Birding in Costa Rica - Part 5

Biodiversity enables human life; it is imperative that all of humanity reconnects with what sustains the ability of our species to persist.

Marc Bekoff

09 January, 2025 

Las Cruces Biological Station, San Vito

     This was a day to stay in one place and enjoy the inestimable splendour of this fabulous spot; jointly known as the Wilson Botanical Gardens.

     Even before breakfast we were out on the deck, greeting the day along with the birds. If I understand it correctly the biological station has ceased its practice of feeding the birds, as a philosophical measure rather than a cost improvement, but seems to have no objection to visitors continuing the practice. Carlos had bought bananas and we wasted no time deploying them.

     The view of the grounds was lovely.

     Grey-headed Chachalacas (Ortalis cinereiceps), accustomed no doubt to this early morning ritual, were waiting patiently for breakfast to be delivered.

     Their large size and relatively aggressive nature enables them to dominate the food, but they were an exotic addition to our bird list, and we welcomed their presence.

     Breaking up the bananas and spreading them around mitigated their depredations somewhat. Once in a while someone would attempt to chase them off but they returned before your back was turned. 

     It's their country after all. We were merely guests.

     A Red-tailed Squirrel (Sciurus granatensis) had more success holding its own against the chachalacas than small songbirds.

     This member of the tribe Ingeae is exceptionally attractive, wispy and delicate, like a glowing debutante at the spring ball.

     We were all thrilled to see Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus).

     As long as humans were present with the promise of food the chachalacas didn't go far.

     A Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) positively glowed in the tropical sun.

     A Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) was content to observe from on high.

     As tanagers go, Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) is quite subdued, but does not in any way lack charm.

      After breakfast we were joined by Jason, a local naturalist and guide, with intimate knowledge of Las Cruces, for an intensive tour of the property.

     Before leaving on our walk he provided us with information on the origins of the biological station, the gardens, and the ongoing role of the institution in the education of young biologists.

     We benefitted greatly from time spent with Jason.

     One of the first gems he was able to show us was a White-crested Coquette (Lophornis adorabilis), a dazzler even among hummingbirds.

     We were all on a high simply from being in this magical place, and our euphoria was magnified by the sighting of this elusive bird. Normally seen zooming by at high speed, this very considerate male actually perched and posed for us.

     There are many cavity nesters among tropical birds, and nest holes are at a premium and highly contested.

     We were an eager group, stopping to look at everything, with questions about every little detail - the eager attention of naturalists on full display.

     Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) is a common rodent, quickly becoming accustomed to humans.

     We were always happy to see it.

     What, you might wonder, is everyone taking pictures of?

     Whether we would have seen this treasure without Jason's familiarity with the area is open to question, but I was thrilled to see my first stingless bees in Complex Terragonisca angustula.

     This eusocial bee lives in above ground cavities, with colonies sometimes reaching 10,000 individuals. The entrance to the colony is a wax tube, guarded by bees which are substantially heavier and larger than forager bees.

     We may be birders first and foremost but these wonders of nature excite us too. The endeavours of bees were on full display.

     Bougainvilleas (genus Bougainvillea) manifest themselves in many forms - all exquisite.

     Jason had yet another surprise for us up his sleeve. In addition to seeing the male White-crested Coquette he knew the location of a nest, with the female incubating eggs.

     Highly promiscuous male hummingbirds take no part in the raising of the young, so it's impossible to know whether the male we saw earlier is the father here.

     No doubt you are admiring, as we did, the intricate structure of the nest, constructed primarily of lichens and bound with spider webs, a marvel of design and execution.

     This plant, I believe, is known as Queen's Wreath (Petrea volubilis).

     In the genus Agave.....

     A species of Hibiscus (genus Hibiscus).....

     This plant, aptly named Mosaic Plant (Ludwigia sedioides) was exceptionally appealing, I thought.

     This flower verges on the phantasmagorical, but it is known as Winged-stem Passion Flower (Passiflora alata), a feast for the eyes to be sure.

 

Cosmos (genus Cosmos)

     Ginger comes in many forms; new to me was Spiral Ginger (genus Costus).

     It was a stingless bee day, and I was enthusiastic about seeing new species, but this one is proving to be a bit of a puzzle.

     I believe that it is in the genus Trigona. Bees in this genus are also known as Underground Vulture Bees, living in eusocial colonies. However, based on the information I have gleaned from the literature it is found in South America only, with none of the range maps indicating a presence in Central America.

     Furthermore, according to The Lives of Bees, Grozinger & Patch (2024), 'These bees have never been observed to visit flowers..."

     Our pictures belie this statement.

      I have posted images to the internet platform iNaturalist and there are two independent confirmations that it is indeed Trigona.

     Carlos showed us a type of seed that is dried and placed in a gourd to make a traditional maracas.

     Lantana (genus Lantana) is an introduced plant, beautiful and favoured by a variety of pollinators.

     Hooray, yet another stingless bee to fuel my curiosity and enthusiasm! This species (genus Lestrimelitta) is also known as a robber bee.

     They readily attack small or weak honey bee colonies, overwhelming the host species with chemical repellents.

     The world of nature, with myriad Darwinian manifestations is ever evolving - and never dull!

     Miriam took what I believe to be a remarkable series of images of the metamorphosis of White-tipped Cycadian (Eumaeus godartii), from caterpillar, to chrysalis, and in the final picture a butterfly emerging.

     Huamanchilca (Gordonia fruticosa) is a sparkling beauty.

     A Yellow-headed Caracara (Daptrius chimachima) surveyed the terrain from on high.

     This species is primarily a scavenger, especially on road kill, but also eats insects, crabs, frogs and toads, as well as some vegetable matter, so the garden would likely be a fertile hunting ground. 

     Jason kept delivering for us. He took us just beyond the gates onto the edge of the road where a Long-billed Starthroat (Heliomaster longirostris) had built its nest in the unlikely location of a cable above the busy thoroughfare.

     The bills of two well developed chicks peeked over the edge of the nest.

     Never before have I seen the nests of two species of hummingbird on the same day.

     Back in the gardens we took special delight in a daytime roost of Thomas's Fruit-eating Bat (Dermanura watsoni).

     The oak known locally as Chicalaba (Quercus insignis) produces a very large acorn.

     Eyes cast downwards are rewarded with rare beauty.

     This beautiful flower is a Peace Lily (genus Spathiphyllum) and it seemed that it was emitting an odour that pleased the nose.

     Tina (the Blue-backed Sniffer) and Kuldip (The Sommelier of the Flora) could not resist getting a little closer.

     Heliconias (genus Heliconia) are magnets for hummingbirds - and for humans too,

     A pair of White-crowned Parrots seemed to be searching for a suitable cavity in which to start a family.

     Competition for nest space is fierce.

     This female Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus passerini) seems to be of the Pacific race.

     Miriam's artistic eye caught this drop of water masquerading as crystal.

     These tree roots are a source of wonder and admiration.

     We had circled around to the rear of the units where we were housed.

     Another species of Hibiscus.

     The charmingly named Ruffle Lichen (genus Parmotrema).

     Here you see the very attractive flowering stage of the fruiting tree commonly known as Cow Okra (genus Parmentiera).

     It is redundant to say that orchids are beautiful, but Cyrtochiloides ochmatochila ratchets up beauty even higher.

     Miconia trinervia is a small tropical shrub or tree but I have been unable to find out much more about it. I am also curious as to the insect that destroyed the leaf so thoroughly, but again I have drawn a blank when seeking information.

    A graceful Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) hawking for insects cruised overhead.

     A Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) was reluctant to display its whole body, always remaining partly hidden by foliage.

     Fungi are eternally attractive.

     Based on many conversations over many years, it is clear that toucans and aracaris are highly desired by first-time visitors to the neotropics. They are unique in so many ways and seem to reinforce the very notion of exoticism.

     None fit the bill so well as Fiery-billed Aracari (Pteroglossus frantzii).

     It imparts a whole new meaning to "spectacular!"

     You might conjecture that its huge bill would be an inconvenience, or even impair its mobility and dexterity. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, as it picks off a berry with the precision of a surgeon.

     We observed this attractive butterfly shelter, but have no idea whether it is a functional structure or simply a piece of outdoor art.

     A Spot-crowned Euphonia (E. imitans) is a striking little bird.

    A Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simruba), with exfoliating bark, was very interesting.

     A fruiting palm in the tribe Areceae no less so.

     Leafcutter ants are among the most fascinating insects of tropical rain forests; here is the entrance to the underground chamber of Hairy-headed Leafcutter Ant (Atta cephalotes).

Passion Flowers (genus Passiflora)

     It was approaching noon and we returned to our rooms to get ready for lunch.

     It appeared that a field trip to a wet area was in the cards for some of the students - rubber boots were lined up, waiting for a suitably sized foot to slide into them.

     After lunch and a period of relaxation we joined Carlos once again to meander through other areas of the biological station.

     Bamboo (subfamily Bambusoidae) probably has more uses than any other plant on Earth.

     Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) like all gingers bemuses the eye with its striking form.

Climbing Sorrel (Begonia glabra)

     In a few months Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonx flaviventris) will be returning to North America to breed.

     The area was well signed.....

     ..... and we headed off towards the observation tower.

Marian's Impatiens (Impatiens marianae)

     Carpentaria Palms (Carpentaria acuminata) are native to Australia's Northern Territory, so it's probably safe to assume that these impressive trees were deliberately introduced.

     Evidently, they have found conditions amenable to success.

     We were all very excited to see a White-browed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila bilineata), a lifer for all of us.

     We all climbed to the top of the tower, tall and well constructed of metal, affording an excellent view of life at treetop level.

     

     I think we all petted this domestic cat, but we were not especially happy to see it wandering at will. Domestic and feral cats wreak havoc on populations of songbirds, small rodents, amphibians and other creatures.

     Finsch's Parakeet (Psittacara finschi) was seen frequently, but generally in flight, so we were happy to see a few of them perched.

     It was getting late and darkness comes early in Costa Rica, so we made our way back to our rooms, knowing that we had enjoyed a great day.

     And tomorrow we'll do it all again!