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October Big Day 2024!
Whew, what a fun day! This was my second time birding October Big Day with Lukas Bell, a great birder, guide and a wonderful friend. Last year we did the Changuinola Canal with the legendary Beny Wilson and I met my now beloved captain Enrique who knows his birds, is an indigenous guide and speaks…
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Underwater Bocas
Here we have an underwater creature from ancient times, just take a look at this Oreaster reticulatus, Bocas del Toro’s famous Red Cushion Sea Star, I’m always astounded any time I come across these fantastical creatures. This chunky star of the sea reaches enormous sizes up to as much as 20 inches across. Adults of…
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The Stunning Rufescent Tiger Heron
Here we have one of the tiger herons, a favorite among birders. While the Rufescent Tiger Heron, like we have here is a very skulky bird, often found by sluggish freshwater creeks. These large waterbirds are usually found solo, as this one I came across by a slow stream. Of the three tiger heron species…
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The Caribbean at Sunrise
Zooming along over Caribbean waters at sunrise. I am not a morning person and my choice and line of work means early mornings. But it’s moments like this one, flying along, the sky giving its all, the reflections and that wild spray that I feel especially thankful to have found myself here on this rich…
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Barn Swallow on the Move in Bocas!
The Barn Swallows are on the move! Heading south for the winter, it’s a constant stream of these tiny sprites. One of my favorite birds growing up I’d watch them in astonishing aerial displays as they chatter on and on with each other and catch insects on the wing. These barn swallows halted their flight…
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The Ngäbe of Bocas del Toro
This past week I had a rainforest adventure, a reconnaissance mission expedition with one of my most beloved indigenous Ngäbe students, Israel Machado. He was helping me check out possible trail options for future ecotours. Isra is one of four brothers mothered by my Tranquilo Bay coworker Ofelina. I’ve watched these boys grow up since 2018…
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Bocas Coral Reef Awareness
Let’s work together to raise awareness about what these unending droughts (at this point we’re way past net negative) are doing to our coral reefs, particularly the branching fire coral. I’ve seen it go blanco enough times in my mere 5 years here that I now know of huge swaths that just can’t deal with…
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The Wild Nature of Loma Partida Aqua Lodge
Over my time living and guiding in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, I’ve become pretty familiar with a great deal of the Bocas del Toro archipelago largely thanks to Tranquilo Bay Eco-Adventure Lodge where I guided guests across incredible array of excursions offered to adventurous souls and those that want to view birds and wildlife,…
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Finca Mena: A Mainland Birding Mecca
Oh, what a wonderful day spent with Henry & Alanys at their gorgeous property called Finca Mena, on mainland Bocas del Toro. We had great views of a huge momma and baby two-toed sloth, a plethora of birdlife including the Black-and-white Owl spotted by Henry and great views of a Bright-rumped Attila! Thanks so much…
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Green Acres Chocolate Farm & Rainforest Tour and/or Optional Birding Tour (Mainland Birds)
A trip to the Green Acres Chocolate Farm is unlike any other chocolate tour, I love to take my guests to this mainland jewel which soon becomes clear as we pull up in the boat to this lush hillside rainforest and botanical wonderland. Green Acres is set in a remote corner of the Bocas del…