BABY BIRDS BABY BIRDS

A few days ago Carlos and I decided to take a break and walk a few of the more than 4 kilometers of trails at Monte Azul. It is always interesting to see what is out there and this day did not disappoint. We had just started our walk on the River Trail and decide to spend some time relaxing on a big rock new one of several swimming holes along the river. It is always relaxing and rejuvenating to sit by the river and just think about nothing even if for just a few minutes.

On our way back up to the River Trail I spotted a strange mass on a leaf. At first I thought that it was a large fungus. It was about 3 inches in diameter and was attached to a large vertically hanging leaf.

Upon closer inspection I realized that it was a bird’s nest. And there were 2 very young fuzzy baby birds inside. They still did not have their eyes open. I have never seen such a nest in such a precarious location or constructed in such a manner. The opening of the nest was just slightly angled off of vertical. The 2 occupants seemed to be enjoying the nest and hopefully you will enjoy these photos. I am not sure what type of birds they are but I am guessing by the look of nest and size of the babies that it some type of hummingbird.

I am constantly amazed at how diverse and surprising the rainforest can be. It is nice to be able to simply walk into it and see what awaits. Come take a walk at Monte Azul and discover something new.

NEW DESSERT INTRODUCED AT CAFÉ BLUE

A new dessert is now featured at Café Blue at Monte Azul. It is a Limòn Mesino Cheese Pie. The pie consists of a cookie crumble crust of galletas Maria and butter. Galletas Maria is a very famous cookie in Costa Rica, the equivalent of Graham crackers or Nilla wafers in the USA. The body of the pie is a mixture of homemade goat ricotta, cream cheese, whipped cream and the delicious limôn mesino. Limòn mesino is a large, bright green fruit that doesn’t have seeds. It is similar to a Key Lime but much larger and juicier. It is very easy to grow in the tropics and fruits at an early age and small tree size. Monte Azul has several of these trees and their fruit inspired the creation of this dessert.

The Limòn Mesino Cheese Pie has been a big hit at Café Blue. Last week it was served to a group of 11 from our neighbor’s at Cloudbridge. I am happy to say that all of the plates came back to the kitchen empty. Here are a few photos of Andy and Esteban plating the dessert for our guests. Perhaps you could be the next guest to sample our latest dessert.