There’s one thing thrilling about getting off a airplane and realizing that in just some hours, you’ll be surrounded by a number of the most breathtaking birds on the planet. That’s precisely what you may anticipate 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 automobile 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 legendary for the Resplendent Quetzal, sure, the one with the unimaginable to overlook lengthy inexperienced feathers, however let’s dive into a number of the different birds that deserve consideration as nicely. And no, I received’t point out the Trogon both, as a result of who wants the apparent selection when there’s a lot extra on supply?
Golden-Browed Chlorophonia: A reputation like Chlorophonia sounds as unique as this fowl 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 kind of birds that make you recognize how vibrant nature will be.
Should you’re fortunate, you’ll catch one bouncing between the bushes, a bit of sprint of tropical shade towards the greenery.
Lengthy-tailed Silky-flycatcher: These elegant birds transfer by way of the forest with easy grace, their glossy, silky feathers flowing as they flit from department to department.
Their identify could be a mouthful, however recognizing one is a sight for sore eyes and a deal with in your digicam. Happily, they appeared to not have a lot concern 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 an important 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: 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: Identified 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 kind 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 fowl I realised that it might flare the violet feathers at any time when one other fowl got here shut, maybe to warn them off or entice the females.
The Acorn Woodpecker: It is a charming fowl that brings a splash of shade and a contact of caprice to the cloud forests of Costa Rica.
Think about a medium-sized woodpecker, about 20 centimeters lengthy, with a hanging look that makes it simple to identify. Its head is adorned with a vibrant purple 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. When you have learn my article on “My 7 Favorite birds of the Americas and Caribbean” you’ll know that Tanagers are one in all my favorite birds.
The silver and yellow plumage of Sliver-throated Tanager is hanging, particularly once you see it set towards the deep greens of the cloud forest.
Black-thighed Grosbeak: This fowl confirmed up one morning simply exterior our cottage.
The Rufous-collared Sparrow: This might not be as flashy as a number of the different birds right here, nevertheless it’s charming in its personal proper.
With its distinctive rusty neck and melodic track, it’s a reminder that even the extra delicate birds have one thing particular to supply.
The Flower-piercer: A wierd trying fowl the primary time you lay your eyes on it. They’ve a novel and interesting feeding behaviour that units them other than different nectar-feeding birds.
Not like 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 seem a bit of sneaky, you may’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 type of fowl you would simply overlook, however as soon as you notice one, you’ll discover its delicate yellow hues and calm demeanor. This specific one simply sat there and appeared to be observing me as an alternative of the opposite method round as its eyes adopted my each transfer.
The Chestnut-capped Brushfinch: I used to be overjoyed once I first noticed this fowl, it had been described to me by a fellow birder not lengthy earlier than and will have probably been the exact same fowl as I noticed it in a lot the identical location as was talked about. It’s a secretive fowl and fairly elusive so I felt fortunate having seen it.
The Black Guan: A giant rooster like fowl present in Costa Rica and western Panama, is well acknowledged by its all-black plumage, vibrant blue facial pores and skin, and purple eyes. Preferring the cloud forests of the Talamancan mountains, it thrives at elevations between 1,000 and a pair of,250 meters.
This fowl primarily feeds on fruits, enjoying an important position in seed dispersal. Usually seen alone or in small teams, the black guan is usually sedentary however could transfer seasonally.
The Sooty-Capped Chlorospingus: This small tanager like sparrow got here into view on one in all 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 fowl thats not simple to identify because it feeds primarily on the bottom and blends in with the dried leaves and many others. This one was noticed late morning alongside the non-public path of one of many lodges within the space.
Noticed Wooden-Quail: On our option 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 provides an unparalleled birding expertise, the place the colourful colours and melodic calls of numerous fowl 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 recollections. So pack your binoculars, embrace the journey, and let the avian wonders of San Gerardo de Dota captivate your soul. Glad birding!.
