21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A female Quetzal feeding her young

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I learned of a small family farm that had a hollow tree with a pair of Resplendent Quetzals who were raising their young. The farmer took me to an area near the tree where I could see the hollowed opening. I studied the behavior of the pair as I was enjoying coffee and biscuits from the farmers wife. I noticed that both male and female would alternately fly into the rainforest and return with berries, worms and tiny avocados. After several hours of watching this alternating routine, I was elated when the baby finally emerged from the nest. Many thanks to the farmer and his wife for their hospitality. Without this, I would never have been able to get this shot.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: The closest city was Puerto jimenez, however, about 40 miles away., Costa Rica
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Conrad Peloquin