Random Birding 2008

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

401. White-breasted Wood-wren - One at La Selva 31/03 and single birds at Arenal 03/04 & 04/04. 

402. Grey-breasted Wood-wren - Several small parties showed admirably at Santa Elena 22/03. 

403. Nightingale Wren - Good views of a singleton and then a pair on the trails at Arenal 03/04 & 04/04. 

404. Scaly-breasted Wren - Poor views of a skulking bird at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

405. Song Wren - One seen on the trails at Arenal 03/04, with better views of a pair at the same locality 04/04. 

406. Tropical Mockingbird - A pair near Talari Lodge 28/03. 

407. Grey Catbird - One at La Selva 31/03. 

408. Black-faced Solitaire - Easily seen at Santa Elena 22/03 and in the Savegre valley 29 & 30/03. 

409. Black-billed Nightingale-thrush - 5+ recorded at Cerro de la Muerte 28/03, and in the Savegre valley 29 & 30/03.

410. Orange-billed Nightingale-thrush - 3+ at Finca Ecologica 23/03 and 4+ around the gardens at Talari Lodge 28/03.

411. Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush - 2+ birds gave awesome views at Santa Elena 22/03. 

412. Ruddy-capped Nightingale-thrush - 6+ in the grounds of Savegre Lodge 29/03 & 30/03.

413. Black-headed Nightingale-thrush - A pair showed very well from the Arenal Hanging Bridges 03/03, and a singleton on the trails at Arenal 04/04.

414. Swainson's Thrush - Recored in single figures on nine dates, the first in Palo Verde 21/03.

415. Wood Thrush - Recorded on four dates, the first and most obvious on the trails at Finca Ecologica 23/03. 

416. Sooty Robin - Easily seen in mountaineous areas around the Savegre Valley 28-30/03.

417. Mountain Thrush - Seen on four dates, in Monteverde 22/03 and easily around the Savegre Valley 28-30/03.

418. Clay-coloured Robin (Clay-coloured Thrush) - Seen every day, and very numerous.

419. White-throated Thrush - Small numbers seen at sites around Monteverde 22/03 & 23/03 and two at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04.

420. Tawny-faced Gnatwren - A pair with a small mixed flock on the trails at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

421. Long-billed Gnatwren - Good views of single birds at Carara 24/03 and Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

422. White-lored Gnatcatcher - A pair on the Guanacaste Road 20/03. 

423. Tropical Gnatcatcher - Recorded on five dates, and often numerous - first recorded with 10+ at Palo Verde 21/03. 

424. Brown Jay - Small parties seen in the Monteverde area 22 & 23/03 and in Carara 24&25/03. 

425. White-throated Magpie-jay - Seen on three dates, along the Guanacaste Road 20/03; in Palo Verde 21/03 and near Monteverde 23/03. 

426. House Sparrow - Recorded on eight dates. 

427. Rufous-browed Peppershrike - One in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville 20/03. 

428. Green Shrike-vireo - One showed at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

429. Yellow-winged Vireo - Seen daily in small numbers in the Savegre Valley 28-30/03. 

430. Yellow-throated Vireo - Single birds recorded on four dates, the first at Hotel Bougainville 20/03. 

431. Philadelphia Vireo - Recorded on six dates, with good numbers particularly around Talari Lodge 28/03. 

432. Red-eyed Vireo - Two at Talari Lodge 28/03. 

433. Yellow-green Vireo - Recorded on five dates, the first near Monteverde 23/03. 

434. Brown-capped Vireo - Two at Savegre Lodge 29/03. 

435. Scrub Greenlet - One seen in the village at Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03. 

436. Tawny-crowned Greenlet - Birds seen at Carara 24/03; Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

437. Lesser Greenlet - Widepread and recorded on nine dates during the trip. 

438. Yellow-bellied Siskin - 8+ around the reception area at Savegre Lodge 29/03 and 30/03, with smaller numbers along the mountain road. 

439. Golden-winged Warbler - Single birds at Santa Elena 22/03, Finca Ecologica 23/03 and two at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

440. Tennessee Warbler - Recorded on every date in good numbers. 

441. Tropical Parula - First recorded at Arenal Observatory Lodge 02/04, and seen in good numbers on the subsequent two dates. 

442. Flame-throated Warbler - Good numbers (10+) recorded daily at Savegre Lodge 28-30/03. 

443. Yellow Warbler - Very numerous, recorded on 12 dates. 

Mangrove Warbler - 3+ at Chomez 21/03 and good numbers in the mangroves on the Tarcoles river trip 23/03. 

444. Chestnut-sided Warbler - Recorded on nine dates, and very numerous. 

445. Magnolia Warbler - One at Palo Verde 21/03. 

446. Townsend's Warbler - One at Monteverde 22/03. 

447. Black-throated Green Warbler - Recorded on six dates, the first two at Santa Elena 22/03. 

448. Blackburnian Warbler - A stunning spring male at Arenal Observatory Lodge 04/04. 

449. Bay-breasted Warbler - A gorgeous spring male at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

450. Cerulean Warbler - A female with a flock of migrant warblers at Arenal Observatory Lodge 03/04. 

451. Black-and-white Warbler - Two at an ant swarm at Finca Ecologica 23/03 followed by one at Talari Lodge 28/03 and several on the trails at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

452. American Redstart - A male on the Tarcoles river trip 23/03 and a female on the La Gamba road 27/03. 

453. Prothonotary Warbler - Two males seen on the Tarcoles river trip 23/03. 

454. Northern Waterthrush - Recorded on eight dates, the first two at Chomez 21/03. 

455. Kentucky Warbler - Single males at Finca Ecologica 23/03, Carara 24/03, Bosque del Rio Tigre 27/03 and 2+ at Arenal 03 & 04/04. 

456. Mourning Warbler - One at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; 2+ at La Gamba road 27/03 and one at Talari Lodge 28/03. 

457. Common Yellowthroat - One at a small marsh near La Selva 01/04. 

458. Olive-crowned Yellowthroat - One at La Selva 31/03. 

459. Gray-crowned Yellowthroat - One on the Guancaste Road 20/03; near Tarcole Lodge 25/03 and at Arenal 04/04.

460. Hooded Warbler - A stunning male at La Selva 31/03. 

461. Wilson's Warbler - Recorded on six dates, the first at Santa Elena 22/03.

462. Canada Warbler - Single birds at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04 and at the Arenal Hanging Bridges 03/04. 

463. Slate-throated Redstart (Slate-throated Whitestart) - Good numbers present at Santa Elena and around Monteverde 22/03. 

464. Collared Redstart (Collared Whitestart) - Good numbers at Santa Elena 22/03; 6+ at Savegre 29/03. 

465. Golden-crowned Warbler - One at Monteverde 22/03; 4+ at Finca Ecologica 23/03 and 3+ at Arenal 04/04.

466. Rufous-capped Warbler - One at Palo Verde 21/03; 3+ at Finca Ecologica 23/03; 2+ at Carara 25/03 and 1+ at Arenal 03/04.

467. Black-cheeked Warbler - 4+ near Savegre Lodge 28/03 and 2+ at Savegre Lodge 29/03.

468. Three-striped Warbler - Several small parties at Santa Elena 22/03.

469. Buff-rumped Warbler - Two at Carara 24/03; one at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; two at La Selva 31/03 and 4+ at the Arenal hanging bridges 03/04.

470. Zeledonia (Wrenthrush) - Two at Savegre 29/03 and one at Cerro de las Muertes 30/03.

471. Bananaquit - Recorded on six dates, the first at the Monteverde Hummingbird gallery 22/03. 

472. Common Bush-tanager - Recorded in very large numbers at Santa Elena 22/03 and in the Savegre area 30/03.

473. Sooty-capped Bush-tanager - Small numbers at Santa Elena 22/03 and larger numbers in the Savegre area 28-30/03. 

474. Ashy-throated Bush-tanager - One at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

475. Black-and-yellow Tanager - A pair at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 30/03. 

476. Dusky-faced Tanager - A party of 4+ at La Selva 31/03. 

477. Olive Tanager - Large and loud raucous parties at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 30/03 & 01/04; and at Arenal 03 & 04/04. 

478. Grey-headed Tanager - A pair at Talari Lodge 28/03. 

479. White-shouldered Tanager - Three at Carara 24/03 and several at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

480. White-lined Tanager - One at the La Gamba road 27/03. 

481. Red-crowned Ant-tanager - A pair attending an army ant swarm at Finca Ecologica 23/03. 

482. Red-throated Ant-tanager - Birds recorded on three dates, the best views involving a pair at La Selva 31/03. 

483. Black-cheeked Ant-tanager - A pair at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03. 

484. Flame-coloured Tanager - Several along the approach road to Savegre Lodge 28 & 29/03. 

485. Hepatic Tanager - 4+ present around Arenal Observatory Lodge 03 & 04/04. 

486. Summer Tanager - Recorded on 13 dates, especially numerous in Carara. 

487. Scarlet Tanager - A male at Carara 24/03; several at Talari Lodge 28/03 and around Arenal 03 & 04/04. 

488. Western Tanager - A male at Carara 25/03. 

489. Crimson-collared Tanager - Single birds at La Selva 31/03 and Arenal 03/04. 

490. Cherries Tanager - Recorded on five dates, and very common in the south. Replaced by the very similar Passerini's Tanager in the north. 

491. Passerini's Tanager - First recorded at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 30/03 and seen on each of the five subsequent dates in large numbers. 

492. Blue-grey Tanager - Very common, recorded on 13 dates.

493. Palm Tanager - First recorded in Carara 24/03, and then on ten subsequent dates.

494. Scrub Euphonia- A feamel on the Guanacaste Road 20/03 and a male near Tarcole Lodge 25/03. 

495. Thick-billed Euphonia - 2+ present in the gardens at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03. 

496. Yellow-crowned Euphonia - Pairs at Carara 24/03; Talari Lodge 28/03; La Selva 31/03 and in Cano Negro 02/04. 

497. Yellow-throated Euphonia - A male at the Hotel Villa Lapas 24/03. 

498. Spot-crowned Euphonia - Two at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03, with one 27/03. 

499. Olive-backed Euphonia - 6+ at La Selva 31/03. 

500. Tawny-capped Euphonia - 4+ at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04. 

501. Golden-browed Chlorophonia - A pair near Monteverde 22/03 and two on the road to Savegre Lodge 29/03. 

502. Silver-throated Tanager - One at Santa Elena 22/03; very large numbers at the feeding station at Vista del Valle on 28/03 and one at Savegre Lodge 30/03.

503. Speckled Tanager - One at Talari Lodge and large numbers at the feeding station at Vista del Valle restuarant on 28/03. 

504. Bay-headed Tanager - One at Carara 24/03 and three at Arenal Observatory Lodge 04/04. 

505. Rufous-winged Tanager - A pair at the Hanging Bridges at Arenal 03/04. 

506. Golden-hooded Tanager - First recorded with 4+ at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and then on a subsequent four dates in good numbers.

507. Spangle-cheeked Tanager - Several birds at Santa Elena 22/03 and one at Savegre Lodge 29/03. 

508. Scarlet-thighed Dacnis - Single birds at Arenal Observatory Lodge 03 & 04/04. 

509. Blue Dacnis - Two in Carara 25/03; 3+ at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; one at Talari Lodge 28/03 and a female on the La Selva entrance road 31/03. 

510. Green Honeycreeper - Four at Talari Lodge 28/03, and birds on a subsequent four dates.

511. Shining Honeycreeper - Two at Hotel Villa Lapas 24/03 and birds at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03 and La Selva 31/03. 

512. Red-legged Honeycreeper - Recorded in large numbers on nine dates, the first in Carara 24/03. 

513. Rufous-collared Sparrow - Recorded on six dates, the first in the grounds of the hotel Bougainville 20/03. 

514. Volcano Junco - Excellent views of two along the Towers Road at Cerres de la Muerte 28/03. 

515. Stripe-headed Sparrow - three at Colorado 20/03; two at Palo Verde 21/03 and two near Tarcole Lodge 25/03. 

516. White-eared Ground-sparrow - A pair in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville 20/03 and two pairs daily at Hotel Sapo Dorado 22 & 23/03. 

517. Orange-billed Sparrow - A gorgeous species recorded on nine dates, firstly in Carara 24/03. 

518. Olive Sparrow - Two near Monteverde 23/03 and one in scrub near Tarcole Lodge 25/03. 

519. Black-striped Sparrow - Recorded on eight dates, the first a single bird near Tarcole Lodge 25/03.

520. Chestnut-capped Brush-finch - One at Santa Elena 22/03 and one visiting the feeding station at Vista del Valle restuarant 28/03. 

521. Large-footed Finch - Two recorded on three dates (28-30/03) at Savegre. 

522. Yellow-thighed Finch - Two at Santa Elena 22/03 and easily seen on all three dates (28-30/03) at Savegre. 

523. Peg-billed Finch - Two seen at Cerre de la Muerte along the Towers Road 28/03. 

524. Blue-black Grassquit - Recorded on four dates, the first involving 20+ at Chomez 21/03. 

525. Variable Seedeater - Recorded on ten dates, the first in Carara 24/03. 

526. White-collared Seedeater - Recorded on just three dates, the first a small party near Colorado 21/03. 

527. Yellow-bellied Seedeater - Two on the La Gamba road 27/03. 

528. Ruddy-breasted Seedeater - 6+ recorded on the La Gamba road 27/03. 

529. Nicaraguan Seed-finch (Pink-billed Seed-finch) - Two at a small marsh near La Selva 01/04, and a singing male at Cano Negro 02/04. 

530. Thick-billed Seed-finch - A female in Carara 25/03 and several birds on the La Gamba road 27/03. 

531. Yellow-faced Grassquit - Recorded on five dates, the first at the Hotel Sapo Dorado 22/03. 

532. Slaty Flowerpiercer - A pair at Santa Elena 22/03 and good numbers in the Savegre area 28-30/03, especially on the Towers Road.

533. Black-thighed Grosbeak - A singing male showed very well on two subsequent mornings 29-30/03 at Savegre Lodge.

534. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - Recorded in small numbers on five dates, the first in Palo Verde 21/03.

535. Black-faced Grosbeak - 10+ at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 30/03 & 01/04 and similar numbers on the entrance track to La Selva 31/03.

536. Black-headed Saltator - A pair on the entrance track at La Selva 31/03.

537. Buff-throated Saltator - Recorded on six dates, the first birds in Carara 24/03.

538. Greyish Saltator - Four in the grounds of the Hotel Bougainville 20/03.

539. Streaked Saltator - Two at a feeding station at Talari Lodge 28/03.

540. Blue Grosbeak - A male in Palo Verde 21/03.

541. Blue-black Grosbeak - Recorded on five dates, the first involving three in Carara 24/03.

542. Indigo Bunting - A male in Carara 25/03 and 4+ at La Gamba road 27/03.

543. Painted Bunting - 3+ at Chomez 21/03 and a stonking male at Carara 25/03.

544. Chestnut-headed Oropendola - Small numbers seen at La Selva 31/03 and at Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04.

545. Montezuma Oropendola - Recorded on eight dates, often in good numbers.

546. Scarlet-rumped Cacique - Four single birds recorded; at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26/03; La Selva 31/03; Reserve Ecologica el Tapir 01/04 and Arenal 03/04.

547. Spot-breasted Oriole - One seen at Colorado Salt Pans 20/03.

548. Streak-backed Oriole - One at Colorado 20/03 and several at the Hotel Las Lagunas 21/03.

549. Baltimore Oriole - Very numerous, recorded on 15 dates.

550. Orchard Oriole - A first-year male in Palo Verde 21/03 and 5+ in Cano Negro 02/04.

551. Black-cowled Oriole - 3+ at La Selva 31/03.

552. Red-winged Blackbird - Recorded on four dates, the first at the Hotel Las Lagunas 21/03.

553. Red-breasted Blackbird - 15+ on the La Gamba road 27/03.

554. Eastern Meadowlark - Recorded on five dates, the first near the airport 20/03.

555. Melodious Blackbird - One along the road near Tarcol Lodge 25/03.

556. Great-tailed Grackle - Seen on 15 dates in huge numbers.

557. Nicaraguan Grackle - 15+ recorded on the boat ride in Cano Negro 02/04.

558. Bronzed Cowbird - Recorded on nine dates, the first at the Hotel Bougainville 20/03.

559. Shiny Cowbird - A pair at La Gamba road 27/03.

560. Giant Cowbird - Up to 10+ at La Gamba road 27/03; singles at La Selva 31/03 and near Arenal Hanging Bridges 03/04.    

 

MAMMALS

1. White-nosed Coati - Recorded on six dates, firstly in Palo Verde 21/03.

2. Northern Tamandua - One in Palo Verde 21/03.

3. Oncilla - Exceptional views of one on the trails at Arenal 03/04.

4. Variegated Squirrel - Numerous recorded on nine dates. 

5. Red-tailed Squirrel - Recorded on four dates, easily seen around Talari Lodge 28/03.

6. Central American Agouti - Several seen at Finca Ecologica 23/03 and Carara 24/03.

7. Collared Peccary - A couple of small family parties at La Selva 31/03.

8. Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth - Singles in Orotina 20/03 and La Selva 31/03.

9. White-tailed Deer - One at Palo Verde 21/03.

10. Tent-making Bat - Seen in Carara 23/03 & 24/03.

11. Long-nosed/Probosis Bat - Awesome views of roosting groups at Bosque del Rio Tigre 26 & 27/03. 

12. Mantled Howler Monkey - Recorded on six dates, the first in Palo Verde 21/03.

13. White-faced Capuchin - 10+ in Palo Verde 21/03.

14. Olingo - One at the Monteverde Hummingbird gallery 22/03. 

15. Grey Fox - One at Monteverde 22/03.

16. Common Opossum - One on the night drive at Cano Negro 02/04.  

 

MISCELLANEOUS