Red-breasted Meadowlark

 

So, on my Costa Rica birding trip we lodged at three separate lodges spending three nights at each location. One day would be spent birding trails around that lodge however the other days would be spent birding around the area. Travel days were also spent birding backroads at different habitats usually with four or five different stops. On this particular day we were travelling on the busiest road, a two lane paved highway, travelling to Arenal Bird Observatory. One of the more popular areas of Costa Rica, at least for birding.

Suddenly, our driver Ricardo, also a great birder and asset to the team, spotted a Red-breasted Meadowlark off in a field. He had nowhere to pull over so just stopped on the highway. About eight of us jumped off the bus and moved to the edge of the field. Slowly moving closer and closer, keeping our eyes on the bird. Shooting all the way. When we turned around after the bird eventually flushed, we realized traffic was backed up way down the highway on our side of the road. I mean way backed up. Nobody was honking or yelling. People were actually giving us thumbs up signals. Crazy, can’t image that here in North America.

eBird says that the Red-breasted Meadowlark is found in open fields and often perches conspicuously atop grasses or small bushes. Seems accurate.