Mike: I absolutely love your Resplendent Quetzal shot with the bird facing slightly sideways with the bromeliad nicely balanced creating the perfect composition. I would love to do a painting using the image.

I wonder if this is the Savegre Mountain Lodge we stayed in on our first CR trip in 2000. One had to cross the Rio Savegre at the entrance. Whatever, it sounds like a very bird place. Did you use a guide or are you able to find all these species on your own. Such a wonder variety of birds. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Quite the adventure. Not sure I would drive myself in Costa Rica though. We always hired drivers and guides. I rented a car once in Mexico to drive through the mountains of Oaxaca on the way to the coast. The undercarriage broke down on some rough roads, and the replacement had a flat tire two days later, and no key to unlock the spare. I love the tanagers in Costa Rica. They are such a varied genus. Great photos and story to accompany them.

I love Costa Rica. My first trip was with Borderland Tours for 11 days, It provided a good introduction to the country. The next was for a month at Santa Elena, my wife and me, and Ken Brock and his wife. We had a very relaxed trip, but saw less of the country. We hired guides and drivers for day trips, plus a jeep, boat, jeep, trip to Volcan Arenal. The third trip was with my two sons Kris and Josh, and my wife Nila, for three weeks. We rented a casita in Santa Elena complete with scorpions. On all our trips we spent time at the Bougainvillea Hotel, and the garden was a favored spot to relax and bird before starting a trip, or when ending one. Your photos are superb, each and every one of them. The iconic resplendent quetzal is just outstanding. I was fortunate once to find an avocado tree in a cow pasture very active with males and females, and very approachable, like low hanging fruit. There is so much left for me to see in CR, but I doubt that I will ever return. My granddaughter took an 11 hour bus ride down to the Oso Peninsula last January. That is one place I would definitely visit if I were to return. Great photos--great blog. Thanks so much for sharing and posting.

Your photos are just breathtaking. I love how you can identify them by their songs.

You need to write a book Mike, I would but it! You are a talented writer!

I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing all the beautiful photos. Thanks so much for sharing them.

I always enjoy the photos you post. They show the patience you've taken with each shot and are always showing another beautiful part of nature. Thank you!

This is an absolutely beautiful site. Totally aside from your photos, this is just so well done, a pleasure to visit. Thanks!

All seriousness, you have a mighty talent and I’m so impressed. Your love of your subjects is obvious and I’m so glad you share your art with us.

You already know I am one of your biggest fans and glad you are sharing your hard work with the rest of the world. Keep up the the good work. I love the brightly colored birds/pictures.