Sep 5, 2012 | root_ks8kzico

Costa Rica — Rubythroats and Chayote (Group 2)

Nov. 26 - Dec. 4, 2012 Costa Rica is more than just a tropical paradise. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are North American breeders that migrate to the Neotropics. Until 2011 scientists thought the Costa Rican population overwintered on the Pacific Coast, but internationally renowned educator-naturalist Bill Hilton Jr. and his tico colleague Ernesto Carman Jr. discovered a new concentration at Ujarrás on the Caribbean Slope, where these tiny birds apparently pollinate commercial plantings of Chayote squash. As a “citizen scientist” on this nine-day expedition you’ll help capture, band, and observe hummers as part of “Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project.”
 
 
Contact: Debbie Sturdivant

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A Galapagos Penguin mid-jump over volcanic rock and seawater.
A llama stands on a path with the stone walls of an archaeological site in the background.
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