BRAZIL'S PANTANAL is one of the world's largest freshwater wetlands, an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary teeming with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. An immense alluvial plain, spanning 140,000 square km throughout the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, it becomes extensively flooded during the rainy season. As the water begins to recede in May, fish concentrate in small remaining pockets of water, providing a feast for aquatic birds and animals. Millions of birds breed along its rivers and lagoons, which also hold giant river otter and caiman. Mammals such as capybara, marsh deer, anteater, and tapir thrive in its forests and grasslands. Even the endangered jaguar retains a strong foothold. It is truly a wildlife lover’s paradise.

In August of 2006, I visited the Pantanal on a birding and photographic expedition. This book is my record of that wonderful trip. Images include Harpy Eagle, Hyacyinth Macaw, numerous other parrots, Jabiru and other wading birds, Capybara, Collared Anteater, Giant River Otter, and more.