
Edward O. Wilson wrote in his book Naturalist that the memories one retains the best from childhood are often related to one's true passion and vocation. My furthest memories
from childhood involve birds. Once many years ago my grandparents took me to an airshow, but of all the cool airplanes, fighters and jets present I can only remember one thing
that could fly: a Belted Kingfisher. Later on I explored different groups in nature
and seriously entered the world of orchids when I was eleven, spending most of
my spare time with the orchid experts Robert Dressler, Dora Emilia Mora and
Franco Pupulin at Lankester Botanical Gardens. When I once again encountered
birds during a short introductory course to birding at the botanical gardens, it
was obvious that the rest of my life would be centered around birds. I was very
fortunate to have learned from Costa Rica's most experienced ornithologist,
Julio Sánchez, who took me under his wing and put me on the path I am on now.
At present, my occupations are divided in two major segments: birds and coffee. Any time not spent on research and leading birding and natural history tours throughout Costa Rica, I spend working on my family's organic shadegrown coffee farm,


GET YOUR BIRDS!
ERNESTO CARMAN
Birding guide
I never get tired of watching the same birds over and over, they always do something unexpected. While guiding, the biggest thrill is showing someone a "lifer", or bird they have never seen before, even if it is the same Lesson's Motmot I see every day at my feeder.
Through my work, whether it is guiding or research, I have the opportunity of learning more every day about the birds and nature in general. This provides me with the necessary tools to contribute to the conservation of the species that bring food to my table and joy to my soul!
EMC

