Blog 5: Monkey Mango Madness
As mentioned in an earlier blog, we have occasionally been visited by both white-faced and howler monkeys. Quite fun to watch them scamper, swing, and sway in our backyard trees. Lately, however, the howler visits have increased a lot—Jan and I both figured out the reason for the increase—the increase in mangos…howlers love mangos! Often the howling starts at 2 or 3 a.m. As I eat my breakfast, it is first light a few minutes after 6 a.m., and I see four or five swaying along in the tree tops. Here is a shot of the big male howler watching the other howlers at play.
Backyard Birds
Along with increased monkeys, the ripening mangos attract more birds. Here are some of our recent backyard visitors: a Montezuma, an immature male summer tanager, a rufous-backed wren, and a keel-billed toucan butt shot.
Finally, we got a hummingbird feeder up! Here are photos of the cinnamon hummingbird and the rufous-tailed hummingbird.
The Rescata Preserve
With friends, we visited the Rescata Preserve. https://rescatewildlife.org/. This is a world-class sanctuary that provides a good home for all kinds of critters, from jaguars to sloths to the resplendent quetzal.
Here is one big lizard and a white-faced monkey watching the big lizard.
Here is a sitting monkey, a hanging monkey, and a pair of scarlet macaws.
Fun Facts and Figures
Interested in a deeper dive on Costa Rica? Here are three resources that will rev your engine, warm your jets, and boost your horsepower:
You might see in my photo the pages are getting a little dog-eared from constant reference.
Till next time.
Pura Vida!
Backyard Birds
Along with increased monkeys, the ripening mangos attract more birds. Here are some of our recent backyard visitors: a Montezuma, an immature male summer tanager, a rufous-backed wren, and a keel-billed toucan butt shot.
Finally, we got a hummingbird feeder up! Here are photos of the cinnamon hummingbird and the rufous-tailed hummingbird.
The Rescata Preserve
With friends, we visited the Rescata Preserve. https://rescatewildlife.org/. This is a world-class sanctuary that provides a good home for all kinds of critters, from jaguars to sloths to the resplendent quetzal.
Here is one big lizard and a white-faced monkey watching the big lizard.
Here is a sitting monkey, a hanging monkey, and a pair of scarlet macaws.
Fun Facts and Figures
Interested in a deeper dive on Costa Rica? Here are three resources that will rev your engine, warm your jets, and boost your horsepower:
- Just for fun, check out YouTube. You will find lots of videos on Costa Rica and some are very well done. I suggest you limit your view time to two hours because you soon get tired of beautiful beaches, spewing volcanoes, flights of gorgeous birds, and so on and so on.
- Another recommendation is the free newsletter MyTanFeet.com. They give all sorts of solid information and excellent advice.
- For great facts, figures, and recommendations, Frommer’s 13th guide on Costa Rica is excellent.
You might see in my photo the pages are getting a little dog-eared from constant reference.
Till next time.
Pura Vida!