There’s a jungle in the backyard, and everyone comes to visit. Aracari’s, monkeys, butterflies, iguanas, parrots, and many other species of birds make the area their home. Bring your telephoto lens or binoculars!
Here is a slowly growing collection of photos I took in the vicinity.
Collared Aracari – Small flocks may visit the backyard secropia tree, or you can see them in Cabo Blanco preserve
Blue Morpho – these large and beautiful icons of the tropics are actually quite prevalent. And they’re big, too!
White-Faced Monkey – One of four types of monkeys in Costa Rica, they are occasional visitors to the property. If you don’t see any at the house, odds are really good you’ll see them in the area. Be careful – they might cross the road in front of your car!
Social Flycatcher- These pretty yellow birds are everywhere.
Motmot- Occasionally seen at the property. You will be amazed at the extraordinary colors the first time you see one of these birds
Howler Monkey – You will probably hear these vegetarians before you see them! Their deep grunts are audible for over a mile, and they sound a little creepy the first time you hear them. Troops (with babies!) have been known to visit the backyard for more than 45 minutes.
Parrots are quite common at Casa Maya. They love the large flowering trees in the backyard, or the tall trees in the front. You will both see and hear these cute birds during your stay.
Coati – you might see these on the property, but they can more likely be seen in the Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve. Very similar to a raccoon.
White-Throated Magpie Jay – these guys are all over the place. Like the jays back in the states, they are noisy and very interested in your food.
Iguana – there are several living on the property. You’ll probably find them sunbathing by the pool in the afternoon, or perhaps hear them climbing the vine-covered trees. They can get quite large, but they are also quite harmless and afraid of you.
Woodpecker – you can spot a few woodpeckers on the property. They love the flowers on the huge tree, and they also unsurprisingly like to peck wood. Like the howlers, you are more likely to hear them before you see them.
Unknown – these little guys can always be found flitting around the jungle behind Casa Maya. I don’t know what they are called, though.
More! If you love wildlife please consider a trip to the Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary. For $10 you get to see all of the rescued critters and hear lots of stories. Every trip to the sanctuary will be different since many of the animals get released after their rehabilitation.