3 Quetzales, 2 Red-collared Redstart,

It was worth getting up at 5AM to see the Quetzales cavorting in the tall white oak trees. The trails here in the mountains are killers on the knees with 70 degree slopes. This morning we rose at a more respectable hour and went to the top of the cordillera at 3200 meters to see all the plants and birds of the Paramor (the Costa Rican Alpine region). The views of Volcano Turrialba were spectacular. There were many Volcano Hummingbirds and Slaty Flowerpiercers. They have a wildflower very similar to our Monkey Flower that they call Baby Shoes. There are two endemic Paint Brushes and several wild orchids, and fushas.
After hiking the high mountains we returned to Dantica Lodge and walked about 1 kilometer up hill to a small farm for  a home made lunch with fresh vegetables , rice, and beans. After lunch we wandered the gardens that were full of Acorn Woodpeckers, Rufus Collared Sparrows, and Flame Tanangers.
Now this afternoon I am sitting in our room looking out the 8 ft. high by 30 ft. long window at 150-200 ft.Black Oak trees that are heavenly laden with epiphytes of all descriptions. Of course I have my Imperial Lager with me.