Sítio Pau Preto
- Caio Brito
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Roots and Origins (1937–1960s)
The story of Sítio Pau Preto begins in 1937, when Jefferson Bob’s great-grandparents, Abraão Gonçalves de Pinho and Ana Gonçalves de Pinho, decided to leave Cachoeira dos Gonçalves in Farias Brito to acquire Fazenda Belo Horizonte.
That same year, his grandmother, Josefina “Dona Zizi,” just five years old, also moved, bringing with her the innocence of childhood and the promise of a future rooted in the fertile lands of Ceará.
The property already carried the nickname “Lagoa dos Pau Pretos,” given by drovers coming from Piauí with herds of cattle heading toward the Chapada do Araripe. They would rest in the shade of blackened trees in the middle of the lagoon — the so-called “paus pretos.” More than a geographic mark, the name carried stories of long journeys, hard work, and the life of the sertão.
His great-grandparents dedicated themselves to livestock, agriculture, and fruit cultivation, particularly cotton and corn.
During the era of his grandparents, Mário Abraão and Dona Zizi, one notable achievement was the construction of the Belo Horizonte Dam, also called Açude Pau Preto. It was no small feat: earth carried on the backs of donkeys, drovers from various regions, a community effort that transformed the landscape and redefined the heart of the farm.
But the site was not only about work. His grandfather, Mário Abraão, loved to celebrate life. In the 1960s, for Dona Zizi’s 30th birthday, and to inaugurate the newly built farm house near Açude Pau Preto, he brought Luiz Gonzaga to play at the farm house. It was a cultural milestone — the only time the King of Baião visited Potengi — and cemented the welcoming and festive spirit of the Pau Preto family.
These memories, etched in gestures, architecture, and old smiles, laid the historical foundation of Sítio Pau Preto — a mix of hard work, family tradition, and moments of celebration.
Heritage and Transformation (2000s–2010s)
Over the years, the property was divided among the children of his grandparents. The area now known as Sítio Pau Preto went to Bob’s father, Mário Gonçalves de Lima Filho, and later to his mother, Ivete, during the family’s reorganization. This area, about 35 hectares, became the stage for a new era, marked by a passion that would unite family and nature: birdwatching and photography.
It was during this time that Bob, heir of the site, began dedicating himself to photographing birds. Between volunteering for the Araripe Manakin Project and hosting small groups of birders, Bob realized that this piece of land could become a true sanctuary for birds and their admirers.
Bob’s passion for bird photography helped shape the future of Sítio Pau Preto. In the photo is Caio Brito (me), Jefferson Bob and Bill Simpson.
My first visit to the site was in 2015, accompanied by a cousin and a friend. I clearly remember the sense of discovery: every corner of the area seemed to hold a surprise. Special birds to photograph and record, the dam that “touched me” from the very first visit, surrounded by dozens of restless birds. A true discovery!
The Belo Horizonte Dam shown in the horizon, is now a vibrant sanctuary for Caatinga bird species.
Before that, in 2014, Ciro Albano had already explored this region with clients. Back then, he stayed in Crato and drove an hour to reach Potengi.
In 2016, I brought my first client, Bill Simpson, referred by Ciro, and it was there that I realized the magnitude of the place. From that point on, Ciro and I began frequenting the area, consolidating the presence of birders in the region.
Despite our admiration for the area, there was a major challenge: the town’s hotels were generally terrible for birders. It became clear that for birdwatching tourism to grow sustainably, something had to be done on the site itself.
The Birth of Birdwatching Tourism (2015–2017)
By mid-2015, Bob already had a Facebook page under the Sítio Pau Preto brand, sharing photos, stories, and bird information. Visibility began to grow, attracting more birders and sparking the idea that the property could become a guesthouse.
Between 2015 and 2016, we pushed for the house to be converted into a lodge. Bob, always enthusiastic, began dreaming of a sustainable and accessible project. Then, in 2017, the idea of an online crowdfunding campaign emerged — an innovative way to gather support from the community of birders and nature enthusiasts.
In July 2017, the old family house opened its doors as a guesthouse. Seeing Sítio Pau Preto finally welcome visitors was an emotional moment: for the first time, our clients could sleep in the very place where we observed the birds, feeling the energy of the living history around them.
Even before the official opening, the site received its first unofficial guests. In June 2017, Caio Brito and Tatiana Pongiluppi visited the guesthouse during a national project called Tesouros do Brasil (a topic for a future post). It was a proud moment to be among the first guests welcomed after the extensive renovation of the old house.
Welcoming the very first birders to stay at Sítio Pau Preto.
Bob’s agency, Araripe Birding, which later became Stigmatura Expedições, officially began operating, marking a new chapter: birdwatching tourism at Sítio Pau Preto.
Consolidation and Growth (2017–2020s)
After the inauguration, BBE became a constant partner, bringing groups, structuring tours throughout the Northeast, and helping fund the construction of additional rooms. Sítio Pau Preto started receiving other agencies, and its reputation grew rapidly among birders and nature lovers.
In 2019, the site was recognized as the Museu Orgânico Casa dos Pássaros Sertão by SESC and Fundação Casa Grande. This recognition not only validated its cultural importance but also established it as a reference point for preserving the region’s natural and family heritage.
Four years later, in 2023, the Brazilian Institute of Museums (IBRAM) recognized Sítio Pau Preto as a Ponto de Memória, strengthening its position not just in birdwatching tourism but also as a historical and cultural heritage site of Ceará.
This period solidified Sítio Pau Preto’s mission: protecting nature, welcoming visitors, and valuing family history. Bob became a regional reference, blending tradition, conservation, and sustainable tourism.
Living Legacy and the Future
Today, Sítio Pau Preto is much more than a guesthouse: it’s a conservation sanctuary, where endemic Caatinga species find refuge and visitors connect deeply with the local nature and culture. The repopulation of birds, preservation of forests, and care for the Belo Horizonte Dam are just a few examples of the ongoing commitment to the environment.
The pride of being internationally recognized isn’t just about fame; it’s about sharing a unique experience, where family tradition and natural history intersect. It’s a place where family stories intertwine with the stories of birds and visitors, creating memories that endure with each new visit.
For me, the emotion of watching Sítio Pau Preto grow and witnessing Bob and Ivete’s dream come true is indescribable. Every renovation, expansion, and public recognition proves that love for nature, culture, and family history can transform a piece of land into a living heritage that inspires visitors from around the world.
Congratulations to Bob and Ivete for turning this dream into reality.
I already miss Ivete’s “mom’s cooking.”
You guys are incredible.
Ready to experience the birds and landscapes that inspired Sítio Pau Preto’s journey?
Explore our Northeast Brazil Birding Tours and discover the region’s unique species, culture, and history firsthand.
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