The first morning of our trip was full of excitement as none of the other group members had been to Costa Rica before so when we started hearing the dawn chorus including Mantled Howler Monkey, Pacific Screech-Owl, Bay Wren and Clay-colored Thrush everyone went nuts. With all that sound going on I don’t think it was difficult for any of us to be out of our rooms before 6am. As the light got bright enough to see, one of the first birds we photographed was this Barred Antshrike. What a way to start out the day!!! We first heard the bird’s distinctive call getting closer and closer and eventually could detect its movement in the vegetation near the lodge’s feeders. I think it is safe to say everyone was shocked when they saw the crazy markings on this beauty when he finally hopped up into plain view.

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