Thanks!

They sure got that one right!

A close-up of a small songbird perched on a branch, partially framed by green leaves. The bird features a striking, vibrant orange throat and upper breast, contrasted by a slate-gray head and back with white-streaked wings. It is looking downward with a sharp, dark beak and a small black eye.

The Flame-throated Warbler has always been a challenge for me, as I don't see them that often and they're very busy little birds as they flit under leaves looking for delicious insect snacks. I got a little luckier today. #CostaRica #birds

Thanks, Katrina!

A small, slate-gray bird with a slightly hooked beak is perched upside down on a flowering plant. It is focused on a bright pink flower bud, seemingly searching for nectar. The background consists of soft-focus green leaves and reddish-brown stems.

I spent some quality time with this wonderful Slaty Flowerpiercer this morning in San Gerardo de Dota #CostaRica

These little nectar thieves pierce the base of flowers to extract nectar, bypassing the pollination process.

#birds #nature

They do! I have some video but I just haven't had the time to process it.

Thank you! I hear Olympia is cold and wet right now.

Two Long-tailed Manakins with black bodies, bright blue backs, and red crests sit side-by-side on a curved branch, their long, ribbon-like tail feathers trailing below.

Two male Long-tailed Manakins lekking, vying for attention from a female. #CostaRica

#birds #nature

A small, black bird with a bright red crown and two extremely long, thin tail feathers perched on a horizontal tree branch against a blurred green forest background.

Long-tailed Manakin from this morning in the dry forest of #CostaRica

#birds #nature

Thanks! They're one of the best!

A close-up, vertical shot shows a male Snowcap hummingbird perched on a mossy branch against a soft green background. The bird has deep burgundy feathers with an iridescent copper sheen and a striking, bright white patch on the top of its head. Its small, dark eye and thin, straight black beak are turned slightly to the left.

Snowcap #hummingbird at @tapirvalley.bsky.social #CostaRica

#nature #birds

Thanks, Rob!

A close-up, vertical shot of a rufous-tailed jacamar perched on a moss-covered branch against a soft, blurred green background. The bird has iridescent green plumage on its head and back, a distinct orange-brown (rufous) belly, and a very long, thin, pointed black beak angled upward.

The Rufous-tailed Jacamars have been getting frisky over the last week, chasing each other around the forest near the house. Are baby jacamars in my future? I can't wait!

@casabentbill.bsky.social #CostaRica #birds #nature

Thanks! They're so common at Caño Negro!

They're shy. They're most active and talkative in the late afternoon.

Thanks, Rob.

Thanks, Tom!

A long, hanging nest intricately woven from dried grass, vines, and fibers suspended from a branch. The bulbous bottom of the nest is set against a soft, blurred background of vibrant green forest foliage and dappled sunlight.

One of the two pairs of Tropical Royal Flycatchers are busy building their nest at @tapirvalley.bsky.social. These nests hang from the thinnest vine and consist of a woven cover over the cup that hangs at the bottom of the nest. They're easy to overlook if you don't know what they are.

#birds

Thanks, Peter!

A close-up of a Bare-throated Tiger Heron with its long, sharp beak pointed upward. The bird features a distinctive yellow patch on its throat, a gray head, and fine black-and-tan horizontal barring on its neck feathers. It is set against a background of lush green leaves.

#Heronoftheday is this very sexy male Bare-throated Tiger Heron showing all of the ladies his manly inflated throat at Caño Negro #CostaRica

#birds #herons #nature

A monkey with tan and black fur resting among thick tree branches in a dense tropical forest. The monkey is seen from below, looking off to the side with an inquisitive expression, its long, dark limbs and prehensile tail draped over the mossy branches.

A curious Central American Spider Monkey at Caño Negro #CostaRica

#monkeys #nature #wildlife

They're a little smaller but they have a beautiful song.

A vibrantly colored Slaty-tailed Trogon perched on a mossy diagonal branch amidst lush green foliage. The bird features a deep slate-gray head, back, and long tail, contrasted by a brilliant red belly. Its sharp, dark beak and attentive eye are visible as it looks slightly over its shoulder.

A pair of Slaty-tailed Trogons live in the forest near my house and I hear them in the late afternoon as they hunt for delicious insects near the driveway. At @casabentbill.bsky.social #Costarica

#birds #nature

My pleasure!

A Boat-billed Heron perched on a tree branch, surrounded by green leaves. The bird has a distinctively wide, scoop-shaped beak, a black crown, and buff-colored feathers on its chest and neck.

A bonus #heronoftheday, the bizarre Boat-billed Heron. These are nocturnal birds and they have huge eyes that help them hunt in lagoons at night. During the day, they roost in trees and judge you as you float by.

#birds #herons #nature #CostaRica

A sleek, black **Nicaraguan Grackle** perched on a branch against a blurred green background. The bird is displaying, with its tail feathers fanned out and wings slightly spread, showing its bright yellow eyes as it looks upward.

A frisky male Nicaraguan Grackle showing off for his mate at Caño Negro #CostaRica

#birds #nature

A top-down, close-up photo of a pale green **planthopper** resting on a black mesh screen. The insect has wide, flat wings with a textured, mossy appearance and small red eyes.

I found another planthopper loitering on the window screens of @casabentbill.bsky.social tonight. I believe these are in the genus Flataloides.

#bugsky #insects #nature #costarica

Thanks!

A close-up, front-facing shot of a Bare-throated Tiger Heron looking directly at the camera with its beak pointed upward. It features distinct yellow skin on its throat and face, yellow eyes, and grey-and-white barred feathers on its neck.

#HeronoftheDay is this gorgeous Bare-throated Tiger-Heron that was hanging outside my cabin at Caño Negro #CostaRica

#herons #birds #nature

Yeah, he got a scratch from something. But all of his nasty cuts from last year have healed beautifully and he seems very healthy.