Costa Rica
For six unforgettable weeks, my son Neal and I explored the vibrant heart of Costa Rica, a land where lush rainforests meet towering volcanoes and crystal-clear rivers. From the playful monkeys swinging among the trees to the melodic songs of tropical birds overhead, the country is alive with color and movement. Together, we visited every national park, including the iconic Corcovado, and discovered hidden corners teeming with wildlife. We marveled at delicate orchids, watched colorful butterflies dance in the warm sun, and experienced nature in its purest form. Adventure and discovery awaited us around every bend.
CR001 - The keel-billed toucan, a vibrant marvel of Costa Rica, perches proudly, its rainbow-colored bill and striking plumage making it one of the most captivating birds in the tropical forest.
CR002 - Two-toned sloth slowly climbs back up a tree after its descent, each deliberate movement highlighting its gentle grace and calm resilience in the forest canopy.
CR003 - Full line of elegant terns perches along the railings of a coastal bridge in Costa Rica, their sleek silhouettes reflecting the serene rhythm of the nearby waters.
CR004 - The vibrant red iguana of Costa Rica stands out brilliantly against the lush green foliage, its striking color and textured skin capturing the wild beauty of its tropical habitat.
CR005 - This green iguana basks in the warm sunlight, stretched comfortably along a sturdy tree branch, its scales shimmering in the gentle rays of the sun.
CR006 - The elusive American pygmy kingfisher perches quietly by a Costa Rican stream, its vibrant colors and tiny frame making it a rare and enchanting sight in the dense waterside foliage.
CR007 - This howler monkey lets out a deep, resonant howl, its throat vibrating as the powerful sound cuts through the forest, echoing across the canopy and marking its presence with undeniable intensity.
CR008 - Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus) hovers delicately, its iridescent feathers shimmering as it feeds from vibrant blooming flowers, a jewel-like flash amid the lush greenery.
CR009 - During our visit with my son, we were incredibly fortunate to encounter an albino howler monkey, affectionately known as Blondie. We captured several wonderful images of her and her baby, a rare and unforgettable sight in the wild.
CR010 - Pair of masked tree frog nestles safely, encircled by a leaf that forms its natural hideaway, a perfect shelter for the night amid the quiet of the forest.
CR011 - The splendid quetzal, with its vibrant plumage and elusive nature, presents a thrilling challenge for photographers, rewarding patience with a glimpse of one of the most iconic birds of the forest. I was able to take some amazing shots while he was feeding on a lizard.
CR013 - Couple of Glasswing butterflies (Godyris nero) rests delicately on a leaf in Costa Rica, their translucent wings catching the light as it prepares to lay eggs, a fragile marvel of the rainforest.
CR012 - This manta ray leaps gracefully from the water as it migrates through the Catalina Islands, the splash and sunlight capturing the dynamic energy and beauty of this rare moment in the wild.
CR014 - Crocodile who lies motionless on the riverbank, basking in the warm sunlight, its rough, scaly skin glinting as it soaks up the day’s heat.
CR015 - Black Guan perches quietly in the dense canopy, its dark plumage blending with the foliage as it surveys the forest from high above.
CR016 - Rufous-eyed brook tree frog rests peacefully on a leaf, its striking eyes and delicate body blending harmoniously with the lush greenery around it.
CR017 - Image of the Violet Sabrewing, one of Costa Rica’s largest hummingbirds.
CR018 - Jesus christ lizard , what a beauty
CR019 - A small boat is silhouetted against the fiery hues of the setting sun, its dark outline drifting peacefully as the sky glows in deep reds and oranges.
CR020 - On the way to Guápiles, a mountain stream caught my eye, its waters flowing steadily through the riverbed, tinted yellow by the sediment carried from upstream—a striking reminder of nature’s ever-changing landscapes.
CR021 - People stroll along the beach, their silhouettes dark against the fiery red and orange hues of the setting sun, creating a serene and dramatic coastal scene.
CR022 - A Golden-eyed Leaf Frog (Cruziohyla calcarifer) perches calmly on a leaf, its striking green and yellow coloration blending beautifully with the foliage, while its vivid golden eyes seem to glow in the dappled light.
CR023 - from another angle.
CR024 - Purple Gallinule stands nestled in the heart of a flowering palm tree, its vivid plumage contrasting brilliantly with the lush green leaves and colorful blossoms around it.