There’s one thing thrilling about getting off a aircraft and realizing that in only a few hours, you’ll be surrounded by among the most breathtaking birds on the planet. That’s precisely what you possibly can count on once you land in San José, Costa Rica, and begin your drive to San Gerardo de Dota. Belief me, it’s value each twist and switch…, even the near-death defying experiences with the Costa Ricans drivers!
San Gerardo de Dota is tucked away within the Talamanca Mountains, a serene valley cradled by towering peaks and cloud forests, it’s about 3 hrs by automotive from the San Jose Worldwide Airport. This isn’t simply any birding vacation spot, it’s paradise for anybody with binoculars, a digicam, or only a love for feathered wonders.
And certain, San Gerardo de Dota is known for the Resplendent Quetzal, sure, the one with the not possible to overlook lengthy inexperienced feathers, however let’s dive into among the different birds that deserve consideration as properly. And no, I gained’t point out the Trogon both, as a result of who wants the apparent alternative when there’s a lot extra on supply?
Golden-Browed Chlorophonia: A reputation like Chlorophonia sounds as unique as this chook seems to be.
The male sports activities a brilliant inexperienced, yellow, black and blue color, with each female and male additionally having a violet-blue cap. That is a type of birds that make you respect how vibrant nature will be.
In case you’re fortunate, you’ll catch one bouncing between the timber, slightly sprint of tropical coloration in opposition to the greenery.
Lengthy-tailed Silky-flycatcher: These elegant birds transfer by way of the forest with easy grace, their modern, silky feathers flowing as they flit from department to department.
Their title is perhaps a mouthful, however recognizing one is a sight for sore eyes and a deal with to your digicam. Fortuitously, they appeared to not have a lot worry of people and have been ever current across the lodge feeding on these yellow berries.
Talamanca Hummingbird: This glittering gem appears to at all times be in a rush, zipping round flowers prefer it’s late for a vital date, and really stern trying too.
It’s discovered within the high-altitude areas of Costa Rica and western Panama and is a member of the “mountain gems” tribe of hummingbirds, it’s identified for its vibrant and distinctive look.
The Scintillant Hummingbird: This can be a tiny marvel of nature, discovered completely within the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Hummingbirds are usually small, however this one needs to be the smallest I’ve ever seen thus far.
Lesser Violetear: Recognized for the distinctive violet patches on its ears (sure, birds with ears!), this hummingbird is one other frequent customer across the native lodges.
It’s a type of birds that when it flares its feathers, it seems to be prefer it belongs in a fantasy novel, however no, that is actual life in San Gerardo de Dota.
Whereas observing this chook I realised that it could flare the violet feathers at any time when one other chook got here shut, maybe to warn them off or appeal to the females.
The Acorn Woodpecker: This can be a fascinating chook that brings a splash of coloration and a contact of caprice to the cloud forests of Costa Rica.
Think about a medium-sized woodpecker, about 20 centimeters lengthy, with a putting look that makes it straightforward to identify. Its head is adorned with a vibrant pink cap, contrasting sharply with its white brow and throat. The remainder of its physique is a shiny black, with white patches on its wings and rump that flash brilliantly when it takes flight.
The Silver-Throated Tanager: Tanagers are just like the colourful jewels of the forest, and the Silver-throated Tanager is not any exception. In case you have learn my article on “My 7 Favorite birds of the Americas and Caribbean” you’ll know that Tanagers are one among my favorite birds.
The silver and yellow plumage of Sliver-throated Tanager is putting, particularly once you see it set in opposition to the deep greens of the cloud forest.
Black-thighed Grosbeak: This chook confirmed up one morning simply outdoors our cottage.
The Rufous-collared Sparrow: This might not be as flashy as among the different birds right here, nevertheless it’s charming in its personal proper.
With its distinctive rusty neck and melodic music, it’s a reminder that even the extra delicate birds have one thing particular to supply.
The Flower-piercer: An odd trying chook the primary time you lay your eyes on it. They’ve a singular and engaging feeding behaviour that units them aside from different nectar-feeding birds.
In contrast to hummingbirds, which sip nectar immediately from the flower, flower-piercers use their specialised payments to pierce the bottom of the flower permitting them to achieve the nectar with out having to enter the flower itself. Whereas this habits could seem slightly sneaky, you possibly can’t assist however admire its cleverness.
The Yellowish Flycatcher: Small and unassuming, it’s an knowledgeable at darting by way of the cover, catching bugs mid-air.
It’s the sort of chook you could possibly simply overlook, however as soon as you see one, you’ll discover its tender yellow hues and calm demeanor. This explicit one simply sat there and appeared to be observing me as a substitute of the opposite approach round as its eyes adopted my each transfer.
The Chestnut-capped Brushfinch: I used to be overjoyed after I first noticed this chook, it had been described to me by a fellow birder not lengthy earlier than and should have presumably been the exact same chook as I noticed it in a lot the identical location as was talked about. It’s a secretive chook and fairly elusive so I felt fortunate having seen it.
The Black Guan: A giant rooster like chook present in Costa Rica and western Panama, is definitely acknowledged by its all-black plumage, brilliant blue facial pores and skin, and pink eyes. Preferring the cloud forests of the Talamancan mountains, it thrives at elevations between 1,000 and a pair of,250 meters.
This chook primarily feeds on fruits, taking part in a vital function in seed dispersal. Sometimes seen alone or in small teams, the black guan is usually sedentary however might transfer seasonally.
The Sooty-Capped Chlorospingus: This small tanager like sparrow got here into view on one among my early morning journeys, excessive up on a lifeless department and thru the early morning fog I used to be shocked that I managed to identify it.
Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush: A small chook thats not straightforward to identify because it feeds primarily on the bottom and blends in with the dried leaves and so on. This one was noticed late morning alongside the personal path of one of many lodges within the space.
Noticed Wooden-Quail: On our strategy to breakfast one morning, about 5 meters from our cottage a bunch of those Noticed Wooden-Quails have been seen foraging on the bottom. They paid little or no consideration to us as we walked previous.
San Gerardo de Dota affords an unparalleled birding expertise, the place the colourful colours and melodic calls of numerous chook species create a symphony of nature. Whether or not you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, the plush cloud forests and serene landscapes of this Costa Rican gem promise unforgettable encounters and lasting reminiscences. So pack your binoculars, embrace the journey, and let the avian wonders of San Gerardo de Dota captivate your soul. Glad birding!.
