Costa Rica
January 21-31, 2009 - Bird/Species Trip List
Peg Abbott, Willy Alfero and 6 participants

SJ = in and around San Jose
RSV = Rio Savegre Valley
SF = Alexander Skutch Farm ‘Los Cusingos’
WBG = Wilson Botanical Gardens

Italics = heard only

 

Birds
Great Tinamou – SF, heard only as we were leaving – a most fitting tribute as this was one of Alexander’s favorite sounds of the forest
Black-bellied Whistling Duck – near SF in a small pond, four birds resting on the bank.  We found them again at the Tarcoles River bridge on the PC, 6 birds resting on a sandbar
             (Mallard – RSV - likely domestic birds near trout ponds – not counted)
Gray-headed Chachalaca – near SF in open Cecropia trees on the roadside edge of farmland. WBG.
Crested Guan – very distant, early morning sightings both at WBG and in the viewshed from the porch at our Pacific coast lodgings  
Least Grebe – PC, Willy knew right where to find these little cuties with their yellow eyes – in ponds of a golf course development near Jaco
Brown Pelican – seen quite often when near PC, often in large groups flying
Neotropic Cormorant – lagoon near our sunset stop at Cascada Bar and Tarcoles River bridge
Magnificent Frigatebird – seen on both days near PC
Bare-throated Tiger Heron – Hatillo Mangrove area both from the boat and the take out point
Great Egret – near SF in small pond, flying.  Seen on our mid-trip travel day and again on the travel day up the PC
Snowy Egret – seen on four days of the journey
Little Blue Heron – agricultural areas near Esquinas, Hatillo Mangroves and several places PC
Tricolored Heron – Hatillo Mangroves and several places PC
Cattle Egret – seen around livestock near SF and San Isidro area, all agricultural areas and quite common among cattle herds on the PC.  Several came in to roost at the lagoon near the Cascada Bar.

Green Heron – near SF in small pond and on three other days of the journey
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron – Hatillo and PC
White Ibis – Esquinas on a roost tree, then most lagoons of the PC
Wood Stork – Vicki gave a holler our last field hours on the bridge over the Tarcoles bridge. We then watched good numbers cross over en route to their roost
Black Vulture – Rio Savegre Valley (RSV) – small kettles of six to eight birds in several areas of the valley.  One posed for photos while ripping up a trout snatched from one of the many ponds near lodges. Seen throughout the journey at all locations
Turkey Vulture – RSV – common in small numbers, first seen as we entered the Talamanca Range and then daily throughout our journey
Osprey – RSV – a bit of a surprise in this isolated mountain valley, likely attracted to the trout ponds.  We got close looks of the bird circling above us as we walked the road.  Seen again as we paralleled the Terraba River en route to San Vito.
Swallow-tailed Kite – RSV – small kettle seen as we came out the woods on an afternoon trail walk our third day.  Then we had marvelous eye-level views at our coffee stop at Vista del Valle and several from SF.  Several at close range at WBG.  
Pearl Kite – this little dynamo is expanding its range and Henry spotted it for us on a wire, just as we hit the lowlands coming from Wilson Botanical down the Talamanca grade
White-tailed Kite – one bird hovering over agricultural fields at Esquinas
Barred Hawk – RSV - quick views of this handsome raptor skimming above the trees on an opposing ridgeline on our middle day ‘Tropical Stair Master’ hike
White Hawk – three sightings while at PC
Common Black Hawk – PC, one pair seen mating at Hacienda Baru
Also - Mangrove (Common) Black Hawk – Hatillo Mangrove Area
Harris’s Hawk – PC - Henry pulled the bus around on a dime for us to get out to view this raptor
Roadside Hawk – good views at WBG, in total seen four days of the journey
Broad-winged Hawk – seen on two days, both distant while in high, soaring flight
Gray Hawk – two sightings PC
Short-tailed Hawk – Willy spotted this one as we left Jaco and Henry turned the bus around on a dime!
Zone-tailed Hawk – Vista del Valle – seen from the porch, carrying prey as we drank our coffee…
Red-tailed Hawk – RSV – seen both of our full days in the valley, likely a pair hanging close to the ridge crest above Chacon’s
Crested Caracara – Esquinas and PC north of Jaco especially
Yellow-headed Caracara – first seen at small pond near SF, then more commonly as we approached San Vito.  Two juveniles perched in a palm in view of the WBG porch, one with a fresh-caught lizard.
Laughing Falcon – great view of a single bird near Esquinas
American Kestrel – two seen on wires of PC lowlands around the Sierpe River
Gray-necked Wood Rail – two seen along a small canal near Esquinas, and also HO, WBG downhill from one of the trails  
Purple Gallinule – near SF, small pond, then at most wetland areas of the journey
Black-bellied Plover – PC and Hatillo
Wilson’s Plover – PC and Hatillo
Semipalmated Plover – PC and Hatillo
Black-necked Stilt – PC from bridge at Tarcoles river
Northern Jacana – near SF, small pond, two individuals, also wetlands near PC and from Tarcoles River bridge
Spotted Sandpiper – PC and Hatillo
Solitary Sandpiper - PC and Hatillo
Willet - PC and Hatillo, Cascada Bar lagoon
Lesser Yellowlegs - PC and Hatillo
Whimbrel - PC and Hatillo, Cascada Bar lagoon
Sanderling – PC at Baru River mouth
Semipalmated Sandpiper - PC and Hatillo
Least Sandpiper – PC at Baru River mouth
Royal Tern – PC, Dominical Beach
Rock Pigeon – SJ and other urban areas throughout
Pale-vented Pigeon – PC
Red-billed Pigeon – PC, Tarcoles River bridge
Band-tailed Pigeon – RSV, seen daily, best looks from our hilltop feeders
Ruddy Pigeon – HO WBG
Short-billed Pigeon – three perched above a trail at WBG
White-winged Dove – San Jose and PC, Tarcoles River bridge
Inca Dove – seen in parking lot at our lunch stop
Ruddy Ground-Dove – agricultural and rural areas of the San Isidro region
Blue Ground-Dove – great views at the small river near Esquinas, Carrara NP
White-tipped Dove – SF, a lone bird resting on the trail.  WBG on trails..  
Sulphur-winged Parakeet – RSV, seen on two days 
Crimson-fronted Parakeet – WBG, flocks of ten or more quite common, great views in a Traveler’s Palm which served as an evening roost.
Orange-chinned Parakeet – SF, scope views of two preening and several others flying, PC an additional three days of the journey
Brown-hooded Parakeet – SF a good sized flock flew over us as we walked the property to the river. PC, early morning walk at our hotel near Uvita
Blue-headed Parrot – WBG seen off the porch after breakfast, and again small numbers throughout the day in flight
White-crowned Pigeon – near SF, four individuals perched in bare branch tops.  WBG fairly common and visibly perched.  
Mealy Parrot – PC, a pair flying above Tarcoles River bridge
Squirrel Cuckoo – SF seen in trees from the front porch – wow!  WBG, good views.
Striped Cuckoo – HO, Esquinas
Smooth-billed Ani – Esquinas
Groove-billed Ani – agricultural lands near SF
Mottled Owl -  HO, WBG
Black-and-white Owl – a pair in busy small town park as we returned to San Jose, so tame and confiding!
Common Paraque – HO, first night only at hotel near Uvita
Whip-poor-will – calling early mornings near hotel at Uvita
White-collared Swift – RSV, seen daily, often flying quite high in large number, occasionally swooping down above Chacon’s farm 
Vaux’s Swift – RSV, seen both full days, flying amid much larger flocks of White-collared Swifts
Costa Rican Swift – PC flying over lagoon at sunset
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift – PC flying over lagoon at sunset (some were happy  birding with a beer in hand…)
Bronzy Hermit – Carrara NP
Green Hermit – WBG River Trail
Stripe-throated (Little) Hermit – WBG, seen by Peg in the garden and heard on the river trail, several individuals
Green-fronted Lancebill – WBG, unmistakable silhouette with its long bill, seen as we returned on the River Trail
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird – WBG, garden walk
Violet Saberwing – Vista del Valle, a large male buzzing about the garden
Green Violetear – RSV, all days.  No one will forget its persistent, insistent two note call. This gorgeous creature was the bully of the feeders and memorable were its raised ‘ear’ displays male to male.  Extremely common around dwellings and feeders
Fiery-throated Hummingbird – RSV, great views from the porch of Trogon Lodge – what a beauty!
Charming Hummingbird – WBG, HO but for some time in the gardens close to our cabins
Steely-vented Hummingbird – PC, quick look in ornamental plants going in to check out the golf course ponds our final day
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird – first encountered at Vista del Valle, then very common at WBG.
Stripe-tailed Hummingbird – RSV – a few of our group spotted this shy hummer at the feeder’s at Chacon’s, then everyone got a view at Vista del Valle
Purple-throated Mountain Gem – Talamanca Mountains at Mirador Quetzales at the feeders and in plants along the trail
White-throated Mountain Gem – RSV – feeders at Chacon’s
Green-crowned Brilliant – Vista del Valley, a spot-breasted female at the side garden flowers
Magnificent Hummingbird – RSV and other spots along the Talamanca crest, along trails and at feeders
Purple-crowned Fairy – small wet area of Hacienda Baru, seen near the Pygmy Kingfisher, what a choice to focus attention on!
Volcano Hummingbird – RSV, quite common at feeders and in wild Fushia which was blooming in profusion.
Scintillant Hummingbird – RSV – less common by far than Volcano but present each day at feeders.  Vista del Valle.
Violaceous Trogon – WBG, female seen at close range, several males calling throughout the day
Slaty-tailed Trogon – PC, Carrara NP
Collared Trogon – RSV – a bright male was the reward for our hill climb on the middle day hike, and a quiet walk up a stream on day three revealed a secretive feeding female.  WBG male, female and youngster seen flying about the gardens, the male within easy photographic range
Resplendent Quetzal – our first day in the Talamanca’s we had seven in view at one time, including two males with long (courtship-ready) tail plumes and two with shorter plumes just starting to grow.  RSV – a male near a potential nest hole at the far trail on the Savegre River and then, marvelously, one at very close range seen from our hilltop feeders – WOW.
Blue-crowned Mot-mot – WBG – signature bird!  This bird is common and tame, one bright one coming right in to banana feeders on the porch.  Several pairs sighted, including one oblivious one near an army ant swarm.  Just amazing display by all.  Ed had one 20 ft. off his cabin porch!
Turquoise-browed Mot-mot – PC, seen from Tarcoles Bridge
Rufous-tailed Jacamar – WBG, fleeting glimpses in very dense second growth vegetation of the River Trail
Red-headed Barbet – Vista del Valle, the hit of the day!  We had great looks at this bird, male and female, at banana feeders right below us. They were more secretive than tanagers but came in twice during our hour-or-so long stay.
Fiery-billed Aracari – PC, seen from our breakfast balcony
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan – WBG – a pair hanging around the cabins and main building, unhappy and attacking their reflection in the large glass windows. Bold and vocal they were Nancy’s vote for pick of the day.
Olivaceous Piculet – WBG, a great find
Acorn Woodpecker – RSV – seen both days on trails and around Chacon’s, the clown!
Red-crowned Woodpecker – near SF across from the small pond.  WBG, several.  
Hairy Woodpecker – Talamancas, RSV, seen daily, the CR form with its buffy tan chest
Golden-olive Woodpecker – WBG, HO
Linneated Woodpecker – PC, near Hacienda Baru, Ralph spotted this one from the bus, Henry backed up to give us fine views – well done!
Red-faced Spinetail – WBG feeding by probing dead leaves
Ruddy Treerunner – Talamancas, seen in mixed flock amid the bromeliad-clad limbs and trunks of huge old oaks
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner – WBG, River Trail
Plain Xenops – PC, our final two days, best looks at Hacienda Baru
Tawny-winged Woodcreeper – PC ant swarm at Hacienda Baru
Olivaceous Woodcreeper – RSV – seen well on our middle day hike in a mixed flock
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper – Hacienda Baru
Cocoa Woodcreeper – PC, seen all days once in this region
Spotted Woodcreeper – RSV – a pair of this large woodcreeper came in at close range at the start of our morning trail along the river, feeding close to some tethered horses
Streak-headed Woodcreeper – WBG, River Trail
Spot-crowned Woodcreeper – RSV – RSV – seen on all three days, often in pairs and often vocal
Plain Antvireo –  WBG, River Trail
Black-hooded Antshrike – PC, great views at Hacienda Baru, also mixed flock at Cararra NP
Dot-winged Antwren – PC, male and female in mixed flock at Carrara
Dusky Antbird – HO, SF
Chestnut-backed Antbird – quick glimpse at Hacienda Baru as we left the tower, and HO, PC near hotel
Black-faced Antthrush – WBG, HO, River Trail
Silvery-fronted Tapaculo – RSV – heard at close range at a turn on our mountain trail day two, but we were rushing back to the road before dark descended and had no time to wait patiently for it to emerge from very thick shrubbery
Southern Beardless Tyrannulet – HO, calling in parking lot at Hacienda Baru Yellow-bellied Elaenia – WBG, both morning and afternoon sightings, a few individuals
Mountain Elaenia – RSV – first seen from the porch of Trogon Lodge, then at most places visited
Torrent Tyrannulet – RSV – a pair seen near the first bridge just outside Trogon Lodge
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher – Hatillo Mangrove area
Paltry Tyrannulet – WBG, several
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant – WBG, River Trail
Common Tody-Flycatcher – WBG near porch and feeders. PC near hotel.
Eye-ringed Flatbill – SF in trees near the river
Yellow-olive Flycatcher – Carrara NP
Tufted Flycatcher – RSV – first seen calling from a lichen and moss-coated branch at Mirador Quetzales in the Talamancas, then on the next to days.  One highlight was watching one press material into a nest it was building, then refueling its efforts by catching insects one right after the other
Dark Pewee – RSV – seen on two days, the second one spotted by Dawn at the entrance to the side trail up a quiet creek at Chacon’s
Least Flycatcher – reported by Ed RSV
Yellowish Flycatcher – RSV – seen two days
Black-capped Flycatcher – RSV – seen on both days near Trogon Lodge, one at very close range feeding just-fledged young
Black Phoebe – RSV, seen on two days in and around the river
Dusky-capped Flycatcher – WBG final morning walk, Esquinas.
Great-crested Flycatcher – PC near hotel
Great Kiskadee – SJ on the grounds of the museum, near SF  
Boat-billed Flycatcher – PC, Hacienda Baru
Social Flycatcher – PC, several sightings
Gray-capped Flycatcher – travel day from WBG to coast, near oropendola colony
Piratic Flycatcher – SF, high in the trees near the river.  WBG. 
Tropical Kingbird – RSV – first seen on the wires as we drove down the road in Savegre, also around dwellings.  SF and travel days.  WBG. PC, common.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher – PC, beachside lagoon and Tarcoles River bridge
Fork-tailed Flycatcher – Henry found this beauty at the small pond near SF, scope views
Rose-throated Becard – WBG, Willy spotted one right away in the early morning session on the porch, then we found it again on the River Trail. Carrara NP.
Masked Tityra – WBG, several pair, Tarcoles bridge
Black-crowned Tityra – travel day from WBG to Esquinas, after mtn. descent near oropendola colony
Turquoise Cotinga – Henry was our hero finding this beauty at SF.  Two males and a female gave us repeated scope views from different perches, wow!
Orange-collared Manakin – SF, one female
White-ruffed Manakin – WBG, one male feeding on seeds, hopping in air above the branch
Blue-crowned Manakin – HO Skutch Farm
Lesser Greenlet – HO SF
Rufous-browed Peppershrike – RSV – HO on two days at a distance in the forest
Yellow-winged Vireo – RSV – good looks at this energetic endemic on two days
Philadelphia Vireo – PC, Hacienda Baru
Lesser Greenlet – Vista del Valle HO, then seen well at WBG, PC daily
Rufous-browed Peppershrike – HO, two days in RSV
Gray-breasted Martin – agricultural area near SF, lone bird with many Barn Swallows on a wire, PC.
Mangrove Swallow – PC, daily
Blue-and-White Swallow – Talamancas and RSV.  Near SF.
Southern Rough-winged Swallow – PC and travel day from WBG
Cliff Swallow – travel day from WBG
Barn Swallow – agricultural area near SF, common
Rufous-naped Wren – final day in drier country PC
Riverside Wren – PC, Hacienda Baru trail, seen at nest, also HO, SF and WBG
Rufous-breasted Wren – SF, HO, then seen in mixed flock near army ants at WBG
Plain Wren – HO, day 6
House Wren – Vista del Valle feeders, a male singing a most familiar song. WBG.
White-breasted Wood Wren – WBG, low in palms. PC, common.
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren – Talamancas and RSV, both days.  We certainly enjoyed hearing this fine musician as well
Scaly-breasted (Whistling) Wren – kayak trip in Hatillo Mangrove area
Long-billed Gnatwren – PC, near hotel, Carrara NP in mixed flock
Tropical Gnatcatcher – Esquinas area
Black-faced Solitaire – RSV – a fortunate find while it was feeding low in a fruiting tree near the camping area at Chacon’s
Black-billed Nightingale Thrush – RSV, first spotted by Vicki, then seen on several locations, one at close range hopping onto the road as we walked our second morning above Trogon Lodge
Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush – WBG
Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush – RSV – Ed had one quite tame near his cabin at Trogon Lodge, and several of us spotted one along the river on our morning walk the first day
Swainson’s Thrush – Vista del Valle feeders, in with day-glow tanagers
Sooty Robin – very common in Talamancas and RSV
Mountain Robin – very common RSV
Clay-colored Robin – RSV – the first spotted by Ralph, making a great comparison for us to the nearby Mountain Robin.  Then seen frequently, and at close range at feeders, including Vista del Valle.  WBG common, quite the bully at the banana feeders. PC.
White-throated Robin – WBG, with some work all finally got to see this secretive member of an otherwise bold clan
Black-and-yellow Silky Flycatcher – Mirador de Quetzales, great views of a male and female
Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher – beautiful views of this pastel-clad beauty at our hilltop feeders above RSV
Golden-winged Warbler – RSV, a lone individual in a mixed flock along the river. WBG.
Tennessee Warbler – seen daily in RSV and at feeders Vista del Valle. WBG. PC.
Flame-throated Warbler – RSV, a few individuals each day, such a beauty
Tropical Parula – RSV, one sighting. WBG.
Yellow ( and Mangrove) Warbler – kayak trip at Hatillo (Mangrove variety), also PC, several locations  
Chestnut-sided Warbler – RSV a couple of sighting, another at SF, numerous at WBG. PC.
Black-throated Green Warbler – RSV common
Blackburnian Warbler – SF one female in mixed flock
Black-and-white Warbler – RSV a few individuals, SF, WBG.
American Redstart – WBG
Mourning Warbler – entrance road into Esquinas
MacGillivray’s Warbler – Hacienda Baru, wetland area near Pygmy KF
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat – HO, Esquinas area near small bridge
Wilson’s Warbler – quite common at all middle and higher elevations, one at WBG.
Slate-throated Redstart – one individual at Vista del Valle feeders. WBG quite tame.
Collared Redstart – RSV, so tame and confiding, seen commonly
Bananaquit – first seen by Vicki at the Vista del Valle feeders, WBG.  PC.
Common Bush Tanager – RSV, seen on one day, several individuals in a flock, WBG.
Sooty-capped Bush Tanager – RSV, fairly common and a good indicator of flocks
Gray-headed Tanager – WBG at army ant swarm, again seen at PC near hotel on early morning walk and Hacienda Baru, at least 10 near army ant swarm!  
White-shouldered Tanager – WBG, River Trail
Summer Tanager – SF, HO, and then seen quite well at WBG, including a pair that came in on the army ants. PC, near hotel
Flame-colored Tanager – RSV, a group favorite, fairly common
Cherrie’s (Scarlet-rumped) Tanager – Vista del Valle, SF and WBG, common. PC, common
Blue-gray Tanager – RSV, then fairly common throughout. PC, common
Palm Tanager – WBG, just a few individuals. PC, common.
Silver-throated Tanager – one day at RSV, then many at feeders at Vista del Valle and SF, WBG.
Speckled Tanager – Vista del Valle and SF, great looks on feeders at WBG, as well as at fruiting trees. WBG.
Bay-headed Tanager – back feeders at SF, this tanager got rave reviews!  Less common but present, though not at feeders, at WBG
Golden-hooded Tanager  - Vista del Valle and SF.  WBG quite common.  
Spangle-cheeked Tanager – one in flock at Mirador de Quetzales
Blue Dacnis – Ralph spotted the female in a tall orange-flowering Erythrina tree at SF, and then we found the male along with a Shining Honeycreeper – nice!
Green Honeycreeper – WBG, PC, near hotel
Shining Honeycreeper – SF. PC, near hotel
Red-legged Honeycreeper – sipping water from tree bark on our walk from the PC hotel.   
Blue-black Grassquit – Esquinas in open pasture area, kayak tour at Hatillo
Variable Seedeater – WBG, PC
White-collared Seedeater – PC, entrance into Esquinas
Yellow-bellied Seedeater – PC, near Esquinas
Ruddy-breasted Seedeater – PC, near Esquinas
Yellow-faced Grassquit – WBG, PC
Slaty Flowerpiercer – Mirador de Quetzales and RSV all three days
Yellow-thighed Finch – great views on several days in RSV
Large-footed Finch – super looks at our hilltop feeders above RSV
Orange-billed Sparrow – WBG near army ant swarm
Black-striped Sparrow – WBG around dining room and feeders
Rufous-collared Sparrow – SJ, one of the first birds seen on arrival, then with us throughout, singing its lilting call.  We call it ‘Rufi’.
Streaked Saltator – WBG, River Trail 
Buff-throated Saltator – Vista del Valle. WBG.
Red-breasted Blackbird – near Esquinas and PC near oil palm areas
Eastern Meadowlark – near SF, small pond, near Esquinas
Great-tailed Grackle – very common agricultural and towns in San Isidro valley, PC.
Bronzed Cowbird – many outside of the gate at dawn WBG
Baltimore Oriole – Vista Valle. WBG.
Crested Oropendola – travel day from WBG
Yellow-crowned Euphonia – PC, travel day north
Thick-billed Euphonia – PC, seen from hotel
Golden-browed Chlorophonia – Mirador de Quetzales, wow!
House Sparrow – San Isidro

Mammals
Variagated Squirrel – SJ, RSV
Red-tailed Squirrel – WBG
Central American Agouti – WBG
Two-toed Sloth – seen on the main road near Esquinas, then another at our hotel on PC
White-nosed Coatimundi – on the road near Hacienda Baru
Crab-eating Raccoon – three sighted on kayak trip in Hatillo Mangrove area
White-faced Capuchin – SF, good sized troop.  PC at boat take out at Hatillo Mangrove area
Central American Howler Monkey – PC, just below Uvita and PC, from hotel
White-lined Sac-winged Bat – above the refrigerator at Esquinas RF Lodge

Reptiles and Amphibians
Green Spiny Lizard - Scelophorus malaquiticos – dirt banks on road above Trogon Lodge, RSV
Spectacled Caiman -  pond at Esquinas RF Lodge
Brown Basilisk Basiliscus basiliscus – Esquinas area
Green Iguana Iguana iguana – Esquinas area
Slender Anole Anolis limifrons – Lois’s napkin on dinner table at Esquinas
Central American Smooth Gecko Thecadactylus rapicauda – Esquinas
Am. Crocodile – huge animals lounging below Tarcoles River bridge

 

 

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