Some birds are found by chance. Others are earned.
The Royal Flycatcher is one of those birds that teaches patience. Every photographer who comes to Costa Rica dreams of capturing that spectacular fan-shaped crest, but very few realize that the photograph is only a small part of the experience.
For us, April is one of the best times of the year to look for this remarkable species. During the nesting season, Royal Flycatchers spend more time around their nests, giving photographers their best opportunity to observe, and hopefully photograph, the famous crest display that has made this bird legendary.
Today there are several locations in Costa Rica where Royal Flycatchers can be found. Some require only a short, easy walk, while others involve a longer hike but may reward you with cleaner backgrounds or better photographic conditions. Every tour is different, and we always choose the location based on the activity of the birds, the nesting situation, and the physical abilities of our guests.
During one of our recent photography tours, we were fortunate to have a nest only a few minutes from our lodge. It was the perfect setup, or so we thought.
The bird was active, but that doesn’t mean the photography was easy.
We settled quietly in front of the area where the adults regularly perched before visiting the nest. Then we waited.
And waited.
Sometimes the Royal Flycatcher landed exactly where we hoped. Other times it chose a branch hidden behind leaves or one with a distracting background. That’s simply wildlife photography. You can’t direct the bird, you can only prepare yourself for the moment.
Both the male and the female are beautiful birds. The male displays a striking orange-and-red crest with dark marks, while the female’s crest is a brilliant yellow decorated with dark markings. Most of the time, however, those incredible crests remain folded away. The display lasts only seconds, making every opportunity incredibly special.
Over nearly four hours of observation, we saw the birds many times. They flew in, worked on their nest, perched nearby, and disappeared into the forest again. Yet during all that time, the crest opened only twice.
Just two brief moments.
Those few seconds were exactly what everyone were hoping to witness.
Photographing Royal Flycatchers is also technically challenging. The nests are usually located inside shaded forest where light is limited. Fast lenses, such as a 400mm or 600mm f/2.8, provide a real advantage, allowing photographers to maintain faster shutter speeds while keeping ISO under control. Even then, good technique and patience are essential.
One of my favorite parts of these sessions isn’t actually taking photographs.
It’s the waiting.
Sitting quietly in the rainforest has its own rhythm. Everyone speaks in whispers. Movements become slow and deliberate. We exchange stories with our guests, talk about birds we’ve seen, and simply enjoy being immersed in nature.
This time there was an unexpected soundtrack.
Although we were surrounded by tropical forest, the nesting site wasn’t far from a small rural community. Every so often, the breeze carried the sound of salsa music through the trees. There we were, silently waiting for one of Costa Rica’s most elusive birds while Latin music drifted through the forest in the background.
Of course, there were mosquitoes to keep us company too.
After hours of waiting, the moment finally arrives. The bird lands, the crest opens, shutters begin clicking, and then, almost as quickly, it is over.
Once everyone has captured the image they were hoping for, there’s always the same reaction. Smiles. High-fives. Relief. Excitement. Then, later that evening, everyone gathers around the camera screens to relive those precious few seconds.
Those shared moments are what make photography tours so rewarding.
Our role as guides goes beyond simply taking clients to the bird. We position everyone in the best possible location, help with camera settings, advise on exposure in difficult lighting, and make sure every photographer has the best opportunity to succeed. When the bird finally cooperates, seeing our guests celebrate their images is just as satisfying as capturing one ourselves.
The Royal Flycatcher reminds us that wildlife photography isn’t about rushing from one species to the next. Sometimes the greatest rewards come from slowing down, embracing the silence, and allowing nature to decide when the moment is right.
And when that extraordinary crest finally opens…
Every minute of waiting becomes worthwhile.