For wildlife though, Curi Cancha was simply outstanding. Birdlife was much more abundant here with Hummingbirds a common sight feeding off the wild purple flowers.
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| Purple-throated Mountain Gem (female) |
We were totally unaware that halfway through the trail, a Hummingbird station had been positioned between the woodland and a flower garden. It was an incredible spectacle witnessing these delicate exotic nectar feeders at such close range. At least six different species were present, zipping past at head height, hovering in suspended animation. The iridescence of this family group is quite breath-taking and that was despite the area being shrouded in shade. It was truly amazing to experience.
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| Green-crowned Brillant (male) |
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| Green-crowned Brilliant (female) |
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| Green-crowned Brilliant (female) |
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| Green-crowned Brilliant (female) |
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| Green Violetear |
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Green Violetear
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| Violet Sabrewing |
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| Purple-throated Mountain Gem (male) |
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| Purple-throated Mountain Gem (male) |
Curi Chanca is a classic rainforest ecosystem unlike the other cloud reserves visited that were situated at a higher altitude.
The reserve featured more open spaces providing pleasant views over the woodland canopy. Hummingbirds seemed to be everywhere. Boisterous
Brown-hooded Parrots flew between the treetops. Two roosting
Mottled Owl were pointed out to us as we made our way along the defined pathway. A
Black-and-White Warbler appeared briefly along the Windrush trail.
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| Windrush Trail |
Lurking within the half-light of the woodland, the strange slow-motion head movements of five
Emerald Toucanet kept a
Blue-crowned Motmot for company.
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Emerald Toucanet
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| Blue-crowned (Lesson's) Motmot |
The forest wasn't particularly alive with birdsong, it was January after all and expecting a cacophony of sound was being a bit premature as there were still a few months away before the acoustics changed to something more rapturous.
There was still interest at every turn. Passerines such as the Slate-throated Whitestart would emerge into the fringes of the woodland.
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| Slate-throated Whitestart |
White-nosed Coati are a relatively common mammal in Costa Rica. This one was totally oblivious to our presence, snuffling along the edge of the path as we passed by.
Agouti is another mammal found within the forest. There were a couple loafing within the clearings.
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| Ficus Tree |
An organised night trek through the forest revealed some interesting things such as roosting Blue-crowned Motmot, Wilson's Warbler, and a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird. The main draw was a Scorpion that due to a substance found in its exo-skeleton, illuminate under ultra-violet light.
A couple of snakes were lurking within foliage, and this gorgeous Rufous-eyed Stream Frog was found by the guide.
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