Fantastic Costa Rica welcomed us with amazing views of a Lesson’s Motmot (Momotus lessoni) feeding on infructescences of a bromeliad, at eye level. Also, with pairs of Rufous-naped Wrens (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) giving their display accompanied by their cacophonic voice and Boat-billed Flycatchers (Megarynchus pitangua) chasing away a raptor that was close to their nesting site. From San José we drove to Cerro de la Muerte where enjoyed superb views of Fiery-throated Hummingbirds – a regional endemic (Panterpe insignis) and Talamanca Hummingbird – a recent split off from Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis). Also, we observed two species of silky-flycatchers, the enchanting Collared Redstart (Myioborus torquatus) and two species of thrushes. Given that the weather was still great, after lunch we took a detour to the antenna road where various Volcano Junco (Junco vulcani) were added to our list along the territorial and diminutive Timberline Wren (Thryorchilus browni). Towards the mid-afternoon we took the road towards our lodge, named Savegre, and along the way we nailed our first Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor) for the tour. Yet, the birding continued in the gardens of the lodge with amazing views of Yellow-thighed Finch (Pselliophorus tibialis), Flame-colored Tanager – now a cardinal (Piranga bidentata) and Yellow-bellied Siskins (Spinus xanthogastrus). And, all of it just in the first day of our tour! Enjoy this photo album to experience the natural wonders of Costa Rica!
