IN SEARCH FOR ENDEMIC SPECIES & THE RESPLENDENT QUETZAL

DESTINATION: TALAMANCA HIGHLANDS, SAN GERARDO VALLEY, DOTA.

Talamanca Highlands, there is not destination in Costa Rica more fulfilling for endemic birds, although the number of species in the highlands in the country are far less than rainforest lowlands, the exceptional number of endemics far exceeds those ones in areas as Corcovado National Park or La Selva. Hummingbirds, flycatchers, vireos, trogons, wrens, are some of the families that had been isolated for millions of years, creating specialization of species, therefore endemic. Among some of the most beautiful birds are found the Resplendent Quetzal and perhaps the only place in which can be found all year long. Giant oaks, misty mornings and crispy air are among many of the wonderful things that make this destination a favorite among us…. Birders!

Birding highlights

• Spotted Wood-quail
• Resplendent Quetzal
• Silvery throated Jay
• Sulphur winged Parakeet
• Dusky nightjar
• Costa Rican Pygmy Owl
• Buffy Tufted-check
• Flame throated Warbler
• Blue throated Toucanet
• Maroon chested ground Dove
• Fiery throated
• Hummingbird

DAILY ITINERARY BY DESTINATION:

Day 1. Pick at the Hotel in San Jose. Early departure to the Savegre Valley; birding along the road for endemics such as Timberline Wren, Junco Volcano, Volcano Hummingbird, Flame throated Warbler, etc.. Upon arrival lunch and garden birding.

Day 2. San Gerardo de Dota. Birding before breakfast. In Search of Resplendent Quetzal. Early birding in search for the elusive Zeledonia, Tapaculo and Resplendent Quetzal. All day birding at the lodge grounds, roadsides, gardens and river edges.

Day 3. San Gerardo de Dota.. Birding after breakfast to oak forest, where dozens of birds are found in the dense understory or high in the canopy. Redstars, silky flycatchers, woodcreepers, woodquails, beards and some eagles are among others to search for. We will return to San Jose after a worthy birding day.

All 3 Birding Days Journeys you need to consider the following:

• If you are spending the night in the San Jose area, please let us know your hotel.
• We must depart no later than 5:30 am (this is in order to avoid heavy concentrations of traffic.
• Breakfast is not included therefore try to arrange with your hotel/lodge prior departure.
• We will be above 2500 meters, warm clothing and rain jacket could be needed.
• Return time to your hotel would be after lunch this is in order to prevent getting stuck in traffic for hours.
  Travel time from San Jose main area to San Gerardo Valley (1:30 hrs)
• Lunch is included