Still in the Monteverde area, we took off for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. It intrigued us that it was privately owned in part.
What did not surprise us is that it attracts many people interested in the bird life in the forest. We saw several magnificent specimens along with quite a number of naturalist guides with groups ranging from two to eight or so.
This preserve is so dedicated to its mission, that no tree may be cut unless it is across one of the many trails, and even when cut, the wood may not be taken away, rather put aside, so it can biodegrade into the forest ecosystem.
Our first stop was the cascades, and we wanted to get there before the light got harsh. People took turns on the platform, and I decided to do a somewhat non-traditional view, concentrating more on the bottom part of the falls in the jungle.
There were wonderful sounds in the forest, the river in the background, even when we walked away, and we all enjoyed meandering along the various trails.
Costa Rica is known for its hummingbirds, and there was a wonderful place to view them a few steps away from the Preserve. We all ended up there, and had a great, albeit often frustrating, time trying to photograph them. Some of our participants got some wonderful shots, and Arnie and I were proudly jealous of them. It was their time, not ours, so I felt lucky to get one shot with the hummingbird’s tongue out. You probably won’t be able to see it in this small frame, but it’s there!
Some of the birds were sitting on trees, and some coming to feeders, along with a regular, uninvited guest, the Kinkajou shown here. It is also known as the Honey Bear, a name also given to the Sun Bear, but they are not related.
Some of our Costa Rican friends referred to them as big rats, but I had a friend as a teenager who had one as a pet, so I have different view. But then, I grew up exposed to Beatrix Potter, where mice had mob caps and frilly aprons and were quite endearing! It just depends upon one’s point of view!
Next, over the Continental Divide to La Selva Biological Station, part of the Organization for Tropical Studies, probably the preeminent group in the world for tropical research. In fact, scientists and researchers come from many countries to study there, as well as remotely through the Internet. Amazing!
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My first comments on Costa Rica, but not my first review of the blog. Loving the photos and the information. If I can’t be there, then do the next best thing: Live it through TBC’s blog. Love the cover photograph. My only concern about going to Costa Rica would be the Sky Walk. Yes, not fond of heights, but the chance to see things in the canopy would be an enticement. Margo, thanks again for the wonderful blog.
John,
Good to hear from you, and hope things are going well at your end.
As to heights, never fear. Literally. One of our spousal units has severe vertigo AND fear of heights.. Not only did he do the Sky Walk with its however-many bridges, but then he did the ten sections of the Zip Line. AND, the other day he did another suspension bridge twice, once during the day and another coming back after dark. We think that, if not cured, he knows now that he can do it. His eldest son and all of our group were really impressed and encouraging of his accomplishments!
Take care, and thanks, as always.
TBC
Margo, enjoying the daily blogs, i don’t see how you are making time to do them but am glad you are. Makes me look forward to Savannah even more. Rebecca
Rebecca,
Well, as you have seen, I cannot quite manage a daily blog whilst on the road. But I am delighted that you have enjoyed what has been posted thus far.
Take care,
TBC