ALOFT AMONG THE WOODS AND MANGROVES Piura and Tumbes are privileged places for birdwatching, a healthy and friendly pastime that could give added value to Peru as a tourist destination. Ornithologists and amateur birdwatchers consider the ecosystems of Piura and Tumbes, both cities located at the north of Peru, as especially interesting destinations. This bioregion includes the dry forest of southern Ecuador and north-western Peru. It is important because of the large number of endemic - that is, restricted in their distribution - species of birds. At present, it is estimated that the Tumbes region is home to around 800 different species of birds, of which 84 are endemic to this region. In the dry forests of Piura and Tumbes alone, some 450 different species of birds have been recorded, representing one quarter of all the known birds of Peru. With flora and fauna that are unique to the region, it is an excellent destination for lovers of nature. The protected areas of the zone, such as The Tumbes Protected Area, Cerros de Amotape National Park and Coto de Caza El Angola provide excellence opportunities for exploring the denset parts of the dry forest and for birdwatching. It is a little-known fact that these three protected areas now represent the largest area of forest in the whole of the tumbes region and in addition, the Tumbes Protected Area is the most important protected area in the country, giving the number of threatened bird species recorded in it. And as if this were not sufficient, the Cerros de Amotape National Park and Coto de Caza El Angola are also among the four most important protected areas in Peru for threatened birds. BIRDS TO WATCH Among the most interesting species for the birdwatcher are those that are endemic and threatened, such as the Gray-backed hawk, Gray-cheeked parakeet, Black faced spinetail, Rufous-headed chachalaca, Rufous-necked foliage gleaner, between hundred. A characteristic sound heard in these forests is the song of the seldom-seen Pale-bowed tinamou consisting of a deep and powerful "uoo-ing" Another endemic and very rare species is the Tumbes tyrant flycatcher through it ca be found easily in the Coto de Caza El Angolo. The sparse dry forests near Talara city provide an excellent opportunity to see species such as the Peruvian plantcutter, an endemic species that is in danger of extinction. This is also the habitat of the endemic Rufous flycatcher, a rare little know flycatcher. WINGS AND FAIR WIND The north side of Peru also contains the only mangrove ecosystems in Peru - the Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary and the mangrove swamps at San Pedro, near Piura. At these sites you can see a variety of aquatic birds, among them the Roseate spoonbill, the Chilean Flamingo, the Osprey as well as a variety of herons, gulls and other sea birds, which can also be seen near to San Pedro on the Virrila estuary to the south of the city of Sechura. During the summer, the shallow waters of the estuary provide an excellent environment for observing large flocks of flamingoes that have migrated from the south of the country. As far as the tourism is concerned, Piura and Tumbes have much more to offer visitors than business and sunshine. The rich and unique biodiversity and impressive landscape of this region are also easily accessible. You do not have to be an expert ornithologist or birdwatching fanatic to appreciate this marvel of nature. What is important is simply to come hear and learn in this small but important corner of Peru - and then tell a friend who will respect and enjoy it.