Last May a motley crew of Bakersfield birders, Mark and Randi Hodson included, frolicked about southern Costa Rica somewhat under the control of an amazing naturalist, ogling nearly 200 species of our feathered friends as well as some other critters and a variety of tropical plants. They lodged at fascinating eco lodges and cozy mountain cabins and enjoyed the delicious cuisine of Costa Rica.

Mark & Randi HodsonMark and Randi are photo hobbyists—their images, bird and non-bird have won them dozens of ribbons at the Kern County Fair–as well as birders, and captured images of a good number of those 200 species. Their shared images illustrate the range of Costa Rican birds and tell a bit of the story of the group’s progress through southern Costa Rica.

This was Mark and Randi’s second birding adventure to Costa Rica, and they enjoyed it so much they’re looking forward to returning with another group of local birders next May (space is still available), this time to experience the birds of northern Costa Rica.