Author John Boorman’s great book ‘Deliverance’ gives us some wonderful advice:

“Sometimes you’ve got to lose yourself before you find anything.

Well, I didn’t get lost this morning, exactly–but I did take a walk along a stretch of road that I’ve zipped past in my car no doubt hundreds of times before…and so have you, I’ll bet. On that stretch of road grows an epic Ceiba tree. This tree lives in a small patch of greenery near a jolly little stream with a burbling cascade. Fruiting trees grows there, as do Cecropia trees, ferns, vines and epiphytes. As you’re heading down to Sabalito, you’ll see this spot (see below) on the left side of the road about 40 meters past the Pali and Frio Sur..

Photos courtesy of Greg Homer. Oct. 2, 2024

There are no signs announcing this place; no benches…no trails. But the hour I spent birding there this morning proved to be one of the better birding experiences I’ve had.

My point? We have great birding spots ALL OVER Coto Brus; and not limited to the well known National Parks, Gardens and Reserves. These diamond-in-the-rough spots can be most enjoyable and may give you some never-to-forget natural history moments.

If you have the time, check out the spot I have just described. You know what? We should get some benches put out there and give it a name.

Please share with me any Diamond in the Rough spots you enjoy.

Greg Homer

eltangaral@gmail.com.