Costa Rica - Tortuguero - Macaw Survey!

The day started with a boat journey to the Sea Turtle Biological Station in Tortuguero. This was the site for a two part Macaw survey the morning with Naomi (FRA) and the afternoon solo. En route Manuel spotted a Dolphin that had found its way into the river system. The local fish were not as keen on this unexpected sighting as they leaped out of the water to avoid becoming the Dolphins breakfast!

The morning survey was productive with a few small groups of Green Macaws crossing the river.

The afternoon survey saw a large group of Macaws land and feed in the trees at the Biological Station. It is always good to see this species roaming free in its natural environment and it appears that Macaws are not kept as pets in the area.

Groups of White-crowned Parrot were also observed crossing the river. Flight identification of each species is difficult at times with some birds left as parrot sp.

The Red-lored Parrot is one species I have difficulty in identifying in flight but thankfully a group stopped to feed in the same group of trees the Macaws were to frequent later on in the day.

Bonus bird of the day was a Royal Tern which made an appearance along the far bank before continuing North. Anhinga and Neotropical Cormorant were seen on the river both species taking time out to dry their wings in the sun. Great White Egret and a scattering of Bare-faced Tiger Heron were also present. A Ringed Kingfisher announced its presence as it commuted along the river. Spotted Sandpiper was the only shorebird represented and Hirundines that were identified were Grey breasted Martin, Northen Rough Winged Swallow and Barn Swallow.

Magnificent Frigatebird also patrol the area at irregular intervals. Brown Pelican were also seen in flight on the Caribbean Coast.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and Streak-headed Woodcreeper were the key birds of interest at the Biological Centre. A Black Hawk made the briefest of appearances during the morning survey.

The day ended with a Cayman Survey with staff Anna and Jimena with Manuel completing the expertise in particular in aging Caymen!