Eyelash Vipers at La Selva

We have encountered more than 10 species of snakes during our travels around Costa Rica.  The Eyelash palm-pitviper is closely related to Bothriechis lateralis.  The adult snake has remained in the same location for 4 days, patiently waiting about 4 inches above the ground, waiting for a small bird, mammal, reptile or amphibian to come close enough to strike.  The juvenile snake moves to a new location each night, and finding it each morning is a fun challenge.  I wonder if there are multiple juvenile snakes in the area, and we only find one at a time.

B. schlegelii juvenile, La Selva Biological Station

B. schlegelii, La Selva Biological Station

Young eyelash viper moving at night

This trip to Costa Rica is drawing to a close, but I have lots of great memories and a few good photos to share.  I've fallen in love with this country and can't wait to come back.  If the people of the world valued nature the way many people in this country do, we could all be a lot better off.

Northern Ghost Bat

Diclidurus albus, Tiskita Lodge

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Tiskita lodge

Frogs in Ballena, Costa Rica

We had a couple more productive night hikes in the rain forest with some of the students.  The more humid climate makes for a good diversity of amphibians.  I find myself with a constant dilemma: stay up late for the nocturnal wildlife, or get up early with the birds.  Typically, I do both.

I've had limited internet, so I'm running a few days behind, but there are great birds to come!  Also, I'm blogging with a 3 foot long iguana at my feet.  Pura Vida!

Glass Frog Species

Red-eyed leaf frog

Whale Watching!

We went whale watching in Uvita on Friday January 13th

hmmm