After our exhilarating view of the Resplendent Quetzal, Team Finnegan had two days to explore the area around Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. There were several very interesting guided tours to see birds of the mountains. Sadly these tours all involved some hiking and I was not very mobile with tendinitis in my foot. The staff at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge rose to the occasion and arranged two private guided tours for us that did not involve a lot of walking. We had two wonderful days driving through lovely farmlands with great vistas.
First up were some very active bird feeders at a small inn.
This acorn woodpecker was an avid visitor to the feeders. I guess it has other things on the menu besides acorns. It was fun to see this enthusiastic bird again. We had a family of acorn woodpeckers living next door to us when we had our house above Murphys, CA. 
Next bird at the feeder was the Clay-colored Thrush. With all of the very colorful birds in Costa Rica, you may be surprised to learn that the Clay-colored Thrush in Costa Rica’s national bird. It is my understanding that despite the drab appearance, this bird has a very lovely song which has earned it the national bird title.
We enjoyed watching the antics of the Sooty Thrush spiriting away a treasured blackberry.
The Rufous-collared Sparrow is very common, but it is very high on the cuteness quotient and also has a beautiful song.
Our guide took us to another ecco lodge for more bird opportunities plus lunch. This lodge, Toucanete Lodge is in the scenic Copey Valley and is a place to see a bird called the Emerald Toucanet……a small type of toucan. After seeing a picture of the Emerald Toucanet, we became obsessed to see one. We looked and looked for two days. We had a delicious lunch at the Toucanet Lodge. We also spotted many other wonderful birds. The Emerald Toucanet did not make an appearance during our visit.
The Blue-grey Tanager was a treat to see.
Interestingly, this is a pair of Flame-colored Tanagers. The male is the orange one.
Hoffmann’s Woodpecker
Daughter Daria on the hunt for the elusive Emerald Toucanet
We loved our time at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. People from all over the world make the trek to this ecco lodge for the chance to see a quetzal and other mountain birds. I’d love to go back without mobility issues to hike around and see more beautiful birds that call the Costa Rican mountains home.