There’s one thing thrilling about getting off a airplane and realizing that in just some hours, you’ll be surrounded by a few of the most breathtaking birds on the planet. That’s precisely what you may count on while 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 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 positive, San Gerardo de Dota is legendary for the Resplendent Quetzal, sure, the one with the unattainable to overlook lengthy inexperienced feathers, however let’s dive into a few 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 hen appears to be like.
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 might be.
If you happen to’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 the forest with easy grace, their modern, silky feathers flowing as they flit from department to department.
Their identify is likely to be a mouthful, however recognizing one is a sight for sore eyes and a deal with to your digicam. Happily, 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 at all times be in a rush, zipping round flowers prefer it’s late for a vital 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 solely within the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Hummingbirds are usually small, however this one needs to 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 kind of birds that when it flares its feathers, it appears to be like prefer it belongs in a fantasy novel, however no, that is actual life in San Gerardo de Dota.
Whereas observing this hen I realised that it could flare the violet feathers every time one other hen got here shut, maybe to warn them off or appeal to the females.
The Acorn Woodpecker: It is a charming hen 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 straightforward to identify. Its head is adorned with a vibrant crimson 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 is not any exception. When you’ve got 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 while you see it set towards the deep greens of the cloud forest.
Black-thighed Grosbeak: This hen confirmed up one morning simply exterior our cottage.
The Rufous-collared Sparrow: This is probably not as flashy as a few of the different birds right here, nevertheless it’s charming in its personal proper.
With its distinctive rusty neck and melodic tune, it’s a reminder that even the extra refined birds have one thing particular to supply.
The Flower-piercer: An odd trying hen the primary time you lay your eyes on it. They’ve a singular and interesting feeding behaviour that units them other than different nectar-feeding birds.
In contrast to hummingbirds, which sip nectar instantly from the flower, flower-piercers use their specialised payments to pierce the bottom of the flower permitting them to achieve the nectar with out having to enter the flower itself. Whereas this conduct could appear a bit of sneaky, you may’t assist however admire its cleverness.
The Yellowish Flycatcher: Small and unassuming, it’s an professional at darting by the cover, catching bugs mid-air.
It’s the sort of hen you can simply overlook, however as soon as you see one, you’ll discover its tender yellow hues and calm demeanor. This explicit one simply sat there and gave the impression to be observing me as an alternative 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 hen, it had been described to me by a fellow birder not lengthy earlier than and will have probably been the exact same hen as I noticed it in a lot the identical location as was talked about. It’s a secretive hen and fairly elusive so I felt fortunate having seen it.
The Black Guan: An enormous hen like hen present in Costa Rica and western Panama, is well acknowledged by its all-black plumage, vibrant blue facial pores and skin, and crimson eyes. Preferring the cloud forests of the Talamancan mountains, it thrives at elevations between 1,000 and a pair of,250 meters.
This hen primarily feeds on fruits, taking part in an important position in seed dispersal. Sometimes seen alone or in small teams, the black guan is generally sedentary however might 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 hen thats not straightforward to identify because it feeds primarily on the bottom and blends in with the dried leaves and so forth. This one was noticed late morning alongside the personal path of one of many lodges within the space.
Noticed Wooden-Quail: On our method to breakfast one morning, about 5 meters from our cottage a gaggle 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 hen 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. Completely satisfied birding!.
Autor Fitzroy Rampersad
