The Dover Sherborn Student Leaders in Costa Rica Are Still Having a Blast!

April 16

Today, we woke up at 5:30 AM in order to catch a sunrise canal tour. At first, it was unimaginable to get up at such an hour, but the ride proved to be worth the “struggle”. The sun was just peeking out over the towering trees, and clouds scattered the pink-blue sky as we started our journey. It was easy to pay attention to the passing wildlife, because there was little chatter among the half asleep group.

Among the many birds we encountered was the anhigna. After diving into the water, it stood on a branch with it’s wings spread to dry them. Our guide informed us that since the anhigna doesn’t have oil in it’s wings, it takes longer for it to dry off and be able to fly after being in water. We also saw a little blue heron. I was surprised when our guide told us it’s name, because i saw a small white bird. But i soon learned that it got it’s name from the blueish color it turns when it reaches adulthood. Walking through the grass with tall, skinny legs and a bright face, we spotted a nordin gucanna. I learned that it feeds off of bugs, and has big, wide feet in order to navigate it’s way through tall grass. When they are ready to mate, the female nordic gucannas mate with 6, 7, or sometimes 8 males, and choose one to take care of the eggs when she eventually leaves.

While admiring the blood oak trees on the banks of the river, perched on the highest branch was a white faced capoochi monkey; the first monkey I had ever seen outside of captivity. These monkeys hunt insects, and sometimes other mammals like iguanas. Because these creatures are relatively small, they attack in groups when hunting. The females have babies every 3 to 3 years, and, unlike the nordin gucannas, takes care of them most of the time. Even though we only saw the capoochi monkeys on this excursion, our guide informed us that there were actually 2 more kinds of monkeys that live here; the spider monkey and the howler monkey. It was interesting to learn that these different species can live close in harmony with each other, but 2 of the same species cannot live in the same vicinity. This is because between the 3 species, there is no competition for females or food. Spider monkeys, for example, eat fruit and flowers, and howlers eat leaves. Howlers are led by a dominant leader that “rules” a clan of about 10 others. To my surprise, I learned that spider monkeys are the only monkeys who don’t have thumbs. Instead, they have extremely long arms and sensitive tails, used to pick up and hang onto things. Unlike the other two species, spider monkeys get around by swinging, and can jump up to 10 meters from one tree to another.

Along with monkeys and birds, we were lucky enough to see a crocodile barely peaking it’s head above the water. It was a baby camin crocodile, which can grow up to 7 feet in length, and actually eat each other! We also had to strain our eyes to see the few iguanas that we did. Our guide told us that once iguanas are hatched, they are independent from day 1. They changer from a solid green to a camouflage color when they are adults. Sadly, however, only 5% of them make it to adulthood.

While observing the wildlife surrounding me on the silent boat ride, it really hit me how beautiful these creatures really were. Just seeing the animals different  behaviors, survival skills, and actions for one morning was enough to understand that these rain forests so full of life and prosperity need to be protected. i just can’t wait to help!