Bird watching

Here you have the Red-Throated Ant Tanager (top) and the Blue-Gray Tanager (bottom). The ant tanager is a bit larger than the blue-gray, but the smaller bird is more aggressive with the other birds that come down to feed.

Favorite questions. . .

It happens regularly, whether it be by telephone or e-mail.

This was one of the recent ones that had us scratching our heads:

Guest: We are hoping to stay with you for three or four days. Can you let us know what your reservation requirements are and your availability and the prices?

Us: Thank you for your interest. . .etc. etc. Since we are a small hotel we do require full payment before a reservation is confirmed.

Guest: Thank you, but you did not answer my question, which was do we pay now or when we arrive at your resort?

Us: Our apologies, the text must not have come through the great void of cyberspace. Below, the pertinent text has been HIGHLIGHTED AND CAPITALIZED for your benefit.

Guest: Oooops, I guess I read too fast.

Of course, our response wasn't the same as above, but more of what would be really fun to do.

No pic. . .

As even if I had been alert enough to get the camera, I wouldn't have gone down to take a picture.

The other day, a tour van came to pick up some guests at 6:30 a.m. for the Cano Negro, a great day trip to see all kinds of wildlife.

When the van entered our gates, the driver and guide stopped as there was a branch stretched across the driveway. It was too large for them to drive over. They hopped out of the van and were going to move the branch off of the driveway.

That's when they noticed that the branch was moving. It was actually a boa constrictor that had been stretched across the driveway. The critter decided it was time to move on, so it slithered up a rock wall on the driveway and into the jungle. The guide and driver were pretty impressed to see a boa that large around here.

We'll make do with the story.

Accidental cool photo. . .

This is what happens when the editorial department grabs the camera. A good shot of a Great Kiskadee and a bunch of flapping feathers from the robins and a female honey creeper. Our apologies to the loyal readers for the lack of focus.