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2008, Animalblog by Terry Costales

Heermann's Gull
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This juvenile Heermann's gull exhibits its main identifying marks clearly: black feet, red bill and dusky body. As an adult, its head will become pure white.


(2007) Sausalito, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, January 1, 2008   •  © 2007 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Siberian Tiger Tatiana
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Here is Tatiana on Sept 29, 2007 looking alive and well. Due to incompetence at the Zoo and the malicious idiocy of a few young men, she and one of those young men are now deceased. A needless tragedy that ought never have happened.

One should build wild animal enclosures with as much protection for the animals from the public as the public from the animals. We all know bridges and buildings in San Francisco must be built, or retrofitted, to withstand an earthquake the magnitude of which we may never see. So I assumed (incorrectly, as we all did) that a wild animal enclosure would be built with worst case scenarios in mind as well.

I have read comments by citizens calling for the zoo's permanent closure but that is just a knee-jerk response. Zoos provide valuable sevices to the public, including breeding programs of our most endangered species, education and research. If built and maintained properly an excellent zoo can be as much a part of the cultural fabric of our city as are its library, symphony, parks and museums.

Every major disaster gives us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. The shipping industry learned a hard lesson from the sinking of the Titanic. After the Loma Prieta earthquake our building codes changed. Let's only hope we learn and apply valuable and obvious lessons from this, our current zoo catastrophe.


(2007) San Francisco Zoo, California   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, January 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Black Crowned Crane
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This photo was taken Sept 29, 2007. The Black Crowned Craneexternal link is an African bird and endangered by loss of habitat.


(2007) San Francisco, California   •  Photo Posted Friday, January 25, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Ugly Bird
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I don't know what kind of bird this is. Some kind of stork-like-vulture-thingy. It was in the walk-through aviary. Scary huh?


(2008) San Francisco Zoo, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, January 28, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
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Another view of the distant and beautiful Harrier.


internal link (2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, January 30, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Black Swan (cygnus atratus)
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This photo shows the ruffled feathers on the back and white feathers edging the wings of the Black Swan.external link


(2008) San Francisco Zoo, California   •  Photo Posted Friday, February 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Grizzly (Ursus arctos)
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This is a swimming bear in the new Grizzly Gulchexternal link exhibit at the zoo. The zoo acquired two female Montana bears that were about to be euthanized. They had become too used to humans and couldn't be released back into the wild.

Their new home is a well designed habitat and hopefully all the exhibits there can be brought up to this standard.


(2008) San Francisco Zoo, California   •  Photo Posted Saturday, February 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Black and White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata variegata)
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The lemurs at the zooexternal link have a large natural exhibit that gives them many opportunities to climb, relax and relate to one another.
(2008) San Francisco Zoo, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, February 4, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Flamingos
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Maybe I should have posted this on Valentines Day. It's either affection or defense of territory.
(2008) San Francisco Zoo, California   •  Photo Posted Thursday, February 7, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
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The male Buffleheadexternal link is a strikingly beautiful bird. There were several on the lake this summer-like day, having a good time diving to avoid the photographer.
internal link (2008) Lake Merritt,external link Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Sunday, February 17, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Western Grebe
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There were many Western Grebesexternal link on the lake. They were more wary of people than the ducks and kept their distance.
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, February 18, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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American White Pelican
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There was this one lone white pelican at the nature center that day. It was probably an injured bird being nursed back to health, or it just knew a good hand-out when it saw one.


(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, February 20, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
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There were many male and female Goldeneyes out on the lake that day. This is a very handsome male. Goldeneyes are closely related to Buffleheadsinternal link and are also found in Scotland and Great Britain.external link
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Thursday, February 21, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Goldeneye
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This is a female Goldeneyeexternal link showing how differently the genders appear. No flashy white dudsinternal link for this lady.
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, Californiaa   •  Photo Posted Saturday, February 23, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
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This is a male Canvasbackexternal link duck resting in the water. You can't see the long red neck in this photo but I like the pose anyway.
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Sunday, February 24, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Canvasback female
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Here is the mate of yesterday'sinternal link male Canvasback. She is in almost the exact same pose that he, but here you can see her paler, gentler colors.
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, February 25, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
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This is a very cute little diving birdexternal link . When they come up after a dive they puff up their posterior so it looks like a big powder puff. Then right before they dive, they bring those feathers close to their body and the powder puff becomes a streamlined torpedo.
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Friday, February 26, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
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Greater Scaupsexternal link are very common in the Bay Area. This is a male.
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, February 27, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Greater Scaup
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This is the female scaup. Much more muted in coloration than yesterdays male.internal link
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, February 25, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Lesser Scaup
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The male lesser scaupexternal link is almost identical to the male greater scaup.internal link The head of the lesser gleams purple whereas the greater gleams green. Supposedly the lesser is also smaller than the greater, but I haven't found that to be so.
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Friday, February 29, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Lesser Scaup
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Here is the female lesser scaup. The mate of yesterday's male. internal link
(2008) Lake Merritt, Oakland, California   •  Photo Posted Saturday, March 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bufflehead
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This is a photo of a female Bufflehead. She definitely has a quieter look than her handsome but flashy mate.internal link
internal link (2008) Lake Merritt   •  Photo Posted Sunday, March 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
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The red squirrelsexternal link in Germany don't look like the squirrels here. Get a load of those ear tufts!

This shot was back lit and little more than a silhouette, but it was the only close-up I got. So I digitally adjusted it much more than I would normally.


(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Friday, March 14, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Anna's Hummingbird
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Yesterday in Palo Alto was chilly and grey for the most part. Fortunately the sun came out once in a while and highlighted this wonderful little birdexternal link while it fed.
internal link (2008) Palo Alto Bird Sanctuary, California   •  Photo Posted Saturday, March 15, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
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A very understated but beautiful duck.external link There is also an American Wigeonexternal link but I haven't personally seen one yet.
(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Sunday, March 16, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)
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The Fieldfareexternal link is about the size of an American Robin and its movements are similar. It took me quite a while to identify it as I had never heard of a Fieldfare before.

According to Wikipedia the name comes from "feld-fere meaning "traveller through the fields", probably from their constantly moving, foraging habits."


(2008) Stuttgart, Germany   •  Photo Posted Monday, March 17, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Butterfly
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A rare opportunity to see and photograph these colorful creatures. Butterflyexternal link in German is Schmetterling.
(2008) Zoo, Stuttgart, Germany   •  Photo Posted Tuesday, March 18, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis)
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I was quite taken with this two foot tall, chicken-turkey-like bird.external link It's a ground dwelling native of eastern Africa.external link
(2008) Stuttgart Zoo, Germany   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis)
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Here is a close up of yesterdays' subject.internal link
internal link (2008) Stuttgart Zoo, Germany   •  Photo Posted Thursday, March 20, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
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These little birdsexternal link were everywhere. They were always on the move, hopping, flitting, hanging upside down and really fun to watch.
(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Friday, March 21, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Great Tit (Parus major)
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The Great Titexternal link is the most numerous bird in the parks of Karlsruhe and is related to the birdinternal link of yesterdays' posting. The Great is a little larger and bolder.
(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Saturday, March 22, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Chiloe Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix)
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The Chiloe Wigeonexternal link comes from, as its name suggests, Chile. The duck was curious and friendly even though it knew we weren't going to feed it. The "No feeding the animals" rule is strictly adhered to in Germany.
(2008) Karlsruhe Zoo, Germany   •  Photo Posted Sunday, March 23, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Cormorant
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This bird is resting on an urn placed next to a reflecting pool inside the Stuttgart Zoo. It isn't caged and flew in on its own. I witnessed many herons, storks and cormorantsexternal link fly into various enclosures to take advantage of the plentiful food supply.
(2008) Stuttgart, Germany   •  Photo Posted Monday, March 24, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Grey Heron
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The Grey Heronexternal link is the European version of our Great Blue Heronexternal link and quite plentiful in the city of Stuttgart. I saw this one in a large city park where I was lucky to get this in-flight shot.

When we got to the Zoo, we discovered dozens of them perched in the trees. Others were perched on buildings ledges, while several were already nesting.


(2008) Stuttgart, Gemany   •  Photo Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
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These storksexternal link were nesting in a very tall tree inside of the Karlsruhe Zoo. I took this photo from partway up the hill in the center of the park.
(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Sunday, March 30, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
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This photo was taken from high on the hill in the center of the zoo. It shows the storks nestinternal link in context.
(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
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Yesterday's posting showed storksinternal link nesting in a tree. Here is a photo showing storks nesting on top of a building that was in the Stuttgart Zoo.
(2008) Stuttgart, Germany   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, April 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
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Mandarin ducksexternal link are very striking in appearance. At least the male, he looks like he's wearing a costume.


(2008) Karlsruhe Zoo, Germany   •  Photo Posted Saturday, April 5, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
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Here is a shot of the male from yesterday's postinginternal link which shows the unusual feather formation over his back.
(2008) Karlsruhe Zoo, Germany   •  Photo Posted Monday, April 7, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Irish Wolfhound
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The Irish Wolfhoundexternal link is the tallest breed of dog. It's hard to imagine this extremely gentle animal being used in war, but war is the original use for which they were bred.
(2008) San Francisco, California   •  Photo Posted Thursday, April 10, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bryan and Terry showing off their Segway skills.
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Amazing!! What a thrill!! Segways rock!external link
(2008) Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA   •  Photo Posted Thursday, May 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Butterfly
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The Hall of Butterflies (Schmetterlingshalle)external link was one of my favorite spots in the Zoo.
(2008) Wilhema Zoo, Stuttgart, Germany   •  Photo Posted Friday, May 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)
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This is a beautiful female camel.external link She has very petite furry ears.
(2008) Wilhelma Zoo, Stuttgart, Germany   •  Photo Posted Saturday, May 3, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo)
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Although a large and very stately bird, this is actually the smallest variety of crane.external link
(2008) Karlsruhe Zoo, Germany   •  Photo Posted Sunday, May 4, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bar-headed Geese
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There is a small flock of these beautiful geese external link living on the small lake inside the zoo. Bar-headed geese were featured in the nature documentary "Winged Migration" which I highly reccomend. external link
(2008) Karlsruhe Zoo, Germany   •  Photo Posted Saturday, May 10, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
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Bald Eagles external link are very numerous in Dutch Harbor, where they live year round. They are used to people and you see them perched on dumpsters and piers, looking for an easy meal.

Bald comes from the Old English "pie-bald", which means partially white.


(2008) Unalaska, Aleutian Islands, Alaska   •  Photo Posted Saturday, May 17, 2008   •  © 2008 Denver Welte Creative Commons License
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Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus)
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Taken July 2007, this photo shows the summer coloring of the Arctic Fox. external link In winter it will be snow white.
(2008) Unalasaka, external link Aleutian Islands, Alaska   •  Photo Posted Sunday, May 18, 2008   •  © 2008 Denver Welte Creative Commons License
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Wild Horses of Unalaska
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Part of the small herd of wild horses external link on the island. They were originally brought to the island about 12 years ago and then abandoned.
(2008) Unalaska, Aleutian Islands, Alaska   •  Photo Posted Friday, May 23, 2008   •  © 2008 Denver Welte Creative Commons License
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Northern "Bullock's" Oriole (Icterus bullockii)
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I observed this female oriole external link as it fed and then flew into its nearby nest. It would remain in its nest a few minutes, then fly out again. The nest would have been invisible if not for the white egret feathers the orioles had used in its construction.
(2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, May 26, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bullock's Oriole Nest
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This is the nest I referred to in my last blog. internal link
(2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, May 28, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Black Crowned Night Heron
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It's breeding season again for the Night Heronsinternal link and Snowy Egrets.internal link Here is a Heron settling a property dispute with his Egret neighbor.
(2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Thursday, May 29, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Crow
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This is not my typical bird photo. I usually prefer a close-up that reveals identifying marks of the species. But sometimes, you just get a cool shot.
internal link (2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Friday, May 30, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Mourning Dove
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The shy Mourning Dove external link reveals some lovely colors.
(2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Sunday, June 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius)
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My first day in the woods I heard woodpeckers external link but only glimpsed them from a distance. My second day was more successful and I saw several. Not close-up but close enough for a photo.
(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Monday, June 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Great Spotted Woodpecker
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This pair of woodpeckers stayed in the tops of very tall trees making them very hard to photograph. This shot has been cropped about 75%.

The Great Spotted external link is larger, with a longer bill than the Middle Spotted Woodpecker.internal link

Yes, there is a Lesser Spotted but I never saw one.


(2008) Karlsruhe, Germany   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, June 4, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Western Gull Chick (Larus occidentalis)
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There is a large breeding colony of Western Gulls external link on the island which is fenced in for their protection. There were a couple of chicks near us and my husband was able to get their photo.
(2008) Alcatraz, California   •  Photo Posted Monday, June 9, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
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A large fledgling appears mesmerized by the camera. external link
(2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Sunday, June 15, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
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Up close and personal with a curious ostrich. external link
(2008) San Francisco Zoo, California   •  Photo Posted Friday, June 20, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Chinese Crested
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It's an odd looking animal, but it's like any other dog, really. external link
(2008) Treasure Island, California   •  Photo Posted Sunday, June 22, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Standard Poodle
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Beautiful poodle external link with a decent haircut and a colorful back.
(2008) Pride Parade, San Francisco   •  Photo Posted Tuesday, July 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
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Earlier this year the cliff swallows external link were busy feeding their young under the eaves of the Lucy Evans Interpretive Center. external link
internal link (2008) Baylands Preserve, Palo Alto, California   •  Photo Posted Friday, August 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
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I had no camera that day in Union Square. So I became the director of the photo shoot.

That means I said, "Honey, get a shot of that starling external link for me!" I'm not sure if I said please, but Bryan is always forgiving.


(2008) Union Square, San Francisco, California   •  Photo Posted Sunday, August 10, 2008   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons License
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Howler Monkey
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On our way to Tortuguero on the eastern coast, the guide spotted a family of howler monkeys in the trees next to the road. The van stopped and we got out to watch them. The noise the howlers make is thunderous and can be heard for miles. So when I finally saw them, I was surprised by how small they turned out to be. Barely two feet or so tall. external link
(2008) Eastern Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, October 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja, sometimes Ajaia ajaja)
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On our boat trip to Turtle Beach Lodge external link we saw many Roseate Spoonbills external link feeding near the banks. When they feed, they move their heads rapidly back and forth in the shallow water, making them look very industrious and a bit silly.
internal link (2008) River near Tortuguero, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Friday, October 3, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Long-nosed bat
(65 of 94) (264185 views)

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On a tour of the Canal of Palms, this was the first animal spotted by our guide. There were three of these tiny bats on the underside of a dead branch. How the guide even saw them was a mystery because they were perfectly camouflaged. The guide identified them as long-nosed bats.
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Saturday, October 4, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
(66 of 94) (260020 views)

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I have seen many black-crowned night heronsinternal link but this was the first yellow-crowned I'd ever seen. external link They reside in Costa Rica year round.
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Sunday, October 5, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
(67 of 94) (259857 views)

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This juvenile was perched directly across the canal from the adult bird I posted on this blog yesterday.internal link
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Monday, October 6, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Gray-necked Wood-Rail (aramides cajanea)
(68 of 94) (259355 views)

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We saw many wood rails external link and like the clapper rails, they are quite shy and quickly melt into the background as soon as they realize they are being noticed.
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Green Heron
(69 of 94) (258934 views)

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Green herons external link are abundant in Costa Rica. We saw them on both coasts and in a preserve near the center of Costa Rica. It took me a while to remember their name however, because they are hardly green at all.
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Thursday, October 9, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
(70 of 94) (259341 views)

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This was the first Toucan external link I saw in Costa Rica. A keel-billed or Fruit Loops Toucan.
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Friday, October 10, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Black River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys funerea)
(71 of 94) (258016 views)

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There are numerous Black River Turtles external link in the canals and rivers of Costa Rica. We stopped to view a caiman near the riverbank and this curious turtle came up to the boat. It was definitely used to people and was looking for a handout. Of course feeding the wildlife is frowned upon. It makes them dependent on humans and puts them at risk of disease and abuse.
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Saturday, October 11, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
(72 of 94) (258701 views)

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This prehistoric looking male Green Iguana appeared beautiful yet frightening. external link
(2008) Cano de Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Semiplumbeous Hawk (Leucopternis semiplumbeus)
(73 of 94) (259191 views)

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On my way breakfast I happened upon a hawk external link hunting near our room at the lodge. He had taken some small prey, yet he looked at me with little concern. A few seconds later he flew off.

The word plumbeous means leaden, dull. The hawk is half grey thereby clearly earning its name.


(2008) Turtle Beach Lodge, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Monday, October 13, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
(74 of 94) (258937 views)

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A female basilisk external link showed up at breakfast looking for a handout of food scraps. The kitchen staff were pleased to see it and urged us to give it food. Not a good thing for the lizard but very entertaining for guests.
(2008) Turtle Beach Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Tuesday, October 14, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus)
(75 of 94) (257872 views)

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Unlike yesterday's bright green plumed basiliskinternal link, this brown one has a yellow stripe. Here the male shows off his crest. external link
(2008) Turtle Beach Lodge, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, October 15, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
(76 of 94) (258009 views)

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A caiman external link lived in the lodge marina and could almost always be seen hanging out in its far corner. We found out the marina staff were feeding it chicken scraps from the kitchen. I supppose feeding a caiman is much more exciting than feeding a stray dog or feral cat.
(2008) Turtle Beach Lodge, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Thursday, October 16, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
(77 of 94) (259423 views)

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While canoeing to a nearby lagoon, we happened upon a flock of little blue herons taking flight. external link I originally thought the white one was another species but later discovered it did belong in the flock because it was a juvenile little blue heron.
internal link (2008) Cano del Palma, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Friday, October 17, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
(78 of 94) (259188 views)

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I saw this osprey external link dive into the river and come up with a fish. Unfortunately the image is not sharp because the boat was moving fast, the bird was far away and flying fast. I'm glad I at least got to see it.
(2008) Tortuguero, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Saturday, October 18, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)
(79 of 94) (259777 views)

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Our guide Jaime was very excited to see these migratory Jabiru external link because they were a very rare sight. Jabiru are storks which stand four and a half feet tall. The ones we saw were sedate and seemed to be resting in the shade.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Sunday, October 19, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
(80 of 94) (258974 views)

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There were many of these toucans external link in the forest surrounding the volcano. They traveled in small flocks and were easily seen and heard.
internal link (2008) Lomas del Volcan, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Monday, October 20, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)
(81 of 94) (258967 views)

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Wood storks external link are common in this area, unlike the Jabiru.internal link They aren't as tall as the Jabiru but equal them in their unusual appearance.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Sunday, October 19, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Bare-Throated Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
(82 of 94) (259047 views)

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We saw a lot of these solitary herons on the trip. external link Although it's called bare throated, you can't see that detail in this flying shot.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, October 22, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Roseate Spoonbill
(83 of 94) (259916 views)

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I was focusing my attention on the spoonbill but good lord! Look at the length of the neck on that egret!external link
internal link and Great Egret (2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Thursday, October 23, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Mangrove Swallow (Tachycineta albilinea)
(84 of 94) (259156 views)

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This swallow external link is one of a pair we saw from the boat. They patiently remained perched for several minutes while everyone photographed them.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Friday, October 24, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Plumed Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
(85 of 94) (257762 views)

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On the bank was a gorgeous male basilisk.internal link Observe from the color change that he was still shedding his skin.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Saturday, October 25, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
(86 of 94) (258957 views)

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Anhingas external link look a lot like cormorants. They differ in that they have straight not hooked bills, longer tails and necks, and have silver-white markings on their wings. This was a female. A male would have had a black neck.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Sunday, October 26, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
(87 of 94) (258847 views)

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The light color of this bird indicates that it is a juvenile. The adult of this bird is all black. Neotropic is the only species of cormorant that resides in Costa Rica. external link
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Monday, October 27, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
(88 of 94) (259786 views)

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The Little Blue external link was the prettiest heron I saw in Costa Rica. Its body was blue, the neck a purplish color and it always appeared very graceful. We saw them in every region we visited.
internal link (2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Tuesday, October 28, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
(89 of 94) (259317 views)

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The mangrove tour's pilot and guide were very supportive of our photographic efforts. This little bird external link either flew away as soon as the boat moved close, or hid invisibly in the bushes. Near the tours end, one bird thankfully stayed still long enough for me to get this photo.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Wednesday, October 29, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
(90 of 94) (258015 views)

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This poor Caiman external link probably wished he was invisible. As the boat came closer, he slowly moved from exposure on the mud bank and into the welcoming murky water.
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Thursday, October 30, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
(91 of 94) (259213 views)

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You only need to glimpse the bill of this bird to know exactly why it is called boat-billed. external link
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Friday, October 31, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
(92 of 94) (260219 views)

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I knew at the time this was a Tiger Heron, but a kind I hadn't seen before. Later I identified it as Rufescent Tiger Heron, where rufescent simply means red. external link
(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Saturday, November 1, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa)
(93 of 94) (259122 views)

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When the Jacanas external link fly they display bright yellow patches on their wings. Despite there being so many of them, we never got a shot of one flying

They are known for "walking on water", because their very long toes allow them to walk on floating vegetation. Unfortunately, the ones we saw were in the mud the whole time and so we never witnessed this behavior.


(2008) Cano Negro, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Sunday, November 2, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License
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Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii)
(94 of 94) (259009 views)

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The only motmot seen on this trip appeared just after dawn. The tree in which it was perched was a favorite of several species. Unfortunately, the motmot's gorgeous colors were not visible from this angle, but the unique tail feathers were. external link
(2008) Arenal foothills, Costa Rica   •  Photo Posted Monday, November 3, 2008   •  © 2008 Terry Costales Creative Commons License #Costa_Rica
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