Costa Rica Day 3 - Sarapiqui and La Selva Biological Station

This morning we woke up before dawn to go on a guided tour at La Selva Biological Research Station that started at sunrise (5:45am). La Selva is roughly 4,000 acres of old growth forest, thus a very popular birding spot.  Also, you must hire a guide through them which also helps protect the plants and animals.  This is the reason we chose the hotel that we did, because of the proximity to La Selva.

We are up to 90 species for the trip, 25 were added today, and 3 were new to my life list.

It rained last night, so I swear the humidity is up, and it’s an overcast  86° with 67% humidity (Real Feel is 94°).  It’s “fun” taking a shower because we have no hot water.  Also, if you are curious about what I am finding to eat - 3 meals a day of rice, black beans, fried plantains and sometimes chicken 😀  I am quite happy.

Crested Guan - despite their size, they spend most of their lives up in the trees eating fruit

Common Tody Flycatcher - about 4”

Broad-billed Motmot

Orange-billed Sparrow - I believe this is the only bird species in Costa Rica with an orange beak

White-breasted Wood Wren

Social Flycatcher

Scarlet-rumped Tanager (female)

Scarlet-rumped Tanager (male)

Golden-hooded Tanager

Montezuma’s Oropendula - this is the first time I’ve seen one at eye-level and up close, usually they are at the canopy level around 75’ up

Howler Monkey

Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog - the legs are actually blue

Green Basilisk

Hairy-headed Leafcutter Ants carrying flower petals

Guess what’s behind that leaf?

Red-eyed Tree Frog