There’s one thing thrilling about getting off a airplane and understanding that in just some hours, you’ll be surrounded by among the most breathtaking birds on the planet. That’s precisely what you possibly can count on whenever you land in San José, Costa Rica, and begin your drive to San Gerardo de Dota. Belief me, it’s price 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 positive, San Gerardo de Dota is legendary for the Resplendent Quetzal, sure, the one with the inconceivable to overlook lengthy inexperienced feathers, however let’s dive into among the different birds that deserve consideration as properly. And no, I received’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 appears.
The male sports activities a vibrant 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 could be.
In the event you’re fortunate, you’ll catch one bouncing between the timber, a little bit sprint of tropical colour towards the greenery.
Lengthy-tailed Silky-flycatcher: These elegant birds transfer by 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 in 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 all the time be in a rush, zipping round flowers prefer it’s late for an important date, and really stern wanting 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 recognized for its vibrant and distinctive look.
The Scintillant Hummingbird: It is a tiny marvel of nature, discovered completely within the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Hummingbirds are typically small, however this one must be the smallest I’ve ever seen to date.
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 appears 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 every time one other chook got here shut, maybe to warn them off or entice the females.
The Acorn Woodpecker: It is a charming chook that brings a splash of colour 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 simple 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 isn’t any exception. If 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 whenever you see it set towards 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 is probably not 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 refined birds have one thing particular to supply.
The Flower-piercer: A wierd wanting chook the primary time you lay your eyes on it. They’ve a novel and engaging feeding behaviour that units them aside from different nectar-feeding birds.
In contrast to hummingbirds, which sip nectar straight from the flower, flower-piercers use their specialised payments to pierce the bottom of the flower permitting them to succeed in the nectar with out having to enter the flower itself. Whereas this conduct could appear a little bit sneaky, you possibly can’t assist however admire its cleverness.
The Yellowish Flycatcher: Small and unassuming, it’s an skilled at darting by 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 specific one simply sat there and appeared to be observing me as a substitute of the opposite manner round as its eyes adopted my each transfer.
The Chestnut-capped Brushfinch: I used to be overjoyed once 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, vibrant 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 couple of,250 meters.
This chook primarily feeds on fruits, taking part in an important function in seed dispersal. Usually seen alone or in small teams, the black guan is generally sedentary however could 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 useless department and thru the early morning fog I used to be stunned that I managed to identify it.
Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush: A small chook thats not simple 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 solution 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 luxurious 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!.