The birding team of
Chris (NED), Jane (CAN) and myself started out at stupid o clock this morning
with a tour of San Francisco in their sights. The aim was to record species
that frequent the area and interact with the local people who’s gardens provide
sanctuary for the birds.
After a short boat
ride we made land and the birding began in earnest however it was not a bird
that stole the show as I spied a slow moving mammal high in a tree to Charlotte’s
old house. A Sloth no less this was a perfect start to the day with very good
views of this magnificent creature.
The toucans were
next to announce their presence with Chestnut Mandibled, Keel Billed and cousin
Collared Aracari following close behind! A pair of Pale billed Woodpecker took
our attentions away from the toucans. A male Olive backed Euphonia was my first
new species of the day. A Black and White Warbler was the first migrant of the
day high in a tree by the path leading into San Francisco.
We continued our
journey towards the school and Charlotte’s house logging a few usual garden
suspects in Variable Seedeater, Ruddy Ground Dove, Rufous tailed Hummingbird,
Groove billed Ani, Great tailed Grackle, Montezuma Oropendia, Great Kiskadee
and White ringed Flycatcher.
A brief watch of the
channel gave us brief views of the second non birding surprise of the day in a
pair of Dolphin. Mangrove and Barn Swallow were also passing in numbers.
The walk back to the
boat produced a Roadside Hawk and the Costa Rican national bird Clay Colored Robin.
We had recorded forty species with many other regular species missing from this
tally. Macaws were heard but not seen during this visit.
Migration is gaining
pace in the area with an Osprey passing over the Cerro the previous evening.
The Cerro is the highest point in the area at 119m and access is only permitted
on Macaw survey days which is a great shame as the four hundred plus steps to
the viewing platform dissects pristine forest habitat. Once you reach the
viewing platform you get a panoramic view of San Francisco. Great Tinamou have
been heard here at dusk.
A return to San
Francisco is planned for Jane and I on Wednesday and on today’s count of forty
species I am looking forward to it already.
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