Costa Rica, Golfo Dulce
Today we explored Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica. We were delighted by the huge forest that surrounded both sides of the golf, and it was all green. It makes you think of how many years it took for this beautiful ecosystem to become so extensive, and how many difficulties (natural or non-natural) it has been though, to stay so pristine. During our visit to Golfo Dulce a very diverse variety of plants, trees and birds were seen. We also had the opportunity to see birds that are not seen year round in the tropics, like Wimbrels, that just migrated from North America to spend their winter in Costa Rica.
We visited the mangroves around and the Esquinas River by Zodiac. Some of the Zodiac groups had the chance to see two beautiful Rainbow Boa Constrictors copulate. This amazing snake is not poisonous but kills its prey by means of strangulation and sheer strength. What an opportunity to see these beautiful reptiles which are not easy to find. Boa Constrictors are the largest snakes found in Central America.
The mangroves we visited are a nursery for small fish. Without them the young fish do are unable to find refuge during their first month of life. The protection of mangroves in Costa Rica has been a very important tool for sustainable development.
In the afternoon, we visited Casa Orquideas and compared the colors and shapes of the flowers, plants and trees. The beautiful colors of the flowers matched perfectly with the colors of the Scarlet Macaws that flew over the gardens at Casa Orquideas. A group of Chestnut Mandibled Toucans crossed several times in front of our walking groups displaying their huge but light beaks. For the second time in our trip the Fiery Billed Aracari was seen but this time in a group of palm trees.
We all agreed that Casa Orquideas is just amazing and that places like this should exist forever. To let future generations enjoy the natural beauty the flora and fauna of Costa Rica has to offer.
