Tárcoles River — From the boat
The river moves quietly between the mangroves, concealing far more than it reveals.
Setting
Tárcoles River
Puntarrenas, Costa Rica
Summer afternoon
9.7686° N, 84.6063° W
Observation
The boat moves slowly along the Tárcoles River. The water is brackish, muddy, and calm.
Mangroves line both sides of the river. Birds gather along the shoreline.
Crocodiles are present but not immediately visible.
The sound of the motor carries across the water.
Moment
A Great Egret stands motionless at the water’s edge. Crocodiles rest along the banks or remain just below the surface.
A Crested Caracara holds position along the mud. A juvenile hawk stands further downriver, unmoving.
The boat slows.
A crocodile rests in the mud nearby.Only a few feet separate water and boat.Eye contact holds briefly before breaking.
Macaws cross overhead as the light lowers.
Reflection
Nothing here is passive, even in stillness.