Manuel Antonio

Today is "relaxation day" in Manuel Antonio, which to me would mean more birding but to the rest of our party, means normal relaxing things. I'm sitting on our villa deck (9.408465,-84.156078) watching a yellow-green vireo among a little migrant flock in the fortuitous bare tree near the balcony. A far-off flock of orange-chinned parakeets finally came in for a closer look. Blue dacnis and short-billed pigeon finally joined the group a little later in the morning. Around 8am, a golden-hooded tanager perched high in that awesome-viewing bare tree. Late morning, a rufous-tailed hummingbird was poking around under the tree overhanging the porch. There is no feeder here, which is probably for the better.

I didn't bring my binoculars or field guide to Emilio's cafe (I know, what was I thinking?) but from the balcony, spotted golden-naped woodpecker, smooth-billed ani and black-capped tityra.

Playa Espadilla N

From the beach, I was so thrilled to see a brown booby. A local guide mentioned that they, and masked booby, nest on the islands pictured. Trip list at 114 and climbing!