Birdwatching etc in Costa Rica February 3^rd until 17^th 2008.

Photo – Mark Howarth

Participants -   John and Marion Best, Anne Brenchley, Andrew Dale, Adam Gretton, Geoff Hainsworth, Mark Howarth, Richard Jefferson, Richard Rafe, Ian Spence, Jill Sutcliffe, Malcolm and Rosemary Wright.

Organiser/Leader – Derek Moore

Leader Costa Rica – Erik Castro

Itinerary

Feb.3^rd – Arrive San Jose and stay overnight at the Hotel Bouganvillea.

Feb.4^th – Some birding before breakfast in the hotel garden.  En route to Selva Verde stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and have lunch before moving on.  After lunch stop at the Cinchona Restaurant (just to watch birds) and Virgen de Socorro.  Arrive at Selva Verde.

Feb.5^th -  Walk around lodge grounds before breakfast.  Visit La Selva Biological Research Station for the rest of the day.

Feb.6^th -  Visit La Selva again for the morning.  After lunch go to a small garden for hummingbirds.  On the way back visit a river and an area of open wet grassland.

Feb.7^th -  Early morning birding at Selva Verde and then off.  Stop again at the small garden this time with more success and then on to Savegre Lodge.  Arrive at Savegre Lodge for lunch.  Afterwards a walk by the river.

Feb.8^th -  All day at Savegre Lodge.  Up into the high forest for the morning then after lunch another walk by the river.

Feb.9^th -  Visit Mirador Quetzals for a high altitude walk and then after lunch even higher to the paramo.

Feb.10^th – Leave the Savegre Valley and drive via San Jose to the Punta Leona Resort.  En route we stopped at Orotina for the owls. In the afternoon we went to a view point above Villa Lapas.

Feb.11^th -  Did the figure 8 trail at Carare.  After lunch a memorable boat trip on the Tarcoles river and the mangroves.

Feb.12^th -  In the morning the trail near the river at Carare and in the afternoon back to the figure 8 trail.

Feb.13^th – After an early morning session at Punta Leona we leave for the Ensenada Lodge.  We stop briefly at Punterenas and arrive at the Lodge for lunch.   We visit a large area of saltpans and some ponds in the afternoon.

Feb.14^th – All day at Solimar.

Feb.15^th  - Early morning birding at Ensenada Lodge then leave for Arenal.  Afternoon birding in forest at Arenal Observatory Lodge.

Feb.16^th -  All day birding in the forest around the lodge.

Feb.17^th  -  Last birding at Arenal and then journey back to San Jose for a night flight home via Madrid.

Thanks

To Heather, Paco and Marco of Cotinga Tours for organizing such a brilliant itinerary and ensuring accommodation etc was of the highest standard.

To Gerrado for being a brilliant driver, keeping the bus spotlessly clean and his sense of humour in coping with us strange people.

Last but not least to Erik.  A superb field ornithologist who with exceptional patience made sure everybody had the very best chance of seeing the birds.  We are so glad he got some lifers and we got him American Golden Plover.

Highlights

Just getting there

Getting bags for everyone

Birding on the first morning and Ferruginous Pygmy Owls

The Waterfall Gardens and hummers

Food

Sun Bitterns

Discovering Ian and Anne knew “everyone” at Selva Verde

Great Currasows strutting across the lawn.

The tears of Adam on finding his Snowcap

Alcohol

Long-tailed Hermit in the bar.

First contact with Resplendant Quetzals

Costa Rican Pygmy Owls

Long-tailed Silky Flycatchers for all at last.

Saying Chachalaca

Grip-backs

Migrating Swallow-tailed Kites

The Black-and-White Owls and sloths at Orotina

Scarlet Macaws from above

Just seeing King Vultures so close

The Tarcoles river trip

Hoards of Prothonotary Warblers

Saying prothonotary

Boat-billed Herons

Southern Lapwings

Royal Flycatcher

The tail on a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

The shorebirds on the saltpans

Lesser Nighthawks in the dusk

Seeing a Muscovy Duck that mattered

White-throated Magpie-Jays in the dining room

The Great Potoo

The Guans at Arenal

The Volcano at Arenal

BIRD SPECIES SEEN IN COSTA RICA BETWEEN FEBRUARY 3^RD AND 17^TH 2008.

Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui – a single at Punta Leona Feb.13^th.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis – Two Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, c50 near Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th and c2,000 at Solimar Feb.14^th.

Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor – Single with the above species at Solimar Feb.14^th.

Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata – Four near Ensenada Feb.13^th.

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors – Three near Ensenada Feb.13^th and c30 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Grey-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps- two Selva Verde Feb.5^th and one Punta Leona feb.10^th.

Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens – La Selva Feb.6^th, 2 Punta Leona Feb.10^th, 2 Carare Feb.11^th, Punta Leona again feb.13^th and up to 5 together at Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th-17^th.

Black Guan Chamaepetes unicolor – Single La Paz Waterfall gardens Feb.4^th and at least one Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th & 17^th.

Great Curassow Crax rubra – A pair at La Selva Feb.5^th.

Crested Bobwhite Colinus cristatus – Six Ensenada Lodge Feb.15^th.

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus – One on a lake south of La Fortuna Feb.17^th.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis – Seen daily on the Pacific coast in small numbers.

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus – A few daily on the Pacific coast with the largest number c30 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga – Seen on four days: A river at Puerto Viejo Feb.5^th, 2 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, 5 Solimar Feb.14^th and Lake Arenal Feb.15^th.

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens – Frequent quite large flocks on the Pacific coast.

Fasciated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum – Single on a river south of La Selva Feb.6^th.

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum – Four Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, Tarcoles Feb.12^th, Ensenada Feb.13^th and 4 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Great Blue Heron Ardea Herodias – Seen on four days: Five Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, Ensenada Feb.13^th, 6 Solimar Feb.14^th and Lake Arenal Feb.15^th.

Great Egret Ardea alba – Seen on 7 days at most wetland sites.

Snowy Egret Egretta thula – Seen on 5 days at most wetland sites.

Little Blue Heron  Egretta caerulea – Seen on five days with biggest flock 6 Selva Verde Feb.6^th.

Tricoloured Heron Egretta tricolor – Three Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis – Seen daily in good numbers.

Green Heron Butoroides virescens – Two Tarcoles river, Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and 3 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax – Single near Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea – Ten Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, 6 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and Solimar Feb.15^th.

Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius – Six Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

White Ibis Endocimus albus – c30 Punta Leona & c20 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, 5 Punta Leona Feb.12^th, 20 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and 10 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis – Single at La Selva Feb.5^th and up to three at wet grassland just south of La Selva  Feb.6^th.

Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja – Single near La Selva 6^th, 6 Punta Leona and another 6 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, Punta Leona Feb.12th and 8 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Jabiru Jabiru mycteria – Only at Solimar where two adults seen at nests with three large young each.  Another adult flew over us at the same site Feb.14th.

Wood Stork Mycteria Americana – Fifteen Tarcoles area Feb.11^th, 2 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and c40 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus – Seen daily.

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura – Seen daily.

King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa – Three La Selva Feb.5^th and 2 near Villa Lapas Feb.10^th.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus – Seen on seven days at coastal sites but one at Savegre Lodge at about 7,000 feet Feb.7th was perhaps not unexpected given the fish farms there.

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus – 7 La Selva Feb.5^th, Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th – 9^th.

White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus – San Jose Feb.5^th, 2 south of La Selva Feb.6^th, en route to Punta Leona Feb.10^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis – Solimar Feb.14^th.

Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus – Two La Selva Feb.5^th and 3 there Feb.6^th.  Another Arenal Feb.15^th.

Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens – Punta Leona Lodge Feb.11^th.

Barred Hawk Leucopternis princes – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Semiplumbeous Hawk Leucopternis semiplumbeus – La Selva Feb.6^th and Arenal Feb.15^th.

White Hawk Leucopternis albicollis – Punta Leona Feb.12^th, Arenal Feb.15^th and en route to San Jose Feb.17^th.

Mangrove Black-Hawk Buteogallus subtilis – Punta Leona Feb.10^th, 6 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th and en route to Ensenada Feb.13^th.

Harris Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus – Solimar Feb.14^th.

Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris – One near Punta Leona Feb.12^th.

Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus – The small hawk most regularly seen perching by roadsides.

Grey Hawk Buteo nitidus – South of La Selva Feb.6^th,  2 above Villa Lapas Feb.10^th, Puenta Leona Feb.11^th, Carare Feb12th and en route to Ensenada Feb.13^th .

Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus – Two Virgen Socorro Feb.4^th, La Selva Feb.5^th, 2 above Villa Lapas Feb.10^th, dark phase Tarcoles River Feb.11^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis – Singles at Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th-10^th.

Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus – Savegre Lodge Feb.9^th.

Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway – Near La Selva Feb.6^th, Puenta Leona Feb.10^th, Tarcoles River Feb.11^th, Puenta Leona Feb.12^th, en route to Ensenada Feb.13^th, 3 Solimar Feb.14^th and en route to Arenal Feb.15^th.

Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima – Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, en route to Ensenada Feb.13^th and 2 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans – Puenta Leona Feb.11^th and 2 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis – La Selva Feb.5^th, another south of La Selva Feb.6^th and en route to San Jose Feb17th.

Grey-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea – Heard Puenta Leona  and then one seen Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica – Two Ensenada Feb.13^th and single Solimar Feb.14^th.

Sunbittern Eurypyga helias – Two together Selva Verde Feb.5^th.

Limpkin Aramus guarauna – Two Solimar Feb.14^th.

Double-striped Thick-Knee Burhinus bistriatus – Two Tarcoles river Feb.11^th and 8 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis – Two Tarcoles river Feb.Feb.11^th.

Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squaterola – c60 Ensenada saltpans and beach Feb.13th and 10 at the latter Feb.14^th.

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica – Single Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Wilson’s Plover Charadrius wilsonia – Four Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus – c30 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus – c20 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, c20 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and 6 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa – Present at all wetlands but the largest noted was 15 on a pond at Ensenada Feb.13^th.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius – Regular on small rivers, mangroves and saltpans throughout.

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria – Three Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, 3 Ensenada Feb.13^th, 2 Ensenada Feb15th and single en route to San Jose Feb.17^th.

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca – Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and 2 at the Lodge and single Solimar Feb.14^th.

Willet Tringa semipalmata – Tarcoles river Feb.11^th & 12^th, c30 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and Ensenada beach Feb.14^th.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes – Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus – Ten Tarcoles river Feb.11^th, single Tarcoles Feb.12^th, c300 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and a single on the beach at Ensenada Feb.14^th.

Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa – Three Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres – c20 Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th and 10 there feb.14^th.

Surfbird Aphriza virgata – Six on the beach at Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th & 14^th.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla –Most out of about 500 “peeps” were of this species at Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri – probably no more than a dozen identified amongst flocks of “peeps” at Enselada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla – Two Tarcoles river Feb.11^th and several Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus – Three Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th.

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus – c100 Ensenada saltpans Feb.13^th and 5 on the shore there Feb.14^th.

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla – c100 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.  Elsewhere regular in smaller numbers on the Pacific coast.

Royal Tern Thalasseus maxima – c30 Tarcoles river Feb.11th,  singles Puenta Leona Feb.12^th, en route to Ensenada Feb.13^th and 2 Ensenada Lodge Feb.14^th.

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis – Two Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

Rock Pigeon Columba livia – Seen around San Jose and larger towns.

Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis – Two La Selva Feb.6^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th.

Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris  - Seen regularly San Jose, La Selva, Carare and Arenal.

Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata – Only at Savegre Lodge with a max. 10 Feb.7^th.

Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris – Recorded at La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th and above Villa Lapas Feb.10^th.

Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea – Recorded only in small numbers at Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-10^th.

White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica - Numerous at lower elevations.  Recorded on 7 days.

Inca Dove Columbina inca – San Jose on Feb.4^th and then regular along the Pacific coast.

Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerine – Recorded at Puenta Leona, Carare, Solimar  and Ensenada Lodge.

Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti – Numerous at La Selve, Selva Verde, Puenta Leona and Carare.

Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa – Selva Verde Feb.6^th.

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi – Common at lower elevations.  Reported on 7 days.

Grey-chested Dove Leptotila cassini – Reported from Selva Verde, Carare and Arenal.

Olive-backed Quail-Dove Geotrygon veraguensis – Selva Verde Feb.5^th.

Purplish-backed Quail-Dove Geotrygon lawrencii – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Buff-fronted Quail-Dove Geotrygon costaricensis – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon Montana – Puenta Leona Feb.10^th & 11^th.

Sulphur-winged Parakeet Pyrrhura hoffmanni – Flocks of up to 30 daily at Savegre Lodge.

Crimson-fronted Parakeet Aratinga finschi – Ten San Jose Feb.4^th.

Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana- Small groups at La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th.

Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis – Regular groups at Ensenada and Solimar.

Scarlet Macaw Ara macao – Only from Carare, Punta Leona and above Villa Lapas.

Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis – Commonly seen in lowler elevations. Noted on 8 days.

Brown-hooded Parrot Pionopsitta haematotis – Five La Selva Feb.6^th.

White-crowned Parrot Pionus senolis – Small groups at Carare and La Selva.

White-fronted Parrot Amazona albifrons – Recorded from Ensenada Lodge and Arenal.

Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis – Noted at Carare, La Selva, Selva Verde and Arenal.

Mealy Parrot Amazona farinose – Noted at Selva Verde, La Selva and above Villa Lapas.

Yellow-naped Parrot Amazona auropalliata – Two in San Jose Feb.4^th and 2 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana – Noted at La Selva, Carare, Ensenada Lodge,Solimar and Arenal.

Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris – Common in all lowland areas particularly following grazing cattle. Seen on 8 days.

Pacific Screech-Owl Megascops cooperi  - Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th & 14^th,

Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata  - Solimar Feb,14^th.

Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium costaricanum – A pair Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum – Discovered at San Jose, Tarcoles and Ensenada Lodge.

Black-and-White Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata – Two together in the Square at Orotina Feb.10^th.

Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis  - La Selva Feb.5^th, 2 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th and 10 Ensenada Feb.13^th.

Common Paraque Nyctidromus albicollis – Heard calling in San Jose, Tarcoles and Arenal.  Three flushed from the road at Ensenada Feb.13^th.

Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis – Lake Arenal Feb.15^th.

Chestnut-collared Swift Streptoprocne rutila – La Selva Feb.5^th.

White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris – Seen regularly in all Highland areas.

Vaux’s Swift  Chaetura vauxi – Noted at Virgen de Socorrow Feb.4^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.9^th.

Costa Rican Swift Chaetura fumosa – Five Carare Feb.12^th.

Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris – Five La Selva Feb.5^th and 6 there Feb.6^th.

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri – Carare Feb.11^th.

Green Hermit Phaethornis guy – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and the “hummingbird garden” Feb.6^th.

Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris – In the bar at Selva Verde Feb.7^th.

Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis – Recorded at the “hummingbird garden” Feb.7^th, Carare Feb11th & 12^th, Silomar Feb14th and Arenal Feb.15^th & 16^th.

Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvieri – Puenta Leona Feb.13^th.

Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus – Six La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th.

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.17^th.

Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus – Numerous at La Paz Waterfall Gardensand Savegre Lodge. One on a nest built on an outside lampshade at the latter site.

Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii – Puenta Leona Feb.13^th & Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th & 16^th.

Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti – Up to 6 at the “hummingbird garden Feb.6^th & 7^th. Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Black-crested Coquette Lophornis helenae – The “hummingbird garden” Feb.6^th & 7^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Green Thorntail Discosura conversii  - Two Lapz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and “the hummingbird garden” Feb.6^th & the 7^th.

Canivet’s Emerald Chlorostilbon canivetii – Carare Feb.11^th.

Violet-crowned Woodnymph  Thalurania columbica – La Selva Feb.6^th & 7^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird Panterpe insignis – Four Mirador Quetzals Feb.9^th.

Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Mangrove Hummingbird Amazilia boucardi – Two Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerrottei – Tarcoles river Feb.11^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl – The commonest hummingbird and seen on 10 days.

Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila – Ensenada Lodge Feb.15^th.

Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th.

Coppery-headed Emerald Elvira cupreiceps – La Paz Waterfall gardens Feb.4^th.

Snowcap Microchera albocoronata – “hummingbird garden” Feb.5^th & 6^th.

Bronze-tailed Plumeteer Chalybura urochrysia – La Selva Feb.5^th.

White-bellied Mountain-gem Lampornis hemileucus – Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th.

Purple-throated Mountain-gem Lampornis calolaemus – Three La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th.

White-throated Mountain-gem Lampornis catsaneoventris – Several Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-10^th.

Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th.

Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and several Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-10^th.

Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii – Near San Jose Feb.17^th.

Magenta-throated Woodstar Calliphlox bryantae – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris – Puenta Leona Feb.11^th and Ensenada Lodge Feb.15^th.

Volcano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula – One or two at Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th & 9^th.

Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and regular at Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-9^th.

Black-headed Trogon Trogon melanocephalus – Carare Feb.11^th, Puenta Leona Feb.13^th, Ensenada Lodge Feb.14^th & 15^th.

Baird’s Trogon Trogon bairdii – Carare Feb.12^th.

Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus – Selva Verde Feb.5th  7th, 2 La Selva Feb.6th and Carare Feb.12^th.

Collared Trogon Trogon collaris – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Orange-bellied Trogon Trogon aurantiiventris – Pair Arenal Observatory 16^th.

Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus – Selva Verde Feb.7^th.

Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon Massena – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Resplendant Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno – Up to 5 together in the Savegre Valley Feb.7^th – 9^th.

Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota – San Jose and en route to La Paz Feb.4^th, 2 Puenta Leona Feb.11th & 13^th.

Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Keel-billed Motmot Electron carinatum – Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th.

Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum – Two La Selva Feb.5^th and a single there Feb.6^th.  Another Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th.

Turquoise-browed Motmot Eumomota superciliosa – Up to 3 Ensenada Lodge Feb.13th-15^th.

Ringed Kingfisher Ceryle torquatus - Recorded from Selva Verde, La Selva, Tarcoles and Solimar.

Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon – Solimar Feb.14^th.

Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona – Noted at Selva Verde, La Selva and Carare.

Green Kingfisher Choloceryle Americana – Found at La Selva, Tarcoles and Carare.

American Pygmy Kingfisher  Chloroceryle aenea – Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

White-necked Puffbird Notharchus macrorhynchos – Solimar Feb.14^th.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda – Pairs at La Selva and Carare.

Prong-billed Barbet Semnornis frantzii – Three La Paz Waterfall Gardens and one Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th.

Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii – La Paz Waterfall Gardens and 3 Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th.

Emerald Toucanet  Aulacorhynchus prasinus – Two en route to Lapaz and 5 Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th. Also noted at Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th.

Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th.

Fiery-billed Ararcari Pterglossus frantzii – Puenta Leona Feb.13^th.

Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus – Good numbers at Selva Verde and La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th.

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii – Seen regularly at lower elevations.  Recorded from Selav Verde, La Selva, Puenta Leona, Carare and Arenal.

Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus – Only at Savegre Lodge where up to 10 noted daily.

Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani – Recorded at Selva Verde, La Selva and Arenal.

Hoffmann’s Woodpecker Melanerpes hoffmannii – The commonest woodpecker seen in San Jose and especially numerous in the Carare area.  Noted on 7 days.

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus – Two Mirador Quetzals Feb.9^th.

Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus – Savegre Lodge Feb.9^th.

Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatusi – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus – Puenta Leona Feb.13^th.

Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis – Carare Feb.11^th.

Spotted Barbtail  Premnoplex brunnescens – Virgen Socorro Feb.4^th.

Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus – Mirador Quetzals Feb.9^th.

Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus – Carare Feb.12^th.

Plain Xenops Xenops minutus – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorhynchus spirurus – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th and Carare Feb.12^th.

Northern Barred-Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae – La Selva Feb.6^th and Puenta Leona Feb.11^th.

Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th and Carare Feb.13^th.

Ivory-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus flavigaster – Solimar Feb.14^th.

Spotted Woodcreeper  Xiphorhynchus erythropgius – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii - La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th and Carare Feb.13^th.

Spot-crowned Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes affinis – Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-9^th.

Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Great Antshrike Taraba major – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus – Carare Feb.12^th.

Black-hooded Antshrike Thamnophilus bridgesi – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th.

Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor – Carare Feb.11^th.

Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis – Three Carare Feb.11^th and single Feb.12^th.

Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina – Carare Feb.12^th.

Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul – Selva Verde Feb.7^th and Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevoides – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

Streak-chested Antpitta Hylopezus perspicillatus – Carare Feb.12^th.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii – Noted at Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-10^th.

Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea – La Paz Feb.4^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th & 8^th.

Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus – Mirador Quetzals Feb.9^th.

Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Northern Bentbill Oncostoma cinereigulare – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

Common Tody-Flycatcher  Todirostrum cinereum – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th, 2 Carare Feb.11^th and Puenta Leona Feb.13^th.

Yellow-olive Flycather Tolmomyias sulphurescens – Puenta Leona Feb.13^th, Solimar Feb14th and Ensenada Lodge Feb.15^th.

Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus – Carare Feb.12^th.

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terrinotriccus erythrurus – Carare Feb.12^th.

Tufted Flycatcher Mitrephanes phaeocercus – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th.

Dark Pewee Contopus lugubris – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th & 9^th.

Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris – Recorded on 5 days on the Pacific coast.

Yellowish Flycatcher Empidonax flavescens – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and La Selva Feb.7^th.

Black-capped Flycatcher Empidonax atriceps – Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th & 9^th.

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans – La Selva Feb.6^th & 7^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th.

Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus – La Selva Feb.5^th & 7^th and Puenta Leone Feb.11^th.

Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra – Carare Feb.12^th.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus – Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th & 14^th.

Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus – very common everywhere – seen on 12 days.

Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarhynchus pitangua Not quite as numerous as above but noted on 7 days.

Social Flycatcher Myiozytetes similis – Selva Verde Feb.5^th and la Selva Feb.6^th.

Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis – Selva Verde Feb.5^th & 7^th.

White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus – Selva Verde Feb.5^th.

Golden-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes hemichrysus – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th.

Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculates – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th, Puenta Leona Feb.13^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus – Seen each day in many habitats.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus – Ensenada area Feb.13^th-15^th.

Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus – La Selva Feb.6^th.

White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus – La Selva Feb.6^th and Carare feb.12^th.

Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae – Puenta Leona Feb.10^th, Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th, Puenta Leona Feb.13^th, Solimar Feb.14^th and Ensenada Lodge Feb.15^th.

Masked Tityra  Tityra semifaciata – Three La Selva Feb.6^th and single Puenta Leona Feb.10^th.

Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor – Two La Selva Feb.6^th and single Carare Feb.12^th.

Snowy Cotinga Carpodectes nitidus – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th.

White-collared Manakin Manacus candei – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Orange-collared Manakin Manacus aurantiacus – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

Long-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia linearis – Two males in full display Solimar Feb.14^th.

Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis – female at Carare Feb.11^th.

Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons – Ensenada Lodge Feb.14th and Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th & 16^th.

Yellow-winged Vireo Vireo carmioli – Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th & 8^th.

Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys – Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th.

Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus  - Quite common being seen on 5 days.

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Puenta Leona Feb.13^th.

Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceieps – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th and Carare feb.11^th & 12^th.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike  Cyclarhis gujanensis – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

White-throated Magpie-Jay Calocitta Formosa – Only at Ensenada Lodge.

Brown Jay  Cyanocorax morio – Common in throughout.

Grey-breasted Martin  Progne chalybea – two Puerto Viejo Feb.7^th.

Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea – Noted at La Selva, Tarcoles and Solimar.

Blue-and-White Swallow  Pygochelidon cyanoleuca – Commonest swallow and seen almost daily.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis – C100 near La Selva Feb.6^th and daily around Arenal Feb.14^th-16^th.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis – Found at la Selva, Puenta Leona, Tarcoles, Solimar and Arenal.

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota – 6 near Solimar Feb.14^th.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica  - Found in small numbers at throughout but hundreds at Solimar Feb.14^th.

Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus – Selva Verde Feb.6^th.

Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha – Common on the Pacific Coast.

Black-bellied Wren Thryothorus fasciatoventris – Carare Feb.12^th.

Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus – Selva Verde 5^th & 6^th.

Riverside Wren Thryothorus semibadius – Carare feb.11^th & 2th.

Stripe-breasted Wren Thryothorus thoracicus – Selva Verde Feb.5^th & 6^th.

Rufous-breasted Wren Thryothorus rutilus – Carare Feb.12^th.

Rufous-and –White Wren Thryothorus rufalbus – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

House Wren Troglodytes aedon – Regular at La Selva, Selva Verde and La Paz Waterfall gardens.

Ochraceous Wren Troglodytes ochraceous – Savegre Valley Feb.8^th & 9^th.

Timberline Wren Thryorchilus browni – Paramo Feb.9^th.

White-breasted Wood-Wren  Henicorhina leucosticte – “Hummingbird Garden” Feb.6^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Grey-breasted Wood -Wren Henicorhina leucophrys – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th and savegre Lodge Feb.7^th & 8^th.

American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus – Two Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th, 2 Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th and en route to San Jose Feb.17^th.

Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus – La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th and Carare Feb.12^th.

Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea – Carare Feb.12^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Black-faced Solitaire Myadestes melanops – Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-9^th.

Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus gracilirostris – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th-10^th.

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater – La Paz waterfall Feb.4^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush Catharus frantzii – Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th & 8^th.

Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus – Noted at San Jose Feb.4^th, La Selva Feb.6^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Wood Thrush  Hylocichla mustelina – Selva Verde Feb.6^th, Carare Feb.11^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Sooty Robin  Turdus nigrescens – Only in the highlands at Savegre Lodge and c20 at the Paramo Feb.9^th.

Mountain Robin Turdus plebejus – Regular Savegre valley Feb.7^th-10^th.

Pale-vented Thrush Turdus obsoletus – Three La Selva Feb.5th and noted again there Feb.6^th.

Clay-coloured Robin Turdus grayi – Seen daily in every habitat.

White-throated Robin Turdus assimilis – La Selva Feb.5^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Black-and-Yellow Silky-Flycatcher Phainoptila melanoxantha – Two Mirador Quetzals Feb.9^th.

Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher Ptilogonys caudatus – Daily in small numbers Savegre Valley Feb.8^th-10^th.

Tenessee Warbler Vermivora peregrine – Quite common and seen on 6 days.

Flame-throated Warbler Parula guttur - alis – Three Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia – Seen on 6days.  Four of the race known as “Mangrove Warbler” noted at Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica – The most common North American warbler and seen often.

Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th, Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th & 9^th.

Townsend’s Warbler Dendroica townsendi – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla – La Selva Feb.6^th and Tarcoles Feb.11^th.

Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea – Dozens in the mangroves on the Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis – Regular in damp woodland and streamsides on the Pacific slope.

Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla – La Paz Feb.4^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Mourning Warbler Oporornis Philadelphia – La Selva and on water meadows south of La Selva Feb.6^th.

Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th.

Grey-crowned Yellowthroat  Geothlypis poliocephala – Grassland south of La Selva Feb.6^th and Carare feb.12^th.

Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla – Quite common particularly on higher ground  and seen on five days.

Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th.

Collared Redstart Myioborus torquatus – Regular in the Savegre Valley.

Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufufrons – San Jose Feb.4^th.

Black-cheeked Warbler Basileuterus melanogenys – Savegre Valley Feb.8^th & 9^th.

Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus – Three La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th.

Buff-rumped Warbler Phaeothlypis fulvicauda – Selva Verde Feb.5^th & 6^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Bananaquit Coereba flaveola – At least 6 La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and singles La Selva Feb.6^th, Savegre lodge Feb.8^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus – Two La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4th and Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-9^th.

Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus pileatus – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th – 10^th.

Olive Tanager Chlorothraupis carmioli – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Grey-headed Tanager  Eucometis penicillata – Carare Feb.12^th.

White-shouldered Tanager  Tachyphonus luctuosus – Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th.

White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava – Up to 4 Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th & 17^th.

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra – Widespread and seen on 8 days.

Flame-coloured Tanager Piranga bidentata – Regular at Savegre Valley feb.7^th – 10^th.

Crimson-collared Tanager Ramphocelus sanguinolentus – La Selva Feb.5^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Passerini’s Tanager Ramphocelus passeriniiI – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th, up to 10 Selva Verde Feb.5^th & 6^th and similar number arenal Observatory Feb.15^th & 16^th.

Cherrie’s Tanager Ramphocelus costaricensis – Carare Feb.12^th.

Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus – Seen almost daily – very common.

Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th & 17^th.

Plain-coloured Tanager Tangara inornata – La Selva Feb.5^th and Selva verde Feb.7^th.

Emerald Tanager Tangara florida – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala – C20 La Paz Waterfall Gardens & c30 Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th, La Selva Feb.6th, Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Speckled Tanager Tangara guttata – At the “hummingbird garden” Feb.7^th.

Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola – Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata – Two La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th, 2 Carare Feb.11^th & 12^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Spangle-cheeked Tanager Tangara dowii – Savegre Valley Feb.8^th & 9^th.

Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Dacnis venusta – Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th, La Selva Feb.5^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana – La Selva Feb.6^th. – La Selva Feb.6^th.

Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza – Only a few noted at Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th & 16^th.

Shining Honeycreeper Cyanerpes lucidus – Two La Selva Feb.5^th.

Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus – Regular at La Selva, Carare and Arenal.  Seen on 8 days.

Blue-black Grassquit Volatnia jacarina – Three south of La Selva Feb.6^th and c20 Solimar Feb.14^th.

Variable Seedeater Sporophila Americana – Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th, La Selva Feb.5^th & 6^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola – c20 Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th and a single there on Feb.15^th.

Nicaraguan Seed-Finch Oryzoborus nuttingi – Three in wet grassland area south of La Selva Feb.6^th.

Thick-billed Seed-Finch Oryzoborus funereus – Arenal Observatory Feb.17^th.

Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus – Two Savegre Lodge Feb.9^th.

Slaty Flowerpiercer Diglossa plumbea – La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th and daily at Savegre Lodge Feb.7^th-10^th.

Sooty-faced Finch Lysurus crassirostris – Two Virgen de Socorro Feb.4^th.

Yellow-thighed Finch Pselliophorus tibialis – Daily in the Savegre Valley Feb.7^th -10^th.

Large-footed Finch Pezopetes capitalis – Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris – Selva Verde Feb.5^th & 6^th and Puenta Leona Feb.11^th-13^th.

Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris – La Selva Feb.5^th and 2 Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Prevost’s ground-Sparrow Melozone biaruata – San Jose Feb.4^th.

Stripe-headed Sparrow Aimophila ruficauda – Daily Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th-15^th.

Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis – Extremely common and seen on 6 days.

Volcano Junco  Junco vulcani – Paramo Feb.9^th.

Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens – Just outside San Jose Feb.17^th.

Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus – Noted at Cinchona Restaurant, La Selva, Carare and Arenal.

Slate-coloured Grosbeak Saltator grossus – Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus – Three La Paz Waterfall Gardens Feb.4^th,and singles at La Selva Feb.6^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea – One just outside San Jose Feb.17^th.

Painted Bunting Passerina ciris – Pairs Carare Feb.12^th and 4 Ensenada Lodge Feb15th.

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus- Grassland south of La Selva Feb.6^th and 2 Tarcoles river Feb.11^th.

Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna – Pairs at Ensenada Feb.13^th and Solimar Feb.14^th.

Melodious Blackbird Dives dives – Numerous San Jose area and around La Selva and Selva Verde.

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus – very common in all lowland areas.

Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus – Small groups in San Jose and near La Selva.

Black-cowled Oriole  Icterus prosthemelas – En route to La Paz Feb.4^th, La Selva Feb.6^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Streak-backed Oriole  Icterus pustulatus – Ensenada Lodge Feb.14^th & 15^th.

Spot-breasted Oriole Icterus pectoralis – Ensenada Lodge Feb.13^th -15^th.

Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula – Small flocks throughout – seen on 10 days.

Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus uropygialis – La Selva Feb.5^th.

Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri – La Selva Feb.5^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.16^th.

Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius Montezuma – Regular apart from extreme highlands –seen on 7 days.

Scrub Euphonia Euphonia affinis – Solimar Feb.14^th.

Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla – Selva Verde Feb.5^th.

Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea – Carare Feb.11^th and Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th & 16^th.

Olive-backed Euphonia  Euphonia gouldi – Regular at La Selva and Arenal Observatory.

White-vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta – Noted at Arenal Observatory Feb.15^th-17^th.

Golden-browed Chlorophonia Chlorophonia callophrys – Two Cinchona Restaurant Feb.4^th and Savegre Lodge Feb.8^th.

Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra – A few noted in the Savegre Valley Feb.8^th & 9^th.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus – Seen in San Jose and other smaller towns.

The following species were located but sadly only heard – never seen or not well enough to identify visually:

Great Tinamou Tinamus major – La Selva and Carare.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus – Savegre Lodge

Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus  - Solimar

White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis – Wet grassland south of La Selva.

White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis – Carare

Rufous-winged Woodpecker Piculus simplex – La Selva

Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata – La Selva

Three-wattled Bellbird – Procnias tricarunculus  - Carare

Silvery-throated Jay – Cyanolica argentigula – Savegre Lodge

We were also able to examine a fresh corpse of a Common Potoo Nyctbius griseus at Carare.

List of Mammals seen

Central American Woolly Opossum Caluromys derbianus

Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmani

Nine-banded long-nosed Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus

Sac-winged Bat Cormura sp

White-throated Capuchin Monkey Cebus capuchinas

Mantled Howler Monkey Alouatta palliate

Northern Raccoon Procyon lotor

White-nosed Coati Nasua narica

Southern River Otter Lutra longicaudus

Collared Peccary Tayassu tajacu

Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis

Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides

Mexican Hairy Porcupine Coendu mexicanus

Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata

I did not keep lists of other orders but we did see the following reptiles/amphibians:

A Leaf Litter Frog sp

Blue Jeans Frog

Jesus Christ Lizard

Brown Basilisk

Black Iguana

Green Iguana

American Crocodile

Eyelash Viper

                                     Photo – Richard Rafe

Fantastic trip!  Thanks for making it the most memorable of my life so far.

Now absolutely knackered

Derek