Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops)

27 January 2009, Savegre Mountain Hotel, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica This species is endemic to the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Solitaires are members of the thrush family and are famous for their beautiful songs. This species lurks in the deep understory of wet mountain forests, where it is more often heard than seen. I came very close to getting a decent photo of this magical species when I was distracted by a hurtling toucanette. After that the Solitaire disappeared and I never got the photo I wanted. I had to settle for this record shot marred by branches and blown whites. Panasonic DMC-LZ5 / Nikon FieldScope 3 / 30X WA hand-held (no adapter)