Rancho Naturalista was the last of the lodges we visited. It is popular with birdwatchers with a number of unique features.
The most popular are the numerous feeders attracting hummingbirds, tanagers, jays, warblers and other birds. Next to these are many flowers attracting hummingbirds. Among the most difficult to photograph was the Snowcap Hummingbird (see Hummingbird Snowcap). We obtained the best photos at the flowers in the lawn of the ranch managers down the entry road.
Down a short path from the ranch are a series of clear ponds about 80 yards from the trail end. In the evening at about 4-5 pm this serves as a bathing pool for a number of hummingbirds. Figures of the Snowcap and the Violet-crowned Woodnymph at the ponds are shown.
An additional feature for birdwatchers is a large white sheet lit up at night with a floodlight. This attracts insects, many of which fall to the ground. These attract a variety of birds and just before sunrise, with a flash camera, we obtained photos of some of these birds, especially the Red-throated Ant-tanager (see 8820).
Finally, there are a number of trails into the nearby forests and rivers excellent for birding. This included the Tuis river where we obtained photos of the Sun Bittern (see Bittern Sun) and Fasciated Tiger-heron (see Tiger-heron Fasciated).
A photo of the guides at Rancho Naturalista are shows on the GUIDES page.
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