Costa Rica Trip

Spectacular display dance!

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan

Still more to come....

This is the closest I'll get to Costa Rica and sure am enjoying your trip and wonderful shots of those gorgeous birds! Looking forward to more...thanks!

So many beautiful birds. I'm already starting to fantasize about traveling to Costa Rica.

Great job rock!

Bill, the"cosy" shot is such a hoot. Thoroughly enjoyable thread.

Wow you just made me want to go to Costa Rica even more! I can't believe you saw so many toucans. I love that picture of them sticking their heads out of the tree!

Dellrose--I never thought I'd make it either so who knows?

Grasmussen--Lol--I'm fantasizing about going back. Still need to do the north and the Carribean side--A whole new bunch of birds in each!

Thanks Pelle!

Margaret and rntx22--There were actually three Toucans in that little hole but only two could stick their heads out at once. Their beaks were longer that the diameter of the tree yet they would dive right in then stick their heads out immediately to look around!

Here' a Summer Tanager

This was a looong shot but the only Black-bellied whistling Ducks we saw...

The Scarlet Macaws were terribly elusive until we reached Puerto Jiminez. There were dozens there in the trees by the beach. They would dive into the trees and disappear. It took forever to get decent shots and even then they were in dense shade. I could hardly believe I could lose a 3 foot carnival-colored bird in 20 foot trees!

Constantly "kissing"!

Lineated Woodpecker

Last for today--

Golden-hooded Tanager

Wow great shots! I definitely have to go there someday.

So many beautiful birds!

Just a few more shots. As I study the field guide the birds I didn't see seem to be demanding a return to the country--LOL!

At any rate here is a Buff-throated Saltator

Gray-breasted Wood Wren

Thick-billed Euphonia

Very nice rock!

Love the Euphonia!

This message was edited Mar 21, 2009 11:33 AM

Thanks Pelle. I'm getting down to the ones I'm having a hard time identifying so will probably slow down a bunch!

Here is a somewhat unfocused Tropical Kingbird.

Rufous-collared Sparrow

That's all for today.

Love the Sparrow!

Wow!

Rock, So many beautiful birds. Did you travel as part of a tour group, or were you on your own? After seeing you pictures I really would like to go to Costa Rica some day.

Thanks all for your comments. We rented a 4wd and traveled on our own. It was interesting (to say the least!) to adapt to the different style of driving and road conditions that are not up to the standards we take for granted in the states. We visited with a CR resident friend (Met on DG--I love this site!) for the mountain portion of our trip. That is where the feeders were that brought in the hummers and tanagers. We stayed away from the touristy areas, stayed in a tent or small "cabinas" to keep the costs down and ate in local eateries and "sodas" (small cafes). The people were wonderful and very hospitable. We are already planning our next trip--If I can figure out how to afford it--LOL!!

It is far more than birds--Plant, animal and culture lovers will be thrilled at every turn in CR. I would recommend brushing up on your spanish--I certainly wished I had more!

Here is a change of pace--Spider Monkey

Nice Spider Monkey! Looks like it's got a baby clinging on its back.

Resin

Not only that but she appears very pregnant. Here's the baby...

Oh that is adorable!