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THE BEST OF COSTA RICA
Saturday 6th December - Thursday 18th December 2008
Matt Denton
It comes as little surprise that Resplendent Quetzal was voted once again as our bird-of-the-trip given our breathtaking views of this beautiful creature. There is also no doubt that Costa Rica is the best country to see this species given its excellent system of national parks and lovely birding lodges. In just over 10 days we recorded a total of 409 bird species including 45 species restricted to one of the country’s three different endemic bird areas. In addition to the many personal highlights, a duelling pair of Green-fronted Lancebills, a hard-won Zeledonia (Wrenthrush), breathtaking close-ups of Streak-chested Antpitta, a slew of Red-headed Barbets, an excellent antswarm with Ocellated, Bicoloured and Spotted Antbirds, an active lek of displaying Orange-collared Manakins, a perched male Mangrove Hummingbird at close-focus range, and the retiring Whistling Wren perched and singing at close-quarter were some of our more notable sightings. We experienced very good weather throughout with rain experienced on only one morning (at Braulio Carrillo). We were all impressed with the wealth of wildlife on display amidst the attractive Costa Rican countryside. From noisy macaws, gaudy toucans and roadside owls to howler monkeys, morpho butterflies and American crocodiles, Costa Rica continues to thrill birder and naturalist alike.
