When I was young, I saw a picture of a Resplendent Quetzal. It didn’t look real, but I wanted to see one.

March, 2018 we headed up the mountain out of San Jose, Costa Rica, where we were told we had a good chance to spot the Quetzal. Just one teeny, tiny problem stood between me and the chance to see the fabulous Resplendent Quetzal…..I had developed tendinitis in the arch of my right foot which left me with severe mobility issues. So we  had the chance of a lifetime to see this bird, which if found was going to be uphill, downhill and over rough, uneven terrain. We decided if the bird was there, we were going to be there to see it….one way or another.

The family owners of Paraiso Quetzal Lodge are dedicated to maintaining the delicate environmental balance necessary for wildlife to thrive in this mountainous area. They have developed working relationships with the local farmers, including financial incentives, to encourage the habitats where quetzals and other wildlife live.

We had signed up for the early morning Quetzal tour. While we sipped coffee, the staff waited to hear from one of the cooperative farmers that a quetzal had been spotted. The phone call was received and off we went on the quetzal hunt. Sure enough, we arrived at a local farm where the farmer pointed up the mountain. All I had to do was get up there to see a Quetzal. Thanks to Robert, daughter Daria and the guide Jorge, I was pulled and pushed up the hill.

The Quetzal was an adult male with the spectacular colors and tail. When we first saw him, he was behind some branches and leaves….good enough to see him but not good enough for a picture. I was thrilled to have spotted my dream bird. It got better….much, much better. Our bird flew to a tree in clear view of our cameras.

In the first view, our Quetzal had his back to us. His long tail was accentuated. On the branch next to him, you can see the little wild avocados which make up the Quetzals’ diet.

Our bird next flew to a branch where we were able to photograph not only the spectacular tail, but the vivid red of his belly.

It was quite windy up on the mountain. The next picture shows the wind blowing the Quetzal’s tail behind him.

We were so happy. We could not stop grinning and raving about the wonders of seeing the Resplendent Quetzal. The experience was beyond my wildest expectations. Thanks again to Robert, Daria and Jorge for getting me not only up but down the mountain. It was a breathtaking quest and a dream come true.