The yellow-headed caracara is a clever and opportunistic bird of prey found throughout Central and South America. Unlike many raptors, it’s often seen walking on the ground or perched on cattle, where it picks off ticks and insects, earning it a bit of a reputation as nature’s janitor. It’s also known to scavenge and even steal food from other animals, making it one of the more adaptable and resourceful birds in its range. Every day while we were in Costa Rica, this guy would come and sit on the railing of our deck, affording me very close up portraits. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.

The common basilisk lizard, also known as the “Jesus Christ lizard,” is famous for its ability to run across the surface of water. Using rapid movements of its hind legs and flared toes, it can sprint short distances across ponds and streams to escape predators. Despite this ability, it’s even better at avoiding notice altogether, often freezing motionless to blend into dense vegetation. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1250, f/5.6 at 1/200th of a second.

I’ve posted a few images of male black curassows before. They are all black with a bright yellow beak. This is the female of the species. They have a distinctive curly crest of feathers atop their heads, giving them a slightly wild, regal appearance. Their plumage varies in color, ranging from barred, rufous, to black morphs. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 4000, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.

The Central American white-faced capuchin monkey is highly intelligent and social, often seen traveling in lively troops through the forest canopy. Curious and resourceful, they use tools, groom one another to strengthen social bonds, and communicate with a wide range of vocalizations and facial expressions. I spotted these two in a small group hanging out in a large fruiting tree in Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 5000, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.

The agouti looks a bit like a squirrel, but larger and with longer, skinner legs. They are a shy but resourceful rodent known for their important role in forest ecosystems. They spend much of their time foraging for fallen fruits and nuts, often burying seeds for later—some of which they forget, helping regenerate the forest. I photographed this one last month in Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 5600, f/5.6 at 1/320th of a second.

A ringed kingfisher doing what ringed kingfishers (and all kingfishers) do. Diving for a fish. I captured this one on a boat excursion through the mangroves of Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 900, f/5.6 at 1/2500th of a second.

Interesting fact about the green iguana: They can survive falls from heights of up to 50 feet without injury. They spend much of their time high in trees, and their strong limbs, long toes, and sharp claws help them grip branches securely. But if they do take a fall, their bodies are built to absorb the impact—sometimes even using their tail to stabilize mid-air like a parachute. This one was photographed in the mangroves of Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 900, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.

Tent-making bats get their name from their unique habit of creating “tents” out of large leaves. Using their teeth, they carefully chew through the veins of leaves—usually from banana or palm trees—causing the leaves to fold in a way that forms a protective shelter. These leafy tents provide the bats with cover from rain, sun, and predators during the day while they roost. A resourceful bit of natural architecture that gives them both safety and shade. Shot on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica last month. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 5600, f/5.6 at 1/200th of a second.

Mealy parrots are members of the amazon family of parrots, and sometimes called the southern mealy amazon or southern mealy parrot. They are one of the largest of the amazons, and predominantly green, with some yellow and orange on the wings. I captured this mated pair in the early morning, preening each other in front of a-not-quite-full moon. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/2500th of a second.