Gray-cowled Wood-Rail

Right place, right time

For one person seeing a bird that is rare is common sight for another person in a different place and time. I was with a group of birders in Costa Rica when we saw this species off a bridge high above a river near the northern coast. Many people were thrilled as it was a lifer for them. Much too far away to photograph, I was not too impressed. I traveled less than 100 kms. the next day to a different local and more importantly a different ecosystem. While we were eating breakfast at the lodge, this individual literally walked through the restaurant on its way to brushy wet land area on the other side. Easy to get close up pictures; in fact, had to back up and use my “foot zoom”.
(this used to be Gray-necked Wood-Rail, now Gray-cowled)