• Michael and Helen CookMexico to BrazilMichael and Helen Cook
    The view from 2700m at 5.30am
    Flame throated Hummingbird - iridescence offAnd now on - just a slight turnElegant EuphoniaSilver throated tanagerResplendent Quetzal, 1m tail feathersChecking out nest siteAnybody at home?Long tailed silky flycatcherFlame coloured tanagerGolden crowned chlorophoniaUnderstated Clay coloured thrush (Costa Rica's national bird)Costa Rican Pygmy OwlA plane crash we found in the forest, the pilot was killedSlaty flowerpiecer

    Talamanca Highlands

    Apr 1–3, 2024 in Costa Rica ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Down the western spine of southern Costa Rica run the Talamanca Highlands which includes the highest mountain in Costa Rica at just under 4000m. We came to this area for the birding which has a high number of regional endemics (found nowhere else)

    We left Monteverde yesterday on the 5.30am bus getting to the capital San Jose at 10.30. We have arranged a car hire for two weeks and they let us pick it up three hours early. I think our effort at Spanish helped.

    We arrived at our lodge at 2200m in time for some birding adding several new species from our balcony.

    This morning we were out the door at 4.45am and birding in the cold 3 degrees at 5.30am. Lots of good birds including a crazy busy hummingbird feeder video.

    Costa Rica has some amazingly colourful birds which makes their choice of national bird quite understated (see photos).    Read more