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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton
@mikemelton.bsky.social
35K followers 800 following 7.6K posts
All photos are my own and not AI. I am a filmmaker and photographer based in Olympia, WA, and Bijagua, Costa Rica @casabentbill.bsky.social but I spend as much time as I can in hot, humid, tropical forests. Because that's where the birds are! he/him
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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 6h
A young male Crowned Woodnymph this morning at @tapirvalley.bsky.social #CostaRica

#birds #hummingbirds #nature
Close-up of a perched hummingbird with iridescent green and deep blue-purple feathers, a slightly curved black bill, and a smooth green blurred background.
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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 6h
it seems to have two purposes. The adults will turn their white backs to the sun and I think that helps keep them cooler by reflecting light.

Second, the white reflection just looks like a bright leaf in the sun, also acting as camouflage while nesting.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 6h
Both the juveniles and adults are pretty well camouflaged when hunting in wetlands. The young match the reeds and trees of the lagoons and the adults vanish in the shade under thick vegetation.

Interestingly, the adult, breeding plumage has a lot of white which seems like it would stand out but...
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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 8h
Yes, the adults are very elusive. There's so little known about this species because they're so difficult to find. Next year, we'll be able band and use some radio tracking to find out where these birds go the rest of the year. It's an incredible opportunity. We had over 500 nests here this season.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 9h
I spent some time with the young Agami Herons yesterday at Agami Island #costarica

So many youngsters are still around the colony, busy fishing in the canals. The adults are long gone now and the kids are own their own.

#birds #herons #nature #wildlife
Close-up side profile of a brown heron with a very long, slender bill, bright yellow eye, and blurred green foliage in the background.
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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 1d
He did. He found a few bananas, ate some of my garden plants, scratched his butt on a log, and then headed off for more adventures!
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 2d
We could all use more tapirs in our lives right now.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 2d
Well, if you ever get a chance to visit Bijagua and Tapir Valley, you'll most likely see one. Just five years ago, they were very shy and skittish; now, they're very comfortable with people and plentiful. We have some new babies that are showing up in the community.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 2d
Bananas came to visit this afternoon!

I haven't seen him for a while, but he wandered through the garden today and came to say, "Hi" to me.

I love Bananas! Mi amigo.

At @casabentbill.bsky.social #CostaRica

#tapirs #mammals #wildlife #bairdstapir
A close-up photo of a Baird’s tapir standing on a wet, leafy path in a lush green forest, looking directly at the camera with its long snout and large rounded ears visible.
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Reposted by Mike Melton
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Under Grumpa's Hat @grumpa.ca · 2d
#CostaRica

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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 3d
Most of our North American birds are heading south to visit me down here! I'm looking forward to the migrating warblers.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 3d
Preening male Snowcap #hummingbird at @tapirvalley.bsky.social #CostaRica

#birds #nature #hummingbirds
A small hummingbird with deep magenta and purple plumage is perched on a branch, preening its feathers. Its head is turned to the side, showing a bright white crown against a smooth green background.
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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 3d
The Fiery-throateds are as irresistible to me as Snowcaps or Bushtits. I have tens of thousands of shots of them, but can't help myself getting more.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 3d
It's a constant struggle. This one worked because it had its head tilted away from the brightest light and I was able to get the texture of the feathers on the cap. But there aren't very many cameras that have the dynamic range to get it in normal light.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
We'll find out in 400 days!
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
Nah, they're gentle, fascinating animals.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · May 12
My first afternoon at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge and I'm getting a nice resupply of Fiery-throated Hummingbirds. I don't know if there's a 12-step program for this particular addiction, but I might need it.

#hummingbirds #birds #costarica #nature
A small bird perched on a branch with vividly iridescent plumage that shimmers in shades of green, blue, and fiery orange, with a deep blue crown and a compact, rounded body.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
Yes, I think this is Paco and he's been in a few scuffles with other males over the years.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
No, I think this is Paco. He is at least four or five years old and I think he recently mated with one of the females here.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
A Baird's Tapir.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
My neighbors know the tapirs by name and they are very protective of them.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
Just five years ago, Baird's Tapirs were very shy in this area. They were still hunted and avoided humans.

Because of the conservation work being done in the community, these amazing animals have become very relaxed with people and they've become a part of the community.
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Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
This #tapir was sleeping in the open area at @tapirvalley.bsky.social #CostaRica this afternoon and then woke up to visit me as I was leaving.

#bairdstapir #nature #wildlife #mammals
A tapir stands on a grassy area, its mouth slightly open as if mid-chew. The animal’s dark body contrasts with lighter markings around its face and ears, and the background is filled with soft green vegetation.
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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
This male Snowcap #hummingbird was taking a break to preen a bit yesterday at @tapirvalley.bsky.social #CostaRica

#birds #nature #hummingbirds
A small hummingbird with deep magenta and violet plumage is perched on a branch, fluffing its feathers. Its head is turned to the side, showing a bright white forehead and a long, slender bill, set against a soft green background.
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mikemelton.bsky.social
Mike Melton @mikemelton.bsky.social · 4d
I think this might be Julian, but I'm not sure. Identifying tapirs visually is difficult. He was a lot more skittish than the other day, so I'm not sure. Julian is 3 years old.
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