Bird Guides

Bird Guides of the World: Sandra María Plúa Albán, Ecuador

May 5, 2026 by Editor No Comments

What is your favorite bird species?

Emeraldas Woodstar

What is your name, and where do you live?

Sandra María Plúa Albán, I live in Puerto López, Manabí, Ecuador

What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?

The Pacific coast of Ecuador

Short-tailed Woodstar

How long have you been a bird guide?

10 years

Collared Warbling Finch

How did you get into bird guiding?

Guiding and monitoring seabirds on Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park.

Blue-footed Boobie

What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?

I love being able to work in nature, to learn more through observing flora and fauna. Birds lead us to observe plants, insects, and unique landscapes. One of the aspects I don’t like very much is when there are a lot of mosquitoes, but with a good repellent, we can avoid them, or certain weather conditions, such as when the temperature rises to 40 degrees.

Crimson-breasted Finch

What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?

  • Esmeraldas Woodstar
  • Short-tailed Woodstar
  • Collared warbling Finch
  • Peruvian Pygmy Owl
  • Ecuadorian Trogon
  • Ecuadorian Thrush
  • Pacific Parrotlet
  • Fasciated wren
  • Crimson-breasted Finch
  • Blue-footed Boobies
  • Nazca Boobies

Peruvian Pygmy Owl

Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip

  • People love birding at the Ayampe River all year. We visit the estuary, a small area surrounded by mangroves and beach, then cross the main road to access the other side, the Ruta del Colibrí, an area of tropical rainforest. In a single day, you explore from the sea to the mountains.
  • The tour starts at 6:30 a.m. with pick-up at the hotel.
  • Return to the hotel at 12:30 p.m.
  • This tour includes transportation from the hotel in Puerto López, snacks, and specialized guidance.

What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?

We recommend bringing insect repellent, hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a rain poncho, especially during the rainy season from January to April.

Nazca Boobie

If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?

By email guiaspnm2008@gmail.com or WhatsApp +593998861819

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?

This area is very privileged because it is home to Machalilla National Park, one of the largest protected areas on the Ecuadorian coast, which protects the tropical dry forest as well as species that are icons of conservation, such as humpback whales and manta rays.

Ecuadorian Trogon