Today was our first day of birding! Granted, I'll be birding now for the next three weeks...but today marked the first step forward! Day 1 of the hands on Biology experience I've been waiting for, for who knows how long! A super-sized, extreme version of my time in Kiuic and what a day it has been.

Birding was very successful today. While it was slow going I admit, we did catch 2 inca doves (one of which got away), 2 hummingbirds (again, one got away), a great kiskadee, annnnnnd a surprise bird I'll mention a bit later (BLATANT INCENTIVE TO KEEP READING). The great kiskadee was a great catch - a good, large, colorful bird. This was the bird that was passed around allowing everyone in the birding group to hold their first Costa Rica capture. The second catch, a dove, was my first independent subject. I got to untangle him from the net and then hold him as measurements were being made. He was a sweetheart and was very calm the entire time. He had the most beautiful maroon eyes.

Midday we took the nets down and went on a hike up a very tall, limestone cliff. It was actually quite the hike (more intense than I expected) but a very good work out and in the end we had the most incredible view of the Palo Verde reserve, which is composed of a dry forest, marsh, and river system.




After the hike we strung up the mist nets one more time before dusk and before the bat team takes over. As we were taking our last scan of the nets one final bird flew into the invisible wall and got tangled - right before our eyes. By some twist of fate or luck, this bird was the bird I had come to Costa Rica to find - the turquoise browed motmot. It is my favorite tropical bird; unique morphology, beautiful colors, and unique behavior - this bird has it all! And here on the first day I found myself face to face with my first motmot. I went to work untangling the bird because it had just flown in and was at high risk of escaping (plus it's easier to remove a bird that isn't thoroughly tangled). With the assistance of Meg, we got the motmot out and I basked in the glory of the accomplishment.




My first full day in Costa Rica and birding was so incredibly successful! I think this amazing day was sent to me to help put my anxious mind at ease. I really am happy to be here.