WHAT ENSENADA, A ONE-NIGHT STAND, on the Gulf of Nicoya, lacked in amenities (hot water) it made up for with owls. We saw both the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and the Tropical Screech Owl up close and personal right outside our door. Otherwise there was nothing extraordinary as we wandered the mixed forest/pastureland until we arrived at the salt pans. Connie saw one of her more elusive quarries among the myriad dowithchers, sandpipers, plovers and stilts. She has searched for the Surfbird as far away as Alaska without results. Until today.
The elusive Surfbird
We continued to bird our way to Carara National Park and the Hotel del Montagne, the nicest of the trip. Some of us had trouble with hot water but that was more than made up for by the hotels “all-inclusive” policy, including adult beverages. Toucans, aracaris, trogons and frogs awaited us on the hotel grounds. Even a spectacled owl for those willing to explore in the 4:30 pre-dawn. We paid the price with 13- and 14-hour days. We saw so many birds I’m surprised that the Aussies didn’t explode.
Red-eyed Tree Frog
And afternoon boat ride gave us a little respite from the heat and lens-fogging humidity, plus a look for some American crocodiles and plenty of birds. It also gave us a break from the pushing and shoving on the trail. We have about had it with this group thing, especially with our fellow countrymen and women, who always seem to elbow into the best viewing position. And never leaving. Even Forest, an otherwise excellent guide, has been more concerned with getting his photos than making sure everyone has a good look.
Turquoise Cotinga
On the plus side our guides know where to look as they demonstrated on today’s marathon drive through San Isidro de General. We turned onto a side road in front of the technical school to find a prize — the Turquoise Cotinga. Half of my 200 photos today featured this blue beauty with its lavender cap and breast patch. Even so, Connie’s favorite photo of the trip was of a female green honey creeper taken when we slipped away for some time on our own.
Female Green Honey Creeper
