Karasabai

The red siskin is a small red and black finch that was trapped almost out of existence across its range for the cage-bird trade, and in 2000 a population was found around Karasabai, a Macushi village in the South Pakaraimas, where nobody had recorded it for decades. The village runs the birding operation itself: guides take visitors to the feeding sites in the early morning, and the income has given the community a direct reason to protect the birds. Sun parakeets are also seen here.

What you actually see

• The red siskin - a rediscovered population, guided by village members.
• The sun parakeets - another sought species found in the same area.
• The community operation - birding run and guided by the village itself.
• The Pakaraima foothills - broken savannah and forest at the range's southern edge.

When to go

September to April is the dry season and the practical window for the tracks. Early morning is when the birds come to feed. The wet season from May to August makes access very difficult.

Honest expectations

Access is a hard day's drive from Lethem or a charter flight. Accommodation is a simple community guesthouse. Sightings are good but not guaranteed and usually need more than one morning.

Nearby

Lethem is south, and the Pakaraima mountains rise north.