Costa Rica Focus

13/09/2024

Here’s a beautiful shot taken by the fantastic photographer Nina Irvin. This tiny male Black-Crested Coquette was captured feeding on the verbenas at Arenal Observatory Lodge.

This dazzling little bird is a delight with its black crest, white tipped feathers and distinctive bright orange bill. The Verbena Garden is the favorite location for this Hummingbird but guests can also find it zipping around the forest's edge.

06/09/2024

Capturing raptors in flight is a bird photographer's dream. Nina Irvin captured this incredible moment of the majestic Black Collared Hawk in flight.

This Hawk, which is not easy to see, spends time in the Northern Lowlands and the Osa Peninsula. He prefers wetlands, rivers and lakes where he has access to his favorite food source; fish. The Black Collared Hawk is a medium sized raptor, adults are about 46-53 cm in length and have a wingspan of 116-133 cm. The most distinctive feature is the bold black collar around its neck which richly stands out against the white head and the rufous body and wings. Definitely a bird not to be missed in Costa Rica. A real stunner.

30/08/2024

Our guest, Nina Irvin, captured this fantastic shot of the Bare-Throated Tiger Heron on her latest photography adventure in Costa Rica. This bird is usually photographed standing still, silently stalking fish in the marshes and on river banks. Nina captured its magnificent plumage as it descended to the water (or was it taking off?)

The Bare-throated Tiger Heron is commonly found in Costa Rica's wetlands, mangroves, and along riverbanks. Recognizable by its distinctive bare yellow throat, this heron boasts a unique, streaked plumage that camouflages well in its habitat. These herons are solitary hunters, primarily feeding on fish, amphibians, and insects, which they skillfully catch with their sharp beaks.

23/08/2024

The Glossy Ibis is a tough bird to find in Costa Rica, and tougher still to capture in flight. Leave it to our “action expert” Andy House to grab this photo and share it with us. What a lovely picture.
The Glossy Ibis graces the wetlands and marshes of Costa Rica with its distinctive elegance. Distinguished by its iridescent plumage, which ranges from deep maroon to bronze, this wading bird is a captivating sight against the backdrop of aquatic habitats. The Glossy Ibis is often found in coastal areas, estuaries, and freshwater marshes, foraging for aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and amphibians with its long, curved bill. Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems, including the Tortuguero National Park and Palo Verde National Park, provide essential breeding and feeding grounds for these birds. The Glossy Ibis's presence in these wetlands underscores the importance of preserving and protecting these critical habitats for the rich avian biodiversity of Costa Rica.

16/08/2024

Definitely one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, and what a shot captured by Shailesh Date!
The Golden-browed Chlorophonia is one of the most wanted birds for photographers and birdwatchers visiting the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Sporting vibrant green plumage and a distinctive golden crown, this small songbird adds a burst of color to the misty montane habitats it calls home. To spot the Golden-browed Chlorophonia in Costa Rica, head to higher elevations in cloud forests, such as those found in the central and southern parts of the country. The Savegre Valley is a notable location where this species can be observed. These lush and biodiverse environments provide a fitting backdrop for encountering this mesmerizing bird amidst the cool mist and vibrant foliage of Costa Rica's highland

09/08/2024

Shailesh Date, found this Silver Throated Tanager posing perfecting in the rainforest. The Silver-throated Tanager prefers the lush forests of Costa Rica, but is also a frequent visitor to gardens and feeders. With its exquisite and vibrant presence. Characterized by its striking combination of bright yellow and black plumage, this tanager is named for the distinctive silver throat that adds to its allure. Often found in the mid to upper canopy levels, the Silver-throated Tanager flits among the foliage, foraging for fruits and insects. Its sweet, melodious song resonates through the dense vegetation, contributing to the symphony of sounds in Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems. A jewel of the avian landscape, encounters with the Silver-throated Tanager add a burst of color and song to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica.

02/08/2024

Our friend, Shailesh Date, took this magnificent photo of the Long Tailed Silky Flycatcher at the Savegre Reserve. We love the beautiful hues of green he captures. The Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher graces the cloud forests of Costa Rica with its elegant presence. This stunning bird is characterized by its sleek, silky plumage, predominantly blue-gray with contrasting black and white markings. Its long, flowing tail, which extends gracefully beyond its body, adds to its overall charm. Known for its agile flight and melodious calls, the Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher forages for insects and berries in the misty canopies of the highland habitats. Its striking appearance and distinctive behaviors make it a sought-after species for birdwatchers and photographers exploring Costa Rica.

26/07/2024

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, one of our guests captured this delightful shot of the Acorn Woodpecker. The Acorn Woodpecker brings a touch of vibrancy to the woodlands of Costa Rica with its distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior. Characterized by a striking mix of black, white, and red plumage, these woodpeckers are often recognized by their bold facial markings and a distinct pattern of black and white on their wings and back. Renowned for their communal nesting habits, Acorn Woodpeckers are known to store acorns in granary trees, creating a unique storage system that serves both as a food source and a communal effort. Their rhythmic drumming resonates through the forest, and their presence adds a dynamic element to the avian tapestry of Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems.

24/07/2024

Despite their bright colors, Manakins can be surprisingly difficult to see. Their small size and tendency to stay perched for long periods make them tough to find. Our guide Mayer was able to get this video of our guests photographing the Red-capped Manakin at Peninsula de Osa. Needless to say they were quite pleased and got some spectacular shots. Costa Rica Focus offers guided group trips or privately guided custom trips. Contact us for a free quote.

19/07/2024

This beautiful photo, by Suresh David, of the Roseate Spoonbill which graces the wetlands and coastal areas of Costa Rica with its distinctive and captivating presence. This elegant wader is easily recognized by its striking pink plumage, accentuated by a unique spoon-shaped bill that sets it apart from other wading birds. Often observed foraging in shallow waters, the Roseate Spoonbill uses its specialized bill to sweep through mud and water, searching for crustaceans, small fish, and insects. Its vibrant coloration and graceful feeding behavior make it a sought-after sight for birdwatchers exploring the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica's diverse aquatic habitats. The Roseate Spoonbill serves as a beautiful testament to the importance of wetland conservation in the region.

12/07/2024

We wanted to show off this amazing shot taken by Andy House. He got this beautiful Scarlet Macaw launching into flight. Scarlet Macaw rehabilitation efforts in Costa Rica represent a dedicated initiative to conserve and protect this iconic species. Facing threats such as habitat loss and illegal pet trade, conservationists and organizations in Costa Rica have established rehabilitation centers to rescue and rehabilitate Scarlet Macaws. These centers provide veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a safe environment for injured or orphaned macaws, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. Through these efforts, the rehabilitation programs contribute significantly to the conservation of Scarlet Macaws, helping to bolster their populations in the wild. Education and community engagement are often integral components of these initiatives, aiming to raise awareness and garner local support for the protection of these magnificent birds and their vital ecosystems.

09/07/2024

See Below The Best places To See Tanagers In Costa Rica.

In this article, we’ll examine the best places in Costa Rica to see and photograph Tanagers and mention some of the top species to target.

05/07/2024

The Keel-billed Toucan, often referred to as the "Rainbow-billed Toucan," graces the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica with its iconic and colorful presence. Renowned for its oversized, banana-shaped bill that showcases a stunning palette of bright hues, including green, yellow, red, and orange, this toucan is a symbol of the country's avian diversity. The rest of its plumage is predominantly black, providing a striking contrast to its vibrant bill. The Keel-billed Toucan is not only a visual spectacle but also a skilled and agile canopy forager, utilizing its specialized bill to reach fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Its distinctive croaking calls resonate through the lush foliage. Many guests mistake its unusual call for frogs in the forest.

28/06/2024

Karl Krueger took this gorgeous photo of the Blue-Throated Toucanet (formerly Emerald Toucanet) on one of his journeys to Costa Rica. The Blue-throated Toucanet graces the cloud forests of Costa Rica with its enchanting presence. This medium-sized toucanet is characterized by its predominantly emerald-green plumage, a distinctive blue throat, and a chestnut crown. Its large, vibrant bill adds a splash of color to its striking appearance. Typically observed in small groups, the Blue-throated Toucanet moves agilely through the misty canopies, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Its melodic calls resonate through the montane forests, contributing to the mystical ambiance of the cloud-covered landscapes. A delightful and charismatic species, the Blue-throated Toucanet captures the hearts of birdwatchers and photographers visiting Costa Rica.

25/06/2024

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞.
Our guests were thrilled yesterday when their guide, Mayer, found them 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡-𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫! Our guests were on their way south to Las Cruces when Mayer made a fantastic detour to Peje de Volcán in Pérez Zeledón. This experience perfectly illustrates the advantage of traveling with a private guide. They have the local knowledge and flexibility to make spontaneous detours that can lead to incredible discoveries, like finding the elusive Rosy Thrush-Tanager. Contact us today to start planning your private birding or bird photography adventure in Costa Rica! [email protected]

21/06/2024

Sometimes our guests surprise us with a unique and stunning photograph that is also totally unexpected. Andy House took this beautiful photo of the feathers of the Scarlet Macaw. We thought it was simply too lovely to keep to ourselves, so we are sharing it here today. The Scarlet Macaw boasts a spectacular array of feathers that contribute to its iconic and vibrant appearance. The dominant coloration of its plumage is a brilliant scarlet red, accentuated by vivid blue and yellow hues. The feathers on its wings and tail exhibit a striking gradient of colors, creating a visually stunning display when the macaw is in flight. The facial area is adorned with intricate patterns of lines and markings, while the large, strong wings and long tail feathers further enhance the bird's majestic presence. The combination of these vivid and contrasting colors not only serves as a visual spectacle but also plays a role in the Scarlet Macaw's social communication and courtship displays, making it one of the most visually captivating and recognizable parrots in the avian world.

18/06/2024

We love our group trips! The scheduled group tours are a great option as they offer the benefits of a privately guided package, but at a value group price. Each of our tours are guided by a professional, English-speaking Birding Guide. You’ll visit the top birding and photography locations in the country and have access to gardens, reserves, National Parks and feeders. We take great pride in providing unforgettable birding experiences and would love to have you join one of our trips.

14/06/2024

The Common Black Hawk graces the coastal areas and wetlands of Costa Rica with its commanding presence. Distinguished by its predominantly black plumage, this raptor often displays a contrasting white band on its tail. With a preference for aquatic habitats, the Common Black Hawk is frequently spotted near rivers, mangroves, and estuaries, where it employs its sharp talons and hooked beak to catch a varied diet of fish, crabs, and small reptiles. Its haunting calls resonate over the waterways, marking its territory and adding to the auditory tapestry of Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems. A skilled hunter and a symbol of the country's avian richness, the Common Black Hawk is a captivating sight for birdwatchers exploring the coastal landscapes of Costa Rica.

11/06/2024

A review from one of our beloved guests:
"Wanda very promptly planned a great itinerary for our first birding and bugs trip to Central America, and customised it perfectly for our needs. We did a circuit of 4 sites with 2 nights in each, with some nice stops on the transit days. This allowed us to get a good overview of many different climate zones and habitats.

Our guide Erick was fantastic, he got us great views of some amazing species – not just the colourful flashy ones but also the skulky specialities such as Nightingale Wren, Antbirds and Antpittas.

He wasn’t just great at birds, but logistics too. One of the best locations was inaccessible due to a landslide closing the road, but Erick managed to juggle the itinerary so that we could visit on another day without missing out on any stops. He also switched around our last day since our flight home was late, to fit in an extra stop.

All in all a great trip and I will definitely be back!"

07/06/2024

The Collared Aracari adds a splash of vibrant color to the tropical forests of Costa Rica. Recognized for its distinctive appearance, this medium-sized toucan sports a striking combination of black plumage, a bright yellow breast, and a distinctive red collar around its neck. With its characteristic long, serrated bill, the Collared Aracari is well-adapted for feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. These social birds are often observed in small groups, moving agilely through the treetops with a series of rapid, bouncing flights. Their playful antics and lively calls contribute to the lively atmosphere of Costa Rica's lush habitats, making encounters with the Collared Aracari a memorable experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

04/06/2024

Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of our preferred destinations for bird watching in Costa Rica, with more than 500 species of birds found on the grounds and surrounding forest. Enjoy delicious meals in the lodge restaurant which features floor-to-ceiling windows for gazing at the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, as well as a huge observation deck just outside.

Enjoy daily walks in the gardens and the rainforest. On the 870-acre property, guests can explore 7 miles of well-maintained trails with a 0.5 mile paved trail which allows universal access to explore the gardens and rainforest.

Target Birds: Umbrella Bird, Scale-crested pygmy tyrant, Black-crested Coquette, Spotted Antbird, Ocellated Antbird

31/05/2024

Our friend, Andy House, specializes in capturing birds in motion. He got this magnificent shot of the Ringed Kingfisher about to catch his meal. The Ringed Kingfisher graces the waterways and coastlines of Costa Rica with its vibrant presence. This large and distinctive kingfisher, characterized by its striking blue and white plumage, features a conspicuous rufous belly and a shaggy crest atop its head. Known for its skilled fishing prowess, the Ringed Kingfisher perches patiently along rivers, lakes, and estuaries before executing rapid and precise dives to capture its aquatic prey. Its loud, rattling call often echoes across riparian habitats, signaling both its presence and contributing to the auditory richness of Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems. A masterful hunter and a beautiful addition to the country's avifauna, the Ringed Kingfisher is a delight for birdwatchers and photographers exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica.

24/05/2024

The Snail Kite is a captivating raptor that frequents the wetlands and freshwater habitats of Costa Rica. Recognized for its striking appearance, this bird of prey has a distinctive hooked bill, adapted specifically for extracting snails from their shells, making snails a primary component of its diet. With striking plumage featuring a contrasting mix of dark feathers and white markings, the Snail Kite is a visually impressive species. Its specialized feeding behavior and dependence on wetland ecosystems underscore its ecological importance, and observing its aerial acrobatics as it searches for prey adds an exciting element to the avian diversity of Costa Rica's rich landscapes.

17/05/2024

This passerine is endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and Western Panama. It’s easy to identify the Yellow Thighed Brush Finch because of its bright yellow thighs that sparkle against the contrast of its grey and black body. Birders and photographers can usually find this species hopping around low growth, leafy areas, searching the ground for seeds and insects. They usually travel around in pairs, and are known to join in mixed flocks, taking the opportunity to feast on insects rustled up by other birds. The male and female are very similar but the female has a slightly longer tail and wings. This species prefers wet montane forest, scrubby pastures, and bushy clearings. It’s a treat for birders and photographers to get a chance to see this unique bird.

15/05/2024

We are very honored to be a part of the amazing accomplishment of our special guests Julian and Kathy Donahue. Julian came to us hoping to reach an incredible milestone of 5000 bird species on his life list. He wanted to achieve this in Costa Rica. Though he only needed 54 birds, having been to Costa Rica before, we had some tough ones to find and get him to his goal. We teamed him up with our exceptional guide, Minor, and today we are happy to say that Julian found his 5000th bird. It was the Spot-Breasted Wren. Congratulations Julian and thank you Minor. We are all celebrating with you today.

10/05/2024

The Black-cowled Oriole graces the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica with its distinctive appearance. This striking bird is adorned with a glossy black hood that contrasts sharply with its bright yellow plumage, creating a visually stunning display. Endemic to Central America, including Costa Rica, these orioles are often found in a variety of habitats ranging from lowland forests to gardens. With a melodious and varied song, the Black-cowled Oriole announces its presence amidst the foliage, adding a delightful musical element to the tropical symphony. Their foraging behavior, characterized by a fondness for fruits and insects, makes them an integral part of the country's diverse avian tapestry, and their bold and beautiful markings make them a sought-after sight for birdwatchers exploring Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

08/05/2024

Last spots available on our small group trip "Off the Beaten Path". This unique trip allows travelers to discover the lesser-explored corners of Costa Rica. Join us July 10th - July 20th or find out about our other trips. email: [email protected]
𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬. 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩!

08/05/2024

Last spots available on our small group trip"𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡". This trip is designed to allow guests to explore lesser-known areas of Costa Rica, often overlooked by tourists seeking birdwatching or photography adventures. Inquire now to receive a trip plan and pricing. July 10th - 20th 2024 email: [email protected]
𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬. 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩!

03/05/2024

Although the Caracara is often thought to be part of the Hawk family, it is actually a Falcon. It’s the only Falcon that collects nesting material and builds a nest. Other Falcons lay their eggs in old nests abandoned by other birds, or in a scrape on the ground. The Crested Caracara spends its time in open landscape, often perched high on top of the tallest tree, watching for opportunities for its next meal. Usually the Caracara will be watching for vultures, and they won’t hesitate to join in, foraging carcasses. This regal bird is recognizable by its strong sharp beak, tall stance, long yellow-orange legs, and its incredible black crest. It’s not uncommon to see this bird on the ground, so it’s not a difficult species for birders or photographers.

26/04/2024

The bird almost blends perfectly into the steel blue Costa Rican sky. The Grey Hawk is a magnificent raptor that graces the skies of Costa Rica with its imposing presence. With a predominantly slate-gray plumage, highlighted by subtle bands on its tail feathers, this bird of prey is a master of the open woodlands and forested areas throughout the country. Known for its sharp eyes and agile flight, the Grey Hawk preys on a variety of small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Its haunting calls often echo through the treetops as it soars majestically in search of prey. The Grey Hawk's impressive aerial displays and keen hunting skills make it a captivating species for birders and photographers.