This is an exciting time for us here at Cloudbridge, as we have recently formalized our partnership with the Wildlife Imaging Project, to continue monitoring the biodiversity of the forest using camera traps. Though Cloudbridge has long had a camera trap monitoring program, this collaboration will allow us to continue this important research. We have recently launched a fundraising campaign Eyes in the forest: Support Conservation in Cloudbridge Nature Reserve!, and would greatly appreciate it if you might choose to help us upgrade our aging camera trap equipment.
As per usual, March has been another busy month at Cloudbridge, with a full house of researchers and volunteers who are doing excellent work on the reserve, in addition to planting trees on the Talari Reserve and continuing with the environmental education program CONUBI in two local schools. Thank you to Río Chirripó Lodge for organizing these reforestation efforts and protecting this land.
Quetzal sightings
These past few weeks at Cloudbridge, we have been very fortunate to see some of our resident resplendent quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno) within our reserve. This is no surprise since the dry season (January-April) coincides with the birds’ breeding season, meaning they fly down to lower elevations in search of mates and suitable nesting locations. The quetzals prefer to nest in nooks within tree trunks, like old woodpecker holes, which they further excavate to make room for their eggs. Cloudbridge has attempted to help with this nest selection process by erecting nest boxes for them. We have observed the birds investigating these boxes, however, the entrance holes are suspected to be too large, so the quetzals prefer more natural options. This hole size selection is critical for the species, as large entrances make the eggs inside vulnerable to ovivores such as the northern emerald toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), tayras (Eira barbara), white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator) and many more. Though it is disappointing that the quetzals do not use these nest boxes, it has still been amazing to see them at such low and accessible locations, especially the well-decorated males, distinguished by their brilliant green and red plumage, usually accompanied by long, emerald tail feathers. These tail feathers signify both the males’ maturity and suitability as a mate, since they can survive despite having such a disadvantageous feature, which increases their risk of predation. The feathers can reach up to one metre in length, creating a spectacular display in flight. Rival males are also known to pluck the tail feathers of other males to make them look less attractive to potential mates, like this poor, unfortunate male seen a few weeks ago.
If you visit Cloudbridge, there is always a chance you may see these amazing birds, especially early in the morning, as they tend to move up in elevation as the day progresses. Be sure to keep an ear out for their signature calls, which sound like a whining dog or a turkey! (Quetzal blog post author: Adam Morrow)
Pics from around the reserve
Our hospitality coordinator Anthony Garita has been watching this majestic Bare-shanked screech Owl take care of its young, an amazing process!
