Easy Birds and Wildlife with Modern Mirrorless Cameras

Upon arrival in San José, you will be met and taken to Hotel Bougainvillea. Check-in begins at 3 pm. Elevation is 3,100 feet. We will meet at 7:30 for a brief introduction to 'Easy Birds and Wildlife Photography'.

Enjoy early morning birding and photography around the 10-acre grounds of the hotel, then meet for breakfast in the hotel restaurant followed by an orientation and introduction to tropical birding from a local expert. Check out of the hotel. On the bus we will have time to get our cameras more completely set up for Easy Bird and Wildlife Photography. We will stop en route to Sarapiqui for lunch at a café in Cinchona known for its many hummingbird and fruit feeders. This afternoon, arrive to Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve and take a hike in the reserve with your guide. Selva Verde's reserve protects 500 acres of rainforest, and the lodge offers many covered walks, birding trails, and lookout points, with opportunities to see species such as the Keel-billed Toucan, Great Green Macaw, White-winged Becard, Sunbittern, Acadian Flycatcher, and Wood Thrush. Boots are available for use if the trails are muddy. After dinner, further discussion of Easy Bird and Wildlife Photography, concentrating on field craft.

This morning, depart for Dave and Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park for a two-hour tour to photograph hummingbirds and other wildlife along the river trail. One on one instruction in hummingbird and fruit feeder photography. This afternoon, visit Copearte - the home and gardens of the artist, photographer, birder, and nature-lover known as Cope - to photograph bats, owls, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. A typical Costa Rican lunch will be provided at Cope's home.

Depart early this morning for the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station. Established in 1968, La Selva is world-renowned for scientific research on rainforest ecosystems. Be on the lookout for the Snowy Cotinga, Rufous Mot Mot, Crested Guan, Great Tinamou, Pied Puffbird, and Spectacled Owl as possible sightings. Return to the lodge for lunch. Your afternoon is free to participate in optional activities such as a boat ride on the Sarapiquí River (recommended), whitewater rafting or horseback riding (arranged at reception upon arrival and paid on-site), spending time by the pool, or looking for avian visitors in Selva Verde's botanical garden area. Later this afternoon, enjoy a guided birding hike, or take in the river views from the patio overlooking the Sarapiquí River. We will meet 30 minutes early for dinner to go over nocturnal photography tips. After dinner, take an optional walk to discover nocturnal frogs and insects.

Early this morning, check out of the lodge and depart for San Gerardo de Dota. En route, stop at Nectar and Pollen Reserve where some interesting possibilities include the Snowcap, Long-tailed Tyrant, Cinnamon Woodpecker, White Hawk and others. Have lunch en route, and then check in at the hotel in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains that sits at an elevation of about 7,220 feet. The forest surrounding the hotel is home to massive oaks, colorful plants, and an incredible variety of animal life: birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. The famous valley is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 170 species recorded here. The crown jewel is the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal, which lives in the region year round. After settling in at the lodge, spend some time walking around the extensive gardens, where you may find resident Talamanca Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, White-throated Mountain-gem, Volcano Hummingbird, and the tiny Scintillant Hummingbird. Fiery-throated Hummingbird and Violet Sabrewing are seasonally present, and even Flame-colored Tanager and Slaty Flowerpiercer come in for up-close views, offering excellent photo opportunities. Meet one hour before dinner to discuss Easy Bird and Wildlife Photography topics that have come up, to get answers to lingering questions, and to prepare for the early morning session with the Quetzals (we hope).

Before breakfast we will meet for coffee and then go in search of the Resplendent Quetzals wherever they are currently feeding in the valley. After breakfast at the Hotel, drive to the Paramo at 11,000 feet on Buena Vista mountain, for unique landscapes and high altitude specialty birds. On the way back we will stop at Miriam's Quetzals for a family style lunch and more birds at her feeders. After a rest break at the lodge we will be transported up to Batsu Gardens high above Savegre Hotel for an afternoon of hummingbird and high altitude feeder photography.

After some early morning birding around the lodge, have breakfast and begin the journey back to San Jose, en route, stop at Paraíso del Quetzal for lunch. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to freshen up and relax. Attend a farewell dinner this evening, and possibly view a best shots presentation of your work.

Transfer to the airport for flight home. Check out is at 12 pm.