10,000 Birds
JULY 23, 2022
They can’t provide the same ecosystem value as natural forest and woodland but in places intensely modifed by people, hedges are vital sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife. In Costa Rica, we have those living fences, these planted rivulets of green. Red-billed Pigeon are common in much of Costa Rica.
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 11, 2021
It takes a detour to reach Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica but oh how the trip is worth it. An uncommon species in Costa Rica, it was in a brushy area that reminded me of its breeding grounds. What can I say but go to Cano Negro when visiting Costa Rica. Agami Heron. 171 Species.
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10,000 Birds
OCTOBER 30, 2021
On the breeding grounds of the north, a small bird flies into the night, takes a bearing for the south, gains altitude and flies onward. In Costa Rica, they can take the form of everything from toucans (think crows with giant shark inspired beaks) to herons and monkeys. How’s that for an understatement of the obvious?
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 6, 2016
When I went to Honduras in 2014, I was advised to use The Birds of Costa Rica by Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean (2014) and The Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America by Steve N.G. It has been a long time between field guides for most of these countries. Howell and Sophie Webb (a classic, but big and published in 1995).
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 20, 2015
This map shows the distribution of the World’s bird species, based on overlying the breeding and wintering ranges of all known species. Costa Rica (857 / 903). It makes me think what is the meaning of life, the universe and everything? Why am I here? And where all those birds are? Map by BirdLife International. The Afrotropics.
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 23, 2014
I got to see a beautiful female and owlet on a trip to a secret nest location near Howard Prairie Lake (human-made nest structures have enhanced local breeding for these huge owls whose nest success is boosted to 83% on artificial platforms vs. 66% at natural sites). The experience, the place, and the bird combine to make this my BBOTY.
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 31, 2012
On a totally ordinary Toledo afternoon when I was visiting my favorite Metropark, there he was: a spectacular indigo minding his own business at one of the wildlife center’s birdfeeders. 2012 was one of my best years for birding in Costa Rica. My best bird of the year was my (and my wife’s) very first Scarlet Tanager.
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