Howler Monkey and Baby - Costa Rica 2012

[Don Cohen]

I enjoyed a great Workshop trip to Costa Rica at the end of April, beginning of May, and wanted to post a shot or two.

This was taken from a boat, on the Bebedero River, near the Pacific Coast. We came across some Howler Monkeys, one of which was carrying a baby on its back. We angled the boat to do some shooting, and the baby seemed quite curious about our presence.

This was my first trip out with my newly acquired Canon 1D Mark IV, and I was pretty pleased with it. It has required some adjustments in post-processing (specifically dealing with noise and sharpening), but the results have been encouraging.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 600L/f4 IS
ISO 800, f/4, 1/1250 second
Manual Exposure

​

 

[Asher Kelman]

Don,

I've been waiting so much for shots from Costa Rica like this. At last!

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 600L/f4 IS
ISO 800, f/4, 1/1250 second
Manual Exposure

​

I'm so impressed with the little fellow. You composed this well!


Thanks,

Asher

 

[Don Ferguson Jr.]

I enjoyed a great Workshop trip to Costa Rica at the end of April, beginning of May, and wanted to post a shot or two.

This was taken from a boat, on the Bebedero River, near the Pacific Coast. We came across some Howler Monkeys, one of which was carrying a baby on its back. We angled the boat to do some shooting, and the baby seemed quite curious about our presence.

This was my first trip out with my newly acquired Canon 1D Mark IV, and I was pretty pleased with it. It has required some adjustments in post-processing (specifically dealing with noise and sharpening), but the results have been encouraging.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 600L/f4 IS
ISO 800, f/4, 1/1250 second
Manual Exposure

​

Don, that is a great photo and it must be some experience to be on the river in Costa Rica seeing all the wildlife and pretty scenery .
Don

 

[fahim mohammed]

Don, what a wonderful trip it must have been. I have never seen an image of a Howler monkey and offspring captured by someone I ' know '. Now I can say ' I know who captured that wonderful image '!!

Additionally, the equipment used I have never seen!! Let alone held in my hands!!

Best.

 

[Don Cohen]

Thanks for the kind words!

I'll be posting others from this trip in the next few days or so.

 

[Robert Watcher]

Very nice capture Don. The Caribbean coast is definitely the best place to catch Howlers, in Costa Rica from my experience. Anne and I have seen one or two at Monteverde - - - but when in Cahuita south of Limon, the trees were loaded with them. It was exhilerarating having their lion like roar, wake us up at 4:00 in the mornings.

For those who aren't aware of the sound Howlers make - I had some video on a little camcorder that we took along a few years ago - - - while not great, you can get a sense of their sound (which I'm sure Don is very familiar with). Although it is nothing like hearing it live in the flesh.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGOW_JzYTWY

 

[Don Cohen]

Fun video, Robert - thanks!

When we stay at Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, we definitely don't need alarm clocks! It is a unique and wonderful experience to have their resonant calls wake us up quite early in the morning!

And just to clarify this particular shot was taken near the Pacific coast, along the Bebedero River, but in general, we see way more Howlers when we're on the Caribbean side.

 

[Robert Watcher]

This was taken from a boat, on the Bebedero River, near the Pacific Coast.

It would help if I learn to read. I probably just made assumptions based on what I was reading on your website about your workshops mention of Tortuguero.

Anne and I were going to head up by bus and boat to Tortuguero two years ago, to explore that part of the country north of Limon - but never got there. Hopefully some year if we ever get back to Costa Rica. For now we are exploring Nicaragua and we managed to see some Mantle Howlers around Laguna Apoyo one evening. We will be spending five months in northern Nicaragua this winter - so will be curious what we encounter up there.

Costa Rica and the Howlers are both definitely experiences of a lifetime. Hope your workshops are well supported and enjoyable to those who go. Again - wonderful shot with baby.

 

[Don Cohen]

5 months in Nicaragua! How exciting! Had a quick look at your journal and website - looks like you both are quite the adventurers!

Nicaragua is often portrayed in a non entirely favorable light by some Costa Ricans we've spoken to - concern about the politics and government, poverty, crime, etc. But it sounds like you've been thriving there!

 

[Robert Watcher]

5 months in Nicaragua! How exciting! Had a quick look at your journal and website - looks like you both are quite the adventurers!

Nicaragua is often portrayed in a non entirely favorable light by some Costa Ricans we've spoken to - concern about the politics and government, poverty, crime, etc. But it sounds like you've been thriving there!

Actually when we went to Nicaragua last year, I have to say that we were a little jaded by the Costa Rican view of the Nicos - portraying them as dangerous and untrustworthy. Nicaragua is definitely a much poorer country - in fact the poorest in this hemisphere along with Haiti since the earthquake. It is not nearly as beautiful as Costa Rica when it comes to the landscape.

But unlike Costa Rica, Nicaragua does have a strong Colonial presence and culture in its buildings and countysides - has it's own traditional musical style (more chance of hearing Avril Levin and other Canadian musicians on Costa Rica radio lol) - - - the people are very friendly, very dedicated to working and education, very content with their life and they love reading. In fact where you will find the streets of San Jose filled with vendors selling home made DVDs of the latest movies, you are more likely to find vendors showing up with their carts filled with books on the streets of Nicaragua. Safety? We have to be street smart in either country. But then we do in our own country as well.

Totally different countries - each with their beauties and each with their detractions. What I love about both countries is that I can fully realize my passion for photography and adventure. I love photographing people, their lifestyles, skills and artistic ability. I have free access in those countries that I would never have or feel comfortable asking for in Canada or the United States.

 

[Don Cohen]

I was hoping for a descriptive answer like this, with real insight into the country - that's exactly what you delivered - thanks!

 

[Asher Kelman]

Don and Robert,

I'm waiting for more wildlife pictures. This is one of my greatest payback for the effort in OPF. One day, I have to join you, Don and get pics myself. That 600mm is hard to pay for and harder to lug along. I think I'd hire a helper.

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

Asher. I agree. I'll be keeping an eye here on more wildlife images from Don.

 

[Don Cohen]

Don and Robert,

I'm waiting for more wildlife pictures. This is one of my greatest payback for the effort in OPF. One day, I have to join you, Don and get pics myself. That 600mm is hard to pay for and harder to lug along. I think I'd hire a helper.

Asher

Well, the next opportunity is in Tanzania, Oct. 25 - Nov. 5. See the link in my signature for details. We still have room, and it would be awesome to have you join us!!

The wildlife there are generally much larger than birds!!! so you won't need to have a 600 with you. Seriously, give it some thought. After all these years of knowing you in the virtual world only, it would be great to get together in real life!