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