Costa Rica 2013

[Kayaker72]

Thanks Mark and Brian. Last year we did Arenal and Jaco/Manuel Antonio. This year we went to the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula (Between Tambor and Montezuma) and Monteverde. BTW, Mark, as usual, it is about the balance....swim up bar beach or hot springs = no camera = happy wife vs national park/wildlife preserve/sunrise/sunset = camera.

But I am also posting to mention that C&Cs are welcome. I don't often mention that as much as I used too, but I am always trying to get better and people on this forum often see things I don't.

Thanks,
Brant

[Steve U]

Great series Brant, looks like a beautiful place. I really like the driftwood sunset shot and that last froggy shot.

[Kayaker72]

Thanks Steve.

Have a few more processed. These were taken in the low-land/dry subtropical forest area around Tambor and the Curu Wildlife Refuge.

Frigate Bird:

small-2281 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Brown Pelicans:

small-2490 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Tricolored Heron:

small-2573 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Black Headed Trogon:

small-2609 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Bare Throated Tiger Heron:

small-2644 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Turquoise Browed Motmot

small-2721 by kayaker72, on Flickr

C&C's welcome...thanks for viewing....
Brant

[thekingb]

Hey Brant,

Just got word that my father will be hosting the whole family for a Costa Rica trip in December. We will be staying in Playa Hermosa in the Guanacaste region. Needless to say I'm pretty excited.

I have a 6D and 7D and the following lenses: 24-105, 40, 85 1.8, 100L macro, and 70-300L. I also have a CPL and 10 stop ND filter, tripod, 480ex II and a better Beamer.

1. What should I bring?
2. Is 300mm long enough?
3. If you've been to that part of the country, suggestions for must see places?

Thanks!
Brian

[Kayaker72]

Brian,

That is awesome. That is a part of Costa Rica I haven't been too, but we have looked into it. Before thinking of the gear you are going to take, you should consider your plans. There is likely some estuary/river wildlife cruises in the area. Also, not far are the Santa Rosa National Park, which is supposed to be great for birds and monkeys, as well as the Ricon volcano, which is famous for a "blue" waterfall/lagoon.

But there are also a lot of resorts and all-inclusives in that area, so it all depends on what you'll be doing. But my basic kit on this last trip was the 24-105L, 100-400L and 100L macro. And I only used the macro for the frogs. You likely could get by with a basic kit of the 24-105 and your 70-300L. I'd be tempted to get a graduated ND filter if you intend to photograph sunsets, which you'll be in great position to do.

Feel free to PM me.

Glad to hear about your trip.
Brant

[Kayaker72]

Brian....three more quick thoughts...1) the high ISO performance of the 6D may make it a better wildlife camera in the forests. Not much light gets in there. 2) Pay attention to when turtles are laying their eggs. It varies from place to place, but my general understanding is that it is ~June-~December depending upon where you are. That is one of the things I want to see next. 3) We've really gotten a lot of use out of "Frommer's Costa Rica Day by Day." It highlights the top things to do, places to stay and eat. Been our go to book.

Ok. I haven't processed many Costa Rica shots as I've been too busy with shots of my new neice .

But I finally got around to picking a few of the birds of the Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forests. So my surprisingly not sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board posts continue.....

"The" bird to see in the cloud forests is the Resplendent Quetzal. We were lucky enough to see 2 males and 1 female over two days of hikes.

small-2423 (2) by kayaker72, on Flickr


small-2418 by kayaker72, on Flickr


small-1410 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Collared Trogon...we were told the Collared Trogon isn't supposed to be in the the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. But the photo doesn't lie...

small-2032 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Orange Bellied Trogon

small-1280 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Roadside Hawk

small-1258 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Little Birds...I haven't been able to find them in a book or online:

small-2200 by kayaker72, on Flickr

small-2191 by kayaker72, on Flickr

A Brown-Hooded Parrot:


small-2558 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Thanks for viewing...there are a few more on flickr if you are interested....

Brant