Thanks, m - he was putting on quite a show! Is that mating behavior? I wasn't sure what it was all about!

Yes, I think so. He has the swollen yellow knob which signifies the peak breeding season.

I was told by my guide at Hacienda Baru that they make great eating, and were hunted. They are designated 'Vulnerable' and there are programs to reintroduce them and (try) to ban hunting.

It's a striking bird and a great sighting, especially so close. Apparently they can become quite tame!

That's interesting, m; someone at Toucan Rescue Ranch told us that all hunting in CR has been banned. I was surprised by that - seems like some people would need to hunt to eat, so maybe I misunderstood them. Any other good birding spots you would recommend? For viewing, not hunting!

VG,
I could not find your pictures on TA...I need a hint ;)

Have you been to Ecuador yet, vg? Unfortunately not quite as easy or inexpensive to get to from the west coast now. But once you are there it is less costly than Costa Rica, so I think it washes out if you don't mind the flight times.

Mindo is a birding hotspot and there are both independent birding guides as well as lodges. Both Julia Pantino and Marcelo Arias are good, and there are others. There are also excursions such as the famous "Paz de Aves".

Even the 'expensive' places are really not that bad, but I've also stayed in Mindo for $17 a night. Cabanas San Isidro and Guango are two lodges that you can book on the east coast.

For hummingbirds and tanagers there are quite a few well known feeders around the country. Even better than CR, I think.

artiejay did a good trip report

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...g-in-mindo.cfm

I have only done the one trip to Costa Rica (other than a single day off of a cruise ship) We went up to Monteverde to one of the hanging bridge places but the timing was not great and the birding is difficult in heavy forest cover. I did manage to spot the black-faced solitaire which has such a beautiful song but likes to hide.

There are some good guides at Hacienda Baru but I don't think it will be much different than other places around Manuel Antonio.

Two corrections...there is no east "coast" of Ecuador...I meant east slope (of the Andes). LOL>..

Julia's last name is Patiño not Pantino.

x, maybe click on Toucan Rescue Ranch - that should link you to pics.

m, no we have never been to Ecuador. Thanks for the info. on that. I'll check it out. Honduras interests me too.

Ahaaaaa, got them! I miss CR :(

We stayed at Sacha lodge in Ecuador and had a great time. And, of course, Galapagos cruises are great.

Hey there vg! I haven't stopped by here in forever, but I just popped in and saw your trip report! I love that you got to AOL finally! Isn't it amazing! We loved it there. And yes, that road to get there is crazy! Thanks for sharing! I'm going to have to check your pictures on tripadvisor! I wish you could post pictures here with the trip report....

Can't wait for your next adventure! :)

Glad you found them, x. It's never too early to start planning another trip! :)

alisa, yes, I'm sure we would love the Galapagos area. Looks amazing!

Hey, Shell, good to see you! Do you have any trips planned? We loved AOL. We loved our room with all the animals constantly going by - so amazing. I think it's becoming our goal to try all the hotels in La Fortuna!

Hey vg! I've been busy with my travel business, which is so exciting! I was just in Jamaica for a conference. But this summer my mom and I went on a river cruise, from Paris to Normandy. That was amazing! DH, the kids and I also took a trip back to Riviera Maya over the summer, which is one of my all time favorites, especially for a family getaway.

As for trips coming up, nothing really set in stone. I have another river cruise coming up sometime in the spring, but I'm not sure when. Probably on the Rhine River. The kids both want to go on another cruise too. That's their favorite type of vacation - by far. Me, I just love to travel, so I'm happy anywhere!

So, how many times have you been to Costa Rica now? I think you are going to break a record! :)

VG-I meant to ask you. Did you receive any vaccinations before any of your CR trips? The CDC website recommended both Hep A (however the second shot is 6 months later and I am pretty sure I had that vaccine about 15ish years ago). It also recommends typhoid. For rabies, it recommends it if you will be staying in any areas that may put you in contact with wild animals, which of course is part of the reason for staying in Arenal.

Curious what your approach has been, as well as what you may have heard from any other travellers to CR.

Shell, that sounds amazing. My parents have always gone on river cruises and loved them. My husband and I have lost count of how many trips we've made to CR. We were trying to remember this trip because people always ask you, and we think eight, but not sure anymore. Too many, but not enough I guess!

Hi, Minn - I've had both Hep A and B vaccines since my doctor recommended those for anyone visiting Central America. They aren't required though. I don't think most people even get those. I've never heard of getting one for typhoid or of anyone having typhoid in any of the areas we've traveled. Dengue seems to be the biggie, but it's my understanding that there's no preventative for that other than wearing repellent, which we do if we're in a buggy area. No on rabies as well. Has never been a problem for us.

Thanks VG. I'm pretty sure I had the Hep A vaccine years ago but am checking with my doctor. I'll probably get the typhoid vaccine or oral vaccine as well.

Glad to hear that rabies has never been a problem for you!!! <G>

I'm so glad you loved the Toucan Rescue Ranch. We are going back in a few months and there's no way my kids will let me skip it. I was thinking of flying into Liberia, but they would be heartbroken to not go back!

Yes, clover, what a great place. I love the work that they do, and seeing the animals up close was such a treat. This board is great for new ideas regarding places to visit.