This morning was packed full of wildlife! We decided that it had been too long since we had been out on the trails (I think Monday morning was our last time out, a hike up to Cerro Arbolito) so headed out after breakfast. We saw the Blue-crowned Motmot that we normally only hear close to the Rio Coyunda, as well as a black Tayra. I'm not sure if this is the same Tayra that I've seen before, but this sighting was better than the previous two. The first time I saw it, it was running across the clearing in front of the house, while the second time was along the entrance road to Cerro Osa. However, this morning was in the middle of the forest and when it saw us, it jumped onto a tree trunk and stared at us. When I pointed the camera, it jumped down, moved further into the forest and up another trunk. It did this once more before it was out of sight.
The howler monkeys were incredibly loud as we crossed the Rio Coyunda. We knew that they had to be close, but we couldn't quite get a fix on them. We kept moving to the southern border of the Cerro Osa property where we spotted the white-faced capuchin monkeys. These things are like the devil incarnate. I don't really know what it is about them, but when you see them in the wild, and look into their eyes, you feel pure evil permeate the air.
On the same trail we were able to catch a lek of Red-capped Manakins giving a show to a prospective mate. They make a curious clicking sound with their wings and you wouldn't believe that wings could make such a sound until you see it. We stood staring straight up at their mating display until our necks hurt.
As we returned to the Rio Coyunda we found the elusive howlers loitering along the edge of the path. They were quite quiet until we stopped to observe them and sneak a couple of photos. Once they were onto us they released their distinct bellowing wails.
I've uploaded some videos of the Manakins and Howlers here: http://www.youtube.com/user/OsaConservation
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