Look forward to reading more.
Peter
What a terrific way to spend part of the summer! I traveled to Costa Rica for a 4-week Spanish immersion course in Monteverde, but when I wasn't learning Spanish I was out birding- around Monteverde, plus several weekend trips and a trip to La Selva Biological Station after the course. It was a fantastic experience, and not just because of the birds- it was a wonderful cultural experience because I stayed with a host family in Monteverde, and it was a great way to learn a lot of Spanish in a short time. I arrived in Costa Rica knowing virtually no Spanish, and left being able to have conversations with local people, and to travel on my own around the country without relying on English.
And the birds? Overall, 304 species seen and/or heard, roughly half of which were life birds. As is always the case, there were species I can't believe I didn't see- Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Checker-throated Antwren- as well as species I can't believe I DID see- White Hawk, Snowy Cotinga, Barred Becard, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo. It was wonderful being in one place for a month, affording me the chance to learn the birds of the area fairly well, to learn the vocalizations and habits of the common species. At the same time, even during my last few days of birding in Monteverde there was still that tantalizing feeling of knowing there were still birds out there that I hadn't yet seen, that each and every time I went out there was the possibility of something new.
In this thread, I'll post some stories of my birding outings around Monteverde and farther afield, and wrap up with a total species list from the trip.
Now I am jealous! I love going to Costa Rica each year (February) and to be able to spend so long as you in that wonderful country is a dream.
Look forward to reading more.
Peter
After my wonderful experience with Peru and Ecuador I'm planning to go back to Mexico and Costa Rica next year. I look forward to your reports. Neil.