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Costa Rican Wildlife

Description

Costa Rica is rich in flora and fauna, and was certainly a country we truly enjoyed visiting.  The animal life is very diversified, but certainly the most interesting creatures were the Three Toed Slothes.   …. Enjoy.

Biodiversity

Costa Rica, a landmass encompassing only .03% of the earth’s surface, contains 5% of earth’s biodiversity- a density that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Aside from arid regions in Guanacaste, Costa Rica is green and lush year round. Its thick forests, vast wetlands, and misty mountains teem with life.

Climate

In Costa Rica, the average annual temperature is around 21 to 27 degrees Celsius or 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the coolest months of the year are November, December and January. The months March through May are the hottest months of the year, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun.
There is no real summer or winter in Costa Rica and the rainy season here lasts from May to November, with the months of December through April having little to no rain and September and October being the heaviest rain period. While the average rainfall in the country is around 100 inches, some mountainous areas get as much as 25 feet of rainfall on a yearly basis.
Tiger Heron
Tiger Heron
Long beak is great for spearing everything from fish to baby crocodiles.
  • Camera: Canon EOS 30D
  • Created: May 19, 2008 - 19:49
  • Shutter Speed : 1/125
  • ISO: 800
  • Aperture: 5.6
  • Focal Length: 365
Yellow Crowned Night Heron (immature)
Yellow Crowned Night Heron (immature)
These birds stalk their prey, or wait in ambush at the water's edge, mainly at night.
  • Camera: Canon EOS 30D
  • Created: May 22, 2008 - 11:03
  • Shutter Speed : 1/160
  • ISO: 160
  • Aperture: 7.1
  • Focal Length: 360
Great Egret
Great Egret
In 1953 the Great Egret in flight was chosen as the symbol of the National Audubon Society.
  • Camera: Canon EOS 30D
  • Created: May 22, 2008 - 11:19
  • Shutter Speed : 1/200
  • ISO: 160
  • Aperture: 9
  • Focal Length: 285
Wood Stork
Wood Stork
During the breeding season, Wood Storks need over 400 pounds of fish to feed themselves and their offspring.
  • Camera: Canon EOS 30D
  • Created: May 22, 2008 - 11:53
  • Shutter Speed : 1/400
  • ISO: 320
  • Aperture: 7.1
  • Focal Length: 400
Neotropic Cormorant
Neotropic Cormorant
Unlike other cormorants, this bird can often be seen perching on wires.
  • Camera: Canon EOS 30D
  • Created: May 22, 2008 - 12:08
  • Shutter Speed : 1/250
  • ISO: 320
  • Aperture: 13
  • Focal Length: 400
Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill
This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups.
  • Camera: Canon EOS 30D
  • Created: May 19, 2008 - 19:09
  • Shutter Speed : 1/400
  • ISO: 320
  • Aperture: 5.6
  • Focal Length: 340