Monteverde

Image: Monteverde, 5D MkII, 70-200 f4 L IS, iso 400, f11

Image: 5D Mk II, 300mm f4 IS L

Monteverde :

High up in the mountains of the Cordillera de Tilarán in north central Costa Rica lies a magical place called Monteverde. What is it you may ask ? its a cloud forest reserve of 10,500 hectares.
The bio-diversity is stunning, with: 878 species of epiphyte, over 500 species of Orchid (largest in the world), The mammals include six species of marsupials, three muskrats, at least 58 bats, three primates, seven edentates, two rabbits, one ground hog, three species of squirrels, one species of spiny mouse, at least 15 species of long-tailed rats and mice (Muridae family); one species of porcupine, one species of agouti, one of pacca, two canides, five mustelides, four species of procionides, six species of felines, two species of wild pigs, two species of deer, and one species. of tapir. (Ref) over 400 species of bird including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and seven species of Hummingbird like this one Visiting this park in the clouds is like walking through an emerald green cathedral, a hush falls over you as you listen to the exotic calls of the jungle, keeping your eyes peeled for what animal or plant turns up next, towering tree ferns 20 feet high or the buzz and neon flash of a hummingbird, if your very lucky a wild cat or the Resplendent Quetzal may appear. This was the first time in my visits to Costa Rica that I actually got cold, most of the time this forest is shrouded in clouds and rain, but this last trip included wind and cold air rushing up the slopes with temperatures that felt like the low F 50's. Waterproof gear is essential here for photography, along with a poncho for yourself.

Ross Murphy Images in Light

Costa Rica and Aviarios Del Caribe

Picture: Two Fingered Sloth young, taken with 5D2 and 24-105 f4 L, ISO 3200 f7.1, 105mm.
El Perezoso or as we know them in English The Sloth:

One of my favorite places to visit when in Cost Rica is the Sloth sanctuary, run by Luis and Judy, it is located on the Caribbean side just north of Cahuita National Park about a 3 1\2 hour drive from the Capital of San Jose. They have a small hotel here that is a nice place to stay, they conduct educational tours of there facility and also run birding tours on their extensive property. If you need some where to stay on the way south, I highly recommend it. They rescue orphaned and injured Sloth and rehabilitate them and release them back to the wild when possible, when we where there a couple of weeks ago they had about thirty Sloth, ranging in age from new born to adult, including both species, the Two fingered and the Three fingered. These animals are incredible and a joy to see up close, especially the young, they have a very alien appearance and are probably the most good natured of all wild animal's. They can be seen in the wild through out most of Costa Rica, including nearby Cahuita N.P. (watch out, the White Face Capuchins may steal your food) which is a must see when in the area.
Puerto Viejo is the last major stop on the way south past Cahuita and the beaches at Manzanillo are to die for, with lots of interesting and eclectic jungle lodges and hotels to stay in. One I can highly recommend in Cahuita is Coral Hill Bungalows. Be sure to stop in Manzanillo and eat at Maxi's (pic) or play a game of soccer with Ricky (the owner of Maxi's) and the gang on the beach out front, they play every night, your sure to have a good time.

Ross Murphy Images In Light