Two Comical Characters!

I had so much fun watching these 2 characters playing in the trees and making many different kinds of sounds. They kept watching me and I really think they were putting on a show for me. They are such beautiful birds, and watching them fly was amazing. I would see this big long bill flying through the air with a bird behind it! Quite a sight.

some sights in Botanical Gardens

When I first arrived here at Wilson's Botanical Gardens in Costa Rica, I walked through my room and onto the deck overlooking the gorgous gardens and trees. I was wondering how long would it take for me to see something really cool. I am staring into the trees and right in front of me, kind of hidden inside the tree was this beautiful long tailed bird. I had only been there less than 5 minutes!! I looked it up and its a Blue Crowned MotMot. A good sized bird with a beautiful long tail. And my stay here was only just beginning!
In front of my balcony I could see these Agouti running around. I think a family of them lived under the large tree because every once in awhile a mom would come out with her twin babies. Too cute for words. They Agoutis here are very happy as their favorite food is the palm nut and this botanical garden has one of the largest collections of palms in the world.
Always one of my favorite flowers. Passion Flower. I had these growing at my home in Cambria California when I lived there. One of these days I will plant them at my new home (where ever that will be!)

Hummingbirds Everywhere!

I just could not catch a clear picture of the hummers. There were so many different kinds, and so many color combinations. I love the one that was mostly purple and green.
The bottom pic is of 2 hummers and they were moving so fast they look transparent!! I thought that was kinda cool.

What colorful birds!

When I was visiting Paradise Gardens I saw many wonderful birds and unusual animals. These birds were plentiful and brillant in color! Such a sight, I was hoping to capture a closer picture, but they would fly away and then come back when I moved away.

My front yard was naked!

As you can see from this "before" picture taken the day I moved in (hence the suitcases).


My porch had no plants in front of it for me to enjoy when sitting outside so I bought a large beautiful Heliconia plant, (I am sure you already know thats my favorite) from Carlos (the caretaker here who has his own nursery). He went right to work moving the paving stones that were there and brought all the perfect mixes of healthy black soil and mulch in his wheelbarrow and planted my new prize (already has 2 big heliconia flowers on it) and then he planted beside it 2 smaller bird of paradise. The plants cost me 5.00 and the planting with all the care and soil, was 'no charge'!! Made me very happy needless to say, and it's so much prettier isn't it!



Now I feel a bit more 'hidden' behind the plants and even the birds aren't bothered as much by my sitting there. Notice my fancy bird feeder!

See the Birdie??!!!

Heading out on the first leg of my journey finds me in Napa Valley,  California. Home of all those wonderful vineyards. It was where I was raised and I still consider it home. While visiting with family I noticed this large bird on the tippy top of this tall tree. It is a Great Blue Heron and it is so large I can't believe he could balance himself on that skinny little branch! I watched him for quite awhile until he flew away. It was a nice treat.
Love my telephoto lens. These birds are really amazing. When they fly overhead they look just like how I would imagine the flying pterodactyls looked like in prehistoric days.
Next week I will be flying myself to Central America, so stay tuned! Actually I will be on a plane, but you knew that.