The Herman Institute of Biological Studies

Local News and Rare Birds Seen Recently in our Area

16, February, 2005. Big Bird this week. Yesterday, Feb. 15th, Steven Easley reported a Pear Kite just east of Playa Azul. This is a bird that has been moving north, but this is as far north as I've heard of yet. Also, This week MINAE set up camp in an effort to stamp out Macaw nest robbers. They will be putting in a three month effort to ensure that the Macaws nest with success. Already they have had a run-in with probable Orange-fronted Parakeet nest Stealers, though the birds were likely discarded before the police boarded the boat. We hope that the presence will discourage these acts, and no more birds will come to harm.

5, February, 2005. Pheww, I finally got to see them, Rufous-Necked Wood-Rail, Aramides axillaris. I saw one on the Mangrove trail behind the Institute, and then on Luis' boat tour, I got to have three encounters in one tour, and got about a minute of video footage! Also, Stilt Sandpipers and Solitary Sandpipers have been seen this week.

January, 2005. a good month for birds! a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has been seen several times in the Playa Azul area. Crane Hawks have been seen often lately, two adults together and an immature. And, an American Pipit was seen on the river tour with Luis Monge, on the 26th.

A Purple Martin, Progne subis 28, February, 1, 2002 was seen flying above the Rio de Tárcoles near the Herman Institute on the . This bird is generally only seen on the Carribean side. A new one for the list!

Two Rufous-Necked Wood-Rail, Aramides axillaris were seen near the Herman Institute on the 28 of February.
Three individuals were also seen in the same area on the 3 of March. Seen for the first time in the area last year, they have been seen very close to THIBS since this fall. We are uncertain about their status, but hope they stick around.

White-Necked Puffbirds, Bucco macrorhynchos have been seen (27 of February) building a nest in the mangroves near the Herman Institute. These birds are uncommon this far south on the Pacific coast, and a great bird for the area.

Mangrove Black-Hawk, Buteo-gallus subtilis A pair are currently building a nest 20 yards from the Herman Institute.

An Olivaceous Piculet, Picumnus olivaceus was seen near the Herman Institute (27 of February) with nest lining material.