We were up and out the door about 7 this morning heading to Curi-Cancha. In 1970 the Lowther family purchased the property and named it Curi-Cancha, the name derived from “Golden Enclosure” in Inca. At that time the property was approximately 1/2 pasture and 1/2 virgin rain forest. In the ensuing 45 years the Lowthers cleared no areas and allowed the majority of the pastured areas to re-grow into forest. In 1997 the property was legally designated a Refugio de Vida Silvestre and in 2011 Curi-Cancha Reserve opened to tourists.Curi-Cancha is home to around 200 different bird species, making it a top draw for birdwatchers. We only saw about a half dozen, but it was still very fun. My pictures were take through the spotting scope and our guide was not as good at focusing the pictures as other guides we have had.
Yellow-Bellied TrogonBrown Hooded parrotsMagenta Throated HummingbirdYellow faced grassquitCrested guanWe did, however, see a resplendent quetzal so that made the day! The resplendent quetzal was worshipped as a god, its plumage was sought after like gold and precious stones. It is classified by numerous experts as one of the most beautiful birds in the world. With an iridescent green and red body, yellow beak, and a multi-colored tail that can reach 65 cm in length.
We did see a Orange-kneed tarantula in the hollow of a tree-limband a side striped palm pit viper.Near the end of the tour we saw two agouti . They are a rodent type animal that looks a bit like a really large guinea pig. Its coarse hair is covered with an oily substance that acts like a raincoat. The hair is longest on its rump.Again, I was happy we hired a guide for our 2-1/2 hour tour.
This afternoon we hung out at our cabana. The hot water is solar so we took advantage of the sun and everyone had showers. That in itself was interesting. You have to turn on the cold water, then barely turn on the hot because it comes out so scalding! Once you got it adjusted, it was great but it definitely takes a little finesse! We made a trip out at sunset to the observation tower. In the lower dip you can see a bit of the bay! At 7:30 we got picked up for a night tour at the Refugio Vida Silvestre Monteverde. Our guide, Steven, did a great job. I am just amazed how the guides find things in the daytime, but at 8pm at night when it is pitch dark in the forest, WOW!
Sleeping hummingbirdSnakeWalking stickHorned katydidSleeping toucanSide striped palm pit viperFrogLizardBelieve it our not – a mossy walking stick!Hummingbird nest with two sleeping chicksHe told us all about the leaf cutter ants that were SOOO active. This is a video of them at work.
Leaf Cutter Ants in Action
Our tour was over at 10pm and they brought us home. It was a great day! Pura Vida!
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