Species List January 13 – 20, 2018│Compiled by Bob Meinke with Pacific Coast Extension | January 20 – 24
Costa Rica: Birding and Nature│Species List January 13 – 20, 2018│Compiled by Bob Meinke With Pacific Coast Extension | January 20 – 24 Guides Willy Alfaro and Bob Meinke, with expert local lodge naturalists and 12 participants: Tom, Kristy, Julie, Charlie, Sheila, Pierre, Elisabeth, Beverly, Ellen, Judy, Kurt, and Lea Summary Surprisingly cooler than average weather offered pleasant temperatures during our travels (it was never hot), and despite the drizzle and occasional downpour (due to an unusual lingering into January of the Central American rainy season), we saw many species of birds, including rare and elusive taxa such as Chiriquí and Buff- fronted Quail-Doves (both local endemics), the recently described Zeledon’s Antbird, Spotted Wood-Quail, the aptly named Tiny Hawk, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, and the cryptic Scaled Antpitta. Stars among the 24 species of hummingbirds recorded on the trip were Black-crested Coquette, the unique Snowcap, and Volcano, Scintillant, and Fiery-throated Hummingbirds (the latter four species regional endemics). Among the visually more impressive birds we encountered were Great Green Macaw, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Collared Trogon, Jabiru, the endemic Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Emerald Tanager, and four species of Motmot. Unlike many birds that reside in North America, Neotropical species seem largely undaunted by mist and rain, and we had little trouble racking up impressive observations during the main trip, as well as on the Pacific coast extension. The combined list below summarizes main tour and Pacific coast post-tour extension sightings, covering species seen by all or at least some of the participants. Those observed only by the “extension group” (i.e., Elisabeth, Pierre, Lea, Judy, Sheila, and Charlie), including many shorebirds and waders not seen during the main tour, are differentiated below by RED text.
[Show full text]