Costa Rica Focus

21/11/2024

We absolutely loved this awesome shot captured by Nina Irvin in San Gerardo de Dota. The chick of the Female Flame-colored Tanager is asking her mother for another meal. It’s hard work raising a brood in the cloud forest.

This species is sexually dimorphic, meaning the male and females have a significantly different appearance. While the females are yellow / olive yellow with black wings and a black tail. The male of the Flame-Colored Tanager signifies the name. The males are fiery red in color, also with black wings and tail. They stand out boldly against the green hues of the rainforest. This species is typically found in montane and highland forests. This picture was taken in San Gerardo de Dota. Read more here: https://www.costaricafocus.com/bird-species/flame-colored-tanager/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=flame-colored-tanager

07/11/2024

The very elusive Spot Breasted Wren is a top species for bird watchers and photographers. This bird is very secretive and you’re lucky to just catch a glimpse of it as it jumps and flits through the dense understory foraging for food. While this bird is often heard, it’s not always seen. Imagine the opportunity that Nina Irvin had to capture this gorgeous little wren, in the open. Her photo highlights the amazing plumage and intricate designs on each feather.

With its deep rusty back and wings, light orange flanks, white throat, and then striped and speckled chest and tail, this Wren is a marvel to see.

Read more about the Spot Breasted Wren here: https://www.costaricafocus.com/bird-species/spot-breasted-wren/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=spot-breasted-wren

24/10/2024

Rob Beynon recently snapped this incredible shot of his favorite bird. Formerly known as the Collared Redstart, the Collared Whitestart is a favorite of bird watchers and photographers in Costa Rica. This small member of the Warbler family is easy to identify.

He sports a beautiful rusty cap, bright yellow face and chest, and a slate gray back and wings. As his tail fans out, observers will see the lovely white tail feathers. The Collared Whitestart is an active warbler endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and Western Panama. While this species likes to move around in pairs, they are fairly social and can also be found in mixed flocks foraging in the forest and on the forest’s edge.

One of the identifying habits of this bird is the way it moves its tail from side to side, fanning the tail feathers. Researchers believe they do this to flush insects from trees and even the forest floor. During the mating season, the males consistently display the bright rusty cap with the hopes of attracting the females. Once they pair up, the couple will remain monogamous through that mating season.

The White-Oak forest of the is the most reliable location to find this bird in Costa Rica. Considered a very social and gregarious bird, many bird watchers have observed that the often perches quite near to people, seemingly curious about their presence in the forest. This habit makes the species relatively easy to photograph and to add to a life list.

Read more about Collared Whitestart hre: https://www.costaricafocus.com/bird-species/collared-whitestart/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=collared-whitestart&utm_term=bird-species

11/10/2024

This tiny Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is not just one of the smallest owls in Costa Rica, it’s one of the smallest owls in the world. Despite its small size, this Owl is a mighty hunter and has been known to pluck Hummingbirds from mid-air. This owl has a wide distribution from North to South America but Costa Rica is one of the best places to see this species and add him to your life list.

Interestingly, the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is a crepuscular species meaning it is active during dusk and dawn. They find most of their meals with the light of day. This makes finding and photographing the species a bit easier than with other owls. Our guest, Mark Campisi was in the right place at the right time and snapped this fantastic shot of this lovely little owl.

Read more about it here: https://www.costaricafocus.com/bird-species/ferruginous-pygmy-owl/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ferruginous-pygmy-owl

27/09/2024

This adorable Brown Hooded Parrot has its eye on a snack as he launches from his perch. This beautiful bird was captured in action by Irvin during her visit to Laguna del Lagarto.

The Brown Hooded Parrot is lovely with its chocolate brown hood and distinct white eye ring. The bright green body, red patch under the wing, and the bold blue wings make it one of the most colorful and attractive parrots in the region.
This species prefers lowland rainforest but it will venture to foothills that are dense and humid. These parrots are quite social and are almost always traveling in flocks or pairs.
Read more about the Brown Hooded Parrot here: https://www.costaricafocus.com/bird-species/the-brown-hooded-parrot/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=bird-species&utm_term=brown-hooded-parrot

20/09/2024

Nina Irvin captured this interesting interaction between a Clay-Colored Thrush (National bird of Costa Rica) and a Flame Colored Tanager. Perhaps they were vying for the same branch to perch upon, or maybe one had a nest nearby and the other was not so politely requesting the other to get out of its territory. While we don’t know the motivation, we can enjoy this incredible moment captured on film as two iconic birds of Costa Rica interact.

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.