Dia Siete -- Marathon Birding
In the mountains, birding started at 7am. But here in the tropics, the heat means an earlier start and we have now set a record -- present and accounted for at 6am!
Read MoreDia Seis -- Song of the Gecko
Night in the tropical wet forest (a climate just a few inches shy of being a full-fledged rain forest) differs from the cloud forest not only in temperature and air moisture but also in sound. Mountains feature subtle insect sound, while in the tropics, it's a cacophony. Insects sing through the night and birds call well before the sun rises and temperatures rise. But of all these calling creatures, I found the geckos most intriguing.
Read MoreDia Cuatro -- The Robin was Right
Raúl, our naturalist guide from the previous day, pointed out a particularly melodic trill from the Clay-colored Robin. Based on the song, one would understandably expect to see a stunner of a bird especially since it is the national bird of Costa Rica, yet the species is quite true to its common name with dull, brownish coloring, but at least sporting a regal shape.
Read MoreDia Tres - ¿Qué hora es?
I know the early bird gets the first worm, but I don't like worms and I'm far more of a cocktail hour birder, enjoying nature as it settles in for the night after which I can settle in for dinner.
Read MoreDia Dos - I Eat a Moth
I had no idea what the problem was until lovely husband inquired "Did you just swallow that moth I brushed out of my way?"
Read MoreCosta Rica, dia uno
At long last, after years of thinking about it, we've arrived! One night in Santo Domingo just north of San Jose at the Hotel Bougainvillea with 8 acres of gardens featuring native plants.
Read MoreEnjoying the Early Bird Special
I admit, my view of southern Florida was narrow. As some might expect New Yorkers to be rude and unfriendly (a common misconception), I was expecting southern Florida to be filled with golf courses, strip malls, and seniors high-tailing it to the oft mentioned early-bird dinners starting at 3pm.
Read MoreFirsts of the Year
Looking over the past year, I realize it's been one filled with firsts. My first Humpback Whale sighting, off the coast of Long Beach, Long Island no less, and a testament to our area's cleaner waters.
Read MoreSalt Flats to Mountain Tops
Light on words, heavy on images for this post. Some snaps from our recent trip to Utah - 5 days spent within 2 hours of Salt Lake City. Stunning place with such diverse landscapes, flora and fauna!
Read MoreThe Trophy Wife of the Garden
She’s curvy, a little plump but firm, glossy and warm after a day of sun bathing. High-paid executives may seek out the trophy wife, but for the gardener it is the tomato that fills our dreams.
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