final costa rica photo tour 02202019 - tropical birding · 2019-05-06 · costa rica is frequently...

Tropical Birding Costa Rica Photo Tour Trip Report Feb 20th, 2019 - Mar 1st, 2019

Costa Rica Photo Tour

Tour Leader: Ben Knoot

*All photos in this report were taken by guide Ben Knoot unless otherwise stated.

[email protected] +1-409-515-9110 www.tropicalbirding.com

http://www.tropicalbirding.com

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Introduction

Costa Rica has long been a favorite among nature lover’s and wildlife photographers; a system of excellent lodges and a long-established network of well-protected areas, combined with easy access from North America, have made this a natural destination. Costa Rica is frequently noted as one of the greenest countries on Earth, with a long history of protecting wildlife areas, meaning that many animals and species normally difficult to approach, are amazingly photogenic, and even tame there, making this a top notch choice for the nature and bird photographer

Although it is a small country (the size of the US state of West Virginia), it is varied, with mountains dividing the north (Caribbean), and southern (Pacific) slopes from each other. We will visit the Caribbean side and the Pacific side, as well as the mountains that divide them, in order to give us a varied list of bird and animals to photograph from one end of the tour to the other. Among the major targets on this tour will be an array of technicolor tropical birds like hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, parrots, and woodpeckers.

And of course, no photo tour to Costa Rica would be complete without a visit to the highlands, and the realm of the resplendent Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most spectacular birds on Earth. Those with a wider interest than only birds, will also have the opportunity to shoot brightly adorned frogs too, within dedicated photo shoots for these, where such species as Strawberry and Black-and-green Poison Frogs and Red-eyed Treefrogs are likely to feature.

In this report, you will find a basic summary of our tour in a day to day format. In the end, you will find an overall summary of species seen, species photographed, guest’s favorite photos and the guides favorite photo from our wonderful trip.





Top Five Birds - Resplendent Quetzal

- Golden-browed Chlorophonia

- Turquoise-browed Motmot

- King Vulture

- Bare-throated Tiger Heron

Top Three Photographic Opportunities - Male and Female Resplendent Quetzal at Nest

- Tarcoles River Cruise

- King Vulture Hide at Laguna del Lagarto

Top Five Other Animals - Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth

- White-throated Capuchin

- Eyelash Viper

- Green and Black Poison Frog

- American Crocodile





Itinerary

February 19th Day 1: Arrival Day

February 20th Day 2: Mirador Cascada to Laguna del Lagarto

February 21st Day 3: Laguna del Lagarto Vulture Hide

February 22nd Day 4: Laguna del Lagarto to Nature Pavilion

February 23rd Day 5: Cope’s House and Frog Heaven

February 24th Day 5: Macaw Farm to La Fortuna to Solimar

February 25th Day 6: Solimar

February 26th Day 7: Solimar to Cerro Lodge

February 27th Day 8: Tarcole’s River Cruise to Paraiso Quetzal

February 28th Day 9: Paraiso Quetzal and Savegre

March 1st Day 10: Paraiso Quetzal to San Jose

March 2nd Day 11: Departures (no scheduled activity)





Tour Summary Day-to-Day

Day One (February 19th) - The group arrived in San Jose and met at 6:30pm for the introductory dinner at Hotel Bougainvillea. After a delicious meal, fun conversation and an introduction to the tour, we went to bed eager to start the trip the next day.


Costa Rica Tour Map (Above) - In order of tour: San Jose (A), Laguna del Lagarto (B), Sarapiqui (C), Solimar Ranch (D), Cerro Lodge (D), Paraiso Quetzal (F), San

Jose (A).




Day Two (February 20th) - We began the tour by traveling to Mirador la Cascada. Set on the side of hill overlooking a 70 meter cascade, this restaurant feeding station is full of stunning birds. The group enjoyed photographing birds like: Emerald Toucanet, Prong-billed Barbet, Coppery-headed Emerald, Buff-throated Saltator and a surprise visit from a Black Guan. On the way to lunch, the group was treated to their first photo shoot with Yellow-throated Toucan.


Emerald Toucanet (Above) - The group was privileged to photograph four of these stunning

birds.

Prong-billed Barbet (Above) - Mirador la Cascada is one of the best places to photograph this species.

Yellow-throated Toucan (Right) - A very fun natural sighting (not at a feeding station) of these two

preening atop of dead tree.




After lunch on the road, we continued on towards Laguna del Lagarto. We arrived just around 4:00pm, perfect to catch the late afternoon light. The group was able to photograph: Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, Baltimore Oriole, Montezuma Oropendola, Brown-hooded Parrot, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Golden-hooded, Palm and Blue-gray Tanager among many other terrific species.


Brown-hooded Parrot (Above) - These characters are always fun to watch at the feeders.

Keel-billed Toucan (Above) - The moment just after the banana goes down the toucans throat is an

awesome photo opportunity.

Golden-hooded Tanager (Above) - We experiment with different perches to compliment this beautiful

species.

Baltimore Oriole (Above) - These stunning birds spend the majority of the year down here in Costa

Rica.




After a full day of photography and travel, we sat down for a nice dinner while Common Paraque called in the night. We went to sleep, readying ourselves for the infamous King Vulture Hide.

Day Three (February 21st) - The group woke up early for a chance to photograph some more incredible species at the feeding station. We had tremendous luck with species like: Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Collared Aracari, Black-cowled Oriole, Green Honeycreeper and the uncommon Shinning Honeycreeper.


Chestnut-colored Woodpecker (Above) - A pair of these woodpeckers came into the feeding area for a few

minutes, providing the group with some great opportunities.

Collared Aracari (Above) - These birds come into the feeding area with a force. It’s not uncommon to have 5-8 of these small toucans furiously feeding on the

bananas.




After a delicious but quick breakfast, we went over to the King Vulture Hide at Laguna del Lagarto. The hide lived up to it’s hype and provided us with great views of adult, sub-adult and juvenile King Vulture. It also provided excellent looks at our first Crested Caracara and extremely close (sometimes to close) looks at Black Vulture.


Sub-Adult King Vulture (Right) - There are excellent opportunities for portrait photos from the hide.

Adult King Vulture (Left) - The one perch in the bait field is commonly used by both King and Black

Vulture.




A few hours in the hide later and the group was ready to leave. We went back to the lodge for a quick rest before lunch. After lunch, I like to allow some free time to roam around and do some opportunistic photography. Walking the grounds, members of the group found birds like: Green Ibis, Ringed and Green Kingfisher, Cinnamon Becard, Thick-billed Seedeater, Great Currasow, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Northern Waterthrush, Lineated Woodpecker, Great Green Macaw, Green Heron, Gray-necked (Rufous-naped) Woodrail and Slaty-tailed Trogon.


Great Currasow (Right) - The compost area for the lodge provides an excellent opportunity for this

species.

Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Left) - Though it never entered the hole, the group suspects this is a potential nest site for this pair of Black-cheeked Woodpeckers.




Now 2pm, the bird activity was dying down and it was getting hot. However, the photography doesn’t stop. Thanks to the awesome staff of Laguna del Lagarto, we were able to have a snake photoshoot. The group enjoyed two hours with: Boa Constrictor, Eyelash Viper and Hognose Pitviper.

After a few hours with our slithery friends, we continued on with bird photography down at Diegos House (one of the Laguna del Lagarto’s amazing staff members). Diego’s house afforded us the best opportunities for: Red-legged, Green and most importantly Shinning Honeycreeper. Other new birds present: Green-breasted Mango, Bronze-tailed Plumateer and Yellow-crowned Euphonia. I am happy to report, Diego’s house was a success!


Eyelash Viper (Above) - What an incredible species. The eye alone is jaw dropping.





Red-legged Honeycreeper (Above) - That subtle and yet striking turquoise crown is absolutely

stunning.

Green Honeycreeper (Above) - A bird that needs to be seen to be believed.

Shinning Honeycreeper (Above) - It’s always a relief when you go to a place for a specific bird and you are able to photograph it well! Those yellow legs almost

look plastic in real life.

Green-breasted Mango (Above) - This bird would not sit still for more than 3 seconds. With some speed and

a bit of luck, you can grab a quick snap.




As the sun began to sink below the horizon, we called it quits for the day and rested for an hour before dinner. Another dinner down, the photography didn’t stop. There is an OPTIONAL($40) Bat Photography workshop for this night. Several members of the group elected to give it a try. I set up the multi-flash gear and let them fire away. We had some great activity from the local Long-nosed Bat and the two group members had a blast trying to photograph these swift night flyers. A big day now over, it was time for bed.


Long-nosed Bat (Right) - There were one or two individuals who were clever and just hung onto the

flower.

Long-nosed Bat (Left) - If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch two or three at one time!




Day Four (February 22nd) - One last morning in Laguna del Lagarto to photograph some species that were missed the first few days.


Black-cowled Oriole (Above) - One of two orioles coming to the feeders.

Brown-hooded Parrots (Above) - It can be hard to pull yourself away from these…

Keel-billed Toucan (Above) - Such an icon of Costa Rica. The morning light really helps to show the

vibrancy of this species.




Having to basically drag everyone out of Laguna del Lagarto, we continued on to our next destination, Sarapiqui. A quick stop for lunch and then we arrived at Dave and Dave’s Nature Pavilion for the afternoon. Here we were able to get some fun birds like: White-necked Jacobin, Bronze-tailed Plumateer, Montezuma Oropendola, Red-throated Ant-tanager and Olive-backed Euphonia.


Bronze-tailed Plumateer (Left) - Best identified by its unique red legs, this quick, medium-sized

hummingbird usually perches in dense cover.

Montezuma Oropendola (Right) - This birds call is quite remarkable, but the movement it does while

calling is something you have to see!




Another great day behind us, we went back to our amazing accommodations for dinner and a good nights rest.

Day Five (February 23th) - Today we woke up early and went to pick up our local guide for the morning, Cope. Cope knows his area so well and can mimic most of the bid calls with just his mouth. He was able to find his local Spectacled Owl for us and out on a lovely perch no less. Cope also took us to see: Pale-billed Woodpecker, Honduran White Bat and Great Potoo.


Spectacled Owl (Above) - So cool to see one of these awesome owls perched out in the open just to the side

of the trail.

Honduran White Bat (Above) - Yes, they do look a lot like cotton balls…about the same size too!




After some awesome opportunistic photography, we went back to Cope’s House for some feeder and pond photography. Birds present were: Green and American Pygmy Kingfisher, Gray-necked Woodrail, Wood Thrush, Pale-vented Pigeon, Stripe-throated and Long-billed Hermit. And though it showed itself at the last minute, a White-tipped Sicklebill was a real highlight for most of the guests.


Great Potoo (Above) - Such a special adaptation to try and look like a broken snag. A far and high up view

but what a bird.

Pale-billed Woodpecker (Above) - This active nest was a great opportunity to get some shots of this large woodpecker. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to stake it out longer and it was decided unanimously to leave the female alone to tend to her nest. Awesome

ethics shown by the group!





Gray-necked (Rufous-naped) Woodrail (Right) - So cool to see this type of bird in someones backyard.

Cope works hard to maintain his backyard pond and feeding station.

American Pygmy Kingfisher (Left) - A terrific little species. The guests enjoyed

watching him plunge into the shallow water, hunting minnows and small fish.




We left Cope’s, on towards our next adventure, Frog Heaven. This is one of the few photoshoots that is “non-bird”, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Among the Red-eyed Tree Frog, Strawberry Dart Frog, Green and Black Poisonous Frog, Mascara Frog and Glass Frog the group was able to see White-collared Manakin, Red-lored Parrot and an Olive-backed Euphonia nesting in an old oropendola nest.

After another full day of photography, we retired to the hotel for a nice dinner and a good sleep.


Green and Black Poisonous Frog (Above) - I can’t speak for the rest of the group, but this one is definitely my favorite of all our subjects.




Day 6 (February 24th) - “LapaLapaLapa” This call is used by the Macaw Farm manager to call the birds down to the flying arena. We spent the morning photographing Scarlet, Great Green and hybrid Macaw flying to and from various feeding stations. During this time, I was helping to make sure the macaws flew on the correct paths so I wasn’t able to photograph them flying. The photo below is from one of the guests. Epic!

Also present at the Macaw Farm; Crimson-fronted Parakeet, White-throated Capuchin, Northern Jacana, Common Tody Flycatcher and Orange-chinned Parakeet.


Hybrid Macaw (Great Green/Scarlet) (Above) - We got to practice flight shots as they flew from one feeding station to another. Photo by guest.




Because our next accommodation was so far away, we made a quick stop in La Fortuna to photograph at Bogarin Feeding Station. Here we were able to photograph some more species like: Palm Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Clay-colored Thrush, Hoffman’s Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee and Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Passerini’s). And we were able to pick up a few new species like: White-throated Crake and Yellow-throated Euphonia. A real highlight towards the end of the our time at Bogarin was a stunning Plumed (Common) Basilisk, taking in some of the light rain.


White-throated Capuchin (Above) - So fun to interact with these lovely little primates. I really enjoyed seeing their hands and feet up close. So incredibly able and tactile. The way they used their tail was pure

grace.





Palm Tanager (Left) - A common bird throughout much of the tour, can’t forget to take its photo too!

Scarlet-rumped (Passerini’s) Tanager (Left) - A fairly common species on

much of the trip, but a really stunning bird.





Yellow-throated Euphonia (Left) - This stunning male appeared for a few moments, grabbed a bite of

banana and then took off.

Plumed (Common) Basilisk (Left) - Even though that emerald green

coloration is so vibrant, this “Jesus lizard” can be quite difficult to see

clearly. Normally they are seen running across the water because

you’ve gotten to close without realizing it.




We finished our photography at Bogarin and after a quick lunch, continued on towards our next accommodations, Hacienda Solimar. On the way into the farm, there was a large fire that was burning a field. Taking advantage of the the fleeing crickets, grasshoppers, mice and other small animals, a large number of Swainson’s Hawks were dining on whatever they could find. It was really cool to see how many different morphs there were in the group of about 30 birds.


Swainson’s Hawk (Right) - The group got a great chance to practice

flight shots as several of these hawks flew right over head!

Swainson’s Hawk (Left) - Though they were quite hard to see, most of

what the hawks were feeding on were grasshoppers.




Day Seven (February 25th) - In order to catch the best light, we set out just before dawn. Just down the driveway we picked up: Turquoise-browed Motmot and Pacific Screech Owl. The rest of the morning was spent driving around with our awesome Solimar Ranch guide, Dimitri. Dimitri was able to show us birds like: Double-striped Thick Knee, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Yellow-headed Caracara, Crested Caracara, Snail Kite, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Green Heron, Northern Jacana, and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl.


Double-striped Thick Knee (Above) - These large plover like birds are quite the characters.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Above) - So fun to see these large groups of ducks gathered along the roads.

Turquoise-browed Motmot (Above) - An amazing motmot with a superb racket-tail.




As the heat of the day approached, we called it a morning and went back to the hacienda for breakfast. I held a small editing workshop during mid-day and after a late lunch, we went back out in the late afternoon for more birds like: Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Jabiru (on nest) and a great photoshoot with a Laughing Falcon.


Roseate Spoonbill (Above) - We visit a rookery for the afternoon light and my goodness do these birds light up

in that warm sunlight.

Wood Stork (Above) - Along with the Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Storks are found nesting in

the rookery.

Jabiru (Right) - This Jabiru nest is one of the gems of the ranch.





Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (Above) - With a slight bit of maneuvering, it is possible to get a clear

shot of this species.

Snail Kite (Above) - Our group was able to photograph a dozen or so of these birds hunting

the slough for snails.

Yellow-headed Caracara (Above) - This juvenile with a fish was eventually scared off by an adult.





Crested Caracara (Left) - A nice adult bird with a fish head carcass.

Laughing Falcon (Left) - The group got to practice single file, incremental stalking to achieve photos like this. We started from

roughly 75 yards away and slowly made our way to roughly 10 yards away! I was so

proud!




A great day behind us, we returned for dinner and a good nights rest, eager for our next destination, Cerro Lodge.

Day Eight (February 26th) We left Hacienda Solimar early to get to our first destination, La Ensenada. Along the coastline we were able to find: Royal and Sandwich Tern, Sanderling and Laughing Gull. While walking the grounds of La Ensenada we were able to photograph: White-throated Magpie Jay, Pacific Screech Owl, White-fronted Parrot and more Turquoise-browed Motmot.


Turquoise-browed Motmot (Above) - So great to get another shot at this amazing species.

Pacific Screech Owl (Below) - Awesome to see such a secretive little bird sitting out in the

open.




When the heat of the day started to ramp up, we retreated into the air conditioned bus for the drive over to lunch. After a delicious lunch, we continued on towards our next overnight halt, Cerro Lodge. The afternoon was spent walking around, photographing birds like: Rufous-naped Wren, Rose-throated Becard, Cinnamon Hummingbird and Hoffman’s Woodpecker.

After the sun had set, we were treated to a lovely dinner and then retired to our rooms for the evening.


Hoffman’s Woodpecker (Above) - Great to have one of Costa Rica’s stunning endemics

coming down the feeders.

Rufous-naped Wren (Above) - There is a small section of dirt just on the side of the restaurant where these stunning birds were

enjoying “dust bathing”.




Day Nine (February 27th) - We left Cerro Lodge very early to catch our boat ride on the Tarcole’s River. It was an excellent trip. As we journeyed down the river we picked up species like: Ringed and Green Kingfisher, Spotted and Least Sandpiper, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Green, Little Blue, Great Blue, Tricolored and Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Yellow-headed and Crested Caracara, Whimbrel, Mangrove Swallow and Cattle Egret. We then turned around and made our way up river, adding more species like: Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant, Mangrove Warbler, Common Black Hawk and everyone’s big target, the Boat-billed Heron.


Bare-throated Tiger Heron (Above) - Adults will sometimes display to each other on the

banks of the river.

Crested Caracara (Above) - Often times these carrion hunters can be seen on the rivers edge feeding on dead fish or just stopping to take a

drink.





Green Kingfisher (Right) - The smallest kingfisher on the river but by no means any

less ferocious when it comes to hunting.

Ringed Kingfisher (Below) - I have never been so close to this large kingfisher. What a

privilege.




We ended the morning with great looks at Black and White Owl and then returned to the lodge for a quick breakfast. After breakfast we left for our last lodge of the trip, Paraiso Quetzal. We arrived in the late afternoon and spent the golden light photographing species like: Black-billed and Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush, Sooty Thrush, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, Hairy Woodpecker, Fiery-throated and Talamanca Hummingbird, Slaty Flowerpiercer and Large-footed Finch.


Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Above) - I’ve seen many photos of these birds but you really can’t appreciate them fully until you see them

for yourself.

Hairy Woodpecker (Above) - It was fun watching a male and female excavate their

new nest. This is the male.




We retired for the night after a nice dinner and some editing by the warm fire.

Day 10 (February 28th) - As this was our last full day, we packed it tight with as many photo opportunities as possible. The day started with the Resplendent Quetzal hunt. We were absolutely elated to see a male and female tending to a possible future nest!


Resplendent Quetzal (Above) - To be only 20 or so yards away from this species is really a

dream come true.

Resplendent Quetzal (Above) - Rather than using old woodpecker holes, male and female quetzals work

together to slowly peel away the layers of tree necessary to make their nest.




After this amazing shoot, we went back to the lodge for a quick breakfast. After breakfast we had a quick hour and half multi flash session with Fiery-throated, Talamanca and Volcano Hummingbird and Lesser Violetear. Fifteen minute rotations was plenty of time as each participant had some crazy activity at the flower, sometimes 6-8 hummingbirds at once! I was constantly filling the flower with nectar and changing out batteries so the photo below was taken by a guest. Epic!


Lesser Violetear/Talamanca Hummingbird/Volcano Hummingbird (Above) - No, I was not joking. Even though they’re “only” four birds in this frame, it was not uncommon to get

6-8 birds at one time! Excellently captured by one of the guests.




After this quick but awesome session, we left for Sevegre. We had a lovely lunch at Batsu Gardens before heading up to the feeding station for the afternoon. We had some great luck, photographing species like: Silver-throated Tanager, White-naped Brush Finch, Acorn Woodpecker, Flame-colored Tanager, Tennessee Warbler, Volcano Hummingbird, White-throated Mountain Gem, Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus and awesome views and photo opportunities of Spotted Wood Quail.


Acorn Woodpecker (Above) - The lovely orange flowers added a nice contrasted

background with some lovely color.

Volcano Hummingbird (Above) - This is the best place for male Volcano Hummingbird.





Spotted Wood Quail (Left) - It was really cool to see three of these

stunning birds around Batsu Gardens.

Sooty-capped Chlorospingus (Right) - This bird just sat there and

waited for everyone to take his picture. Everyone had actually

moved on from photographing him before he took off…




As the afternoon light faded, we packed up our gear and returned back to Paraiso Quetzal for dinner. After dinner, we retired and got ready for our last morning of the tour.

Day 11 (March 1st) - This was the last morning of the trip. I gave everyone free time to try and photograph the species they missed on the previous days. More species that were photographed include: Yellow-thighed Finch, Mountain Thrush, Black-and-Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Collared Redstart, Wilson’s Warbler, Rufous-collared Sparrow and to round off this great trip, an absolutely stunning Golden-browed Chlorophonia.


Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Above) - Wow…just wow! So amazing to see this species

perching out in the open.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Above) - Always a treat to photograph this stunning species.




We ended the morning at check-out time and started back down the mountain for lunch. A nice, relaxing lunch was had by all and we continued back down towards our start location, Hotel

Bougainvillea. The group rested up, repacked and then met for our last dinner where we completed our last list and said our goodbyes.





Guides Favorite Photo


Green Heron (Above) - Side light catches the highlights of a preening adult Green Heron.




Guests Favorite Photos

I’ve asked the guests to provide their top 5 photos if they wanted. What follows are their pictures, selected and edited by them.





List of Birds/Other Animals Seen, Photographed and Photographed Well

Seen - Birds we saw but were not able to photograph

Photographed - Birds we photographed decently or for identification purposes

Photographed Well - Birds we had great opportunities for and/or photographed well

List Summary: Birds

- Birds seen: 229

- Birds photographed: 165

- Birds photographed well: 104

Mammals/Other Fauna

- Seen: 23

- Photographed: 18

- Photographed well: 14

Species Seen Photographed Photographed Well

BirdsDucks, Geese and Waterfowl

Black-bellied Whistling Duck

Muscovy Duck

Blue-winged Teal

Guans, Chachalacas and Currasows

Gray-headed Chachalaca

Crested Guan

Black Guan

Species





Great Currasow

New World Quail

Spotted Wood Quail

Storks

Wood Stork

Frigatebirds

Magnificent Frigatebird

Cormorants and Shags

Neotropic Cormorant

Pelicans

Brown Pelican

Herons, Egrets and Bitterns

Bare-throated Tiger Heron

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Snowy Egret

Little Blue Heron

Tricolored Heron

Cattle Egret

Green Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Boat-billed Heron

Ibises and Spoonbills

White Ibis

Seen Photographed Photographed WellSpecies





Green Ibis

Roseate Spoonbill

New World Vultures

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

King Vulture

Osprey

Osprey

Hawks, Eagles and Kites

Swallow-tailed Kite

Common Black Hawk

Snail Kite

Swainson’s Hawk

Roadside Hawk

Harris’s Hawk

Gray Hawk

Short-tailed Hawk

Rails, Gallinules and Coots

White-throated Crake

Rufous-nape Wood Rail

Limpkin

Limpkin

Thick-Knees

Double-striped Thick-Knee

Stilts and Avocets






Black-necked Stilt

Plovers and Lapwings

Black-bellied Plover

Southern Lapwing

Jacanas

Northern Jacana

Sandpipers and Allies

Spotted Sandpiper

Solitary Sandpiper

Greater Yellowlegs

Willet

Lesser Yellowlegs

Whimbrel

Ruddy Turnstone

Sanderling

Least Sandpiper

Gulls, Terns and Skimmers

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Sandwich Tern

Pigeons and Doves

Rock Pigeon

Pale-vented Pigeon

Red-billed Pigeon

Band-tailed Pigeon






Inca Dove

Common Ground Dove

Plain-breasted Ground Dove

Ruddy Ground Dove

White-tipped Dove

White-winged Dove

Mourning Dove

Cuckoos

Squirrel Cuckoo

Groove-billed Ani

Owls

Pacific Screech Owl

Spectacled Owl

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl

Black and White Owl

Nightjars and Allies

Lesser Nighthawk

Potoos

Great Potoo

Swifts

White-collared Swift

Hummingbirds

White-necked Jacobin

Long-billed Hermit

Stripe-throated Hermit






Lesser Violetear

Great-breasted Mango

Green-crowned Brilliant

Talamanca Hummingbird

Fiery-throated Hummingbird

White-throated Mountain-gem

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Volcano Hummingbird

Scintillant Hummingbird

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird

Bronze-tailed Plumateer

White-tipped Sicklebill

Crowned Woodnymph

Stripe-tailed Hummingbird

Coppery-headed Emerald

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

Cinnamon Hummingbird

Trogons

Resplendent Quetzal

Slaty-tailed Trogon

Black-headed Trogon

Black-throated Trogon

Gartered Trogon

Baird’s Trogon

Motmots






Lesson’s Motmot

Turquoise-browed Motmot

Kingfishers

Ringed Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher

Green Kingfisehr

American Pygmy Kingfisher

New World Barbets

Red-headed Barbet

Toucan Barbets

Prong-billed Barbet

Toucans

Emerald Toucanet

Collared Aracari

Yellow-throated Toucan

Keel-billed Toucan

Woodpeckers

Black-cheeked Woodpecker

Hoffmann’s Woodpecker

Chestnut-colored Woodpecker

Lineated Woodpecker

Pale-billed Woodpecker

Falcons and Caracaras

Crested Caracara

Yellow-headed Caracara






Laughing Falcon

New World & African Parrots

Orange-chinned Parakeet

Brown-hooded Parrot

Red-lored Parrot

Yellow-naped Parrot

White-fronted Parrot

Great Green Macaw

Scarlet Macaw

Crimson-fronted Parakeet

Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers

Cocoa Woodcreeper

Streak-headed Woodcreeper

Tyrant Flycatchers

Mountain Elaenia

Common Tody Flycatcher

Tropical Pewee

Great Kiskadee

Social Flycatcher

Tropical Kingbird

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Manakins

White-collared Manakin

Red-capped Manakin

Tityras and Allies






Masked Tityra

Cinnamon Becard

Rose-throated Becard

Vireos, Shrike-Babblers and Erpornis

Yellow-throated Vireo

Philadelphia Vireo

Crows, Jays and Magpies

White-throated Magpie Jay

Brown Jay

Swallows

Blue-and-white Swallows

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Gray-breasted Martin

Mangrove Swallow

Barn Swallow

Cliff Swallow

Wrens

House Wren

Rufous-naped Wren

Gnatcatchers

Tropical Gnatcatcher

Thrushes and Allies

Black-faced Solitare

Black-billed Nightingale Thrush

Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush






Sooty Thrush

Mountain Thrush

Clay-colored Thrush

Silky-Flycatchers

Black and Yellow Silky-Flycatcher

Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher

New World Warblers

Northern Waterthrush

Golden-winged Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Tennessee Warbler

Gray-crowned Yellowthroat

Tropical Parula

Yellow Warbler

Mangrove Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Buff-rumped Warbler

Wilsons’s Warbler

Collared Redstart

Tanagers and Allies

White-lined Tanager

Passerini’s Tanager

Blue-gray Tanager

Palm Tanager






Golden-hooded Tanager

Plain-colored Tanager

Bay-headed Tanager

Silver-throated Tanager

Shining Honeycreeper

Red-legged Honeycreeper

Green Honeycreeper

Slaty Flowerpiercer

Thick-billed Seed-Finch

White-collared Seedeater

Bananaquit

Yellow-faced Grassquit

Buff-throated Saltator

Grayish Saltator

Buntings and New World Sparrows

Sooty-capped Chlorospingus

Common Chlorospingus

Stripe-headed Sparrow

Olive Sparrow

Chestnut-capped Brushfinch

Rufous-collared Sparrow

Large-footed Finch

Yellow-thighed Finch

White-naped Brushfinch

Cardinals and Allies






Summer Tanager

Flame-colored Tanager

Red-throated Ant Tanager

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Blue-black Grosbeak

Troupials and Allies

Red-winged Blackbird

Eastern Meadowlark

Melodious Blackbird

Great-tailed Grackle

Bronzed Cowbird

Black-cowled Oriole

Spot-breasted Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

Montezuma Oropendola

Finches, Euphonias and Allies

Yellow-crowned Euphonia

Yellow-throated Euphonia

Olive-backed Euphonia

Golden-browed Chlorophonia

Lesser Goldfinch

Old World Sparrows

House Sparrow

Mammals/Other FaunaBrown-throated Three-toed Sloth






Honduran White Bat

White-throated Capuchin

Mantled Howler Monkey

Red-tailed Squirrel

Variegated Squirrel

White-nosed Coati

Glass Frog

Savage’s Bull Frog

Red-eyed Tree Frog

Masked Treefrong

Green and Black Poison Frog

Strawberry Poison Frog

Common (Plumed) Basilisk

Spinytail Iguana

Green Iguana

Common House Gecko

Boa Constrictor

Eyelash Viper

Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper

Spectacled Caiman

American Crocodile

Common Blue Morpho





final costa rica photo tour 02202019 - tropical birding · 2019-05-06 · costa rica is frequently...

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