Slaty Flowerpiercer: Batsu Gardens, San Geraldo de Dota, Costa Rica — There are 18 species of flowerpiercers, most in the highlands of South America. Two reach Central America, but only one is found in Costa Rica: the Slaty Flowerpiercer. All have the adapted beak that allows them to draw nectar from the base of flowers by making a small hole and sucking it out. They are common wherever there are masses of flowers at high elevations, so are often seen in gardens and the landscaped grounds around lodges. Here we have two close shots of the female and one, taken from a good distance, of the male. Sony Rx10iv at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Pixelmator Photo and Apple Photos. ISO 640 and 800 @ f4 @ 1/500th.