Resplendent Quetzal I had originally intended this to be my last blog on the Costa Rica trip but when I checked my photos I discovered that I had 6,000 to go through taken over the last three days of the adventure. I hence decided to split it into more manageable two blogs. The reason for so many photos from our last lodge, Savegre, was the almost overwhelming abundance and variety of photogenic birds in the area. Our big target bird for the 16 th November was one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and highly sought after species, the very aptly named Resplendent Quetzal. So pre-breakfast we drove to a good local site for them where there were many purpose-built perches photogenically covered in lichen. We got there early as Paco said it could be quite busy there and sure enough there were already other parties present creating the nearest atmosphere to a twitch that we had on the whole trip. The Quezal twitch Within minutes of our arrival ...
Brambling I recently discovered a site where Bramblings and Corn Buntings could be seen feeding on seed kindly provided by a local farmer.Wednesday this week seemed a good bet for a visit as at least some sun was forecast in between the seemingly everlasting progression of winter storms . An easy if boring drive had me on site by 9 am. A weak mid-winter sun was struggling to clear an early morning mist which painted the whole landscape in a serene soft beauty, there is something very special, almost ethereal, about these misty winter mornings. It was soon obvious that I was in the right spot as numerous Bramblings and Chaffinches were decorating the lane side tree giving it the impression of some mad addicted bird spotters Christmas tree. There was ample corn on the grassy track and, using my car as a hide in the tried and tested fashion, grateful birds soon fluttered to the ground to feast on the free bounty. First in were 3 Red-legged Partridges quickly fo...