Along a streambed, I stopped Dr. M just a fraction of a second before he stepped on a juvenile quetzal that had fallen from it's nest and was unable to fly. It was completely dazed, unsure how to react to humans, and very incapable of flight (more than a few feet of flutter). After taking tons of photos, we picked up the bird and moved it off the trail...it was really a sight to see!
While the quetzal nestling encounter was going on, Jared noticed a rustling in the tree tops pretty far away...we held perfectly still and waited as two adult Central American spider monkeys (the female with a juvenile on clutched to her underbelly) passed directly overhead...AWESOME...first monkey sightings in the valley for Dr. M and Jared, who had both been here before...it was certainly my first time. Hard to describe (especially with a grainy photo) the sense of awe and bewilderment this unexpected encounter inspired!
Jared snagged this fantastic shot of a male quetzal outside the research station.
Cool perspective of our high-elevation tropical montane cloud rain forest...circa 9,500 feet. Notice all the hanging moss, bromileads, etc...very beautiful to hike through day in and day out.
Found this incredible vine hanging off a 120ft roble (tropical oak)...so, of course, I had to swing on it and let out a massive Tarzan yell. Check out the video of it Jared posted on my facebook...it includes the consequence of the swing: careening back into the oak with a thud...well worth it!
PUMA TRACKS! NOW WE JUST NEED PHOTO EVIDENCE/visual confirmation...details hopefully to follow in the next few days!
Nice camera work! 40 years ago I was swinging on one of these vines hanging off a cliff in PR. I had taken off from a rock and was going to hit it on my return, so I dropped to the ground - further than I thought. Broke a bone in my foot. Continued concert tour in cast. Good thing flare pants were in fashion.
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