Today we explored the east side of the Golfo Dulce. I saw two hummingbird species that wouldn't stay put for a photo: Garden Emerald and Blue-throated Goldentail. A Plain Xenops flew by before I could get a photo. But I did photograph some interesting wildlife this morning.
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Bananaquit
Bananaquit
Blue-gray Tanager
Dot-winged Antwren
Female Orange-collared Manakin
Red-lored Parrot
Scarlet-rumped Cacique
Spot-crowned Euphonia
Spot-crowned Euphonia
Variable Seedeater
Red-capped Manakin
The most interesting part of the morning was the relationship between Squirrel Monkeys and a bird species. Double-toothed Kites follow foraging Squirrel Monkeys through the jungle tree tops. Squirrel Monkeys overturn leaves and thrash branches when they look for insects and fruit to eat, dislodging hidden insects and lizards. Double-toothed Kites perch on nearby branches looking for exposed prey.
Squirrel Monkey
Squirrel Monkey
Squirrel Monkey
Squirrel Monkey and Double-toothed Kite
Squirrel Monkey and Double-toothed Kite
Double-toothed Kite
Double-toothed Kite
All of a sudden, the Double-toothed Kite flew down and then to a branch to enjoy its meal.
Double-toothed Kite
We were docked as the ship's crew worked with Costa Rican authorities before heading off to the Panamanian waters. Gray-breasted Martins were perched in the shade of the dock stucture.
Gray-breasted Martin
Gray-breasted Martins
In the afternoon, we went on a short Zodiac tour of more of the coastline.
White-faced Capuchin Monkey
White-faced Capuchin Monkey
Northern Potoo
Today's life birds (trip# 44-54): Garden Emerald; Blue-throated Goldentail; Plain Xenops; Dot-winged Antwren; Red-lored Parrot; Scarlet-rumped Cacique; Variable Seedeater; Red-capped Manakin; Double-toothed Kite; Gray-breasted Martin; Northern Potoo.