My wife and I just returned from 8 days in Costa Rica. This was intended as a vacation for both of us; not directly a "birding" trip. HOWEVER, I figured this was an opportunity that couldn't be passed up, and while I didn't have an official guide the vast majority of the time, was able to manage about 100 new life birds (still tallying everything). I'm sure many of you would have done much better in terms of numbers, but it was awesome nonetheless. I had no idea the amazing beauty of so many different tanagers, trogons, and honeycreepers that live there, as well as hummingbirds at close range of many varieties. The highlight for a first-timer to Costa Rica was of course the Resplendent Quetzal male. We saw at least 2 different nesting pairs, one with the nest about 20 feet from the road. Truly a surreal experience to watch those incredible coverts dangling more than 2 feet behind in a bright emerald green as he came flying through the trees to the nest. Also got a great look (lucky I think for the amount of time we were there) at a Spectacled Owl which was a lot of fun to see. Costa Rica was a great place to see some incredible birds, experience great weather, and seems to be relatively safe for travellers. We will return and I have no trouble recommending a trip there. I think going with someone who has been there or having a guide would greatly enhance chances of seeing a larger # of species. However, I saw many groups that were quite large and that didn't look very fun to me. I was fortunate to run into a guide who was with a small group from Tennessee, and he was extremely friendly and helpful, and in fact encouraged me to tag along on a couple short trips with him. He also gave me a tip on a nearby area that I birded one afternoon with great results (where we saw the owl). No one else I talked to the rest of the week had seen any owls during their trip, so I felt lucky. There are many guides available at reasonable rates. Seasoned birders I think would do well, but this guy was incredible with calls, and got his Swarovski scope on birds in the tree tops quicker than I could get to it. I've got a ridiculous # of pics, only a few of which I consider pretty good. If anyone's interested in seeing my marginally good pics of the Quetzal let me know off list. Art Check Nevada
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