2019 Costa Rica Journal - Day 7 Part 2 - Savegre Natural Reserve

During our Paramo tour Marino told us about Batsú Gardens, a private garden that he and his son had developed especially for bird photographers.  

We made arrangements to be picked up mid-afternoon and driven  up to the garden.  It wasn’t very far from Savegre but was steeply up the mountain. We were glad for the ride up, but ended up walking back when we were finished.

There were some trails and lots of hummingbird and fruit feeders in a sitting area. Both nectar and fruit feeders were absolutely hopping with birds, and close enough for outstanding observation and photography. We shared the entire garden with another couple and their guide. 

The entire viewing deck was surrounded by hummingbird feeders, and it wasn't unusual to see several species on a feeder at once.

Hummingbirds on Feeders

When the hummingbirds left the feeders they would perch in the nearby vegetation, posing for photos. This Talamanca Hummingbird male is a big one, about 5 1/2" long. 

Talamanca Hummingbird male

On the smaller end of the scale Volcano Hummingbirds are only about 3" long.

Volcano Hummingbird male

The garden also had a large fruit feeder "tree" with moss-covered branches and several slabs of melon and other fruit attached. 

Silver-throated and Flame-colored Tanagers

A pair of Acorn Woodpeckers enjoyed the fruit feeder. Their clownlike faces always make us smile. 

Acorn Woodpeckers

In addition to feeders and flowering plants, there were some fruiting trees like this big Avocado.

Avocado Tree

In addition to hummingbirds, Slaty Flowerpiercers were taking advantage of the flowers. While the male Slaty Flowerpiercer is jet-black, the female is a more subdued brown. But you can't mistake that bill!

Slaty Flowerpiercer female

An endemic hummingbird seen at the garden feeders was the White-throated Mountain-gem. The male has a bright white throat to go along with a shining blue crown.

The female has distinctive reddish underparts. They share the white line behind their eye.

The ever-present Lesser Violetears were happy to occupy the garden as well. Occasionally they would display their violet "ears".

Lesser Violetear

Lesser Violetear flaring "ears"

After a couple of enjoyable hours watching and photographing birds, we started walking down the road toward the hotel. Marino pointed out a tree with a long split in the truck where a pair of Spotted Woodcreepers had nested and were now feeding their young. 

Spotted Woodcreeper with food

Spotted Woodcreeper entering nest cavity

The next morning our driver wasn’t expected until 9:00 a.m. so Mark made arrangements with Moreno for another early morning trip to see the Quetzals.  I was happy to stay back at the lodge for a little “down” time and to pick up a few souvenirs.

My new hot chocolate mug.

Another magnet for my collection.

They did see the Quetzals again and Mark got some great pictures.

Resplendent Quetzal

 Resplendent Quetzal

Next time:  Rancho Naturalista