Here at Hotel Rivel, nature never ceases to amaze us. While our lush rainforest canopy and crystal-clear lake, Lago Angostura, are home to an incredible variety of resident birds, occasional surprises grace our shores. One such visitor recently stole the show – the uncommon Common Pochard!

For those unfamiliar with this fascinating duck, the Common Pochard is a medium-sized diving duck native to Europe and parts of Asia. While not impossible, seeing one in Costa Rica is incredibly rare. So, when our keen-eyed guide, Steven Montenegro, spotted a duck on Lago Angostura that resembled a Redhead or Canvasback, excitement rippled through the birding community.

The initial confusion was understandable. The Common Pochard shares some physical characteristics with both North American ducks. However, upon closer inspection by photographers Adrian Alvarado Rivera and Danny J Alvarado, and the expertise of birding veterans Meche Alpizar and Harry Barnard, the identity became clear – a Common Pochard was indeed enjoying a Costa Rican vacation!

This wasn’t entirely unprecedented. There have been a few documented sightings of Common Pochards in the Caribbean Sea. Perhaps this adventurous soul decided to take a detour and explore the freshwater haven of Lago Angostura.

Let’s delve deeper into what makes the Common Pochard distinctive:

• A Tale of Two Plumages: The males are a sight to behold. Their rusty-red head contrasts beautifully with their pale grey body and black breast. They also sport a broad, pale bluish band on their bill, adding another touch of elegance. Females, however, are much more subdued. They are overall grey-brown with faint markings on their head.
• Diving for Dinner: Unlike some ducks that dabble at the water’s surface, Common Pochards are adept divers. They can disappear underwater for extended periods, searching for aquatic plants, insects, snails, and even small fish.
• A Vocal Repertoire: Though generally quiet, Common Pochards can become quite vocal during breeding season. Males produce low whistles and wheezing calls, while females have a repertoire of growls and raspy noises.

The sighting of the Common Pochard at Lago Angostura is a delightful reminder that the natural world is full of surprises. Even in a biodiverse country like Costa Rica, there’s always the chance of encountering an unexpected visitor.

So, the next time you’re here at Hotel Rivel, keep your eyes peeled! You might just spot a feathered friend you never expected to see in Costa Rica. After all, that’s part of the magic of immersing yourself in nature – the extraordinary can reveal itself around every bend in the path.

Have you ever seen a bird far from its usual habitat? Share your sightings in the comments below!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)