Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator maximus) seen out at our farm. These guys sing a loud, melodious song, and I spent probably 20 minutes trying to find it after I heard it singing! Fun fact - the genus name Saltator comes from Latin saltātor, meaning “dancer” or “jumper" and was coined by early naturalists because these birds were often seen making little hopping or bounding movements in the trees while foraging. The species name "maximus" means “greatest” or “largest” in Latin. So, they are literally named "the big jumper" 🐸 or "the largest dancer." 🕺 #birdstr #birding #photostr #photography #birdphotography #naturephotography #wildlifephotography

Scarlet-rumped tanagers (male and female) out at the farm... More and more birds are showing up with all the fruit trees growing now! Can't wait to see this place in another year! #birdstr #birding #photostr #photography #birdphotography #naturephotography #wildlifephotography

Few get to witness a moment like this - an Agami Heron’s vibrant plumage blending into the forest as it guards its nest. Taken in early July 2025 at Agami Island near Katira, Gautuso, CR. #birding #birdstr #photostr #photography #wildlifephotography #birdphotography #naturephotography

Beautiful morning flight after a small line of showers passed through. (Don't judge the quality... This was taken on my iPhone 8. Yes, I said 8. 😂) #photostr #photography #Rainbow

GRACKLES!!! Bossy, bold, and always busy -- this female Great-tailed Grackle isn't messing around! Female Great-tailed Grackles may not have the flashy iridescence of the males, but they’re just as bold. They build the nests, raise the young, and are excellent scavengers. Scientists actually study grackles to understand how animals adapt behaviorally and cognitively to human-dominated landscapes. Their ability to thrive in cities makes them a model species for resilience! #birdstr #birding #photostr #photography #birdphotography #naturephotography #wildlifephotography

See the big difference in the skin on these 2 Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus)? Juvenile black vultures often retain short, dark bristle-like feathers on their heads, giving them that scruffy punk look. As they mature, these feathers are lost, revealing the adult’s classic bald, wrinkled skin, a hygienic adaptation that makes their head easier to keep clean after feeding on carrion, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup. #birdstr #birding #photostr #photography #birdphotography #naturephotography #wildlifephotography

When my 2 photography worlds collide... 🌊 🦜 Tough shot through the pouring rain with cloudy skies and a camera that likes to focus on rain droplets... 🤣 #birds #birdstr #photography #surfstr

All I was able to get this morning... Bummer that I had to leave to go meet a friend for 🧘‍♀️ shortly after they paddled out. Still fun to see their warm-up waves! #surfstr #surfing #photography #photostr #surfphotography

High-protein is the trend, right? Well, this Southern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon musculus) snatches Black Soldier Fly larvae - super rich in fat and protein - from our compost bin all day every day! The holes are just large enough for it to climb inside, grab a snack, and climb out to feast. Sometimes, when the compost is really raging, the larvae just fall out and there's a full buffet on the ground! #SCORE #bird #birdstr #photo #photostr #photography #birdphotography #naturephotography

Been a long week of traveling for work with entirely too much socializing... I'm exhausted. But you know what makes everything better? BIRDS. Birds make everything better! These are black-bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) that I spotted in the Southern Zone of CR. #birdstr #photostr #photography #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography