A composite of two photos a pair taken within 2 minutes of each other. I’m assuming they’re pair bonded. I supply the scientific name for the species but there are 8 subspecies so please don’t ask me which one these two are.
The Quebradas Biological Reserve in Costa Rica where these were taken is an interesting entity. The Quebradas river is an important source of water in the Generale valley of Costa Rica but nothing was being done to protect the high elevation head waters of the river. So a group of school teachers and small business people pooled their resources and bought all the extensive lands surrounding the headwaters. It’s almost all undisturbed first growth forests which is critical to the health of the river.
The organization teaches, informs and does its best to preserve all from private donations. They encourage research and allow the school district to hold classes up there. They maintain a fairly extensive rough and ready trail system. To me these people are local hero's and visionaries.
It’s a wonderful quiet reserve tucked into the highlands above the valley. We feel fortunate that we live only one hour’s walk away along a charming country road.
So far we’ve seen Zeleodon’s Antbirds, Black breasted Wood Quail, Forest Falcons, Ochre-breasted Antpitta amoungst others. Its a peaceful place and we usually have the trails to ourselves. Finding birds there takes patience as the forest birds that dwell there are shy and rarely move in mixed flocks.
