An old coffee farm in São Paulo state has become an incredible hummingbird hotspot. The owner and guide, Zaga, has recorded 20 species of hummingbirds in the farm's backyard.
I visited the farm in July 2023 for 4 hours and saw 10 species of hummingbirds and 37 other bird species. The hummingbird highlights were the Amethyst Woodstar, White-vented Violetear and Planalto Hermit, along with the ever-present Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Violet-capped Woodnymph and Black Jacobin.
Five minutes away by car is another hotspot managed by Zaga, where we observed Stripe-breasted Starthroat, Glittering-bellied Emerald and Sapphire-spangled Emerald.
Winter in the southern hemisphere is a good time to spot birds at feeders, as they visit more frequently due to scarce natural food sources. At the farm's feeder we saw Bananaquit, Blue Dacnis, Burnished-buff Tanager, Violaceous Euphonia, Rufous-collared Sparrow and Variable Oriole.
On the farm we also saw a White-tipped Dove and a Barn Owl, which Zaga showed us roosting.
It was a great birding day with many lifers. The farm is located in Monte Alegre do Sul, about 2.5 hours by car from São Paulo city.