The Howler monkeys are regular visitors throughout the subdivision and are bound to amaze you - such a big, big voice from such a small creature. And the wee babies hanging on to their mothers as they move through the trees are a sight for everyone to enjoy. Can you eat hanging upside down by your tail?
The Turtles of Costa Rica are a study unto themselves. The country hosts some of the largest and most populous turtle hatching grounds anywhere. The University of Costa Rica runs an research site located 5 miles North at Ostional Beach. Many of the following photos were taken on the blacksand that is found there. The Mother turtles come to this area to lay their eggs. They come to shore three times, about one month apart, and lay about 100 eggs each time. The little guys hatch within about 60 days and toddle down to the ocean to begin their new lives. The eggs also serve as a source of food and are considered a part of the local diet. Of course, the baby turtles serve as a source of food for many predators. The large numbers of baby turtles help ensure the survival of the species.
Just could not resist another picture of baby turtles. How about the crocodile? These are found in Costa Rica usually only on the large rivers. And one of my favourites of a group of buzzards at the shore.
Also, take at look at the group of Pashotes (kind of a combination of a raccoon and a cat - wild critter for certain so be wary) coming up to our car to beg for food. Someone has fed these guys before to encourage this behaviour. One of the photos shows a collection of wee tree frogs attached to a large leaf. Cool! We also have a photo of a farmer moving some dirt with his ox.
Of course if you are a birdwatcher, please book in for a couple of weeks to sample the large variety of our feathered friends. The area boasts an amazing number of indigeneous birds. One photo shows a shot of some of the gulls that follow the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. And, another couple of buzzards on a fence.
Click Here to see some pictures of some really interesting insects!