Random Birding 2008

1. Great Tinamou - A pair showed very well on the trails at La Selva 31/03 and one was flushed from the trail at Reserve Ecologica El Tapir 01/04. Also heard at Carara 25/03 and Reserve Ecologica El Tapir 30/03.

2. Little Tinamou - A pair at Bosque de Rio Tigre 26/03.

3. Least Grebe - Six on roadside pools near Palo Verde 21/03; singles on ponds near Cartago 30/03 and en route to San Jose 04/04.

4. Neotropic Cormorant - The first at Palo Verde 21/03, seen in greater numbers on the river trips on the Tarcoles 23/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04.

5. Anhinga - Two seen at the mouth of the Tarcoles River 20/03, larger numbers on the Tarcoles River trip 23/03 and with c.30 in Cano Negro 02/04, with singles near Tarcole Lodge 25/03 and over La Selva 31/03.

6. Brown Booby - three viewed distantly amongst many Frigatebirds on a fishing boat at the mouth of the Tarcoles River from Tarcole Lodge 25/03.

7. Brown Pelican - Present in good numbers in suitable habitat, including 100+ at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03; 20+ at Chomez 21/03; 100+ on the River Tarcoles boat trip 23/03 an 50+ at Tarcole Lodge 25/03.  

8. Magnificent Frigatebird - Very numerous at the coast, for example 200+ at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03 and 60+ near Tarcole Lodge 25/03.

9. Tricolored Heron - Recorded on six dates, eight on the River Tarcoles boat ride 23/03 being the highest single count.

10. Little Blue Heron - Recorded on eight dates, including c.25 at Chomez 21/03 and 15 on the River Tarcoles boat ride 23/03.

11. Snowy Egret - Recorded on six dates, numerous in wetland areas.

12. Great Blue Heron - Recorded on six dates, present in small numbers in wetland areas.

13. American Great Egret - Recorded on nine dates, very numerous in wetland areas.  

14. Cattle Egret - Recorded on 13 dates, and very numerous including 200+ at Palo Verde 21/03. 

15. Green Heron - Recorded in small numbers on seven dates, with 10+ noted on both boat trips on the Tarcoles River 23/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04. 

16. Yellow-crowned Night Heron - Three (an adult and two first-summers) were near Tarcol Lodge 25/03.

17. Black-crowned Night Heron - Two from the boat trip on the Tarcoles River 23/03 and one in Cano Negro 02/04. 

18. Boat-billed Heron - A roost of 14 individuals on the Tarcoles River 23/03; two at Bosque de Rio Tigre 26/03 and three in Cano Negro 02/04. 

19. Bare-throated Tiger-heron - Two in Palo Verde 21/03; three from the Tarcoles River boat trip on 23/03; singles at Hotel Villa Lapas 24/03, near Tarcol Lodge 25/03 and near La Selva 31/03, and three in Cano Negro 02/04.

20. Fasciated Tiger-heron - Two on a river near La Selva 01/04. 

21. Wood Stork - Recorded on six dates including 300+ at Palo Verde on 21/03 and 350+ in Cano Negro 02/04. A flock of 30 migrating over the mountains in Carara 25/03 were notable. 

22. Jabiru - At least eight amongst large numbers of Wood Storks at Palo Verde on 21/03. 

23. White Ibis - Recorded on eight dates, good numbers in wetland areas.

24. Glossy Ibis - Three in Palo Verde 21/03.

25. Green Ibis - Three in fields on the approach road out of Cano Negro 02/04.

26. Roseate Spoonbill - Recorded on six dates, including 30+ at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03; 100+ at Palo Verde and 20+ at Chomez 21/03. 

27. Fulvous Whistling-duck - A singleton found amongst thousands of Black-bellied Whistling-ducks at Palo Verde 21/03.

28. Black-bellied Whistling-duck - In excess of 5000+ at Palo Verde 21/03. Also ten on a small pool near Catargo 30/03 and 40+ in Cano Negro 02/04.

29. Muscovy Duck - 20+ were present in Palo Verde 21/03, whilst single pairs were seen along the La Gamba Road 27/03; at La Selva 31/03 and in Cano Negro 01/04. 

30. Blue-winged Teal - A flock of 100 on the pool behind the Hotel La Laguna and 50 in Palo Verde 21/03; 20 on a pool near Catargo 30/03 and 15 in Cano Negro on 02/04. 

31. Black Vulture - Very numerous, recorded every day in large numbers. 

32. Turkey Vulture - Very numerous, hundreds seen every day. 

33. King Vulture - Three adults seen over Carara 25/03; two at Bosque de Rio Tigre 26/03 and a perched adult from the La Gamba Road 27/03.

34. Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture - Superficially very similar to Turkey Vulture, at least four seen in Cano Negro 02/04, with the best views involving birds over a harvested cane field along the approach road out. 

35. American Swallow-tailed Kite - The best raptor of the trip, a total of 66 individuals recorded on ten dates, with 22 at Santa Elena 22/03 the best count. 

36. White-tailed Kite - One near Colarado 20/03; one at the airport in San Jose 25/03; three along the La Gamba road 27/03 and two on the journey to Cano Negro on the 01/04. 

37. Snail Kite - Two seen in Palo Verde 21/03. 

38. Double-toothed Kite - The first seen displaying over Carara 25/03, with a further five individuals on four dates.

39. Plumbeous Kite - One seen from the boat ride on the Tarcoles River 23/03 and three migrating over the mountains above Carara with Wood Storks(!) 25/03. 

40. Sharp-shinned Hawk - One at Palo Verde 21/03. 

41. Bay-winged Hawk (Harris's Hawk) - One seen perched at the roadside near Colarado 20/03. 

42. Semiplumbeous Hawk - One perched above the trails at Arenal 04/04. 

43. White Hawk - A distant bird at Carara 25/03 and awesome views of a single perched bird at the Hanging Bridges near Arenal 03/04. 

44. Mangrove Black Hawk - Three at the River Tarcoles mouth 20/03, with six from the boat ride on the Tarcoles river 23/03. Further singles seen near Tarcol Lodge 25/03 and on the road out of Bosque de Rio Tigre 27/03. 

45. Bicolored Hawk - One flushed along the road to Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04. 

46. Grey Hawk - A total of 14 seen on five dates, including excellent perched views at Arenal 03/04.

47. Roadside Hawk - A total of 20 individuals seen over the course of nine dates.

48. Broad-winged Hawk - Recorded on eight dates, including parties of up to 50 birds migrating through near Monteverde 23/03 and Savegre 29/03. On the morning of 02/04 huge numbers were passing through Cano Negro amongst a large passage of Swainson's Hawks, with 200+ in just a few minutes. 

49. Short-tailed Hawk - Ten individuals seen on seven dates, including three near Orotina 20/03.

50. Swainson's Hawk - Six seen on 21/03 and a single near Monteverde on 23/03, were slightly eclipsed on the 02/04 when c.1500 passed over Cano Negro in just a few minutes!

51. Zone-tailed Hawk - One circling over the freeway near Orotina appropriately amongst Turkey Vultures 20/03 and one hunting over Carara 25/03.

52. Red-tailed Hawk - Awesome views of a perched invidual at the radar tower at Cerro de la Muerte 28/03, with up to three hunting over and around Savegre Lodge 29 & 30/03. All were of the distinctive Central American race.

53. Black Hawk-eagle - One seen at Bosque del Rio Tigre on 26/03 was followed by a second seen at Talari 28/03.

-- Ornate Hawk-eagle - Heard at Savegre on the 29/03 and at the Hanging Bridges 03/04. 

54. Osprey - A total of 21 individuals seen on eight dates.

55. Crested Caracara - A total of 30 individuals seen on seven dates, including 13 along the approach road into Cano Negro 01/04.

 56. Yellow-headed Caracara - A total of 19 individuals on six dates, including a very confiding pair at Talari Lodge 28/03.

57. Laughing Falcon - One from the La Gamba Road 27/03 and a pair at the Hanging Bridges, Arenal 03/04.

-- Barred Forest-falcon - Heard at Santa Elena 22/03 and Savegre 28/03.

58. Collared Forest-falcon - Excellent views of a bird at Carara 24/03, and one at Bosque del Rio Tigre 25/03.

59. Pearl Kite - A perched bird near the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03.

60. American Kestrel - Three at Palo Verde 21/03.

61. Merlin - Singles at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03 and Palo Verde 21/03.

62. Peregrine Falcon - One in Cano Negro 02/04.

63. Bat Falcon - A perched bird near Rincon 27/04; one over Talari Lodge 28/03 and one from the boat ridge in Cano Negro 02/04.

64. Grey-headed Chachalacha - A family party of six near Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03 and good numbers around the Arenal Observatory Lodge 02-03/04.

65. Crested Guan - One at Carara 24/03, with a pair 25/03; six at La Selva 31/03 and four at Arenal Observatory Lodge 04/04.

66. Black Guan - Three feeding with Quetzals at the entrance to Monteverde 22/03; one at Finca Ecologica 23/03 and one on Providencia Road 30/03.

67. Great Currasow - A male and three females at La Selva 31/03 and a male at the Hanging Bridges at Arenal 03/04.

-- Buffy-crowned Wood-patridge - Several heard at Savegre 28/03. 

-- Spotted Bobwhite - Heard along the entrance track to Palo Verde 21/03. 

68. Black-breasted Wood-quail - A party of five gave good views at Finca Ecologica 23/03. 

69. White-throated Crake - A pair showed very well at a small marsh at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

70. Grey-necked Wood-rail - Pairs noted near Tarcol Lodge 25/03 and at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; at La Selva and La Quinta da Sarapiqui 31/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04. 

71. Uniform Crake - Awesome views of three birds at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03. 

72. American Purple Gallinule - One seen from the boat ride on the Tarcoles River 23/03; one at Tarcol Lodge 25/03; a family party of three at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and good numbers noted on the La Gamba road 27/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04.

73. Common Moorhen - One on a small pool near Catargo 30/03. 

74. American Coot - Four on a small pool near Catargo 30/03. 

75. Limpkin - Two at Palo Verde 21/03. 

76. Northern Jacana - At least 65 recorded on eight dates, including c.40 at the La Gamba Road 27.03

77. American Oystercatcher - One at Chomez 21/03. 

78. Black-necked Stilt - Recorded on four dates, including 50+ at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03; 100+ at Palo Verde and 40+ at Chomez 21/03.

79. Double-striped Thick-knee - A pair heard at Colorado 20/03 were followed by five at Palo Verde and one at the sod farms near the Hotel La Laguna 21/03.

80. Southern Lapwing - A pair at the sod farms near the Hotel La Laguna 21/03, and a flock of eight at the La Gamba road 27/03. 

81. American Golden Plover - One at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03. 

82. Grey Plover (Black-bellied Plover) - A number present at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03, and 30+ at Chomez 21/03. 

83. Semipalmated Plover - Recorded on five dates, including 50+ at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03 and 60+ in Cano Negro 02/04. 

84. Snowy Plover - A male at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03. 

85. Collared Plover - Fine views of a single male at the sod farms near Hotel La Laguna 21/03. 

86. Wilson's Plover - A loose flock of 15 at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03. 

87. Marbled Godwit - Two at Chomez 21/03. 

88. Hudsonian Whimbrel - Recorded on four dates, including 50+ at the Colorado Salt Pans 20/03 and 30+ at Chomez 21/03.

89. Greater Yellowlegs - Three at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03; two at the Hotel La Laguna pool 21/03 and one in Cano Negro 02/04. 

90. Lesser Yellowlegs - Small numbers recorded at wetland localities on three dates. 

91. Solitary Sandpiper - Singletons at the pool behind the Hotel La Laguna 21/03 and at the La Gamba Road 27/03. 

92. Spotted Sandpiper - Very numerous, recorded on 11 dates and at almost any available water source. 

93. Willet - Recorded on three dates with 40+ at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03 and 50+ at Chomez on 21/03 the highest counts. 

94. Ruddy Turnstone - Recorded on three dates at the coast, including 20 at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03. 

95. Short-billed Dowitcher - At least 130 recorded at three localities over two dates, including 70 at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03. 

96. Sanderling - Small numbers recorded on two dates at the coast.

97. Semipalmated Sandpiper - Several birds present at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03 and at the Hotel La Laguna 21/03. 

98. Western Sandpiper - The most numerous 'peep' with c.320 recorded on three dates at the coast.

99. Least Sandpiper - Small numbers recorded on five dates.

100. Pectoral Sandpiper - One at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03.

101. American Herring Gull - Three at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03.

102. Laughing Gull - Recorded on four dates at the coast in large numbers including 300+ on the Tarcoles River 20/03.

103. Gull-billed Tern - Three at Palo Verde 21/03.

104. Caspian Tern - Two roosting at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03 and several at Palo Verde 21/03.

105. Royal Tern - Recorded on four dates at the coast including 200+ at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03.

106. Elegant Tern - Recorded on two dates, including four at both the Tarcoles River Mouth and at Caldera 20/03.

107. Sandwich Tern - Recorded on two dates at the coast, including 30+ roosting at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03.

108. Common Tern - One at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03.

109. Black Skimmer - Three at the Tarcoles River Mouth 20/03 and 300+ at Chomez 21/03. 

110. Feral Pigeon - Recorded on most dates...

111. Scaled Pigeon - Six at Talari Lodge 28/03 and fine views of a perched bird at La Selva 31/03.

112. Band-tailed Pigeon - Several at Santa Elena 22/03 and recorded at Savegre 29/03 & 30/03 with 10+ birds on both dates.

113. Pale-vented Pigeon - Birds recorded on six dates. 

114. Red-billed Pigeon - Widespread, with birds recorded on nine dates.

115. Ruddy Pigeon - Three at Savegre on the 29/03.

116. Short-billed Pigeon - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and three at La Selva 31/03.

117. Mourning Dove - A small flock in Palo Verde 21/03.

118. White-winged Dove - Recorded on at least five dates, and usually conspicuous at the roadside.

119. Inca Dove - A common roadside bird, recorded on at least seven dates.

120. Common Ground-dove - Birds recorded at the roadside on numerous dates, with good views of birds on the Guanacaste Road 20/03 and in Palo Verde 21/03.

121. Plain-breasted Ground-dove - Four on the Guanacaste Road 20/03. 

122. Ruddy Ground-dove - Recorded on seven dates, including 10+ near Bosque del Rio Tigre 25/03.

123. Blue Ground-dove - A pair at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/02, with a fine male 27/03; a male on the La Selva entrance road 31/03 and one in Cano Negro 02/04.

124. White-tipped Dove - Common in forested habitat and at the roadside, recorded on ten dates.

125. Grey-headed Dove - One seen in Cano Negro 02/04.

126. Grey-chested Dove - A forest dove recorded on four dates.

127. Buff-fronted Quail-dove - One seen on the access road at Savegre on 28/03.

128. Chiriqui Quail-dove - A pair gave superb views near Monteverde 22/03.

129. Ruddy Quail-dove - Four birds seen at Carara 24/03.

130. Scarlet Macaw - Recorded on six dates, with birds seen in Palo Verde, Carara, the Tarcoles River and around the Osa Penninsula.

-- Great Green Macaw - Birds calling overhead at La Selva 31/03 unfortunately avoided visual detection!

131. Crimson-fronted Parakeet - Recorded on four dates including 20+ in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville in San Jose 20/03. 

132. Olive-throated Parakeet - Recorded on three dates, including a flock of seven by the La Selva entrance track 31/03. 

133. Orange-fronted Parakeet - Recorded on three dates, including 15 along the Guanacaste Road 20/03 and a flock of 10 in Palo Verde 21/03.

134. Sulphur-winged Parakeet - Only seen in the Savegre Valley on 29 & 30/03, with 50+ on the former date. 

135. Orange-chinned Parakeet - A common roadside bird, seen on ten dates - usually small parties in flight. 

136. Brown-throated Parakeet - A flock of 30+ on the La Gamba road 27/03. 

137. Brown-hooded Parrot - Recorded on six dates after the first small party at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

138. Blue-headed Parrot - At least ten near the La Gamba Road 27/03.

139. White-crowned Parrot - Recorded on seven dates with the first in Carara 24/03.

140. White-fronted Parrot - A couple of loose flocks totalling 18 birds in Palo Verde 21/03.

141. Red-lored Parrot - Recorded on seven dates, mostly involving singletons and pairs.

142. Yellow-naped Parrot - Excellent views of single pairs in Palo Verde 21/03 and near Tarcol Lodge 25/03, with several flocks overflying to roost on the Tarcoles River boat ride on 23/03.

143. Mealy Parrot - Several pairs seen at La Selva 31/03 and in the same area 01/04.

144. Mangrove Cuckoo - Two showed exceptionally well on the approach road into Palo Verde 21/03.

145. Squirrel Cuckoo - Recorded on six dates, with the first involving a pair in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville 20/03.

146. Smooth-billed Ani - Recorded on two dates in the south, where it was a numerous roadside bird.

147. Groove-billed Ani - Recorded on eight dates and often frequent at the roadside.

148. Striped Cuckoo - Excellent views of a calling bird near Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03.

149. Lesser Ground-cuckoo - Single birds seen on the Guanacaste Road 20/03 and near Monteverde 23/03.

150. Pacific Screech-owl - A calling bird showed exceptionally at the Colorado Salt Pans 20/03, and another seen in Cano Negro 02/04. 

151. Tropical Screech-owl - A roosting bird in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville 20/03. 

152. Vermiculated Screech-owl - One showed superbly at La Selva 31/03. 

153. Bare-shanked Screech-owl - Two on roost at Santa Elena 22/03 and excellent views of a bird at Savegre 29/03.

-- Mottled Owl - A calling bird heard at Cano Negro 02/04. 

154. Black-and-white Owl - The pair showed exceptionally well in the small town park in Orotina 20/03.

 155. Spectacled Owl - A pair with a nearly fledged juvenile in Palo Verde 21/03 were followed by a very close roosting bird at La Selva 31/03.

-- Costa Rican Pgymy Owl - Two birds heard at Savegre 29/03. 

156. Ferruginous Pygmy-owl - One calling at the Hotel Bougainville 20/03 followed by single birds seen on the Guanacaste Road 20/03 and along the road near Tarcol Lodge 25/03. 

157. Striped Owl - Two birds showed exceptionally near Jaco 23/03 and one was seen near Cano Negro 01/04. 

158. Great Potoo - One showed exceptionally well on a night drive at Cano Negro 01/04. 

159. Common Potoo (Gray Potoo) - One perched and singing at Cano Negro 01/04. 

160. Short-tailed Nighthawk - Two over the river bridge at dusk at La Selva 31/03. 

161. Lesser Nighthawk - Recorded on five dates, including a very showy day-roosting bird at Chomez 21/03 and 30+ over harvesting cane fields at Cano Negro 01/04.

162. Pauraque - Recorded on six dates, with excellent views of birds on the trails at Arenal in particular. 

163. Dusky Nightjar - Two birds showed well on the access track to Savegre 29/03. 

164. Chestnut-collared Swift - Recorded on four dates, 20+ at Cerre de la Muerte on 28/03 the peak count

165. Spot-fronted Swift - Three birds amongst many Grey-rumped Swifts at La Selva 31/03. 

166. White-chinned Swift - A flock of 10+ at Savegre 28/03. 

167. White-collared Swift - Groups of this large Swift seen on nine dates. 

168. Costa Rican Swift - Recorded on six dates including 50+ on the River Tarcoles boat trip 23/03. 

169. Grey-rumped Swift - Recorded on two dates including 20+ over the La Selva access road 31/03. 

170. Vaux's Swift - Recorded on four dates, mostly single birds. 

171. Chimney Swift - Several birds seen en route to Cano Negro 01/04.

172. Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; two at Talari Lodge 28/03 and two at La Selva 31/03. 

173. Band-tailed Barbthroat - Up to five birds seen at Bosque del Rio Tigre on 26-27/03. 

174. Green Hermit - A pair at the Monteverde Hummingbird gallery 22/03 and several birds at Arenal Observatory Lodge 03 &04/04. 

175. Long-billed Hermit - Recorded on four dates, the first at Carara 24/03. 

176. Stripe-throated Hermit - Recorded at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03, with two at Talari Lodge 28/03. 

177. White-tipped Sicklebill - Stonking views of a singleton at Bosque del Rio Tigre following a half mile trek up a fast flowing stream 26/03. 

178. Scaly-breasted Hummingbird - Recorded on five dates, the first being in Carara 24/03. 

179. Violet Sabrewing - An exceptional hummingbird, recorded in good numbers at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03 and in smaller numbers near Talari Lodge 28/03. 

180. White-necked Jacobin - A pair showed well with good numbers of hummers at some flowering bushes near Talari Lodge 28/03; a pair at La Selva 31/03 and 5+ at Arenal Observatory Lodge on 03 & 04/04. 

181. Green Violet-ear - Recorded on four dates, the first being good numbers at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03. 

182. Green-breasted Mango - A pair at Colorado 20/03 were the only one's of the trip. 

183. Violet-headed Hummingbird - Two-three birds present around the gardens at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir on 30/03 and 01/04, with one-two birds seen daily at Arenal Observatory Lodge 02-04/04.

184. Black-crested Coquette - Two at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir on 30/03, with one again 01/04; two at Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04.

185. White-crested Coquette - A female at Bosque del Rio Tigre feeding with a Blue-throated Goldentail 26/03.

186. Green Thorntail - An exceptional Hummer, singles were present at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir on 30/03 and 01/04.

187. Canivet's Emerald - Three at Colorado 20/03.

188. Garden Emerald - 2+ birds around Talari Lodge 28/03.  

189. Violet-crowned Woodnymph - One at La Selva 31/03, then 3+ at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04 and several around Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04 & 04/04. 

190. Fiery-throated Hummingbird - Superb views were had of many birds clogging the feeders at Restuarante le Georgina 28/03 and good numbers were present along the 'Towers Road' at Cerro de la Muerte 28/03 and 30/03.

191. Blue-throated Goldentail - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

192. Mangrove Hummingbird - A pair showed well on the Tarcoles River trip 23/03.

193. Beryl-crowned Hummingbird (Charming Hummingbird) - A pair at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03.

194. Snowy-bellied Hummingbird - 3+ present at the productive hummingbird spot near Talari Lodge 28/03.

195. Cinnamon Hummingbird - Two present at Colorado 20/03 and two in Palo Verde 21/03.

196. Steely-vented Hummingbird - Two-three present around the reception bushes at Finca Ecologica 23/03 and one at Villa Lapas 25/03.

197. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird - The most numerous Hummer of the trip, recorded on 11 dates including double-figures in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville on 20/03.

198. Stripe-tailed Hummingbird - Three at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03.

199. White-tailed Emerald - Good views of a single bird at the Mirrador Valle de General restuarant 28/03.

200. Coppery-headed Emerald - Up to five present at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03 and at least one at a roadside hummingbird feeding station near San Jose 04/04.

201. Snowcap - A female at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 30/03, with a much more appreciated male at the same locality 01/04!

202. Red-footed Plumeleteer - Singles at La Selva 31/03 and at Arenal 03/04.

203. White-bellied Mountain-gem - Three birds at the Hummingbird stop en route back to San Jose 04/04.

204. White-throated Mountain-gem - Many present on the feeders at Savegre Lodge 29 & 30/03.

205. Purple-throated Mountain-gem - 5+ birds present at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03. 

206. Green-crowned Brilliant - Recorded on two dates, with 20+ birds at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03. 

207. Magnificent Hummingbird - 3+ birds at feeders at the Restuarante le Georgina 28/03 and 10+ birds daily on the feeders at Savegre Lodge 28-30/03.

208. Purple-crowned Fairy - One at Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04. 

209. Plain-capped Starthroat - One on the Guancaste Road 20/03. 

210. Long-billed Starthroat - 4+ at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and 1-2 at Talari Lodge 28/03. 

211. Magenta-throated Woodstar - 1-2 at the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03. 

212. Volcano Hummingbird - Large numbers at Cerro de la Muerte 28/03 & 30/03, and at Savegre Lodge 29 & 30/03.

213. Scintillant Hummingbird - Small numbers at Savegre Lodge 29 & 30/03. 

214. Resplendant Quetzal - 4+ birds at Monteverde 22/03 and two females at Savegre Lodge 29/03. 

215. Slaty-tailed Trogon - Three at Carara 24/03. 

216. Lattice-tailed Trogon - A male at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

217. Baird's Trogon - 3+ at Carara 24/03, and one at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

218. Black-headed Trogon - A male at Colorado 20/03; 3+ at Palo Verde 21/03 and one at Hotel Villa Lapas 24/03. 

219. Collared Trogon - Two males at Savegre Lodge 29/03. 

220. Orange-bellied Trogon - Single birds near Monteverde 22/03 and at Finca Ecologica 23/03.

221. Black-throated Trogon - A female at Carara 24/03 and a male at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04.

 222. Violaceous Trogon - 2+ at Carara 24/03; singles at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03, La Selve 31/03 and Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04.

223. Belted Kingfisher - Single birds recorded on the boat trips at the Tarcoles River 23/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04.

224. Ringed Kingfisher - A single at the Hotel La Laguna and 2+ at Chomez on 21/03 were followed by a single on the Tarcoles River 23/03 and large numbers in Cano Negro 02/04.

225. Amazon Kingfisher - The first was one on the Tarcoles River boat ride 23/03, then one at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03, one at Rincon 27/03 and good numbers in Cano Negro 01-02/04. 

226. Green Kingfisher - The first was at the River Tarcoles mouth 20/03 with further singles at Rincon 27/03 and La Selva 31/03. Large numbers were recorded on both boat journeys on the Tarcoles River 23/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04. 

227. American Pygmy Kingfisher - One on the Tarcoles boat trip was much appreciated 23/03. 

228. Broad-billed Motmot - One at the Arenal Hanging Bridges 03/04. 

229. Keel-billed Motmot - One near Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04. 

230. Turqouise-browed Motmot - Recorded on three dates; singles at the Guancaste Road 20/03; Palo Verde 21/03 and near Monteverde 23/03. 

231. Blue-crowned Motmot - Recorded on eight dates, and surprisingly easy to see - at least seven were seen on the first morning in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville. 

232. Rufous-tailed Jacamar - After frustrating calls only at Carara 25/03, excellent views were had of a pair at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and a singleton near the lakes at the Hotel La Quinta de Sarapiqui 31/03. 

233. White-necked Puffbird - One showed very well at La Selva 31/03. 

234. Pied Puffbird - A single bird showing well at La Selva 31/03. 

235. White-whiskered Puffbird - A calling bird was tracked down to give good views at Carara 24/03. 

236. Red-headed Barbet - A gorgeous pair showed delightfully at the Mirrador Valle de General restuarant 28/03.

237. Prong-billed Barbet - A pair showed well in trees above the Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery 22/03. 

238. Emerald Toucanet (Blue-throated Toucanet) - One at the Hotel Sapo Dorado 22/03. 

239. Collared Aracari - Several at La Selva 31/03, followed by several birds near there 01/04 and six at Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04. 

240. Fiery-billed Aracari - Recorded in small numbers on the Osa Penninsula/Bosque del Rio Tigre 25-27/03. 

241. Keel-billed Toucan - Single birds at La Selva 31/03; Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04 and several birds at Arenal Observatory Lodge 02-03/04. 

242. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan - Recorded on eight dates, with excellent views especially at La Selva.

243. Acorn Woodpecker - Recorded at Savegre 28/03, 29/03 & 30/03 with a family party of 15+ on 29/03. 

244. Black-cheeked Woodpecker - Recorded on five dates, the first at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir, with excellent views of birds on the feeders at Arenal. 

245. Golden-naped Woodpecker - Three at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03, with two 27/03. 

246. Red-crowned Woodpecker - Recorded on three dates in the south where the species replaces Hoffmann's Woodpecker. 

247. Hoffmann's Woodpecker - Recorded on six dates, with the first in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville 20/03. 

248. Hairy Woodpecker - One at Cerro de la Muerte 28/03 and 6+ at Savegre 29/03. 

249. Smoky-brown Woodpecker - 3+ at Santa Elena 22/03 and three at La Selva 31/03. 

250. Rufous-winged Woodpecker - Two at La Selva 31/03 and a female in Cano Negro 02/04.

251. Golden-olive Woodpecker - One at La Selva 31/03. 

252. Cinnamon Woodpecker - A single bird at La Selva 31/03. 

253. Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker - A pair on the entrance track at La Selva 31/03.

254. Lineated Woodpecker - A family party of five near Bosque del Rio Tigre 25/03, and a singleton near Rincon 27/03.

255. Pale-billed Woodpecker - 3+ showed incredibly well at Carara 24/03, with single birds at La Selva 31/03 and Arenal Observatory Lodge 04/04.

256. Tawny-winged Woodcreeper - One at Carara 24/03.

257. Ruddy Woodcreeper - One attending an ant swarm at Finca Ecologica 23/03 was a surprise.

-- Long-tailed Woodcreeper - Heard only at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

258. Olivaceous Woodcreeper - One at Finca Ecologica 23/03. 

259. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper - Recorded in five dates, the first in Carara on 24/03. 

260. Northern Barred Woodcreeper - Single birds at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and at La Selva 31/03. 

261. Cocoa Woodcreeper (Buff-throated Woodcreeper) - Recorded on three dates, firstly a singleton at Carara 24/03. 

262. Black-striped Woodcreeper - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

263. Spotted Woodcreeper - One at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 30/03 and at the Hanging Bridges in Arenal 03/04. 

264. Streak-headed Woodcreeper - Recorded on six dates, the first at Palo Verde 21/03. 

265. Spot-crowned Woodcreeper - Present at Savegre Lodge on 28/03, 29/03 and 30/03 with 4+ birds on 29/03. 

266. Brown-billed Scythebill - Four birds recorded at Santa Elena 22/03 included awesome views of a pair at a nest hole. 

267. Slaty Spinetail - One near Arenal 04/04. 

268. Red-faced Spinetail - 3+ birds in a large mixed feeding flock at Santa Elena 22/03. 

269. Spotted Barbtail - Five at Santa Elena 22/03 in a large mixed feeding flock. 

270. Ruddy Treerunner - At least 20 were present at Santa Elena 22/03, with smaller numbers at Savegre 29/03. 

271. Lineated Foliage-gleaner - A pair at Santa Elena 22/03. 

272. Streak-breasted Treehunter - Grand views of a lone bird on the roadside out of Savegre 30/03. 

273. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner - One at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

274. Ruddy Foliage-gleaner- One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

275. Grey-throated Leaftosser - A stake out near Monteverde came up trumps with good views of a calling bird 22/03. 

276. Scaly-throated Leaftosser - Excellent views of a bird on the trails at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

277. Plain Xenops - Recorded on four dates, the first in Carara 24/03. 

278. Streaked Xenops - Unexpected views of a bird in a mixed flock as we descended the hillside at Savegre 29/03. 

279. Fasciated Antshrike - One hunting at the lights on the La Selva entrance gates 31/03. 

280. Great Antshrike - Pairs showed well on the trails at Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03 and at La Selva 31/03. 

281. Barred Antshrike - Recorded on four dates, the first a pair from the boat trip on the Tarcoles River 23/03. 

282. Black-hooded Antshrike - Recorded in Carara 24/03 and at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 & 27/03. 

283. Western Slaty Antshrike - A pair showed admirably at La Selva 31/03. 

284. Russet Antshrike - The first recorded at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; further singletons at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04 and Arenal 03/04. 

285. Plain Antvireo - One feeding at the Arenal Hanging Bridges with a Canada Warbler 03/04. 

286. Streak-crowned Antvireo - One on the trails at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

287. Checker-throated Antwren - Pairs on the trails at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 30/03 and 01/04. 

288. Dot-winged Antwren - Groups of 6+ at Carara 24/03 and Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03. 

289. Dusky Antbird - One at Carara 24/03 and two at Arenal 03/04. 

290. Chestnut-backed Antbird - Excellent views of 8+ birds at Carara 24/03; single pairs at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03. 

291. Dull-mantled Antbird - A pair showed exceptionally well on the road near Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04. 

292. Bicoloured Antbird - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03 and a pair at an army ant swarm on the trails at Arenal 04/04. 

293. Spotted Antbird - Easily seen on the trails at Arenal with 3+ on 03/04 and a pair 04/03. 

294. Ocellated Antbird - One of the outstanding trip highlights was a pair attending an army ant swarm at Arenal 04/03. 

295. Black-faced Antthrush - 6+ seen easily on the trails at Carara 24/03. 

296. Streak-chested Antpitta - Two birds seen well on the trails at Carara 24/03. 

297. Thicket Antpitta - Many birds heard at Arenal 02-04/04, with stonking views of a single bird 03/03. 

298. Silvery-fronted Tapaculo - One bird enticed out of cover to our feet at Santa Elena 22/03. 

299. Rufous Piha - One bird showed very well in Carara 24/03. 

300. Turquoise Cotinga - A pair at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; a female at Rincon 27/03 and a male at Talari Lodge 28/03. 

301. Snowy Cotinga - A gorgeous male at La Selva 31/03. 

302. Yellow-billed Cotinga - One seen in the mangroves on the River Tarcoles boat ride 23/03 and 3+ birds seen at Rincon 27/03. 

303. Red-capped Mannakin - 3+ bathing in small pools at Carara 24/03 and 3+ on the trails at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 & 27/03. 

304. Blue-crowned Mannakin - Superb views of a male at Carara 24/03. 

305. Long-tailed Mannakin - 2+ immature males at Palo Verde 21/03, followed by a stunning adult at Finca Ecologica 23/03. 

306. White-ruffed Mannakin - A female at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

307. White-collared Mannakin - 2+ lekking males at La Selva 31/03. 

308. Orange-collared Mannakin - 4+ birds lekking in the grounds of Hotel Villa Lapas 24/03 and several birds at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

309. Olive-striped Flycatcher - One at Santa Elena 22/03. 

310. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher - Recorded on six dates, the first in Carara 24/03. 

311. Slate-headed Tody-tyrant - Good views of a pair at Carara 24/03. 

312. Common Tody-flycatcher - Recorded on ten dates, first seen on the River Tarcoles boat ride 23/03.

313. Black-headed Tody-flycatcher - A mobile bird eventually gave outstanding views at La Selva 31/03. 

314. Paltry Tyrannulet - Recorded on five dates, the first two at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

315. Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet - A pair at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

316. Northern Beardless Tyrannulet - Single birds at Palo Verde 21/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04.

317. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet - After much trawling, one showed well in gardens in the village at Bosque del RioTigre 26/03.

318. Yellow Tyrannulet - Two birds on the road out of Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03.

319. Northern Scrub Flycatcher - One in mangroves on the Tarcoles boat ride 23/03.

320. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet - One gave outstanding views on the La Gamba Road 27/03.

321. Greenish Eleania - Recorded on three dates. 

322. Yellow-bellied Eleania - Two at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

323. Lesser Eleania - Several birds in the grounds of Talari Lodge 28/03. 

324. Mountain Eleania - Recorded on three dates, the first two at Monteverde 22/03. 

325. Torrent Tyrannulet - Three birds gave stunning views at Savegre 29/03.

326. Rufous-browed Tyrannulet - A pair in a large mixed flock at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04.

327. Black-capped Pygymy-tyrant - Awesome views of one at a nest site at La Selva 31/03. 

328. Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant - Single birds at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04 and Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04. 

329. Northern Bentbill - One at Carara on 24/03, also heard at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

330. Eye-ringed Flatbill - 3+ showed well at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

331. Yellow-olive Flycatcher - Recorded on seven dates, the first in Palo Verde 21/03.

332. Stub-tailed Spadebill - One showed very well in Carara 24/03.

333. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

334. Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher - Four at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03, and two 27/03.

335. Tufted Flycatcher - Several birds at Santa Elena 22/03 and Savegre 29/03.

336. Dark Pewee - Single birds at Savegre 29/03 & 03/03.

337. Ochraceous Pewee - One on Providencia Road 30/03.

338. Western Wood-pewee - Several birds at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

339. Eastern Wood-pewee - A single bird at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

340. Tropical Pewee - Two at La Selva 31/03 and 6+ at Cano Negro 02/04.

341. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - Recorded on four dates, the first two in Carara 24/03.

342. Yellowish Flycatcher - Several near Monteverde 22/03, and also at Savegre 29/03 & 30/03.

343. Black-capped Flycatcher - 3+ at Savegre 29/03 and one on Providencia Road 30/03.

344. Black Phoebe - Three at Talari Lodge 28/03 and one at the roadside near Catargo 30/03.

345. Long-tailed Tyrant - One seen in La Selva 31/03 and two near Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

346. Bright-rumped Atilla - Single birds at Carara 24/03 and Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

347. Rufous Mourner - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and two at La Selva 31/03. 

348. Dusky-capped Flycatcher - A pair at Finca Ecologica 23/03 the first of the trip, with birds seen on a further five dates.

349. Panama Flycatcher - 1-2 seen in mangroves on the River Tarcoles boat ride 23/03.

350. Nutting's Flycatcher - Several birds seen on the Guanacaste Road 20/03 and in Palo Verde 21/03.

351. Great Crested Flycatcher - Single birds at Palo Verde 21/03 and at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03.

352. Brown-crested Flycatcher - Small numbers seen along the Guanacaste Road and at Colorado 20/03 and at the Hotel Las Lagunas and Palo Verde 21/03. 

353. Tropical Kingbird - Recorded in vast numbers on every day!

354. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 6+ birds at Colorado 20/03 and 10+ recorded 21/03, including 6+ at the Hotel Las Lagunas.

355. Fork-tailed Flycatcher - 3+ at the La Gamba Road 27/03 and one overflying near Talari Lodge 28/03. 

356. Eastern Kingbird - One present near Arenal 04/04. 

357. Boat-billed Flycatcher - The first was at Palo Verde 21/03, and subsequently recorded on a further nine dates. 

358. White-ringed Flycatcher - A pair in the trees by the entrance gate at La Selva 31/03.

359. Golden-bellied Flycatcher -  A pair around the reception area at Monteverde 22/03.

360. Streaked Flycatcher - Recorded on six dates, the first in Palo Verde 21/03. 

361. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher - One on the Guanacaste Road 20/03, and a pair at Arenal 03/04. 

362. Social Flycatcher - Very numerous, and recorded on all but two dates on the trip.

363. Rusty-margined Flycatcher - One on the La Gamba road 27/03. 

364. Grey-capped Flycatcher - First recorded at the Hotel Villa Lapas 23/03 and then on a subsequent six dates. 

365. Piratic Flycatcher - First recorded near Monteverde 23/03, and then on a subsequent nine dates. 

366. Great Kiskadee - One of the commonest bird species encountered, seen on every date.

367. Thrushlike Schiffornis - One seen at the Hanging bridges in Arenal 03/04. 

368. Barred Becard - 3+ birds seen on the trails at Santa Elena 22/03.

369. Cinnamon Becard - Pairs seen at La Selva 31/03 and at Cano Negro 02/04.

370. White-winged Becard - Mirroring the previous species, pairs showed well in La Selva 31/03 and at Cano Negro 02/04.

371. Rose-throated Becard - Recorded on four dates, mostly in Carara and at Bosque del Rio Tigre.

372. Masked Tityra - Three in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville were the first of the trip 20/03 with birds recorded on a further six dates.

373. Black-crowned Tityra - A group of three seen near Monteverde 22/03 and one seen at La Selva 31/03.  

374. Mangrove Swallow - First recorded at the mouth of the River Tarcoles on 20/03, and then seen on six subsequent dates.

375. Gray-breasted Martin - Always recorded close to human habitation, seen on nine dates. 

376. Blue-and-white Swallow - First recorded around the Hotel Bougainville 20/03, seen on nine subsequent dates. 

377. Northern Rough-winged Swallow - Recorded on five dates, the first at the Hotel Bougainville 20/03. 

378. Southern Rough-winged Swallow - Recorded on four dates, the first and best views being at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

379. Sand Martin (American Bank Swallow) - Several seen on the River Tarcoles river trip 23/03.  

380. American Barn Swallow - Recorded on ten dates, one of the most numerous hirundines. 

381. Cliff Swallow - Recorded on four dates, including a migrant flock of 100 at La Selva 31/03. 

382. Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher - Two along the road into Savegre 28/03, with four birds at Savegre Lodge 29/03 and 6+ recorded between Savegre and Providencia Road on 30/03.

383. Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher - Three (one male and two females) at Providencia Road 30/03. 

384. American Dipper - One at the entrance to Savegre Lodge 28/03. 

385. Rufous-naped Wren - Recorded on four dates, the first involving 3+ showing very well in the gardens of the Hotel Bougainville 20/03.  

386. Band-backed Wren - A pair along the entrance road at La Selva 31/03, with single birds in Cano Negro 02/04 and at Arenal 04/04. 

387. Sedge Wren - One in a meadow near Catargo 30/03. 

388. Black-throated Wren - Excellent views of a single bird in La Selva 31/03. 

389. Black-bellied Wren - One gave outstanding views at Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03. 

390. Spot-breasted Wren - Up to four birds showed at two localities at Cano Negro 02/04. 

391. Rufous-breasted Wren - Single birds at Finca Ecologica 23/03; Carara 24/03 and Talari Lodge 28/03. 

392. Riverside Wren - Good views of 4+ birds in Carara 24/03 and several birds at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

393. Bay Wren - One on the approach road to Arenal 03/04. 

394. Stripe-breasted Wren - One at La Selva 31/03 and 3+ at Arenal 03 & 04/04. 

395. Banded Wren - A pair in Palo Verde 21/03. 

396. Rufous-and-white Wren - Two birds at Finca Ecologica 23/03 and one in Carara 24/03.

397. Plain Wren - One at the Hotel Bougainville 20/03. 

Canebrake Wren - 1+ at La Selva 31/03. 

398. Southern House Wren - Recorded on 13 dates, often around human habitations. 

399. Ochraceous Wren - Birds showed well at Santa Elena 22/03 and at Savegre 29/03. 

400. Timberline Wren - Two singing birds at the roadside in Cerres de la Muerte 28/03.