are witnessing the kindness of strangers, and the donations are increasing. Yay!
Thanks Lisa for keeping us aware. Keith
Thank you, Keith – a lot of kind people are helping, and most likely a large circle of people are witnessing that common love of one’s fellow man – even if they are strangers (especially if they are strangers!)
Lisa, thanks for sharing the story of this wonderful man and his passion. I certainly hope that he/they will receive enough funding to keep going for many years. ❤
janet
The fundraiser is going well, and I think they’ll reach their goals way before the deadline. Thanks!
I hope the brother’s efforts at preserving this special place succeeds, for all our sakes!
The fundraiser is going well – they’ hit 61,000 – almost half way to the goal! Ah, the goodness of people – it’s lovely to witness!
Lovely to hear they’re progressing so well!
Birds master air. Fish master water. Millions of creatures master earth countless ways. We master exploitation. But I guess I have to confess, despite seemingly overwhelming evidence to the contrary, there’s hope for us. “Paz used to log trees on his cloud forest property but realized eight years ago that he could earn more through ecotourism and farming blackberries.” Esperanza. Thanks for reminding me.
Wouldn’t you know that a while after that comment I stumble on this! “It seems to be a law that you cannot have a deep sympathy with both man and nature.
—Thoreau, Journal, 11 April 1852” Ugh.
It seems quite fitting! If he lived today, it might be hard for him to find that same peace.. but he would not let mankind’s judgment of him affect the quality of his day.
And they oversee that business with such grace — yes, there is hope!
A beautiful post.. I pray this wonderful habitat is saved for all these beautiful birds and animals.. ❤
They are doing really well – now at 61,000 – almost half of what they need. Oh, the goodness and kindness of strangers — that is in action and makes the world better.
Indeed it is…. and that is wonderful news.. ❤
Thank you for showing us amazing, Lisa. I hope they can keep going.
They have reached almost 61,000 – not quite half way – doing really really well. Thank YOU!
This is wonderful. What the world needs is more Angel Pazs. Not just in Ecuador, but sprinkled liberally all around this magnificent planet!
Yes, the world needs more Angel Pazs! There are probably many that we’ll never know about, and I smile at the thought of others living at the whim of enjoying nature… living their destinies.
Thank you for sharing the story of Angel and Rodrigo and their hope to preserve the Magical Realm of the Birds of the beautiful forests. I will check their go fund me page. Yes, this is how we spread hope and change. Inspiring post my Friend. Gracias.
The donations keep rolling in – so nice when strangers help strangers…
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for raising awareness about what sounds like a very special refuge. It definitely deserves to be preserved and I will try to help in a small way to make it happen (wishing I could so in a big way).
Best,
Tanja