{"id":2678,"date":"2026-03-22T17:03:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T16:03:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.speich.net\/articles\/?p=2678"},"modified":"2026-04-07T11:37:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:37:52","slug":"hummingbird-photography-in-costa-rica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speich.net\/articles\/en\/2026\/03\/22\/hummingbird-photography-in-costa-rica\/","title":{"rendered":"Hummingbird Photography in Costa Rica"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I participated in a twelve-day photo workshop led by Greg Basco and Paolo Valerio from Foto Verde Tours<\/a> with a focus on multi-flash hummingbird photography in Costa Rica from 6 to 12 February, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula<\/em>) fights with a Magenta-throated Woodstar (Philodice bryantae<\/em>) over access to an Indian Head Ginger flower (Costus spicatus<\/em>).
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/200s at \u0192\/11 and ISO 320 using a multi-flash setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During the workshop, we visited four different habitats: the Atlantic rainforest and the wetlands of Ca\u00f1o Negro, both bordering Nicaragua, as well as the cloud forest in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and the Elfin forest of the Talamanca Mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Atlantic Rainforest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our first stop was at the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge<\/a> where we stayed three nights. At the lodge they had set up a very nice perch and supplied it constantly with tropical fruits that attracted many birds, such as toucans, oropendolas and curassows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma<\/em>) collects plant material to build a nest.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S, exposure 1\/1600s at \u0192\/4.0 and ISO 1100.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the evening we already had the first highlight of the workshop, multi-flash bat photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Pallas’s Long-tongued Bat (Glossophaga soricina<\/em>) flying toward the flower of a banana tree (Musa \u00d7 paradisiaca<\/em>) and sticking its tongue out.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 70-200mm \u0192\/2.8 VR S, exposure 3s at \u0192\/13 and ISO 250 using a multi-flash setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At a friend’s house nearby, we had our first opportunity to photograph hummingbirds while they were visiting flowers. Greg and Paolo set up multiple flashes to freeze wing beats and illuminate the hummingbirds perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A female White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora<\/em>) in an almost perfect pose for pollination by a Pink Flamingo Heliconia flower (Heliconia chartacea<\/em>).
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/200s at \u0192\/11 and ISO 500 using a multi-flash setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A second photo session at the same location was for macro photography of insects, snakes and frogs, including the iconic Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidrya<\/em>s). Unfortunately, two of the insect species took off before we could capture them on the image sensor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidrya<\/em>s) walking up a branch.
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 105mm \u0192\/2.8 VR S, exposure 1\/250s at \u0192\/16 and ISO 100 using a Godox V860 III flash with diffusor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before moving on to the next location, we all went to take photos of King (Sarcoramphus papa<\/em>) and Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus<\/em>) from permanently installed blinds. Unfortunately, the vultures didn’t seem too hungry and took their time to fly down from the nearby trees to the carcasses in front of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A juvenile King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa<\/em>) is about to land next to some Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus<\/em>).
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/2000s at \u0192\/4.6 and ISO 2000.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ca\u00f1o Negro Wetlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Ca\u00f1o Negro wetlands are pretty remote and the road leading to them was in rather bad shape, so getting there was a bit rough, but certainly worth it. On the way, our group of keen photographers stopped at a bird sanctuary to photograph free-flying Great Green (Ara ambiguus<\/em>) and Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A hybrid Macaw (Ara ambiguus \u00d7 macao<\/em>) in flight.
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/2500s at \u0192\/4.5 and ISO 4000.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cano Negro Natural Lodge<\/a> is surrounded by the biodiverse Ca\u00f1o Negro Wildlife Refuge where we explored the lagoons and canals on a private boat twice. Thanks to the knowledge of the local guide and the expert boat captain who knew how to position the boat optimally and keep it steady, we got to photograph four of Costa Rica’s five kingfisher species. Luckily for us, the birds didn’t seem to be as shy as normal, so we could get rather close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
A flying Tropical Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata<\/em>)
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/3200s at \u0192\/4.5 and ISO 6400.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
An Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona<\/em>) perched in front of the nest.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S focal length 840mm, exposure 1\/1600s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 1250.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana<\/em>) swallowing a fish.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S focal length 840mm, exposure 1\/5000s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 2000.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
An American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenae<\/em>) on the hunt.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S focal length 840mm, exposure 1\/640s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 2500.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The whole refuge is abundant with wildlife. Besides the usual Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus<\/em>) and Anhingas (Anhinga anhinga<\/em>), we photographed other birds such as the funny-looking Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius chochlearius<\/em>) and even a Common Squirrel Cockoo (Piaya cayana<\/em>) in the open. We also took photos of bats and reptiles such as caimans, crocodiles, turtles and iguanas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus<\/em>) pestered by two yellow horse flies (probably Diachlorus ferrugatus<\/em>).
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S, exposure 1\/1250s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 500.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Handholding the Nikkor Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S lens on the boat was not a problem and the extra reach of the integrated teleconverter proved to be very useful. The super light Nikkor Z 400mm \u0192\/4 for flight shots came in handy too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cloud Forest<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

To reach the central volcanic mountain range we had to drive for several hours. We shortened the time by taking a lunch break at a roadside restaurant which also happened to be a good place to photograph iguanas. The Lodge Bosque de Paz<\/a> was small and turned out to be my favorite. It was situated on a clearing in the forest next to a stream and we had it to ourselves. As at the previous locations, there was enough spare time to explore and enough wildlife to take pictures of around the lodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Purple-throated Mountain-Gem (Lampornis calolaemus<\/em>) waiting in a bush for his turn at the feeder.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S focal length 840mm, exposure 1\/320s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 2000.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On both days and right at the lodge, Paolo and Greg provided multi-flash setups with attractive native flowers. Especially the flower of the Kitti Cat Heliconia (Heliconia vellerigera<\/em>) was an absolute eye-catcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A female Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula<\/em>) visits the hairy flower of a Kong Heliconia (Heliconia vellerigera<\/em>).
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/200s at \u0192\/11 and ISO 320 using a multi-flash setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The flower of the Indian Head Ginger (Costus spicatus<\/em>) proved to be especially good for action since the birds had only one flower to feed on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula<\/em>) tries to scare a Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy<\/em>) away from the flower of an Indian Head Ginger (Costus spicatus<\/em>).
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/200s at \u0192\/11 and ISO 320 using a multi-flash setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We also made an excursion to a nearby valley with a restaurant that offered stunning vistas of the cloud forest and the adjacent waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The beautiful Catarata del Toro is 82 meters high.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 24-120mm \u0192\/4 S, exposure 1\/100s at \u0192\/4.0 and ISO 250.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The place had some paths through the forest where it was a challenge to take photos due to the darkness. I got lucky and saw two Tayras (Eira barbara<\/em>) crossing the path. Unfortunately, the encounter was too short to take pictures. Instead, I photographed a Nightingale-Trush (Catharus fuscater<\/em>) singing the signature song of Costa Rica’s cloud forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Slaty-backed Nightingale-Trush (Catharus fuscater<\/em>) singing near the cloud forest floor.
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/160s at \u0192\/4.5 and ISO 5000.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The restaurant’s garden offered great opportunities to take backlit photos of hummingbirds sitting in the surrounding bushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
This most common species was the Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula<\/em>), here a backlit female sitting on a branch.
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 400mm \u0192\/4.5 VR S, exposure 1\/250s at \u0192\/4.5 and ISO 2500.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our two leaders from Foto Verde Tours had the permission to put up flashes for hummingbird photography there. Unfortunately, the available space was a bit limited and I couldn’t move back far enough to use the Nikkor Z 400mm. Instead, I had to use the Nikkor Z 70-200mm, which was a little short for a nice bokeh on some of the setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elfin Forest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our last destination was the lodge Paraiso del Quetzal<\/a> to photograph the holy grail of Central America birding, the Quetzal. It took us several hours of waiting on three cold mornings, during which I wore everything I had brought on the trip, including a hat and gloves. Once, when we changed location in hope for more luck, a male visited one of the perches for a few seconds before flying off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno<\/em>) sitting on a mossy perch.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S, exposure 1\/500s at \u0192\/4.0 and ISO 2500.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The lodge consisted of several bungalows strewn about the steep slope of a mountain valley with spectacular views. At dinner time, the restaurant always had a fire going, providing a cozy atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also traveled to a nearby valley where we ate lunch at our guide’s favorite restaurant. I ended the meal with my first Costa Rican espresso (locals normally drink just black coffee). Then we moved to a garden with a feeder area run by friends of Greg and Paul, which we could use exclusively that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A female Volcano Hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula<\/em>) spreading the tail feathers in a perfect pose letting us discern it from the Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla<\/em>), which doesn’t have two green inner ones (also see photo further below).
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S focal length 840mm, exposure 1\/2000s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 4000.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As on the other days, Greg and Paolo kindly set up the flowers for the hummingbird photography, but this time without the flashes, since there was enough daylight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Talamanca Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis<\/em>) in flight and a bee on a flower of the Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria<\/em>).
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S, exposure 1\/5000 at \u0192\/4.0 and ISO 1600.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At one time, the rain started to pour, creating the opportunity to take some unusual photos of wet colibris with rain drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Lesser Violet-Ear (Colibri cyanotus<\/em>) waiting for the rain to stop.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S focal length 840mm, exposure 1\/2000s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 6400.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A Scintillant Hummingbird (Selasphorus scintilla<\/em>) flicking its wings in the rain and showing its tail feathers. The rain drops give a an idea of how tiny the bird is with its body size of just 6-7cm.
Nikon Z9 with NIKKOR Z 600mm \u0192\/4 TC VR S focal length 840mm, exposure 1\/2000s at \u0192\/5.6 and ISO 7200.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Final Words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All the lodges we stayed at, were carefully selected and had nice local food options. The bus we traveled with had ample space and the driver made me feel like I was in very good hands. Greg and Paulo always provided some historical and cultural context of the country. All additional guides were local as well, and people were always friendly and welcoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rainforest photography is a challenge. First you have to find the subject in the dense foliage, then there is almost always something obstructing the line of sight, such as a branch or leaf. The light is either too dark or too bright, mostly both at the same time, with a harsh light spot on or near the subject. Furthermore, the foliage is generally glossy, creating glare on the image. The heat and humidity when taking photos is not to be underestimated. Plus, you always have to keep an eye out for potentially deadly snakes or stinging insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A yellow Eyelash Pit Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii<\/em>) wrapped around some berries.
Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 105mm \u0192\/2.8 VR S, exposure 1\/250s at \u0192\/16 and ISO 100 using a Godox V860 III flash with diffusor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But it is also immensely rewarding. When you find the one hole in the foliage and get a clear shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flash photography can solve or mitigate some of these problems. If you are interested in learning about it, I can recommend both of Greg’s e-books Flash for the Nature Photographer<\/a> and The Guide to Tropical Nature Photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: All photos on this page were only edited with Adobe Lightroom, no elements were added or removed from the images, some have Denoise applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Wildlife Photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After this workshop, I spent two more weeks in Costa Rica to take many more photos. For this second part of the trip I was joined by my wife and we traveled from San Jos\u00e9 down to the Osa Pennisula and back up. During that time, we had a night tour in Drake Bay<\/a>, a private mangrove tour on the Sierpe River, and a wildlife tour in the Hacienda Bar\u00fa National Wildlife Refuge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m currently in the process of reducing the number of photos I’ve taken on the trip and I will be adding them to my photo database<\/a> on this website in the following weeks. Stay tuned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I participated in a twelve-day photo workshop led by Greg Basco and Paolo Valerio from Foto Verde Tours with a focus on multi-flash hummingbird photography in Costa Rica from 6 to 12 February, 2026. During the workshop, we visited four different habitats: the Atlantic rainforest and the wetlands of Ca\u00f1o Negro, both bordering Nicaragua, as … <\/p>\n

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