El Tigre Fields

Green Ibis. Superficially similar to Glossy Ibis, but sporting a short bill with a thick base, and a slightly shorter, fatter neck. The difference in structure is obvious even from great distance.

After spending much of the day at La Selva, we decided to try out a random spot in the birdfinding guide I hadn't paid much attention to before...the El Tigre fields. This area was recommended for its marsh and grassland birds, neither of which we had really come across at this early point in the trip. The birdfinding guide warns that the site might not exist anymore, due to the high probability it might be turned into pineapple fields (a sad and common fate of much good habitat in the country), so we arrived with low expectations. Thankfully, this doomy prophecy was not at all true, and as of December 2012 the place was in good condition.

They also have what appears to be incredibly broad wings.

Green Ibis don't really get too colorful, but it was great to see them nonetheless. We had them as a heard-only bird at La Selva (thanks to Hainer of course) so it was immensely gratifying to add another Threskiornid to the ol' life list. 

We were given permission to walk out into the fields, and trip birds and life birds alike began appearing at a rapid pace. Among others, we were treated to crakes (heard only unfortunately), Sora, Purple Gallinules, Jacanas, Southern Lapwings, Harris' Hawk, Merlin, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Gray-crowned Yellowthroats, Giant Cowbird, Blue-black Grassquits, Olive-throated Parakeets, and the birds you see pictured today. What was probably a Sedge Wren got away without giving good looks (argh). Is this isolated population really the same species as our Lower 48 birds? Seems unlikely.

Anyways, no real crushes today, but the birds are of high quality...truly top shelf ticks. El Tigre was a great bonus spot, Dipper Dan later claimed he was in the throes of ecstasy while birding there. Check it out if you are birding the Sarapiqui area.

Red-breasted Blackbird was Bird Of The Site for me, although the seed Ffnch (see below) was a close second. Red-breasted Blackbirds are fond of grasslands, have a cool display flight and sing like a Savannah Sparrow...not much in common with the blackbirds of the north.

It was a crippler.

Nicaraguan Seed Finch was one of the species that we found here and no where else on the trip. I could not get over the size of their bills, they don't seem necessary. Gargantuan bill aside, these birds were quite a bit larger than the variety of other black finch/grassquit/seedeater type things that are found in the country.

Wild Muscovy Ducks!

Amazon Kingfisher is superficially similar to Green Kingfisher but is much, much larger and has a bill that could be used as a murder weapon.

I had seen this species before in Mexico but it was great to be reunited. Again, look at the size of that bill!

A haggard young Gray Hawk is just starting to acquire it's adult plumage. I'm sure it was grateful to be molting, because it really looked like shit.

Stilt was fiending for birds...at El Tigre, she frothed at the mouth. With every lifer her eyes would roll back into her head and she would begin speaking in tongues. Here she is recklessly diving into a canal and doing something weird with her hands.

Bellowing Ducks

Have you ever looked down the throat of a living, breathing Greater Scaup? If you have, then you have seen Hell. Photographed at Lake Merritt, CA.

There is nothing worse in the bird world than having to withstand the horrible bellowing of waterfowl.  Their piercing and horrible cries are enough to bring anyone to their knees. Today BB&B will provide the service of showcasing various bellowing ducks, without forcing you to listen to their wretched, ungodly sounds. You can thank me now.

Here is the same scaup uttering its war cry yet again. This is it's classic combat pose; as you can see, its foot is poised for skull crushing.

Cinnamon Teal specialize in bellowing from shrubs, just above the water....where you would least expect them. Photographed at Radio Road, Redwood Shores, CA.

The thick tongue of the Canvasback assists it in uttering bass-filled, guttaral tones that can liquify the skeletons of its prey. Lake Merritt, CA.

You too may someday meet your destiny between the dark, betoothed mandibles of a Hooded Merganser. Pray that its terrible shrieks end your life first. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.

Everyone knows that being bellowed at by females is far more unpleasant than getting an earful by males. This Redhead was at Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA.

That's right...dual bellowing. The blood and feathers will fly. I wish I had photographed these birds on some remote river in Central America, but these birds live in Golden Gate Park. They usually sleep right next to each other and don't do anything else, but any relationship can get strained...

This Northern Pintail hen has contorted herself into Ultimate Bellowing Position. Be very afraid. Radio Road, CA.

The cry of the Ring-necked Duck will bring the death rattle to your bones in a matter of seconds. Golden Gate Park, CA.

This Common Goldeneye has assumed the position of Alpha Bellow. If you ever see a goldeneye do this, not only will you suffer a terrible, unspeakable fate, but so will your first-born child. Just avoid looking at medium and large bodies of water for the rest of your life and you will be fine. Lake Merritt, CA.