Resplendent Quetzal #2, Costa Rica

OMG! What can I say? As our Costa Rica adventure reluctantly comes to an end, we were blessed with the piece de resistance - the Respledent Quetzal!

Often hailed as one of the world’s most stunning birds, we spent four hours waiting patiently to get the shots we so desperately wanted. With its iridescent green feathers that shimmer like emeralds and ruby-red chest, the quetzal looks like a living piece of treasure. Male quetzals take extravagance to the next level with their long, streaming tail feathers that can grow up to three feet, making them seem almost otherworldly as they glide through the misty treetops.

Known for their association with ancient Mesoamerican cultures, quetzals were considered sacred by the Maya and Aztecs, symbolizing freedom and wealth. They even believed that capturing or killing one was a grave offense, as these birds were said to die in captivity—an emblem of their untameable spirit.

But the quetzal isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a forest dweller with a taste for the finer things in life. It feasts primarily on wild avocados, swallowing the fruit whole and later dispersing the seeds—a vital role in maintaining the forest ecosystem. Their elusive nature makes them tricky to spot, and they tend to stick to the highest canopies, almost as if they know they’re rare and prefer to remain shrouded in mystery. However we were led to a location that gave us access to one female and three males!!

Birdwatchers from around the globe journey to places like Costa Rica and Guatemala to catch a glimpse of this elusive beauty, which is also the national bird of Guatemala. With its resplendent colors, mythical allure, and ecological importance, the quetzal is a true treasure of the natural world.

How blessed we were for this encounter!!