Costa Rica: Taraji Blue Photography

Anxious Capuchin

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:27:54 GMT

]]>A small white-faced capuchin tears through the trees in Tortuguero

Monkey Puzzle

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:52:40 GMT

]]>A spider monkey splays its body across a fern-like tree, making it difficult to work out which limb is which.

Thinking Monkey

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:53:54 GMT

]]>A capuchin pauses for thought

A Caterpillar Car Park

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:04:13 GMT

]]>Caterpillars snooze on a leaf high in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

The awakening

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:41:26 GMT

]]>Beetles awaken after the rain

Tortuguero, Mirrored

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:01:16 GMT

]]>Rainforest is reflected on the silent waters of one of Tortugeuro's many water channels.

Traffic Lights of the Cloud Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:02:57 GMT

]]>Stop, Wait, Go! The traffic code of the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Thornbug, Closing The Gap

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:56:18 GMT

]]>A thornbug, around 8-10mm long, straddles, the ridge of a leaf in Tortuguero.

Three Toed Sloth

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:58:17 GMT

]]>A three-toed sloth hangs from rainforest branches, slowly leaning back to look at its guests.

Feeling Blue

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:57:07 GMT

]]>A Dragonfly rests on a leaf in Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Dining Out

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:44:03 GMT

]]>Two butterflies feast on exotic plants

A Grand Display

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:11:03 GMT

]]>A Montezuma Oropendola displays to attract a mate

Caiman, Drifting

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:37:20 GMT

]]>A young caiman drifts slowly through the steady waterways of Tortugeuro

In A Flap

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:06:47 GMT

]]>A butterfly gets ready for takeoff

Geometric Droop

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:57:19 GMT

]]>Patterns and peaks emerge at the end of a Costa Rican plant

A Dragonfly Rests

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:07:27 GMT

]]>A Dragonfly rests by a rainforest pond in Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

A Bugs' Only Highway

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:04:08 GMT

]]>The stem of a leaf curves into the distance

Inside A Wonderful World

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:08:09 GMT

]]>An insect's view of the inside of a curled leaf

Spot the hummingbird

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 18:13:16 GMT

]]>

A Great Kiskadee

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:11:12 GMT

]]>A Great Kiskadee rests inbetween feeding on berries

A Hummingbird Feeds

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:15:21 GMT

]]>A hummingbird hovers to feed from a delicate flower

A National Representative

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:16:47 GMT

]]>The Clay-coloured Robin, the national bird of Costa Rica

A Mystical Mountain

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:17:07 GMT

]]>Clouds form around Arenal Volcano

A Hidey Hole

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:12:53 GMT

]]>Flower petals conceal a lovely hideaway for insects

A Swallow-Tailed Kite

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:20:58 GMT

]]>A Swallow-Tailed Kite soars over the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, Costa RIca

A Silver-Throated Tanager

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:21:15 GMT

]]>A Silver-Throated Tanager returns to its nest

A Refreshing Moment in the Cloud Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:18:07 GMT

]]>A waterfall offers welcome relief from the heat and humidity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest

A Mini Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:15:55 GMT

]]>A mini forest of parsley grows in a polythene tunnel in the humidity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest

A Vista Above the Clouds

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:21:46 GMT

]]>A cloud height vista of Santa Elena Cloud Forest

A Webbed Wonderland

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:22:27 GMT

]]>A spider and web in Arenal National Park

Allure

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:25:27 GMT

]]>Covered in tiny insects, this flower is a frequent host to the microscopic Costa Rican Wildlife

Agouti

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:24:34 GMT

]]>A rodent of the forest

Anhinga

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:26:47 GMT

]]>An anhinga, a relative of the cormorant family, spreads its wings to dry off in the heat of the day.

A Bug's World

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:04:05 GMT

]]>A beetle explores the flora of Monteverde, Costa Rica

Arenal, Framed

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:31:51 GMT

]]>A rare view of Arenal Volcano without full cloud cover

Arenal in Monochrome

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:32:57 GMT

]]>A silhouette of Arenal Volcano gently smoking in the distance

Arenal Volcano, Cloaked

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:30:58 GMT

]]>Clouds form around Arenal Volcano

Bare-Throated Tiger Heron, Costa Rica

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:33:02 GMT

]]>A bare-throated tiger heron perches single-footedly on a branch in Tortuguero.

Blue-Crowned Motmot

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:35:22 GMT

]]>A Blue Crowned Motmot rests on a treetop branch in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Berries of the Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:35:11 GMT

]]>Berries nestle deep in the sparse undergrowth of the Costa Rican Cloud Forest

Broken Wings

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:35:32 GMT

]]>A feeding butterfly displays its damaged wings

Caught Foraging

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:42:02 GMT

]]>A striped-headed sparrow is caught foraging in the costa rican forest

Did Someone Order A Prince?

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:43:05 GMT

]]>A male Yellow-throated Euphonia spots a suiter

Contrasting Beauty

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:42:55 GMT

]]>A wonderful striped butterfly feeds on vibrant red flowers

Bullish And Bullring

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:35:44 GMT

]]>A green iguana nestles amongst the branches at the edge of one Tortugeuro's many river channels.

Colourful Beauty

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:42:04 GMT

]]>A Violet Crowned Woodnymph (Hummingbird), Costa Rica

Dining Out II

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:45:18 GMT

]]>Two butterflies feast on exotic plants

Do NOT Get In My Way

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:46:10 GMT

]]>A tiny (3cm long) caterpillar is seen from a new perspective, hair flowering dangerously and aggressive face just visible above the ground

Eye Can See You

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:53:01 GMT

]]>A close up of butterfly eyes

Flowers of the Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:54:15 GMT

]]>A gladioli grows in the humid forest of Costa Rica

Exploring the Cloud Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:46:14 GMT

]]>A vista across the floor of the Monteverde Rainforest

Exploring the Rainforest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:48:28 GMT

]]>A vista of Monteverde Cloud Forest

Green Basilisk Lizard, Costa Rica

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:59:57 GMT

]]>A green basilisk lizard, also known as the Jesus Christ lizard because of its ability to walk (run) across water, clasps a tree branch in Tortuguero, Costa Rica.

Golden-hooded Tanager

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:00:42 GMT

]]>A Golden-hooded Tanager rests on a tree

Floating like a bird

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:56:46 GMT

]]>A bird's eye view of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Grumpy Face

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:04:09 GMT

]]>A close up of a butterfly reveals an almost pouting bottom lip

I Think We Understand Each Other Now

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:04:44 GMT

]]>A thornbug stares viciously at the camera on the shores of the main island of Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Green Basilisk Lizard, Costa Rica

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:04:11 GMT

]]>A green basilisk lizard, also known as the Jesus Christ lizard because of its ability to walk (run) across water, clasps a tree branch in Tortuguero, Costa Rica.

Just Looking

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:09:15 GMT

]]>A Montezum Oropendola bird sits proudly atop the forest canopy, looking for a mate

Just Waiting...

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:11:36 GMT

]]>A butterfly rests on a leaf

It's An Ant's World

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:10:03 GMT

]]>Exploring Costa Rica from an ant's perspective

Just Sleeping

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:10:19 GMT

]]>Arenal Volcano sleeps

Life In The Undergrowth

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:14:56 GMT

]]>Mushrooms flourish in the undergrowth of the Costa Rican rainforest

Leaf Available For Rent

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:13:58 GMT

]]>A curkled leaf looks to be an inviting prospect for insects

Just Visiting

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:10:50 GMT

]]>An Agouti casually wanders by, in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Lunchtime in Costa RIca

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:15:26 GMT

]]>A butterfly feeds

Mysterious Plants

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:17:55 GMT

]]>The glorious and mysterious plants - and insects - of Costa Rica

Lunchtime

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:16:19 GMT

]]>A butterfly feeds on a plant

Mine!

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:18:33 GMT

]]>Two butterflies squabble over dinner

Ooh, A Shiny One!

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:24:29 GMT

]]>A tiny shiny beetle explores the surface of a leaf

Ol' Spotted Eyes

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:20:07 GMT

]]>A close up of a beautiful, feeding butterfly

Owl-Eye Butterfly

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:25:10 GMT

]]>A battered butterfly rests on a leaf in Tortugeuro.

Peek A Boo!

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:27:02 GMT

]]>A tiny ant is captured on a flower bud

Pleased to MotMot You

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:29:45 GMT

]]>Introducing the Costa Rican Keel-Billed Motmot

Passerini's Tanager

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:26:08 GMT

]]>A mle Tanager brings berries to the female

Nature's Zip Line

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:18:32 GMT

]]>Vines straddle the canopy of the Costa Rican Cloud Forest

Simply Beautiful

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:30:39 GMT

]]>A Coppery-Headed Emerald Hummingbird in all its glory, Costa Rica

She's Out There Somewhere

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:30:40 GMT

]]>A montezuma oropendola surveys the forest, looking for a mate

Rush Hour

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:30:20 GMT

]]>Rush hour in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest as caterpillars jostle for resting space on a leaf high in the cloud forest

Ready, Steady, Go!

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:30:04 GMT

]]>A caterpillar 'race' in the Santa Elena Cloudforest, Costa Rica

Speed in Flight

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:34:30 GMT

]]>A hummingbird hovers at a flower to feed

Squirrel Cuckoo, Costa Rica

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:36:04 GMT

]]>A squirrel cuckoo flaws its tail toward the sky over Tortuguero.

Sky-Trek

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:32:57 GMT

]]>Zip-wiring 300feet above the forest floor over Arenal rainforest

Soaring

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:34:11 GMT

]]>A swallow-tailed kite soars above the landscape of Costa Rica

The Fungi of the Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:39:18 GMT

]]>Mushrooms are one of the few things to grow on the floor of the dark and humid Santa Elena Cloud Forest

Taking Time Out

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:36:12 GMT

]]>A Violet Crowned Woodnymph rests on a tree branch

Tarzan's view

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:38:45 GMT

]]>Exploring the heights of the Costan Rican Cloud Forest

The Journey

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:47:49 GMT

]]>A snail traverses the branches and undergrowth of the Costa Rican Cloud Forest

The Long, Hard Climb

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:43:20 GMT

]]>An Owl Eyed Butterfly balances on a plant stem

The Hidden Heights of the Cloud Forest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:42:39 GMT

]]>Exotic plants and flowers grow in the hidden canopy of the cloud forests

This Is My Home

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:54:46 GMT

]]>A Violet Sabrewing perches on the branch of a tree

The Real Big Hairy Caterpillar

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:51:46 GMT

]]>A hairy caterpiller explores the leaves of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

The Top of the Canopy

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:53:36 GMT

]]>Exploring the heights of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Canopy, Costa Rica

What Are You Looking At?

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:04:19 GMT

]]>A damselfly studies the photographer with a wary eye

What's The Rush?

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:06:06 GMT

]]>A two-toed sloth turns to smile for the camera high in the trees above Tortuguero

You Can Hardly See Me

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:06:39 GMT

]]>An unusual head on view of a resting butterfly

We All Have Our Load To Bear

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:03:01 GMT

]]>A Blue Morpho butterfly seemingly carries a plant stem

Yum Yum!

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:07:46 GMT

]]>A butterfly feeds

Blue Jeans Frog

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:48:19 GMT

]]>A blue jeans or strawberry poison dart frog rasps from its site on a branch in the rainforest undergrowth. Less than in inch in length, these frogs are uncommon in that they are active during the day.

A Bird's Eye View

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:48:16 GMT

]]>The view from a privileged position above the canopy of Arenal Rainforest

Empty?

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:50:08 GMT

]]>Possibly an olive-throated parakeet or a mealy parrot - two soar high above our boat in Tortugeuro.

Grey Hawk II, Costa Rica

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:51:09 GMT

]]>A grey hawk falls foul of its camouflaging rainforest foliage for one brief moment, and appears into view.

Grey Hawk, Costa Rica

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:51:43 GMT

]]>A grey hawk falls foul of its camouflaging rainforest foliage for one brief moment, and appears into view.

And Relax

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:48:18 GMT

]]>The view of sunset from a treehouse high in the rainforests of Costa Rica.

Clusterfungh.

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:48:22 GMT

]]>A cluster of funghi grows on a branch in the rainforest of Costa Rica.

My Neck Is Fine, Thanks For Asking

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:53:12 GMT

]]>A little stuck with identification of this lovely bird - possibly a juvenile anhinga, though the webbed feet are striking, the cormorant like tufts are also notable.

Exploring the Rainforest

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:13:28 GMT

]]>A vista of Monteverde Cloud Forest

A Caterpillar Car Park

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:42:10 GMT

]]>Caterpillars snooze on a leaf high in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

Rush Hour

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:52:12 GMT

]]>Rush hour in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest as caterpillars jostle for resting space on a leaf high in the cloud forest

A Hidey Hole

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:41:36 GMT

]]>Flower petals conceal a lovely hideaway for insects

Soaring

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:51:58 GMT

]]>A swallow-tailed kite soars above the landscape of Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano, Cloaked

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:04:58 GMT

]]>Clouds form around Arenal Volcano

A Hummingbird Feeds

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:07:22 GMT

]]>A hummingbird hovers to feed from a delicate flower

Speed in Flight

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:08:18 GMT

]]>A hummingbird hovers at a flower to feed

A Grand Display

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:17:12 GMT

]]>A Montezuma Oropendola displays to attract a mate

This Here Is My Home

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:41:31 GMT

]]>A tiny lizard stakes out his claim on the log. I think he's about 5-6cm long and stood there for 20 minutes while we slowly ebbed back and forth in our little canoe trying to find a good - stable - position to take a shot. It was tricky and I didn't nail it, but it was fun trying. Remember, that's what it's photography is all about - fun and wonder.

__MG_5023

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:56:12 GMT

]]>

Toucan Too

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:01:42 GMT

]]>Two chestnut-mandibled toucans ponder the way of things on a high branch in the Costa Rican riverways of Tortuguero. These guys were tough - we were on a small riverboat that rocked with any movement, and so despite the bright sunshine I've gone up to ISO 640 with a 400mm lens pointed nearly straight up and taken many shots to try and capture a good expression. The environment here is maddening but fun: lenses fog as soon as you take them outside unless you're careful due to the humidity, and they aren't going to calm down on a boat for at least a few hours, so we had one basically out of action for the whole trip. Then the sun is so bright that you can't see the screen to review your images, so just have to go back into film-mode and try your best. Like I say, fun, maybe a little more if I were on dry land!

Caiman, Drifting

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:03:02 GMT

]]>A young caiman drifts slowly through the steady waterways of Tortugeuro

What's The Rush?

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:16:39 GMT

]]>A two-toed sloth turns to smile for the camera high in the trees above Tortuguero

__MG_5412

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:22:42 GMT

]]>

Exploding Cosmos I

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:55:33 GMT

]]>Volcán Arenal, cloaked in cloud, with lightning bolts erupted to the left, starfields multiplying above, and the quiet goings-on of local Costa Rican villagers beneath.

Technically not a great starscape, but my first ever attempt back in 2011 and left the exposure running for too long (101 seconds) and was so captivated by the open skies that I didn't re-take this view. Fond memories, though.

Development notes: this uses a graduated filter added in post, and a wire has been cloned out of the lower left corner.

Exploding Cosmos II

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:59:15 GMT

]]>The Milky Way core appears out of the clouds above the Alajuela landscape in north-western Costa Rica, as villagers sleep in isolated dwellings below.

Exploding Cosmos III

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:04:29 GMT

]]>The Milky Way core appears out of the clouds above the Alajuela landscape in north-western Costa Rica, with plants illuminated by the surrounding villages and light haze from towns beyond the mountains.

Bare-Throated Tiger Heron II, Costa Rica

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:08:32 GMT

]]>A bare-throated tiger heron waits patiently for passing food opportunities, Tortuguero, Costa Rica.

__MG_5454

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:29:03 GMT

]]>

After The Day Trips

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:33:49 GMT

]]>As the sun sets, an empty river boat returns to dock on the narrow spit of land that is Tortuguero, Costa Rica, closely followed by a barely visible silhouetted bird in flight.

Clusterfungh.

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:47:36 GMT

]]>A cluster of funghi grows on a branch in the rainforest of Costa Rica.

Clusterfungh.

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:51:32 GMT

]]>A cluster of funghi grows on a branch in the rainforest of Costa Rica.

Porcelain Rose

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:57:32 GMT

]]>A close-up of etlingera elatior, found in the forests near Arenal, Costa Rica

Red Spears

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:02:56 GMT

]]>A heliconia (heliconia psittacorum?) emerges from the rainforests of Costa Rica.

In A Flap

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:10:10 GMT

]]>A butterfly gets ready for takeoff

Yum Yum!

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:16:23 GMT

]]>A butterfly feeds

Taking Time Out

info@tarajiblue.com (Taraji Blue Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:09:34 GMT

]]>A Violet Crowned Woodnymph rests on a tree branch, Costa Rica