The Resplendent Quetzal

This is the prize find for many bird watchers.  The Quetzal is few in number, very shy and hard to spot. Most of the time it is deep in the foliage and the best you get is a brief glimpse if, indeed, you can find one at all.  We struck lucky and saw five; something our local guide had never before experienced.  They are outstandingly beautiful birds and well worth the extra effort needed to find them.  Although you cannot see it in the picture, they have scarlet bellies.

We are high up in the mountains now and, although the sun is hot by day, there is a fresh breeze and the nights are cool.