On a recent trip to Costa Rica, while driving South on the Pan Am Hwy. we were abruptly tossed around in our guide's vehicle as he shouted "WOW, those are Brown-Throated Parakeets" and quickly pulled the car over. I had no idea what was happening, so I just followed his lead and we both quickly grabbed our cameras and started shooting away. It wasn't until we were back in the car that I asked him what all the fuss was about. He said that this particular breed of parakeet is very rare in this part of the country. I did some research, and his story checks out. So while at the time I was not too impressed by a bunch of parakeets, I now see the excitement of it all, and am glad we were able to experience this. As a photographer, you have to keep an open mind, because I can assure you that parakeets were not at all what I was hoping to photograph on this trip. This unexpected flock of beautiful and rare, green parakeets turned out to be my favorite shot of the trip.