Conservation

Beaches | Bird Tours | Birds | Birdwatching | Conservation | Costa Rica | Jungle Adventures | Nature | Parrots | Photography | Travel | Urban Wildlife | Wildlife Photography

White-fronted Amazon – Playa Hermosa, CR
ByMichael Klotz November 10, 2026November 10, 2026

A White-fronted Amazon was high in a River Tamarind tree in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. It settled between the branches with a mate, showing off for a moment. Its bright green plumage blended surprisingly well with the foliage, but the white forehead, red face, and flashes of red on its wings stood out. White-fronted Amazons…

Read More White-fronted Amazon – Playa Hermosa, CR
Bird Tours | Birds | Birdwatching | Conservation | Costa Rica | Ecotourism | Jungle Adventures | motmot | Nature | Photography | Wildlife Photography

Rufous Motmot – Mistico Park, CR
ByMichael Klotz October 9, 2026October 9, 2026

Sometimes the best birds are the ones that sit still long enough to give us a proper look. This Rufous Motmot at Mistico Park in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, was one of those birds. Its rich cinnamon plumage, black facial mask, green wings, and long racket-tipped tail made identification easy. Rufous Motmots prefer the shaded…

Read More Rufous Motmot – Mistico Park, CR
Bird Tours | Birds | Conservation | Costa Rica | Ecotourism | Nature | Orioles | Photography | Wildlife Photography

Montezuma’s Oropendola – Arenal, CR
ByMichael Klotz August 10, 2026August 10, 2026

We photographed this Montezuma’s Oropendola at Arenal Observatory Lodge, where these large, unmistakable birds regularly visited the forest edge. Its chestnut body, black head, pale facial patch, orange-tipped bill, and bright yellow tail made identification easy. Female Montezuma’s Oropendolas weave remarkable hanging nests from plant fibers, often suspending dozens together in large colonies from tall…

Read More Montezuma’s Oropendola – Arenal, CR
Bird Tours | Birds | Birdwatching | Conservation | Costa Rica | Currasow | Ecotourism | Excursions | Jungle Adventures | Nature | Photography | Travel | Wildlife Photography

Great Curassow Female – Volcan Arenal, CR
ByMichael Klotz August 1, 2026August 1, 2026

A female Great Curassow walked along the road while driving into Arenal Observatory Lodge. Females are much more colorful than the males, with chestnut plumage, a boldly barred tail, and a black-and-white curled crest. Male Great Curassow’s are glossy black with a white belly and a bright yellow knob at the base of the bill….

Read More Great Curassow Female – Volcan Arenal, CR
Bird Tours | Birds | Birdwatching | Conservation | Costa Rica | Currasow | Ecotourism | Excursions | Jungle Adventures | Photography | Wildlife Photography

Great Curassow – Arenal, CR
ByMichael Klotz July 11, 2026October 31, 2026

The Great Curassow was one of our target birds while in Costa Rica. We found them at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Seeing this impressive male stride into the clearing made the wait worthwhile. Despite its turkey-like size, Great Curassows can slip through the rainforest surprisingly quiet. This one seemed perfectly comfortable collecting fruit near the…

Read More Great Curassow – Arenal, CR
Beaches | Belize | Birdwatching | Conservation | Ecotourism | Jungle Adventures | Nature | Travel

CRYSTAL PARADISE RESORT – THE BELIZE EXPERIENCE
ByMichael Klotz May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

The Intro Belize is a rustic country with a very small population which is absolutely perfect for nature photography and birding. I had also decided that I was going to hire a guide for a couple days on this trip. Wading through the internet I found several locations, but one seemed to stand out. It…

Read More CRYSTAL PARADISE RESORT – THE BELIZE EXPERIENCE
Bird Tours | Conservation | Texas | Travel

South Texas Birding: Five Places Every Birder Should Know
ByCarli March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

South Texas is one of those rare birding destinations that feels different from almost anywhere else in the United States. Thanks to its subtropical climate, unique habitats, and proximity to Mexico, this region offers birders so much. Specifically, the chance to see species that many North American birders travel long distances to find. From lush river…

Read More South Texas Birding: Five Places Every Birder Should Know
Birdwatching | Conservation | Ecosystems | Photography | Texas | Travel

Roseate Spoonbill on South Padre Island, TX
ByMichael Klotz March 17, 2026March 18, 2026

The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is one of the most striking wading birds along the Texas Gulf Coast. This individual was photographed at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center,a prime location for observing coastal species. Roseate Spoonbills are instantly recognizable by their vivid pink plumage and distinctive spoon-shaped bill. They use this adaptation…

Read More Roseate Spoonbill on South Padre Island, TX
Bird Tours | Birdwatching | Conservation | Costa Rica | Ecotourism | Travel

From Hotspots to Lifers: How We Plan a Birding Trip Using eBird
ByCarli March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Next week we’re heading to Costa Rica for a birding adventure, and before we even pack our binoculars, there’s one tool we always turn to first: eBird. For many birders, eBird is where we log our sightings. But when it comes to planning a trip, it’s also one of the most powerful birding tools available. Here’s exactly how we…

Read More From Hotspots to Lifers: How We Plan a Birding Trip Using eBird
Bird Tours | Birdwatching | Conservation | Cranes | Ecotourism | Photography | Rare Bird | Texas | Wildlife Photography

Whooping Crane in Aransas NWR, TX
ByMichael Klotz March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

A single whooping crane probes the shallow flats of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, quietly looking for blue crabs. With careful, deliberate movements, it searches the water for its favorite prey. Blue crabs are the number one preferred food for wintering Whooping Cranes here. Their strong bills are perfectly adapted for grasping and crushing these crustaceans….

Read More Whooping Crane in Aransas NWR, TX