We came to Monteverde in 1980 because one of our professors at the University of Florida was starting a new research project there in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and because that project would also provide us with great opportunities for each of us to conduct our own independent doctoral research. We fell in love with the forest, the birds, and the plants right away, of course, but we didn't anticipate just how important the Monteverde community would become to us - the friendships we formed early on are still dear to us after all the years, and the idea of "coming home" to Monteverde is something we look forward to ever year. Moreover, the community as a whole continues to inspire us with just how good people can be. Of course, being one of the closest houses to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and nestled right up against the forest, Casa Tigrillo never disappoints the naturalist in us - we've seen scores of species of birds (including about 10 species of hummingbirds!), three species of monkeys, foxes, brocket deer, kinkajous, olingos, and lots of other mammals right from our front porch. And, of course, hundreds of species of colorful butterflies, beetles, and other insects!