After my initial journey to Costa Rica in January 2026 (covered in my previous blog posts: Rainforest Life Symphony: Birds & Wildlife of Costa Rica and Pura Vida: A New Year’s Journey Through Costa Rica ）, I quickly came to realize that a return was inevitable—and this time, for one purpose alone: to devote myself entirely to photographing its birds. To me, Costa Rica is far more than a mesmerizing travel destination; it is a natural haven that perpetually rekindles a photographer’s creative spirit and irresistibly draws one back, again and again.
From April 12 through 28, 2026, I traveled back to Costa Rica as part of a small group of passionate bird photographers. Our single, unwavering goal was to seek out and record the astonishing diversity of birds that calls this nation home.
Our team consisted of eight people, including an experienced local bird guide. Every member was a seasoned wildlife photographer with at least ten years of experience behind the lens. I truly admired their dedication—many of them carried heavy professional camera gear, super-telephoto lenses, tripods, and various accessories over long distances through tropical forests and rugged terrain, all in pursuit of that one high-quality shot.
Costa Rica more than lives up to its reputation as a bird photography haven. Despite its modest size, the country hosts over 900 recorded bird species and boasts a remarkable range of ecosystems—from the Pacific coast and Caribbean lowlands to high-altitude cloud forests. Over our two-week journey, we traveled from the Pacific lowlands to the Atlantic side, moving through humid tropical rainforests and cool, misty montane forests at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters. Each day brought new landscapes, fresh challenges, and unique photographic opportunities.
Of course, bird photography in the wild is never easy. Many species stay hidden deep in the forest, darting swiftly through dense foliage. Weather, light, distance, and the birds’ own behavior all determine the success of any given shot. Although I had hoped to document most of Costa Rica’s beautiful species within two weeks, I quickly discovered that even that amount of time only scratches the surface of this rich natural world.
This marked my second journey to Costa Rica, but it will by no means be my final one. Countless birds remain unseen, vast forests remain untrodden, and innumerable fleeting moments still await their time to be preserved through my viewfinder.
That said, I am truly excited to share with you the photographic experiences and images from this journey. Given the sheer volume of photos, I will be posting them in multiple installments, organized primarily by bird species. You are welcome to click the links listed below, or browse through my blog to find the birds that pique your interest. If any particular bird or photo catches your eye, feel free to leave a comment—I would love to hear your thoughts.`
Blog links:
2. Sunbittern
4. King Vulture
6. Gray Hawk
7. Kites
9. Tanagers
11. Macaw
14. Anhinga
15. Toucans
17. Baltimore Oriole
19. Golden-browed Chlorophonia
23. Green Ibis
24. Kingfishers
25. Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher
26. Masked Tityra
28. Owls
30. Crested Carara
32. Brown Pelican
33. Black-necked Stilt, Long-billed Curlews and Whimbrel, and Spotted Sandpiper
34. Black-bellied Plover and Semipalmated Plover
35. Herons
37. Ruddy Treerunner and Rufous-collared Sparrow
39. Mangrove Yellow Warbler and Tennessee Warbler
40. Spix’s Guan and Gray-headed Chachalaca
43. Olive-backed Euphonia and Yellow-throated Euphonia
46. Clay-colored Thrush and Sooty Thrush
47. Woodpeckers
在2026年1月首次造访哥斯达黎加之后（详见我上二篇博客:雨林生命交响：哥斯达黎加鸟类与野生动物 和纯粹生活：哥斯达黎加跨年之旅，我便很快意识到，自己一定要再回来一趟——而这一次，目的只有一个：专门拍鸟。哥斯达黎加于我而言，不仅是一个令人心驰神往的旅行目的地，更是一片能不断点燃摄影师创作热情、让人甘愿一次又一次重返的自然乐土。
2026年4月12日至28日，我加入了一个由热爱鸟类摄影的摄影师组成的小组，再次回到哥斯达黎加。我们唯一的目标，就是寻找并记录这个国家神奇的鸟类世界。
我们的团队共有8人，其中包括一位经验丰富的鸟导。每位成员都是资深鸟类摄影师，至少拥有十年以上的摄影经验。我非常敬佩他们对摄影的投入——为了获得高质量的照片，许多人背负着沉重的专业相机设备、长焦镜头、三脚架、以及各种摄影附件，在热带森林和崎岖环境中长途跋涉。
哥斯达黎加确实名副其实是鸟类摄影的天堂。这个面积并不大的国家记录有超过900种鸟类，拥有从太平洋海岸、加勒比低地，到高山云雾森林等多样化生态环境。在这两周的旅程中，我们从太平洋低地一路前往大西洋一侧，从炎热潮湿的热带雨林，到海拔超过2000米、凉爽多雾的山区森林。每天都有新的风景、新的挑战，也有新的摄影机会。
当然，野外鸟类摄影从来都不是一件容易的事情。许多鸟类隐藏在茂密森林深处，快速穿梭于枝叶之间。天气、光线、距离以及鸟类自身行为，都会决定一次拍摄是否成功。虽然我希望在两周内能够拍摄到大部分哥斯达黎加的美丽鸟种，但很快发现，即使两周时间，也只能算是对这个丰富自然世界的一次初步探索。这是我第二次来到哥斯达黎加，但绝对不会是最后一次。这里还有无数鸟类等待发现，还有无尽森林等待探索，也还有许多难忘瞬间等待通过相机记录下来。
不过，我仍然非常高兴能够与大家分享这次旅程中的摄影经历和作品。由于照片数量非常庞大，我将分成多个部分发表，主要按照鸟种进行整理。您可以 点击以下链接或在博客里搜寻我的鸟类照片。 如果您喜欢某些鸟类或其照片，欢迎留下您的评论，与我分享您的感受。
博客链接:
1. 凤尾绿咬鹃
2. 日鳽
3. 皇霸鹟
4. 王鹫
5. 普通黑鹰
6. 灰鹰
7. 鸢
8. 蜂鸟
9. 唐纳雀
10. 丽色军舰鸟
11. 金刚鹦鹉
12. 褐冠鹦哥
13. 闪绿旋蜜雀
14. 美洲蛇鹈
15. 巨嘴鸟
16. 橙颏细尾鹦哥
17. 巴尔的摩黄鹂 (橙腹拟鹂)
18. 领红尾鸲
19. 金眉绿雀
20. 大凤冠雉
21. 大食蝇霸鹟
22. 绿旋蜜雀
23. 绿鹮
24. 绿鱼狗
25. 长尾丝鹟
26. 花脸蒂泰霸鹟
27. 褐拟椋鸟
28. 猫头鹰
29. 红顶侏儒鸟
30. 凤头卡拉鹰
31. 粉红琵鹭
32. 棕鹈鹕
34. 灰斑鸻和半蹼鸻
35. 鹭类
36. 美洲白䴉
37. 赭红树跑䴕和红领带鹀
38. 红脚旋蜜雀
39. 红树林黄色林莺和灰冠虫森莺
40. 棕胸冠雉和灰头小冠雉
41. 玫胸斑翅雀
43. 绿背歌和雀黄喉歌雀
44. 长尾霸鹟
45. 黄踝饰雀
46. 凤灰褐鸫和乌黑鸫
47. 啄木鸟
48. 白头娇鹟
49. 绿眉翠鴗
50. 灰尾美洲咬鹃 (雄性)
51. 灰刺花鸟
52. 白腹林秧鸡
53. 红尾鹟鴷
Appendix: Our 14-Day Bird Photography Route 附录：我们的14天鸟类摄影路线
Our 14-day bird photography itinerary is included as an appendix for fellow photographers to reference for their future trips.
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica – Pacific Lowlands
Upon arriving at San José Airport, we drove approximately 2 to 3 hours to the Pacific lowlands.
Our first day of photography began near our accommodation, including areas around the Cinchona Restaurant in the Pacific lowlands, followed by an afternoon shoot around the Tárcoles Forest House.
In the evening, we embarked on our first night photography session, searching for owls and other nocturnal birds.
Primary target species: Pacific Parakeet, Pacific Pygmy-Owl, Common Pauraque, and others.
Day 2: Tárcoles River and Mangrove Photography
In the morning, we continued searching for birds in the forests near our lodging. In the afternoon, we took a boat into the mangrove area of the Tárcoles River, using low-angle perspectives to capture wetland birds.
Another night session followed, in search of owls and nocturnal species.
Primary target species: Mangrove Hummingbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, nightjars, and others.
Day 3: Carara National Park
We entered Carara National Park in the morning for a photography session.
The park boasts beautiful forest surroundings and relatively flat, wide trails—ideal for photography. However, bird activity was low that day, and despite hours of walking, we didn’t come away with many satisfying shots.
Such is the nature of field photography—sometimes the forest reveals its treasures, and other times, it asks for patience.
Day 4: From the Pacific Lowlands to the Cloud Forest Highlands
Leaving the warm lowlands behind, we drove up into the high-altitude region of the Central Valley, at approximately 2,300 meters above sea level.
After lunch, we photographed at a bird-feeding station near the restaurant, and in the afternoon, we arrived at our mountain accommodation, Hotel Suri.
The change in environment was striking—from hot and humid tropics to the cool, misty highland cloud forest.
Primary target species: Acorn Woodpecker, Flame-throated Warbler, various hummingbirds, and others.
Day 5: In Search of the Legendary Resplendent Quetzal
One of the most important goals of this trip was to find the legendary Resplendent Quetzal.
We set out at 4:30 a.m. for a well-known birdwatching and photography spot deep in the cloud forest. Unfortunately, rain moved in that day, and conditions were far from ideal. Although we did spot the quetzal, the photographic results fell short of our expectations. Determined to do better, we decided to return early the following morning.
Primary target species: Resplendent Quetzal, Magnificent Hummingbird, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher.
Day 6: A Second Attempt at the Resplendent Quetzal
At 4:30 a.m. again, we returned to the same location.
This time, we were rewarded with much more satisfying photographs of the Resplendent Quetzal.
In the afternoon, we turned our attention to hummingbird photography, capturing these brilliantly colored little jewels under natural light.
Primary target species: Collared Redstart, Volcano Hummingbird, Slaty Flowerpiercer.
Day 7: Further Exploration of the Cloud Forest
To maximize our chances, we conducted a third early-morning hummingbird session.
After breakfast, we continued photographing hummingbirds, tanagers, and mixed flocks.
The afternoon was spent in a more relaxed manner, photographing around the hotel grounds.
Primary target species: Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, and others.
Day 8: From the High Cloud Forest to the Sarapiquí Lowland Rainforest
After breakfast, we left the mountains and descended to the Sarapiquí lowland rainforest, at an elevation of roughly 100 meters.
The ecological transformation along the way was dramatic. We stopped for lunch at a local bird-feeding station and photographed there, then arrived at Pierella Gardens in the afternoon to continue shooting along the forest trails.
Primary target species: Keel-billed Toucan, Cinnamon Woodpecker, White-crowned Parrot.
Day 9: Selva Verde Nature Reserve
Selva Verde offered a completely different rainforest photography environment.
We explored the reserve and nearby river areas in search of birds, and also enjoyed the rich diversity of other wildlife, including brilliantly colored butterflies and amphibians.
Primary target species: Snowcap, Green-crowned Brilliant, Gray-headed Chachalaca, and others.
Day 10: Photographing the Great Green Macaw
In the morning, we visited a specialized farm that breeds Great Green Macaws, focusing on flight photography. Although there was a US$40 fee per person, the location offered excellent opportunities for capturing these magnificent birds in flight.
In the afternoon, we moved on to Laguna del Lagarto Ecolodge for more shooting.
Primary target species: Great Green Macaw, toucans, parrots, and tanagers in flight.
Day 11: In Search of the Royal Flycatcher
The Royal Flycatcher was another highly anticipated target of our journey.
We captured many great moments, including flight, interactions, and vocalizations. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky enough to witness the classic fully-crested display—a reason, perhaps, to return to Costa Rica in the future.
Primary target species: Royal Flycatcher, toucans, Scarlet Macaw, kingfishers.
Day 12: Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge
At Maquenque, we photographed at feeding stations in the morning and searched for larger birds in the afternoon.
The area boasts rich wetland ecosystems, making it an ideal location for observing waterbirds, parrots, and raptors.
Primary target species: Herons, Green Heron, parrots in flight, and others.
Day 13: San Carlos River and Return to San José
Stay in Hotel Pedacito de Cielo。 Early in the morning, we took a boat along the San Carlos River to explore the waterbirds and rainforest species inhabiting the river ecosystem.
After breakfast, we began our journey back to San José, making a final stop at the famous Cinchona feeding station for one last photography session before heading to the airport.
Primary target species: Waterbirds, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, and montane feeding-station species.
我们的14天鸟类摄影路线作为附录供其他摄友下次旅行参考
第一天：抵达哥斯达黎加——太平洋低地区域
抵达圣何塞机场后，我们驱车约2至3小时前往太平洋低地区域。
第一天的摄影从住宿地点附近开始，包括太平洋低地 Cinchona 餐厅附近，以及下午前往 Tárcoles Forest House 周边拍摄。
晚上，我们进行了第一次夜间摄影活动，寻找猫头鹰以及其他夜行鸟类。
主要目标鸟种：
太平洋鹦哥（Pacific Parakeet）、太平洋姬鸮（Pacific Pygmy-Owl）、普通夜鹰（Common Pauraque）等。
第二天：Tárcoles河与红树林摄影
上午，我们继续在住宿地附近森林寻找鸟类。下午乘船进入Tárcoles河红树林区域，利用低角度拍摄方式记录湿地鸟类。
晚上再次进行夜拍，寻找猫头鹰和夜行鸟。
主要目标鸟种：
红树林蜂鸟（Mangrove Hummingbird）、美洲小翠鸟（American Pygmy Kingfisher）、夜鹰类等。
第三天：Carara国家公园
上午进入Carara国家公园进行摄影。
公园拥有美丽的森林环境和较为平缓宽阔的步道，非常适合摄影。不过当天鸟类活动并不活跃，长时间步行并没有获得理想的拍摄机会。
野外摄影就是如此——有时候森林会展现它的宝藏，有时候则需要摄影师耐心等待。
第四天：从太平洋低地前往云雾森林山区
离开温暖的低地后，我们驱车前往中央谷地高山区，海拔约2300米。
午餐后，我们在餐厅附近的鸟类喂食点进行摄影，下午抵达山区住宿地 Hotel Suri。
环境变化非常明显——从炎热潮湿的热带地区进入凉爽的高山云雾森林。
主要目标鸟种：
橡果啄木鸟（Acorn Woodpecker）、火喉莺（Flame-throated Warbler）、各种蜂鸟等。
第五天：寻找神奇的凤尾绿咬鹃（Resplendent Quetzal）
此次旅行最重要的目标之一，就是寻找传说中的凤尾绿咬鹃。
凌晨4:30，我们出发前往云雾森林深处一个著名的观鸟摄影点。然而当天遇到了降雨，天气条件并不理想。虽然看到了凤尾绿咬鹃，但拍摄效果并没有达到预期。为了获得更好的机会，我们决定第二天清晨再次返回。
主要目标鸟种：
凤尾绿咬鹃、辉煌蜂鸟（Magnificent Hummingbird）、长尾绢飞鸟（Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher）。
第六天：第二次挑战凤尾绿咬鹃
第二天凌晨4:30，我们再次前往同一个地点。
这一次，我们终于获得了更加满意的凤尾绿咬鹃照片。
下午，我们转向蜂鸟摄影，在自然光条件下拍摄这些色彩艳丽的小精灵。
主要目标鸟种：
领红冠雀（Collared Redstart）、火山蜂鸟（Volcano Hummingbird）、灰花蜜鸟（Slaty Flowerpiercer）。
第七天：云雾森林继续探索
为了提高成功率，我们进行了第三次清晨蜂鸟拍摄。
早餐后，我们继续拍摄蜂鸟、唐纳雀以及混合鸟群。
下午则在酒店周围轻松摄影。
主要目标鸟种：
灰胸林莺（Gray-breasted Wood-Wren）、金眉绿雀（Golden-browed Chlorophonia）等。
第八天：从高山云雾森林前往Sarapiquí低地雨林
早餐后，我们离开山区，下降到Sarapiquí低地雨林区域，海拔约100米。
一路上的生态环境发生巨大变化。途中我们在一个当地鸟类喂食点午餐，并拍摄鸟类，下午抵达Pierella Gardens，在森林步道继续摄影。
主要目标鸟种：
巨嘴鸟（Keel-billed Toucan）、褐背啄木鸟（Cinnamon Woodpecker）、白冠鹦鹉（White-crowned Parrot）。
第九天：Selva Verde自然保护区
Selva Verde提供了完全不同的雨林摄影环境。
我们在保护区以及附近河流区域寻找鸟类，同时也欣赏到了丰富的其他野生动物，包括色彩艳丽的蝴蝶和两栖动物。
主要目标鸟种：
雪冠蜂鸟（Snowcap）、绿冠辉蜂鸟（Green-crowned Brilliant）、灰头冠雉（Gray-headed Chachalaca）等。
第十天：拍摄大绿金刚鹦鹉
上午，我们来到一个专门繁育大绿金刚鹦鹉的农场，进行飞行摄影。虽然每人需要支付40美元费用，但这里提供了非常好的飞行摄影机会。
下午，我们前往Laguna del Lagarto生态旅馆继续拍摄。
主要目标鸟种：
大绿金刚鹦鹉（Great Green Macaw）、巨嘴鸟、鹦鹉以及飞行中的唐纳雀。
第十一天：寻找皇霸鹟
皇霸鹟是此次旅程中另一个令人期待的目标。
我们拍摄到了许多精彩瞬间，包括飞行、互动以及鸣叫行为。然而遗憾的是，没有幸运地看到它完全展开头冠的经典瞬间。这也成为未来再次返回哥斯达黎加的理由之一。
主要目标鸟种：
皇霸鹟（Royal Flycatcher）、巨嘴鸟、猩红金刚鹦鹉、翠鸟。
第十二天：Maquenque国家野生动物保护区
在Maquenque，我们上午利用喂食点拍摄鸟类，下午寻找大型鸟类。
这里拥有丰富的湿地生态，是观察水鸟、鹦鹉和猛禽的理想地点。
主要目标鸟种：
鹭类、绿鹭（Green Heron）、鹦鹉飞行姿态等。
第十三天：San Carlos河与返回圣何塞
住Hotel Pedacito de Cielo 。清晨，我们乘船沿San Carlos河探索，寻找河流生态中的水鸟和雨林鸟类。
早餐后，我们开始返回圣何塞，途中再次停留在著名的Cinchona喂食点进行最后一次摄影，然后前往机场。
主要目标鸟种：
水鸟、长尾绢飞鸟以及山区喂食点鸟类。
