[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ant to get away from frozen pipes, frostbite and frigid temperatures?  Well, it’s summertime in South America and it’s especially nice in Ecuador this time of year.

While you’re there, you’ll see some of the most beautiful and unusual birds on the planet.  Among the 1,600 bird species in this country, you should especially enjoy the long-wattled umbrellabird, black-crested tit-tyrant, violet-throated metaltail and orange-throated tanager.

Brazil is als...