Guiding down at Esquinas Lodge in southwestern Costa Rica turned up a bunch of new birds for the year. A number of species are more easily found in that area than other parts of Costa Rica so I was looking forward to that trip. In a few days, we recorded over 160 species including killer looks at Little Tinamou, Great Curassow, King Vulture, Back-cheeked Ant-Tanager, Black-bellied Wren, Scarlet Macaws, 11 species of hummingbirds, and much more. I also got most of my year targets. These were:
539. American Oystercatcher: Not actually seen at the lodge but on a rocky beach near Dominical.
540. Gray-breasted Crake: Several heard from wet, grassy fields but as usual, they were invisible.
541. Blue-headed Parrot: Bad but positive looks at a few at the lodge.
542. Smooth-billed Ani: Expected and several were seen.
543. Striped Owl: Wonderful views of this one at night.
544. Olivaceous Piculet: Heard a couple and saw one of this tiny woodpecker.
545. Red-crowned Woodpecker: At least a few of this common edge species.
546. Pale-breasted Spinetail: Great, close looks at this skulker!
547. Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet: Very happy to get looks (if brief) at this tough species!
548. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet: Saw a couple of these.
549. Blue-crowned Manakin: I only saw one of these but was glad that I did because I thought I has already gotten it for the year.
550. Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager: Glad to get good looks at this Costa Rican endemic.
551. Thick-billed Euphonia: Expected this one.
552. White-vented Euphonia: Got a few great looks at this uncommon species.
553. Ruddy-breasted Seedeater: Was hoping to get this, we only saw it on the way to the lodge.
554. Streaked Saltator: Nice surprise since they are usually found at other sites.
555. Red-breasted Blackbird: Expected and happy to see several of this striking species.