Postcard from Costa Rica

We recently returned from a visit to one of the hemisphere’s greatest treasures for appreciating the natural world…lovely and friendly Costa Rica. The country is easy to travel in – well maintained roads, many reasonable accommodations, great simple food and very welcoming, friendly people. Our goal this trip was to divide our time between the rainforest areas in the highlands among the volcanic mountains north and east of San Jose and the transition rainforest areas near the Pacific coast a bit further south. Our target? Birds!

Resplendent Quetzal, Savegre - Talamaca Mountain Range

More than 25% of Costa Rica is now protected in National Parks – a truly remarkable and wonderful fact. Great habitat to explore. In three trips we have recorded over 300 species which have included many North American migrants wintering over in Central America. Here are a few of the highlights but there is so much more.

Arenal Volcano

Ornate hawk-eagle (Juvenile), Baja del Toros

Bat Falcon, Baja del Toros

Spotted antbird, Arenal Volcano

Emerald toucanet, Baja del Toros

Prothonotary warbler, Tarcoles River

Black throated green warbler, Baja del Toros

Purple throated mountain gem, Baja del Toros

Iris in the rainforest at 3000ft. Baja del Toros

Scarlet macaws in flight, Carara National Park

Turquoise-browed motmot, Orotina

Tropical parula

Black-necked stilts, Tarcoles River

Pacific Screech owl, Orotina

Brown pelicans, Puntarenas

Western sandpipers, Puntarenas

Magnificent frigate bird in flight, Tarcoles River

Wood stork in flight, Tarcoles River

Red headed Barbet (Male), Baja del Toros