COSTARICA BIRDING TRIP

A pristine mountain valley located high in the Talamanca Mountains at 2200 meters of altitude (7220 ft.) nestled in a steeply walled river valley where the cloud forest is filled with massive oaks and other highland native species. More than 50 endemic birds are found in the central highlands of Savegre. Before reaching our lodge we will stop in a very nice place for lunch with splendid feeders located at 9000 feet of elevation, and have our first chance at a number of the regional endemics found in these mountains, including fancy species such as Volcano Hummingbird, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and both Yellow thighed and Large-footed Finch. For the next two days we will visit private feeders that are excellent for bird photography and also visit an easy to walk trail looking for some special forest birds. All meals are included

A pristine mountain valley located high in the Talamanca Mountains at 2200 meters of altitude (7220 ft.) nestled in a steeply walled river valley where the cloud forest is filled with massive oaks and other highland native species. More than 50 endemic birds are found in the central highlands of Savegre. Before reaching our lodge we will stop in a very nice place for lunch with splendid feeders located at 9000 feet of elevation, and have our first chance at a number of the regional endemics found in these mountains, including fancy species such as Volcano Hummingbird, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and both Yellow thighed and Large-footed Finch. For the next two days we will visit private feeders that are excellent for bird photography and also visit an easy to walk trail looking for some special forest birds. All meals are included

You will start the day looking for one of the most attractive birds in the world: The Resplendent Quetzal. While seeing a quetzal will be our main goal, the valley is also an excellent place for all the specialty birds of the region. After the Quetzal tour the group will spend time photographing highland hummingbirds in a special feeder.
All meals are included

Copal is a private reserve located 1 hour from our lodge. It has forest and feeders. The plan is to leave just after breakfast and arrive just in time to take advantage of the bird activity around the feeders. Copal is the best place in the country to see the Snow-cap, a small, beautiful and rare hummingbird. Back to the lodge in the afternoon for extra time in the feeders near the hotel.
All meals are included

One of the highlights of the trip is the visit the property of a local artist named Cope. He is a well-known local artist and environmentalist who has turned his property into an amazing nature reserve and super diverse feeder. With fruit and nectar feeders and well placed natural perches, this is a photographers and birders dream. After spending time in his garden you will take a very easy walk into the nearby forest and look for several species of roosting owls. List of special birds: American Pygmy Kingfisher, White tipped Sicklebill, Bronze tailed Plumeleteer, Spectacled Owl, Crested Owl, and Great Potoo
All meals are included

Located in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica, renowned for the high bird diversity, the number of National Parks, private protected forests and bird sanctuaries, and the huge raptor and hawk migration that passes the region every year. First thing in the morning Today is waiting for the birds to visit the feeders. After breakfast the group will go to a hide for King Vulture. This is your best opportunity to photograph this majestic bird. Following the itinerary, in the afternoon you will visit a private property which is good for photography and bird observation. Very close views of Red-legged Honeycreeper, Shiny Honeycreeper, Blue Dacnis, and Chestnut- headed Oropendola, White-necked Jacobin, Bronze- tailed Plumeleteer.
All meals are included

Arenal Volcano is the most spectacularly active in Costa Rica and its perfect cone is visible from most anywhere in the area. Birding is productive from the roads, around the Arenal Lake, or the trails in the National Park. Arenal Lodge is located on a 2000-acre property, surrounded by lush nature and a rainforest, housing hundreds of birds and diverse wildlife. This place offers a unique panoramic view of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. On the way to Arenal area the group will visit the feeders of Cinchona, probably the best feeder for middle elevation birds in the whole country.
All meals are included

One the most beautiful environmentally-friendly projects in Costa Rica is Mistico Hanging Bridges, a natural corridor followed by migratory birds between North and South America. According to Ebird a total of 438 species of birds have been found here. There are 16 bridges in total. We spend half day walking the trails and bridges, birding this lowland tropical pristine rain forest. Two other productive feeders are in the list for the day and also a place where we can find the two species of sloths very easily. Looking at birds from the heights give the chance to find raptors like Swallow-tailed Kite, Double-toothed Kite, Tiny Hawk, Bicolored Hawk, and Grey Hawk
All meals are included

The Central Pacific is a unique zone of overlap where both northern and southern species can be seen in the same place. In the afternoon the group takes a tour along the Tarcoles River and Guacalillo mangrove estuary to have the chance of photographing fresh water birds, mangrove species and shore birds as well. Later on we will visit Carara National Park. Great opportunity for fresh water birds, waders and shorebirds. Bird specialties: Baird´s Trogon, Black throated Trogon, Orange collared Manakin, Red crowned Woodpecker, Black hooded Ant shrike, Scarlet Macaw, and Yellow napped Parrot, Mangrove Hummingbird.
All meals are included

Having breakfast in front to the feeder where Scarlet Macaws come to eat is a remarkable experience. We will also spend time in an area where you can see more of this spectacular bird, feeding or roosting. Middle morning we spend time with Alvaro Gutierrez, one of the best photographers of birds and wildlife in the country who will take us to some private places to look for roosting areas where different species use to be.
All meals are included

After breakfast drop off at the airport.