Best tips for birding in Costa Rica

It is not a secret that this small but beautiful piece of land named Costa Rica is considered one of the most important countries for birding, due to its position, and geographical location, with 12 life zones that host 932 species of birds which represents 74% of all birds of Central America.

Let’s see what are the top birding areas in Costa Rica.

Highlands.

Central Valley: Poas Volcano, Barva Volcano and Irazu Volcano
Talamanca mountain range: San Gerardo de Dota, Cerro de la Muerte, Savegre Private Reserve, Los Quetzales National Park, Macho Gaff Private Reserve.
Monteverde: Monteverde Cloudforest Preserve, Santa Elena, Curi-cancha Private Reserve, Children’s Eternal Rainforest.

Pacific.

Dry Forest: Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park (wetlands)
Slope: Las Cruces Biological Station, San Vito, Los Cusingos
Rainforest: Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara National Park, Marino-Ballena National Park, Bijagual.

The Caribbean.

Foothills: Arenal, Tapanti, Braulio Carrillo, Tenorio, Turrialba.
Lowlands: Sarapiqui, La Selva Biological Station, Cahuita, Gandoca-Manzanillo, Kekoldi,Tortuguero, Caño Negro.

Steps for planning your perfect Birding or Bird Photography Adventure.

Pick your dates: Consider the low season from May to November when hotels, Reserves, and National Parks have fewer visitors. Fewer people = more birds!
Get a field guide and learn about the 932 species possible to see in Costa Rica. We recommend The Birds of Costa Rica» by Richard Garrigues
Pack your bag – don’t forget your essentials: Passport – Binoculars – Camera – Hiking shoes. Everything else is secondary.
Get off the plane, get out of the airport, and put those binoculars around your neck. The birding starts the minute you exit the airport! Get to update your life list or keep a checklist for Costa Rica. I bet you don’t want to miss a single bird.

Essential Packing for Birding in Costa Rica.

• Camera
• Hiking shoes/boots
• Comfortable clothing
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Rain jacket – Poncho
• Backpack
• Bird Field Guide
• Bird Checklist
• Water Bottle