Resplendent Quetzal: San Geraldo de Dota, Costa Rica, March 2025 — If you go out early in the morning to whichever wild avacado trees are currently fruiting in the Savegre River Valley around San Geraldo de Dota, you are almost guaranteed to see perhaps the most sought-after bird in Central America: The Resplendent Quetzal. The Quetzals are Trogons, but with exceptionally long outer tail covert feathers that stream behind the males, brilliant green and red and white plumage, a remarkable crest and a bright yellow beak. Altogether resplendent! Mario, our guide convinced us to NOT go out early…if the birds are near the road there are literally bus-loads of tourists, birders, and photographers there at daylight…anywhere from 50-100…all jammed together in the road, jostling for a good view and swinging big lenses and tripods with such abandon that it can be dangerous…and at the very least…somewhat unpleasant. He asked us to trust him that he could find Quetzals later in the morning. It was taking a big risk, as, after sunrise, Quetzals are much less predictable. We got to the fruiting trees mid-morning, and no more than stepped off our transit van than we heard at least two males calling. And then they were there. Resplendent in the morning sun, chasing each other through the dense cloud-forest canopy. Such a treat. I could see Mario relax and bask a bit in the vindication. Quetzals are never easy to photograph…never close enough or in ideal light…but I got some of my best Quetzal photos ever that morning. This shot is of a resplendent male singing, and though it is still a heavy crop of a high ISO image, I am pretty happy with it. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.