The songs on Pachira are inspired by the plants, animals and places we encountered along our journey through Costa Rica. Following are photos and descriptions of some of these .
The anhinga is a large aquatic bird we encountered in Tortuguero. This intriguing, long-necked bird dives into the water in search of food. It is often called a “piano bird” due to the black and white striping on its wings. These stripes are visible when the bird emerges from the water, settles onto a floating snag and spreads its wings to dry them in the sun.
The water-loving pachira plant is abundant in Tortuguero. It produces a beautiful flower whose long and narrow petals peel down to reveal a bouquet of fine stamens. This flower is much coveted by the howler monkeys who rely on it as a food source.
Los Cerros de Escazu is the mountain range bordering the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The mountains sit high above the capital city of San Juan and present a dramatic and imposing presence, their peaks often enshrouded in clouds.
La Iglesia de Tortuguero is a small chapel in the village of Tortuguero. The village sits on a strip of land between Tortuguero Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
Luna Llena, the full moon. One evening returning from a river expedition we were treated to a full moon rising above the forest canopy. The recollection of this moment fed the narrative of the fisherman longing for his absent love who is so far away.
Negrito was a small but self-assured black and white cat we had the pleasure to meet, living at peace in this tropical forest by the sea. Though the forest teems with creatures of far more wild and volatile temperaments, Negrito is at his ease among them. He is home.