Herons are a popular subject for photography, partly because of their propensity for staying still. This bare throated tiger heron was awaiting fish or small creatures by the side of the waterway through the mangrove swamps at Damas Estuary. A rather striking bird!

He was quite happy perched on a boat parked by the side.

Belatedly Costa Rica has realised the importance of the mangrove habitat for conservation and protection, and is trying to re-establish some degraded habitats as well as preserve what is left.