Bird Watching in Costa Rica

When traveling to Costa Rica there is a unique experience for bird watching in this country. Individuals will want to make sure that they have all the essential bird watching equipment with them so that they do not miss out on any part of the experience. A set of more than one pair of binoculars is a good idea to have so that a variety of magnifications are at the individual's finger tips as well as different amounts of light that is let in through the outside lens so that more features can be seen even if it is a darker day outside. In addition, a field guide of birds that are specific to bird watching in Costa Rica is important to keep with the individual at all times, for although the tour guide is usually a master in bird watching for that area, the individual will appreciate the experience more and possibly discover certain species of birds for himself if the field guide is handy.

Where to Go

There are many different sites from which bird watching in Costa Rica can be enjoyed. Each site has its own unique attributes and can be chosen according to the price and type of bird watching experience desired. There are some sites that require the bird watcher to hike into an area which requires the person be in good physical condition to make the trip. Other trips are made by bus or other vehicle through parks on roads that are well kept so that physical condition is not an issue when bird watching in Costa Rica.

One popular place to visit is the Rincon de la Vieja Mountain Lodge where there are hundreds of species of birds to watch. This is a unique location since it is near the top of a volcano and horseback trips can be taken to heighten the bird watching experience. Reserva Selva Bananito is another place for bird watching in Costa Rica that is deep in a rain forest. Very few visitors are allowed at a time in this environment which makes bird watching there even more special.

Rara Avis Rain Forest is another place for a huge variety of species of birds including Umbrella Birds, parrots, toucans and Great Green Macaws. Scientists have found more than three hundred different species of birds in this rain forest, so it is a paradise for bird watchers in Costa Rica. The Talamanca Mountain range is one other beautiful place to go for bird watching since the Rio Macho Forest Reserve is protected, preserving the natural environment there.