COSTA RICA in the DRY SEASON 

Unique Tropical Dry Forest

It has not rained since October, resulting in severe drought. Most trees have lost their leaves, a mechanism which limits the loss of moisture, resulting in a condition resembling Autumn in colder climates. 

Reacting to the drought conditions, vegetation goes into propagation mode, inducing some trees to flower and produce fruit. This coincides with an influx of birds exiting the colder northern climes and moving south, where it is warmer and there is an abundance of food for both resident birds and Winter visitors.

Commercial fishing is strictly controlled, and in many protected areas - not permitted - a practice resulting in a massive recovery of fish species, including Shark and Marlin.


Below: The Pacific Ocean effervescent with feeding fish!

The Pacific on the west coast of Costa Rica is teaming with fish, more than enough for resident Brown Pelicans and those joining them from the cold north.


Osprey are another fish-dependent Winter resident, albeit, in limited numbers.

Above: Green-breasted Mango

Above: Blossom of the Poroporo tree

There are still many blooms for hummingbirds. This individual was literally snapped up by a raptor seconds after this photograph was taken. I had just enough time to distinguish that it was a fast moving bird! 

Possible contenders: Tiny Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk   

Orange-fronted Parakeet, a resident, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a Winter visitor, both feed on the blooms of the Madero Negro tree.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (above)

The entire North American population of this hummingbird, move south in Winter and are hosted here in Central America. A common resident in Costa Rica, the Great Kiskadee feeds on the fruits of climbing vines. In Guanacaste, we are now experiencing the dry season, a period from December to April. Many trees flower, as they dry out in order to reproduce before they potentially die. This reaction produces an abundance of fruit and seeds, which is enjoyed by a multitude of birds. 

Above: Great Kiskadee

Above: Rose-breasted Becard 

These feeding areas attract a variety of bird species. The Great Kiskadee is a prominent and common bird here in the Guanacaste region. It is quite remarkable that similar species gather together with limited rivalry. Boat-billed Kiskadee (below right) - note relatively large bill - can be seen amongst the flock. 

The much smaller Social Flycatcher (below) with a totally different song, however, is often chased off.     

There are many North American migrants here. The beautiful crimson Summer Tanager another marvel to European birders. Clearly, the requirement to attract a mate has evolved this distinct male bird's colouration. The question is: how does such a colourful creature not get picked off immediately by predators? The answer could be, that in fact, it is not so conspicuous after all...

Above: Ronrón leaves

... in this profusion of colored leaf!

Summer and Scarlet Tanager are both present in the Winter and are distinguish from each other by the lack of black wings in the Summer Tanager. These birds migrate down from North America, as indeed, does the Western Tanager to spend the Winter here in the Tropical Dry Forest of Guanacaste. 

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Did you know 10% of the world's bird species are found in Costa Rica? Quite an achievement of biodiversity on our ever more polluted planet.

The conservation policies of Costa Rica are advanced. Although there is some opposition to these from sugar cane producers, and their practice of burning waste is a potential source of conflict, conservation policy prevails. The good news is that 25% of the nation's land mass is already conserved as national parks or protected areas. Even more reassuring is that many other nations are helping to support Costa Rica. Countries attempting to offset their own carbon footprint are investing into other environmentally valuable nations such as Costa Rica. Conservation on this scale provides habitat for 630 resident bird species and an additional 220 migratory. Global awareness of conservation in Costa Rica will hopefully save this unique paradise.