From Coati’s to Caiman at Curu
When we offer a short walk and a longer walk it refers to the distance you will travel, but never to the numbers of wildlife sightings you can see. Just as we started our walks, it started to rain and the monkeys started howling. They were not too thrilled with the rain and were hunkered down in the trees, waiting out the brief shower. If you know the habits and preferred habitats of the animals, finding them can be easier. Our naturalists took us to an open barn where, hung high and dry along the walls were adorable sac-wing bats. There was a mother-baby pair. Next we heard, and then found, scarlet macaws. Three of these colorful feathered gymnasts clung, climbed and cavorted amongst the coconut palm fronds. A few steps more and we almost walked in the track of a raccoon. Yet a few more steps and there, both feeding on coconuts were a white-throated magpie jay and next door a variegated squirrel. Now it was time for the coati to enter, stage right. Actually, right across the road, around some trees, back across the road and up a banana plant. He was very cooperative sighting. We met up with the longer distance walkers and they reported finding the track and odorous suggestions of a skunk.
A green kingfisher had us all looking towards the streams edge, which was great, since that was where a small caiman was basking in the sun (first photo). A few more steps and we found a rufous-naped wren busy weaving a nest in a bull-horn acacia. A bit further and we found tree split-hoof tracks of a deer that had walked amongst the trees. One of our youngest guests found an exoskeleton and hooked it on his shirt as an arthropodic ornament (second photo).
This writing addresses the visual sightings. You need to come to experience the sounds. The numerous birds calling from the trees, the sound of rain falling through the canopy, the thunk of a coconut hitting the ground, the gleeful sound of children making new and wonderful discoveries. Those are the things that can never be captured with words.
All of our guests on board have savored the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of Costa Rica and Nicaragua this week. Here are a few of their shared inspirations.
Very knowledgeable staff
Oh so much great food
Yes, we’re having fun
Activities always available
Games popular with kids
Everyone with stories to share
Really memorable vacation.
My morning was fine
I saw a scarlet macaw
The colors were great
-A contribution from the young at heart
Monkeys
Loud amazing
Jumping, calling, eating
Jumps tree to tree
Cute.
R ushing towards the ground
A cting as a water source for plants
I ncreasing the water line in lakes
N oisy at times.
B rightly colored
I nteresting to look at
R ushing through the sky
D iving for fish
S ounds are harmony.
O bundant with fish
C lear in some places
E xtremely rough at times
A mazing
N oisy.
-Four contributions from Candice Smith
