Laguna de Sonso

Introduction

This is one of the last remaining wetland's in the Cauca Valley and is therefore very important for many formally common species in this region.The reserve is owned and managed by the Corporación Autonoma Regional del Valle del Cauca (CVC). There is a reserve centre with information about the reserve, and the wardens can give you directions to the lake. Getting to the Reserve From Cali head north to Buga along the Pan Americana road for about 1 hour. Just after crossing the Cauca River there is a right turn down a dusty track. Continue along the track, through the small village of Porvenir and park outside the reserve centre just past the village. If you catch a colectivo (minibus) to Buga they will drop you at the start of the track. Do not catch larger buses to Sonso as they take a different route and you will have a 4 km walk to the reserve.

Getting to the Lake

Continue along the track towards the lake. After about 800 metres there is a fork. You may take either fork. To the left takes you to a Hacienda. Ask permission to go through. This is an ideal route during the summer months but maybe impassable if the water label is high. The right fork follows the River Cauca and is excellent from September to April because it along here most migrant waders can be found. Follow the river as far as the short cut across the field. Take the short cut, through the gate and then go through the gate on the left. This path takes you round towards the observation tower. Anhinga is best seen soaring high over the river but it can also be seen sat at the edge of the lake.

Birds to look for

Sonso is the best place in the region for Horned Screamer. About 12 pairs breed but they can be difficult to see. The best place is from the observation tower. Common Potoo is very easy to see here. Look particularly in the trees along the track just after taking the left fork. Recent arrivals in the Cauca Valley include Red-capped Cardinal (common), Cattle Tyrant (fairly common) and Greater Ani (uncommon). Also it is worth checking through the Whispering Ibis flocks as there have been several recent records of Glossy Ibis and is now fairly common here. Pinnated Bittern is a particularly hard species to find. However, if the water level is high they sometimes sit out on the floating vegetation. Least Bittern is also most likely to be seen if the water level is high. Limpkin is common but learning the call makes location much easier.

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