Frozen inlets and sub freezing temperatures have been the order of day this winter on Cape Cod. After spending wonderful time with family in the Pacific Northwest over the holidays, we were keen to get back on the road. We joined friends and returned to Costa Rica to explore the mountainous rainforests around the countries largest active volcano, Arenal in search of birds and other wildlife.
Once again good fortune was with us as we had phenomenal sightings of 160 species of birds and some spectacular landscapes in spite of some uncharacteristic wet weather for the time of year. No matter, we were not deterred. Highlights included fresh looks at sixteen different hummingbirds and some amazing raptors especially the rarely seen in the wild Ornate Hawk Eagle. We also had nice looks at an Eyelash viper (venomous) and several primate species especially the Mantled howler monkey. A very welcoming country to travel in – check out some of the images we recorded here.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
View of Lake Arenal
The magnificent Resplendent Quetzel, a beautiful male at sunrise, Savegre
A beautiful Bat Falcon, pretty soaked from days of rain
Purple throated Mountain Gem hummingbird, the male
White tailed Kite, Cartagena
Mantled Howler monkey
Violet eared hummingbird
Purple throated Mountain Gem hummingbird female
Scintallant hummingbird
Keel billed Toucan, Arenal
WHite Hawk, Fortuna
Rufous tailed hummingbird
Violet headed hummingbird
A rarely seen Ornate Hawk Eagle (juvenile)
Striped tailed hummingbird
Resplendent Quetzel
A deadly Eyelash viper
The usually very shy Spotted antbird. He looks for ant colonies "on the move" so he can feast on the insects that are frightened and jump out of the ants path!