Country: Costa Rica
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Central Pacific Lowland Target Campaign
With two flexible nights in the Central Pacific lowlands we use the time to chase a rich target list: Fiery-billed Aracari, Marbled Wood-quail, Velvety Manakin, Crowned Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Turquoise Cotinga, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Charming Hummingbird, Thick-billed Euphonia, Spot-crowned Euphonia, Golden-naped Woodpecker and Band-tailed Barbthroat, among others.
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Long-tailed Manakin Lek at Orotina
En route to Monteverde we detour to the Orotina area for Long-tailed Manakin at their lek, where the males perform their remarkable display - one of the classic photography subjects of the lowlands.
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White-crested Coquette Search at Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve
For the endemic White-crested Coquette, Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve is named the best site. Because this seasonal endemic visits gardens sporadically, we use the most recent local information to decide exactly where to look, giving the flexible search the best chance of connecting with this suave little hummingbird.
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Early-Afternoon Feeder Photography in the Savegre Valley
An accessible nearby feeder setup provides close, reliable photography in the early afternoon, with Acorn Woodpecker, Flame-colored Tanager, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher and Northern Emerald Toucanet all regular at the feeders.
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Return to Quetzal Photography and Sunset Flocks
We return for more time with the Resplendent Quetzal, then stay on as the light drops. At dusk, Band-tailed Pigeon and Barred Parakeet stream across the sky in loose flocks - a beautiful end to a day that has one of Central America's most sought-after birds at its heart.
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Afternoon Hummingbird-Feeder Session at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge
After lunch we settle in at the Paraiso Quetzal Lodge feeders in the Talamanca Highlands, where a steady stream of hummingbirds comes to the feeders: White-throated Mountain-Gem, Lesser Violetear, Talamanca Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird and the striking Fiery-throated Hummingbird.
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Morning Photography Session for Foothill Specialties
The morning opens with a photography session aimed at local celebrities, among them Scaled Antpitta, Green-fronted Lancebill and Sooty-faced Finch, before we load up and climb into the Talamanca Mountains.
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On-Site Photography at the Cartago Foothills
On-site photography at the Cartago Foothills often includes Montezuma Oropendola, Sunbittern and a wonderful hummingbird cast - Violet Sabrewing, Green Thorntail and Green Hermit. The pattern here is to combine mealtimes at bird-rich properties with dedicated photography time, so the lodge lunch carries its own birding possibilities.
Read MoreMorning Birding and Photography in the Cartago Foothills
A 1.5-hour drive from San Jose reaches a zone mixing Central Valley and Caribbean influence, with an unusually rich birdlife for such a short transfer. The morning is target-driven, focused on Black-bellied Hummingbird, White-bellied Mountaingem and Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, all of which we work carefully in good morning light.
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