“Every nature photograph is a small act of preservation—proof that this moment, this creature, this place, once existed in full dignity.”
Frank Matheis
Read about this photo documentary.
“Everything in nature is interconnected. Break the system anywhere, and the damage moves everywhere. When insects fall silent, birds follow—and we are next.”
Frank Matheis
About this photo documentary
This photo series was taken in March 2026 in Sarapiquí, Heredia; Valverde Vega and San Carlos, Alajuela, in the northern rainforest of Costa Rica.
At each location, we worked with local birding guides who know their terrain and birds in detail. Along with the exotic local birds, it was lovely to see familiar birds from home in the Hudson Valley—warblers and orioles—wintering here in the warm climate.
Costa Rica holds more than 900 bird species, and wildlife is present everywhere. What sets Costa Rica apart is how much it offers in a small space. Within short distances, you move through different habitats, each with its own species.
More than a quarter of the country is protected. Private reserves, biological stations, and a well-developed lodge system make field access straightforward. Wildlife is not pushed out—it remains visible. Trails, feeders, canopy walkways, and experienced guides all help reduce the distance between observer and subject.
The broader framework matters. Costa Rica is politically stable and has made conservation part of its economy. Everything works together: biodiversity, access, protection, and infrastructure. For a photographer or naturalist, it is a perfect place.