Friday, January 8, 2010

Shadow Shot Sunday 41 - In the Cloudforests of Costa Rica















High up on the elevated walkways and hanging bridges above the canopy of the cloud forests in Monteverde, Costa Rica, I was keeping my eyes peeled for the very elusive and shy Quetzal Resplendent, rare bird of Mayan myth and legend, that can only be spotted in the wild as it cannot survive in captivity. Sweeping my eyes through the trees, I spotted this shadow instead of my sister and I, imprinted on the dense green of the forest.... Costa Rica is a wonderful country rich in diverse habitats from rainforest to beaches, and cloudforests to volcanoes where wildlife and birds can be observed at very close quarters; a place for communing and connecting with Nature at its best...


And yes, the elusive quetzal turned up right on cue the following day to fully confirm my newfound "twitcher" status. For more fun with shadows check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here.....Have fun!!

25 comments:

Fly Girl said...

You saw a quetzal? Lucky! What did it look like? I only say lizards and a monkey while I was in Costa Rica.

Catherine said...

hi Flygirl - I did get a photo albeit rather distorted as it had been stuffing its face with avocado seeds and was all puffed up- but it is coming up in one of the next few posts....Greetings from Mexico...

Owen said...

Beautiful Catherine... and your header photo there is just brilliant... Title could be : "How to Inspire People In Cold Countries to Move to Mexico" !

Janie said...

I'm glad the quetzal turned up, but the shadow shot on the bridge is very cool, too.

Sylvia K said...

These shadows on the bridge are fantastic, Catherine! I love them!
How great to see the quetzal! Wow! Look forward to seeing your photos of him! Sounds like a great trip! I love your new header shot, too! Have a great weekend! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Tania said...

This is really good shot!:-)

Martha Z said...

Oh, I'd love to do that, birding in Costa Rica. Hubby doesn't like humidity so I guess that is one adventure I will miss.
Great SSS post!

Crafty Green Poet said...

How wonderful to see a quetzal! Oh I look forward to seeing the photo! I love the photo of the shadowy bridge against the rainforest...

Hot Fudge said...

I can't look at that image of you on the bridge without thinking of that scene from Indiana Jones - hope you had a good hold on the railing!

Serendipity said...

That's a wonderful shadow!

Ralph said...

The top picture leaves a faint shadow that seems weak and dangerous. However, the bridge is actually solid and safe. The jungle green looks lush, and full of tropical life. A very nice trip you enjoyed in CR!

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Awesome!

Beverley Baird said...

What lovely shadows! What a lush place. Don't know if I could walk across that bridge! lol
Have a great time!

Deb said...

Beautiful, beautiful. I hope you see your bird another time. (A traveling friend saw one in the Amazon -- what a wonder.)

(Here from Stoney Moss.)

Carolyn Ford said...

Now that is beautiful scenery. The shadows are fabulous! I visited Costa Rica once and would love to re-visit.

Hey Harriet said...

I've never heard of the Quetzal but I like the name. I'm glad you spotted one! And how magic those shadows are against the lush green backdrop! Costa Rica looks like heaven to me!!!

Carin said...

Wonder what a quetzal looks like! That hanging bridge casts great shadows on the tree. Being afraid of hights I would never walk over it. The view must have been terrific!
Oh and that nice warm weather over there makes me long for all this snow we're having to leave as soon as possible!

Catherine said...

Hi Everyone - loved looking at all your shadow shots and thanks for all your comments - very much appreciated..

Jonny Hamachi said...

Fantástico

Catherine said...

Thanks Johnny!!

Patti said...

I think I"ll pass on the elevated walkways.

Yikes!! Cool shadow capture though.

Glad you saw a quetzal.

PJ said...

I have always wanted to visit Costa Rica. You've done a great travelogue and the shadow on the canopy is a great POV shot.

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

The photo of the shadow of the bridge is wonderful, almost as wonderful as the one of the bridge itself.

Catherine said...

well - glad you all liked the rainforest this week - thanks for your comments - much appreciated

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

I want to go there!!!!! Whaaa!!
What wonderful shots-and those shadow shots are fun and amazing. Thank you for taking me with you on this trip!