Arenal National Park 12th March 2017

Got up around 0530hrs had breakfast ,then we were off to the National Park where on arrival we saw at least two yellow phase of eyelash viper.

We followed a path through the cane fields where Plain Chachalacha and White throated Jay obliged.

Further on a birders bird the Common Potoo showed well its cryptic reptilian plumage the master of camouflage.

We climbed to the Mirador overlooking Arenal Volcanoe,we could here Brown Jays calling.

On the return leg we noted Squirrel Cuckoo,more vipers and the lek of the White collared Mannikin.

After lunch a stop for a view produced a fine Armadillo,then Howler monkey and Crested Guan.

A long journey to Monte Verde arriving around 1830hrs, some luxury at last. Lovely Hotel bathroom view etc.

Arenal Hanging Bridges

After lunch we travelled to Arenal and its hanging bridges.

More birds including White collared swifts,Sulphur rumped flycatcher and 3 species of hummingbird.

Paul and Paolo on a hanging bridge,Paolo found a Pit Viper.

A couple of lifers were Crested Owl and Bicolored  hawk.

Finally along the road a Coatimundi heavily photographed.

A last look at the bridges before leaving.

La Fortuna and Eco centre at Danaus plus Arenal

Early morning at the San Bosco Inn a Roadside hawk showed well as Red fronted parrotlets flew over all before breakfast.
After breakfast we took the bus to Eco centre Danaus on arrival the feeding area produced a variety of birds and mammals.

The Golden headed Tanager was splendid along with confiding mannikins and Collared Aracari .

The Jesus Christ Lizard and Agouti also showed well before we walked the reserve.

Elias led the way,first up we found a female Green Frog and its spawn.

In the butterfly sanctuary blue morpho obliged and at the ponds breeding boat billed herons.

Good numbers of boat billed herons and below them the diminutive Caimans.

 A couple of bats proved difficult to see as we walked on.

Arrival back at the feeders proved exceptional for birds,close views of Aracari etc before leaving for lunch.

La Baula to La Fortuna 10th March 2017

An early morning walk before breakfast produced performing mannakins and Spider and Howler monkeys.

A new species of woodpecker obliged for the trip,namely pale billed.

The pair above are Smoky Brown Woodpeckers,we left the dock it took one and a half hours to get back to the port.

Transferred our suitcases to the bus once more noting Variable and Thick billed Seedeaters.A stop for lunch with Red winged Blackbirds it was dark as we arrived in La Fortuna.