mtns2molhilz's recent photos

Our little band of bird of "ornisplorers" gathered at Houston Intercontinental airport waiting to board a nonstop flight to San Jose, costa Rica.

2009-02-22T11:00:25Z

mtns2molhilz
Our little band of bird of "ornisplorers" gathered at Houston Intercontinental airport waiting to board a nonstop flight to San Jose, costa Rica.

Stained glass, tasteful lighting, ceramic floors, native decorations and paintings all combine to create a first class lodging experience.

2009-02-23T02:00:42Z

mtns2molhilz
Stained glass, tasteful lighting, ceramic floors, native decorations and paintings all combine to create a first class lodging experience.

Orchids in abundance at Hotel Bouganvilla.

2009-02-22T11:21:21Z

mtns2molhilz
Orchids in abundance at Hotel Bouganvilla.

CR, and particularly the Central Valley where San Jose is located, is often described as enjoying an "eternal spring". In November, when we visited, daytime temps did not reach above the mi ...

2009-02-22T11:16:08Z

mtns2molhilz
CR, and particularly the Central Valley where San Jose is located, is often described as enjoying an "eternal spring". In November, when we visited, daytime temps did not reach above the mi ...

Another view of the entrance to Hotel Bouganvilla, CR.

2009-02-22T11:09:42Z

mtns2molhilz
Another view of the entrance to Hotel Bouganvilla, CR.

Narrower, closed in trails gave a more intimate feeling; HB gardens.

2009-02-23T02:55:16Z

mtns2molhilz
Narrower, closed in trails gave a more intimate feeling; HB gardens.

Crocadile bronze, HB gardens. Later on our trip we would see these ancient creatures in some abundance, but maybe none quite as big as this fellow!

2009-02-23T02:54:17Z

mtns2molhilz
Crocadile bronze, HB gardens. Later on our trip we would see these ancient creatures in some abundance, but maybe none quite as big as this fellow!

The area is truly immense, holding new themes around every corner. Here a bridge least to a split path among specimen and mass plantings.

2009-02-23T02:52:52Z

mtns2molhilz
The area is truly immense, holding new themes around every corner. Here a bridge least to a split path among specimen and mass plantings.

Large swaths of lawn, edged by circular enclosures contribute to the gardens open, airy feel. Note brick path in foreground.

2009-02-23T02:51:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Large swaths of lawn, edged by circular enclosures contribute to the gardens open, airy feel. Note brick path in foreground.

This was quite a large tree in bloom, HB gardens.

2009-02-23T02:49:40Z

mtns2molhilz
This was quite a large tree in bloom, HB gardens.

Another view of the flying crane bronze, HB gardens.

2009-02-23T02:47:55Z

mtns2molhilz
Another view of the flying crane bronze, HB gardens.

The doorway in the previous shot leads outside to an immense acreage of immaculately landscaped gardens. One could honestly spend a tranquil week right here, surrounded by nature.

2009-02-23T02:02:40Z

mtns2molhilz
The doorway in the previous shot leads outside to an immense acreage of immaculately landscaped gardens. One could honestly spend a tranquil week right here, surrounded by nature.

San Jose is ringed by mountains, and the HB balcony provided quite a view.

2009-02-23T01:59:59Z

mtns2molhilz
San Jose is ringed by mountains, and the HB balcony provided quite a view.

Air Conditioning here was never missed! High ceiling fans, screened doors to a large, cool balcony all added up to the ultimate in flow-thru ventilation!

2009-02-22T11:23:53Z

mtns2molhilz
Air Conditioning here was never missed! High ceiling fans, screened doors to a large, cool balcony all added up to the ultimate in flow-thru ventilation!

Another example of statuary accents, HB gardens.

2009-02-23T02:47:15Z

mtns2molhilz
Another example of statuary accents, HB gardens.

Sherry poses beside what must be on of the world's largest bromeliad, HB gardens. Note main room complex in background, overlooking main gardens.

2009-02-23T02:46:22Z

mtns2molhilz
Sherry poses beside what must be on of the world's largest bromeliad, HB gardens. Note main room complex in background, overlooking main gardens.

View of well kept border plantings; note signs for easy identification and explanation of each plants significance. Small green bushes may be coffee.

2009-02-23T02:45:04Z

mtns2molhilz
View of well kept border plantings; note signs for easy identification and explanation of each plants significance. Small green bushes may be coffee.

Just to the left of the main entrance was this little garden and walking path- here we found the first tanagers of the trip, Blue-Grey, a bird widely distributed in the American Tropics, but ...

2009-02-23T01:59:01Z

mtns2molhilz
Just to the left of the main entrance was this little garden and walking path- here we found the first tanagers of the trip, Blue-Grey, a bird widely distributed in the American Tropics, but ...

Sherry, Don and Pat under a hanging vine covered trellis, HB, main gardens.

2009-02-23T02:43:27Z

mtns2molhilz
Sherry, Don and Pat under a hanging vine covered trellis, HB, main gardens.

Interesting tree planting, HB grounds, main gardens.

2009-02-23T02:42:38Z

mtns2molhilz
Interesting tree planting, HB grounds, main gardens.

Well they really grow cane large in these parts... HB grounds, Costa Rica.

2009-02-23T02:41:56Z

mtns2molhilz
Well they really grow cane large in these parts... HB grounds, Costa Rica.

Sherry and Don at the front gardens, separate from the main complex out back. To the left is the entrance drive.

2009-02-23T02:38:53Z

mtns2molhilz
Sherry and Don at the front gardens, separate from the main complex out back. To the left is the entrance drive.

One of the great things about Costa Rice (CR), is that the country is only a bit over three hours by air from our little corner of Texas. After a short taxi ride we arrived at the Hotel Bou ...

2009-02-22T11:08:05Z

mtns2molhilz
One of the great things about Costa Rice (CR), is that the country is only a bit over three hours by air from our little corner of Texas. After a short taxi ride we arrived at the Hotel Bou ...

It was not easy to bid farewell to Carrara, Villa Lapas and the Tarcoles River, but we had more ground to cover, and more birds to add to the list. Here we paused on our upslope climb to en ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
It was not easy to bid farewell to Carrara, Villa Lapas and the Tarcoles River, but we had more ground to cover, and more birds to add to the list. Here we paused on our upslope climb to en ...

Shortly after leaving Orotina, the main Pacific coast access highway crosses the moutains and heads down toward the sea. Carrara National Park is the big birding attraction in these parts, ...

2009-02-23T04:09:15Z

mtns2molhilz
Shortly after leaving Orotina, the main Pacific coast access highway crosses the moutains and heads down toward the sea. Carrara National Park is the big birding attraction in these parts, ...

The Tarcoles River bridge is also a popular Croc watching spot, as the critters gather to sun themselves and lounge along the banks. Maybe that middle one WAS as big as the statue at the Bo ...

2009-02-23T04:12:31Z

mtns2molhilz
The Tarcoles River bridge is also a popular Croc watching spot, as the critters gather to sun themselves and lounge along the banks. Maybe that middle one WAS as big as the statue at the Bo ...

Gerald at the Tarcoles River bridge.

2009-02-23T04:10:18Z

mtns2molhilz
Gerald at the Tarcoles River bridge.

After leaving the Pacific lowlands, crossing back into the Central valley, we headed up onto the Carribean plateau for our first taste of the high country, near the Virgen del Socorro area. ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
After leaving the Pacific lowlands, crossing back into the Central valley, we headed up onto the Carribean plateau for our first taste of the high country, near the Virgen del Socorro area. ...

Well it was really hard to leave La Selva, but the time came around for the final leg of our journey, the trip to Savegre Mountain lodge in the Talamanca Mountains. But before we left the C ...

2009-03-03T04:08:49Z

mtns2molhilz
Well it was really hard to leave La Selva, but the time came around for the final leg of our journey, the trip to Savegre Mountain lodge in the Talamanca Mountains. But before we left the C ...

Hang on there a minute, what's that...!

2009-03-03T04:11:27Z

mtns2molhilz
Hang on there a minute, what's that...!

Longer view of LS's cafeteria and admin complex. Note the fruiting, flowering trees that were such a spectacular bird draw.

2009-02-25T03:03:37Z

mtns2molhilz
Longer view of LS's cafeteria and admin complex. Note the fruiting, flowering trees that were such a spectacular bird draw.

Sherry in front of the new tourist cabins. These are set a ways, probably a 15-minute walk, back from the main group of buildings. There is a paved path leading to these cluster of 8 priv ...

2009-02-25T03:12:14Z

mtns2molhilz
Sherry in front of the new tourist cabins. These are set a ways, probably a 15-minute walk, back from the main group of buildings. There is a paved path leading to these cluster of 8 priv ...

Atop some of the higher peaks in Central and South America is a very specialized form of habitat, a sort of tropical tundra country called "paramo". Like boreal tundra, vegatation is stunt ...

2009-03-04T22:23:26Z

mtns2molhilz
Atop some of the higher peaks in Central and South America is a very specialized form of habitat, a sort of tropical tundra country called "paramo". Like boreal tundra, vegatation is stunt ...

For parts of several days we retained one of the resident lodge guides, Marino, for trips along the road and up into Savagre's private reserve. Sherry and Marino, about to embark on a Quetz ...

2009-03-03T04:58:54Z

mtns2molhilz
For parts of several days we retained one of the resident lodge guides, Marino, for trips along the road and up into Savagre's private reserve. Sherry and Marino, about to embark on a Quetz ...

The entrance lobby and connected resturant, nestled among thick flowering shrubs and trees is pictured above. Service was white-glove all the way, and the food was quite excellent; particu ...

2009-03-03T04:45:04Z

mtns2molhilz
The entrance lobby and connected resturant, nestled among thick flowering shrubs and trees is pictured above. Service was white-glove all the way, and the food was quite excellent; particu ...

Another view of the streamside walkway and gardens, Savagre Mountain Lodge.

2009-03-03T04:55:25Z

mtns2molhilz
Another view of the streamside walkway and gardens, Savagre Mountain Lodge.

Another view of entrance road leading to Savegre Lodge, CR.

2009-03-03T04:54:49Z

mtns2molhilz
Another view of entrance road leading to Savegre Lodge, CR.

The valley is one of the best places for the specialties of this isolated high country. Vegatation on the upper slopes is true cloud forest, perhaps not as lush as Monteverde, but much les ...

2009-03-03T04:42:16Z

mtns2molhilz
The valley is one of the best places for the specialties of this isolated high country. Vegatation on the upper slopes is true cloud forest, perhaps not as lush as Monteverde, but much les ...

To reach the Talamancas from LS, requires a trip back into and over the central volcano highlands, and down the Interamerican Highway, a journey of 4 or 5 hours duration. Unfortunately for ...

2009-03-03T04:37:29Z

mtns2molhilz
To reach the Talamancas from LS, requires a trip back into and over the central volcano highlands, and down the Interamerican Highway, a journey of 4 or 5 hours duration. Unfortunately for ...

Mountain Stream, alongside Savagre Lodge. Note to the right the swath of grass; here were benches for relaxing and gardens for strolling.

2009-03-03T04:54:57Z

mtns2molhilz
Mountain Stream, alongside Savagre Lodge. Note to the right the swath of grass; here were benches for relaxing and gardens for strolling.

The views in and around this mountain oasis were truly stunning! After the hot, humid lowlands of the Pacific and Caribbean climes, the cool 40-ish night and morning temps at Savegre were a ...

2009-03-03T04:54:49Z

mtns2molhilz
The views in and around this mountain oasis were truly stunning! After the hot, humid lowlands of the Pacific and Caribbean climes, the cool 40-ish night and morning temps at Savegre were a ...

Same view as the previous pic- here I tried to expose more for the gardens. Each room had a nice porch, but needless to say none of us spent much time here!

2009-03-03T04:57:05Z

mtns2molhilz
Same view as the previous pic- here I tried to expose more for the gardens. Each room had a nice porch, but needless to say none of us spent much time here!

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, common in many locales thruout CR.

2009-02-23T02:15:13Z

mtns2molhilz
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, common in many locales thruout CR.

Tropical Kingbird, very common resident of open habitats in most of the areas we visited.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Tropical Kingbird, very common resident of open habitats in most of the areas we visited.

Blue-grey Tanager, HB gardens. Depending on the light, BG's can look washed out as in this shot, or more deeply saturated and sky blue at other times. Common in most habitats and locations ...

2009-02-23T02:17:18Z

mtns2molhilz
Blue-grey Tanager, HB gardens. Depending on the light, BG's can look washed out as in this shot, or more deeply saturated and sky blue at other times. Common in most habitats and locations ...

None of the shots of Blue-crowned Motmot turned out so good, but we had at least 3 of these handsome birds quietly perched in the HB gardens.

2009-02-23T02:14:21Z

mtns2molhilz
None of the shots of Blue-crowned Motmot turned out so good, but we had at least 3 of these handsome birds quietly perched in the HB gardens.

Sunset over the Pacific. The colors shown here are just what we were seeing; absolutely spectacular!

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Sunset over the Pacific. The colors shown here are just what we were seeing; absolutely spectacular!

Here, right at sundown, where the Tarcoles meets the Pacific, we experienced one of the most magnificent sunsets imaginable; sure wish I would've packed that wide angle lens along, as the s ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Here, right at sundown, where the Tarcoles meets the Pacific, we experienced one of the most magnificent sunsets imaginable; sure wish I would've packed that wide angle lens along, as the s ...

Lazy Mangrove channel offshoot of the Tarcoles River, Costa Rica.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Lazy Mangrove channel offshoot of the Tarcoles River, Costa Rica.

The going got a bit dicey in the narrower side channels, but it was up this one where we got another glimpse of several Scarlet Macaws, flying around and squawking like crazy- our guide thou ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
The going got a bit dicey in the narrower side channels, but it was up this one where we got another glimpse of several Scarlet Macaws, flying around and squawking like crazy- our guide thou ...

Of course a visit to the Pacific lowlands of CR is not a complete success without a least a passing tick beside the Scarlet Macaw entry, and we were lucky enough to get three individual sigh ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Of course a visit to the Pacific lowlands of CR is not a complete success without a least a passing tick beside the Scarlet Macaw entry, and we were lucky enough to get three individual sigh ...

American Pygmy Kingfisher, Tarcoles River.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
American Pygmy Kingfisher, Tarcoles River.

Again, an approach by boat afforded great views, and seemed to act as a blind or hide of sorts, serving to calm our quarry.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Again, an approach by boat afforded great views, and seemed to act as a blind or hide of sorts, serving to calm our quarry.

One of the real gems of our trip was this tiny sprite of a bird, the American Pygmy Kingfisher. The bird afforded all good looks, and some decent photos too.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
One of the real gems of our trip was this tiny sprite of a bird, the American Pygmy Kingfisher. The bird afforded all good looks, and some decent photos too.

One of the advantages to birding by boat, of course, is the ability to view birds in locations inaccessable otherwise. In addition birds always seem to me to be less wary of humans in a boa ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
One of the advantages to birding by boat, of course, is the ability to view birds in locations inaccessable otherwise. In addition birds always seem to me to be less wary of humans in a boa ...

... with a face only a mother could love!

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
... with a face only a mother could love!

The postively prehistoric looking Boat-billed Heron.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
The postively prehistoric looking Boat-billed Heron.

Deeper into the creeks, the water shallows and slows, sandbars appear and the stream diameter narrows. Along these byways we had excellent looks, but alas no photo ops, at Mangrove Warbler. ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Deeper into the creeks, the water shallows and slows, sandbars appear and the stream diameter narrows. Along these byways we had excellent looks, but alas no photo ops, at Mangrove Warbler. ...

After leaving the Hotel Bouganvilla at 10 a.m., the drive to the Pacific side took about 4 hours or so, and after checking in at the Villa Lapas, we had arranged for boat tour of the Mangro ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
After leaving the Hotel Bouganvilla at 10 a.m., the drive to the Pacific side took about 4 hours or so, and after checking in at the Villa Lapas, we had arranged for boat tour of the Mangro ...

Boat-billed Flycatcher, Orotina Square, city park.

2009-02-23T04:03:24Z

mtns2molhilz
Boat-billed Flycatcher, Orotina Square, city park.

Mist-clad mountains in the distance and lush jungle along the banks made for an unforgettable backdrop as our search for Mangrove habitat specialists commenced. Tarcoles River.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Mist-clad mountains in the distance and lush jungle along the banks made for an unforgettable backdrop as our search for Mangrove habitat specialists commenced. Tarcoles River.

Wilson's Warbler, very common to abundant winter resident to all areas visited, especially common in the mountains.

2009-02-23T04:05:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Wilson's Warbler, very common to abundant winter resident to all areas visited, especially common in the mountains.

Blue-grey Tanager, HB gardens.

2009-02-23T02:49:01Z

mtns2molhilz
Blue-grey Tanager, HB gardens.

Orotina city park would most likely be an interesting place to visit early in the day, before the crowds arrive. A green oasis in a surrounding expanse of markets, shops and concrete. Seve ...

2009-02-23T09:52:49Z

mtns2molhilz
Orotina city park would most likely be an interesting place to visit early in the day, before the crowds arrive. A green oasis in a surrounding expanse of markets, shops and concrete. Seve ...

Once located, however, it was nothing short of amazing to observe the utter lack of concern at the hundreds of humans and their carryings on not twenty feet below! Apparently a pair, they t ...

2009-02-23T04:02:31Z

mtns2molhilz
Once located, however, it was nothing short of amazing to observe the utter lack of concern at the hundreds of humans and their carryings on not twenty feet below! Apparently a pair, they t ...

Every birder should afford themselves of the opportunity to view "the world's most accessible black and white owls", which roost in the town square at Orotina. The small hamlet was on our w ...

2009-02-23T03:53:48Z

mtns2molhilz
Every birder should afford themselves of the opportunity to view "the world's most accessible black and white owls", which roost in the town square at Orotina. The small hamlet was on our w ...

Yet another Blue-crowned Motmot. These birds can be exceedingly difficult to spot if sitting still, which they often are. The soft burnished buffs, greens and blues melt right away into th ...

2009-02-23T02:28:57Z

mtns2molhilz
Yet another Blue-crowned Motmot. These birds can be exceedingly difficult to spot if sitting still, which they often are. The soft burnished buffs, greens and blues melt right away into th ...

Thoughout the garden paths are scattered sculptures and statues, like this gentleman frozen in time, relaxing barefoot on a bench. Note the trellis in the background- numbers of interesting ...

2009-02-23T02:25:07Z

mtns2molhilz
Thoughout the garden paths are scattered sculptures and statues, like this gentleman frozen in time, relaxing barefoot on a bench. Note the trellis in the background- numbers of interesting ...

The field guides often describe the tail color as "purple"; my first hue that came of my mind was "grape"! Green-breasted Mango, Hotel Bouganvilla.

2009-02-23T02:10:46Z

mtns2molhilz
The field guides often describe the tail color as "purple"; my first hue that came of my mind was "grape"! Green-breasted Mango, Hotel Bouganvilla.

Wandering down the pathways and among the plantings, we spied some birds here found nowhere else on our trip, despite the fact HB was pretty much inside San Jose proper, albeit in a resident ...

2009-02-23T02:08:41Z

mtns2molhilz
Wandering down the pathways and among the plantings, we spied some birds here found nowhere else on our trip, despite the fact HB was pretty much inside San Jose proper, albeit in a resident ...

Isolated specimen plantings and dappled, ever changing light patterns provide an endless challenge to any budding photographer.

2009-02-23T02:33:48Z

mtns2molhilz
Isolated specimen plantings and dappled, ever changing light patterns provide an endless challenge to any budding photographer.

Another familiar bird of passage for us on the Upper Texas Coast, Tennessee Warbler.

2009-02-23T02:22:29Z

mtns2molhilz
Another familiar bird of passage for us on the Upper Texas Coast, Tennessee Warbler.

For those interested in butterflies, they will find no shortage of these colorful creatures in Costa Rica.

2009-02-23T02:32:11Z

mtns2molhilz
For those interested in butterflies, they will find no shortage of these colorful creatures in Costa Rica.

One of the neat things about birding the American tropics in winter is the presence of "our birds", like the familiar Yellow-throated Vireo. No dummie this one, as he picked an outstanding, ...

2009-02-23T02:21:50Z

mtns2molhilz
One of the neat things about birding the American tropics in winter is the presence of "our birds", like the familiar Yellow-throated Vireo. No dummie this one, as he picked an outstanding, ...

Some of the trails are more closed in, dark and narrow, giving one the feel of a true jungle trek.

2009-02-23T02:30:23Z

mtns2molhilz
Some of the trails are more closed in, dark and narrow, giving one the feel of a true jungle trek.

We say numbers of Baltimore Orioles overwintering in CR- especially on the Pacific Side, where I counted 15 in one Palm Tree, going to roost on the Grounds of the Hotel Villa Lapas! Male Ba ...

2009-02-23T02:41:04Z

mtns2molhilz
We say numbers of Baltimore Orioles overwintering in CR- especially on the Pacific Side, where I counted 15 in one Palm Tree, going to roost on the Grounds of the Hotel Villa Lapas! Male Ba ...

Blue-crowned Motmot, Hotel Bouganvilla gardens, San Jose, Costa Rica.

2009-02-23T02:29:41Z

mtns2molhilz
Blue-crowned Motmot, Hotel Bouganvilla gardens, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Small numbers of these tropical grosbeaks, Grayish Saltators, perched high up in the leafy canopy, or ocassionally out in the open, as seen here.

2009-02-23T02:19:42Z

mtns2molhilz
Small numbers of these tropical grosbeaks, Grayish Saltators, perched high up in the leafy canopy, or ocassionally out in the open, as seen here.

Pacific coast specialty, Orange-collared Manakin, Costa Rican/Panamanian endemic. Mankins are a challenge to capture on film, and our shots won't win any prizes, but at least will document ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Pacific coast specialty, Orange-collared Manakin, Costa Rican/Panamanian endemic. Mankins are a challenge to capture on film, and our shots won't win any prizes, but at least will document ...

Woodcreepers can be a confusing lot, and a tad difficult to pin down to species in part due to their tree hugging habits. The combination of large size, dark bill and overall strongly barre ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Woodcreepers can be a confusing lot, and a tad difficult to pin down to species in part due to their tree hugging habits. The combination of large size, dark bill and overall strongly barre ...

Black-hooded Antshrike and lunch, Carrara National Park.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Black-hooded Antshrike and lunch, Carrara National Park.

Northern Barred Woodcreeper, Carrara National Park. These birds fly from tree to tree, hitching up the trunk in the manner of woodpeckers, searching the crevices for a quick meal.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Northern Barred Woodcreeper, Carrara National Park. These birds fly from tree to tree, hitching up the trunk in the manner of woodpeckers, searching the crevices for a quick meal.

The tropics are chock full of "Antbirds", so-named for their habit of attending army ant swarms and preying upon the insect life flushed as a result of the advancing columns. This female Bl ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
The tropics are chock full of "Antbirds", so-named for their habit of attending army ant swarms and preying upon the insect life flushed as a result of the advancing columns. This female Bl ...

We were lucky to spot a Great Tinamou crossing the trail right in front of us at Carrara; these terrestrial skulkers usually stay well out of sight in the dense undergrowth.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
We were lucky to spot a Great Tinamou crossing the trail right in front of us at Carrara; these terrestrial skulkers usually stay well out of sight in the dense undergrowth.

Birding at Carrara, as at most other tropical hotspots, consists of lots of walking and listening, with little in the way of bird activity, punctuated by frantic ticking of species once a mi ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Birding at Carrara, as at most other tropical hotspots, consists of lots of walking and listening, with little in the way of bird activity, punctuated by frantic ticking of species once a mi ...

Another one of the many highlights of our visit to CR was the final tally of Manakin species, 5 in all. Here was quite a surprise we happened upon, Blue-crowned Mankin. Carrara is an ecoto ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Another one of the many highlights of our visit to CR was the final tally of Manakin species, 5 in all. Here was quite a surprise we happened upon, Blue-crowned Mankin. Carrara is an ecoto ...

Scarlet Macaw, Carrara National park.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Scarlet Macaw, Carrara National park.

The next day, at Carrara, in addition to numerous great birds, we spotted a pair of Scarlet Macaws either attending a nest, or checking out a likely homestead.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
The next day, at Carrara, in addition to numerous great birds, we spotted a pair of Scarlet Macaws either attending a nest, or checking out a likely homestead.

Great Kisskadee Flycatcher, quite common in CR, especially near water. Hotel Villa Lapas.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
Great Kisskadee Flycatcher, quite common in CR, especially near water. Hotel Villa Lapas.

A family of Red-legged Honeycreepers, grounds of Hotel Villa Lapas.

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
A family of Red-legged Honeycreepers, grounds of Hotel Villa Lapas.

We spent three nights at the Villa Lapas Hotel, the premier digs within shouting distance of Carrrara's main entrance. The property is bounded by a steep hill on one side, and a rock hoppin ...

2009-02-24T03:27:11Z

mtns2molhilz
We spent three nights at the Villa Lapas Hotel, the premier digs within shouting distance of Carrrara's main entrance. The property is bounded by a steep hill on one side, and a rock hoppin ...

Blue-throated Toucanette

2009-02-24T03:53:34Z

mtns2molhilz
Blue-throated Toucanette

Chinchona feeder scene with Silver-throated Tanagers and, at the far right edge, Common Bush Tanager.

2009-02-24T03:50:32Z

mtns2molhilz
Chinchona feeder scene with Silver-throated Tanagers and, at the far right edge, Common Bush Tanager.

Although we never saw this Golden-olive Woodpecker land on the trays directly, it was neat to get a good look at him just the same.

2009-02-24T03:50:32Z

mtns2molhilz
Although we never saw this Golden-olive Woodpecker land on the trays directly, it was neat to get a good look at him just the same.

Yet another highly patterned tropical species, this one in the blackbird family, Montezuma Oropendula. More wary than most of the other species at Chinchona, they often dominated at the fee ...

2009-02-24T04:11:24Z

mtns2molhilz
Yet another highly patterned tropical species, this one in the blackbird family, Montezuma Oropendula. More wary than most of the other species at Chinchona, they often dominated at the fee ...

One of the most spectacular hummers in CR, maybe the most, is this eyepopper, the Violet Sabrewing. These birds perched and fed at such close distances that, at least for me, getting a dec ...

2009-02-24T03:50:32Z

mtns2molhilz
One of the most spectacular hummers in CR, maybe the most, is this eyepopper, the Violet Sabrewing. These birds perched and fed at such close distances that, at least for me, getting a dec ...

Prong-billed and Red-headed Barbet.

2009-02-24T03:50:31Z

mtns2molhilz
Prong-billed and Red-headed Barbet.

Green Hermit, Chinchona Feeders, CR

2009-03-04T22:32:15Z

mtns2molhilz
Green Hermit, Chinchona Feeders, CR

Prong-billed Barbet. Another full-frame, uncropped photo.

2009-02-24T03:52:43Z

mtns2molhilz
Prong-billed Barbet. Another full-frame, uncropped photo.

Green Hermit, Chinchona feeders, Costa Rica.

2009-02-24T03:50:31Z

mtns2molhilz
Green Hermit, Chinchona feeders, Costa Rica.