Thursday, February 21, 2019

Costa Rica 29 and 30 January 2019

29 January 2019
El Coco - Horizontes Experimental Forest - El Coco

     Franc, Jim and I visited Horizontes Experimental Forest while the ladies all elected to stay back and enjoy the pool.
     It was a hot, dusty drive into Horizontes, along a bumpy dirt road. We stopped periodically to do a little birding and a young woman passed us, walking the considerable distance from the highway to the research centre, but was confronted by a cow that looked a little mean, and could not be scared off, so we gave her a ride. This pleased her greatly, from two standpoints I am sure, cutting short the distance she had to walk in the hot sun, and not having to deal with the threatening bovine.
     When we arrived at the dusty compound of buildings a pleasant young fellow, Marlon, chatted to us and pointed us in the direction of a "birdy" trail. We certainly appreciated his help.
     Many trees were flowering and they were a magnet for parrots and butterflies.



     A Northern Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) found a high vantage point to scan for possible food.



     We walked the trail, which was about a 4.5 km loop, but the birding was fairly tough. The cover was quite dense and there was not a whole lot of visible activity.
     I took very few photographs and this one of a Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus) is hardly the best!



     Marlon had advised us that Northern Potoo (Nyctibius jamaicensis) could be found along this trail, but despite our best efforts we were unable to locate one.
     The most exciting bird of the circuit was a Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui), which put in a brief appearance at a small patch of water. I think that the ratio of times I have seen tinamous, as opposed to hearing them, must be at least ten to one in favour of hearing, so this sighting was especially pleasing.
     We located a dead snake, which I believe is a Reticulated Centipede Snake (Tantilla reticulata), missing its head. Perhaps we disturbed whatever had killed the snake, although we did not see any sudden movement of an animal or bird of prey fleeing the scene.



     When we finished our walk Marlon came to see us again and took us to a dining room where we could have had lunch. Had we planned on staying later we would have been glad to take him up on the offer but we had no way of getting hold of Miriam, Francine or Carol to let them know we would not be back around noon.
     As it turned out Miriam and I took lunch at a local restaurant in El Coco, where the food was quite delicious. I had a dish called Volcanoes which was a kind of Casado, quite picante and tasty as could be. Miriam had Quesadilla which she was also very happy with.
     After lunch Miriam read for a while, took a dip in the pool, checked her Facebook page, I read, had a nap....in other words we did very little of anything! And when the temperature is 35 degrees that sounds like a great plan!

All species 29 January: Little Tinamou, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Roadside Hawk, White-tipped Dove, Grey-headed Dove, White-winged Dove, Groove-billed Ani, Squirrel Cuckoo, Green-breasted Mango, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Black-headed Trogon, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Hoffmann's Woodpecker, Northern Crested Caracara, Red-fronted Parrotlet, White-fronted Amazon, Woodcreeper, sp., Fasciated Antshrike, Great Kiskadee, Tropical Kingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Brown Jay, Rufous-backed Wren, Banded Wren, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Clay-coloured Thrush, Steak-backed Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Great-tailed Grackle, Tennessee Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler.

30 January 2019
El Coco - Palo Verde National Park - El Coco
      
     We left at 06h:00 to drive to Palo Verde. 
     As we got close to the park we started to bird as various species were seen in the arid Guanacaste landscape.



     Scattered trees provided both perches and cover, alas mostly quite far from the road.
     A Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) was our only sighting of this species during the entire trip.



     A Stripe-headed Sparrow (Peucaea ruficauda) is a very striking little bird and we were happy to see several of them.




     I remembered this area quite well from when we had been here with Charlie Gomez and Niño Morales of Costa Rica Expeditions, and I knew that there were other places that were potentially productive, but not having their detailed knowledge that didn't help me much!
     Far and away the most exciting find was an Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) which flew from its perch almost as soon as we saw it and moved even farther away. Everyone had a decent look, however, and in going over the field marks based on everyone's impressions, it is clear that it was an Aplomado Falcon. I notified Charlie of the sighting and he expressed complete confidence in this record. He advised that other views of this enigmatic species have occurred near Palo Verde.
      This nest of a wasp or hornet looks like something you don't want to mess with!



     You actually enter the national park before arriving at the office where you have to check in, but the water was not hosting many birds it appeared.



     

     Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina) is, as the name implies, common, sometimes not even on the ground!


     The signage just before arriving at the office is impressive!



     At first there was no one in the office, and we were about to leave and drive on into the park when someone walking over from what appeared to be a residence, hailed us, and we waited for him to arrive. We all went into the office where each one of us signed in and paid our fee.


       We were able to get maps and advice on the trails. We wanted to find Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) and were advised that the best trail to achieve that goal was La Roca.  Little did we know that it was difficult trail, over rugged terrain, constantly rising.

   
     Aptly called La Roca, the view from the summit was quite spectacular, but so far from the wetlands below it was impossible to identify some of the birds.


     We did see Jabiru, but very far away indeed, and it was so windy we could hardly hold our binoculars still. 
     When you climb up, you have to clamber back down.


     We found the boardwalk where we had enjoyed the best birding of all during our previous visit to Palo Verde. 


     The cutout of the Jabiru is the closest we got to it!
     The level of the water was much lower than when we were last here and the bird life commensurately diminished. And the wind was exceptionally strong too.


     Much of the area was almost dry and there were a few Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and even fewer Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata), and no Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) at all. 
     We walked up and down the boardwalk spotting what we could.


     A Great Egret (Ardea alba) came in to land to join only two or three others present.


     Several Northern Jacanas (Jacana spinosa) moved around in the vegetation quite close to the boardwalk.

     
      A few Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) led us to muse whether a few of them might have visited us at SpruceHaven last year!
      Black Spiny-tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) showed little inclination to sidestep humans.



     We had made prior arrangements to have lunch at the Centre for Neotropical Studies, from a well stocked self-serve buffet featuring salad, rice and beans, vegetables, and chicken, with fresh fruit for dessert.
     Leaving for home after lunch, we ran into a small troupe of White-throated Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus capucinus), a fitting farewell it seemed.




      Carol and Franc had to take the rental car back and while they did that Miriam and I relaxed in the heat of the Guanacaste afternoon. At times I think that were as many birds around the apartment complex as there had been at Palo Verde!  

All species 30 January: Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Muscovy Duck, Wood Stork, Jabiru, Roseate Spoonbill, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Western Osprey, Purple Gallinule, Southern Lapwing, Northern Jacana, Least Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Rock Dove, Inca Dove, Common Ground Dove, White-winged Dove, Groove-billed Ani, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Black-headed Trogon, Hoffmann's Woodpecker, Northern Crested Caracara, Aplomado Falcon, White-fronted Amazon, Scarlet Macaw, Great Kiskadee, Tropical Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Grey-breasted Martin, Blue-and-white Swallow, Barn Swallow, Rufous-backed Wren, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Tropical Mockingbird, House Sparrow,Stripe-headed Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Morelet's Seedeater.
     

David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

51 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    I love how you list all the species at the end of your days/posts - it really helps to understand just what variety you manage to spy!!! I do miss living in tropical climes... YAM xx

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  2. Bueno amigo David, muchas veces no acompaña la suerte, donde uno cree puede haber bastante movimiento resulta todo lo contrario. De todas formas de vuestro viaje a Costa Rica yo creo que la balanza es bastante positiva a vuestro favor.
    Pienso que Miriam intuía la falta de movimiento y lo pasó mejor en la piscina refrescándose.
    Tu relato como siempre impecable.
    Buenas noches y un fuerte abrazo querido amigo David.

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    1. There will be much more in the next episode, Juan.

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  3. Hola David, gracias por compartir tu viaje con nosotros.

    Me gustaron todas las especies fotografiadas, pero siento envidia por el Caracara, ¿Quién pudiera girar así la cabeza! xD

    ¿David, qué tiene el segundo lagarto debajo de la nuca, es como las "banderas" que se le colocan a las aves para identificarlos?

    Un abrazo desde Galicia,

    Rafa.

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    1. You are very observant, Rafa. It is indeed a tag on the iguana and I forgot to mention it in the text. You will recall that we had lunch at the Centre for Tropical Studies, and they have an active research project on this species. Kudos to you for your close attention, un fuerte abrazo amigo mio. David

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  4. The view from La Roca is my favourite.

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  5. It's amazing how varied Costa Rica is. Nice capuchin monkey photos. The variety of life there is amazing compared to what us northerners have.

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  6. I am so impressed with your knowledge and passion. Our son spent a UCSD summer quarter in Costa Rica, studying insects. It was an experience he will never forget.

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  7. Jag konstaterar att det inte är enbart fåglar du kan artbestämma utan även alla däggdjur som finns i omgivningarna, imponerande med tanke på den stora artrikedom som finns i landet.
    I naturen finns ingen plats som inte är ockuperad av något eller någon men jag måste säga att jag aldrig kunnat föreställa mig en liten sparv som sitter på en förfärligt taggig kaktus!

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    1. Some birds build their nests in cactus stands, Gunilla, and it is amazing to see them fly in, evading the thorns that provide them with so much protection from would-be predators.

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  8. Hi David.

    I enjoyed all the beautiful animals and birds that you show.
    I really like the Musduif.

    Groettie from Patricia.

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  9. You did manage to get some good sightings of birds, reptile and the monkeys. Have a great weekend!

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  10. Reservation for flora and fauna, with tax as well as theater...

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  11. A nice diverse collection of wildlife, David. I enjoy seeing your photos, they are pretty impressive.

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  12. Hello, David
    Great post and photos. I enjoyed seeing the birds, monkeys and the views. The Crested Caracara is one of my favorite birds. I have seen them a few times on different trips. Happy Birding! Enjoy your day, have a great weekend ahead!

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  13. Hello David, a beautyful reserve so it seems. To bad there was less water than you remember from last time you were there. Still you managed to see some beautyful birds and I like very much the reptiles you saw. Such amazing creatures. The monkey is great to see as well. Hope the rain is stil to come and fill up the reservoirs.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  14. Hi David
    Beautiful Costa Rica, you are a lucky person. The birds, Iguanas, Snake, Monkeys, etc, excellence.

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  15. Still a nice collection of sightings even though the birding wasn't as good as hoped for at La Roca, it looks like quite a trek, but what a view though!

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    1. It was still a fine experience, Pam, and the next segment should make up for it.

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  16. Great finds! The Stripe Headed Sparrow reminds me somewhat of the Western Spindalis that I chased and dipped on in FL a few yrs back. Another fun post looking forward to the next.

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    1. Western Spindalis was reasonably common for us in Cuba.

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  17. Another thoroughly enjoyable post, David, even if your birding was a little less productive than you hoped for, and the effort involved seemed to be obeying the law of diminishing returns. I get the impression that it was not just you humans that were finding it too hot for comfort!

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  18. Some great photos,but I will pass on the snake even with a missing head!

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  19. Beautiful images, David. I love the Capuchin monkey. Very cute!

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  20. Mereció la pena el paseo, aunque no viste muchos pájaros son muy bonitos. Esperando el siguiente reportaje. Besitos.

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  21. I too didn't realise how the landscape of Costa Rica is so diverse and spectacular. Your team did some serious trekking in search of birds there David. Of course, the locals through their experience and detailed knowledge generally know where to find certain species in their particular niche but imparting that information and pinpointing birds to strangers to an area can be difficult.

    Enjoy your weekend. Hope the weather is warming as it is here.

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  22. the landscapes alone were worth the trip...but you did see some really beautiful birds!! a beautiful capture of the egret in flight!!

    the monkeys are adorable!!

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  23. Perhaps not as many birds as you wished for but a great adventure with the bonus of the incredible iguanas and cheeky monleys.

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  24. wow, I have been to Costa Rica onsce and seeing your images I now want to go back. But I don´t think my body want that. It was the toughest trip I ever made. Walking in slippery rainforests on high altitude :) Loved it but it was hard. It was a birding trip so mostly birds was seen Don´t remember any monkyes. Thanks for reminders :)

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  25. Extraordinario reportaje, me ha encantado. Costa Rica es un auténtico paraíso para la fauna, con un sin fin de ecosistemas diferentes. Un fuerte abrazo desde España amigo mío.

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  26. It sounds as if the weather and terrain were something of a challenge, but what a thrill to see the Aplomado falcon! Surprised to see the monkeys roaming around so freely, don't they damage the habitat or are these ones endemic to the area?

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    1. It is not endmic to Costa Rica, Jenny, ranging down through Panama and into Colombia, but it is certainly a native species in its natural habitat.

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  27. A wonderful account of your trips with beautiful images. Have a lovely weekend.

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  28. Hello David, this is a great report on your day of birding in Costa Rica. I love the iguanas, birds and the scenery. I wish I was there now. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day. Have a great weekend.

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  29. Great all that you count of the day and the illustrative photos, several species remind me of the South American, although some of them are quite similar, others are the same; even the vegetation is not so strange for me, surely several are more to the south, or at least their relatives.

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  30. What an interesting fauna and stunning vegetation!

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  31. I've really enjoyed the photos from your trip to Costa Rica! I never thought about what a great country it would be for a bird lover but it's amazing! And a special thanks for your visit to my new blog, Lavenderdreamsnew tonight. I don't know how you found me but I'm so glad you did. I tried to write to you but you are a no reply blogger so I couldn't. I'm going to have to build my blog list but of course I'm still hoping blogger will restore my old blog! Thanks again, Diane

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    1. I didn't even know I am a no reply blogger! Just shows what a techno innocent I am! If ever you need to contact me my email is theospreynest@sympatico.ca.

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  32. David, magnífico este otro episodio de tu viaje a Costa Rica, es apasionante seguir tu relato y ver las fotos de pájaros y otras especies interesantes.
    Un abrazo.

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  33. Landscape are wonderful.
    I smile in front of the snake: -)
    I have managed to take only one picture in Australia, they hide well.

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    1. This one can't harm you, Nathalie! We saw a couple of other live snakes in CR, one of them pretty big, maybe 2 metres, but they slithered away before we were able to take pictures.

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  34. No wrong choice of the ladies to choose for the eth pool hihi ... You have entered the heat of the experimental forest and that was not without success :-)
    Very nice and bright that you gave that young woman a lift and I had not expected anything else from you either.
    The pictures of the birds are really great to see. A dead snake is less, but it happens once. The wasp's nest is pretty scary brrrr ........
    Those animals and the monkeys are very cheerful.
    Kind regards, Helma xx

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  35. Wonderful variety of critters …
    Lovely post.

    All the best Jan

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  36. Another excellent post and graet photos, I love the reptiles but sad for the snake. Trying to catch up - Cheers Diane

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  37. I'm sure your bumpy dirt ride couldn't be any worse than the Lansing, MI potholes and you've a much lovelier picture on the end of it. Apart from the snake. I'll give that one a pass. Although, sad to admit it, I'm probably better with dead snakes than wiggly ones. That monkey and that glorious yellow-flowered tree at the top are quite wonderful too, not to mention your abundance of birds!

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    1. You are not alone, Jeanie. Many people sem to have an inherent fear of, and revulsion for, snakes. I know dedicated naturalists who would fall into that category. Arachnids too seem to generate the same emotions in some.

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  38. Hi David,
    Sometimes landscapes are quite interesting but at the same time wildlife seems to let you down. The animals and birds are hiding themselves (because of the heat?) and only show up at the early mornings and late in the afternoon. Although you still have seen a lot I can imagine these days were not the highlights of the trip. But fortunately not boring at all.
    Greetings, Kees

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  39. Hi David,
    Beautiful nature and fantastic beasts! What happiness, to see all this..
    Greetings,
    Maria

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  40. I always enjoy seeing birds I've learned to identify here in a different environment. The caracara are common here, as are the black-bellied whistling ducks. They will nest in a nearby refuge, and the babies are adorable. I've seen exactly one Baltimore oriole in my life, during the migration through Galveston Island. It's astonishing to ponder how far they travel.

    I was interested in the image of the Jabiru on the sign. Is it related to the shoebill stork? The profile certainly is similar.

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    1. Jabiru and Shoebill are in the same order, but not in the same family. Shoebill is placed in a family by itself.

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