The Resplendent Quetzal

Resplendent Quetzal

Bell Bird

Fig Tree

Coast Rica, as always a great adventure. The first picture is of the Resplendent Quetzal which for me made the trip. Birders come from around the world to see this bird as it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. To see it one first must drive through the mountains to the forest. When traveling in Costa Rica there are no guard rails, there are landslides, the roads can become extremely narrow with exceptionally tight corners. I prefer to sit where I can look down the mountain, but it is all living on the edge. Especially when you note the washouts on the mountain roads.

While I marvel at the land I also note the incredible amount of deforestation. Thus really appreciate the difference in pictures. Note the lush tropical green forest on the mountains. This is why the quetzals, the bellbirds, and many more species exist here. There is very little forest left. I am grateful for the Quakers who saved this farmland and let the jungle return. This forest has grown since the 1940s. The other pictures show what the majority of land looks like during the dry season. Slash and burn is everywhere. There is a constant smell of burning in the air and newly burned lots can be spotted frequently during travels.

Protection of the environment is extremely important and we need to make efforts to protect as much land as possible.