10,000 Birds

AUGUST 3, 2019

Although it’s feasible and fairly easy to see Great Tinamou at some sites in Costa Rica, in most other places, the time investment needed to see one usually relegates it to the “heard only” category. In no particular order, these are my top 25 picks for target birds of Costa Rica. Why 25 and not ten?

Costa Rica 203

Costa Rica Panama Birds Eagles 203

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 12, 2019

In October, it’s what’s happening in Costa Rica. Our big month of bird movements in Costa Rica, the 10th month of the year, is when most of the swallows, Scarlet Tanagers , thrushes, and other species on the South American express push through. What Scarlet Tanagers look like in October Costa Rica.

Costa Rica 264

Costa Rica Nicaragua Birds Panama 264

10,000 Birds

JULY 20, 2019

If a list also shows the status for each species, birders on their way to Costa Rica would realize that they shouldn’t really expect vireos with white eyes nor blue heads (but would hopefully know that they should very much report those species on eBird so local birders can chase them!). Spot-bellied Bobwhite bites the dust.

Costa Rica 202

Costa Rica Birds Owls South America 202

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 28, 2015

In Costa Rica, although I did spend a memorable one years ago in the Osa Peninsula where flocks of parrots flew into the mangroves while we feasted on turkey, pie, and the works, we have no actual Wild Turkeys , nor an official Thanksgiving. That last little bit is also why we call it “Turkey Day”! Ain’t I great?

Costa Rica 179

Costa Rica Turkey Ecuador Hunting 179

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 29, 2016

Costa Rica is situated right between two oceans. Over there on the Caribbean (that’s what we call the Atlantic Ocean in Costa Rica), the lowlands are supposed to be blanketed in lush, over-vegetated rainforests. To the north of this mountainous isthmus, we have the Atlantic. In the other direction, the Pacific.

Costa Rica 166

Costa Rica San Jose Panama Birds 166

10,000 Birds

JUNE 11, 2016

In Costa Rica, June is breeding bird count season. Protected area or not, there has been change in the air, and we need to see how the birds are responding. Most, like the Black-thighed Grosbeak, are also endemic to Costa Rica and Panama.

Breeding 101

Breeding Costa Rica Birds Panama 101

Critter News

JANUARY 13, 2009

At the end of 2007, the World Society for the Protection of Animals selected the McKee Project to work on spay/neuter programs in Guatemala. Although they are best known for their work in Costa Rica, they also work in Mexico and Panama. This is a great group that I've spotlighted before.

Guatemala 100

Guatemala World Society For The Protection Of Animals Spay Spaying 100

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2014

Patrick had many birds to choose from for his Best Bird of the Year but he chose a new species for him in Costa Rica, a real regional rarity: My BBOTY for 2014 goes to Hudsonian Godwit. Once endangered, they lead happy, protected lives, oblivious to the tourists who love them. Carlos’s BBOTY – the Nicobar Pigeon.

2014 195

2014 Costa Rica South Africa Birds 195

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

When Costa Rica becomes a topic of conversation, we don’t usually hear the word “extinction” being thrown around. But how about when the Costa Rica conversation involves a birder? It’s easy to bedazzle the bins with this one when birding in Costa Rica. Must be a joke, right?

Costa Rica 226

Costa Rica Species Panama Birds 226

10,000 Birds

APRIL 25, 2019

8%: Brazil, Panama. 21%: Costa Rica. The high position of Costa Rica comes as no surprise and yet, with more than one fifth of the total votes, I was a bit surprised how strong its 1st place is. 4%: Mexico, West Papua (Indonesia), New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya. 10%: Australia, Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea 214

Papua New Guinea America Costa Rica Sri Lanka 214

10,000 Birds

MARCH 1, 2011

home about advertise archives birds conservation contact galleries links reviews subscribe Browse: Home / Birds / Veraguan Mango – Panama’s ex-endemic Veraguan Mango – Panama’s ex-endemic By James • March 1, 2011 • 4 comments Tweet Share Endemism is special. So where does this leave Panama?

Panama 214

Panama Costa Rica 2011 Cleveland 214

10,000 Birds

APRIL 28, 2018

In addition to Spanish, several other languages continue to be spoken, the pines and cypress trees of the Guatemalan highlands only occur as introduced species once you travel south of Nicaragua, and dozens of bird species that occur in Costa Rica and Panama don’t even make it to Nicaragua. How true this was!

Costa Rica 119

Costa Rica Guatemala Birds Nicaragua 119

10,000 Birds

MARCH 1, 2011

Whilst working on Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica , I had the pleasure of having Katherine Herbourn assist with some of the field work we were doing. Dale studied scarlet macaws, and worked in their conservation, for three years in southern Costa Rica, followed by a year in the Caribbean working on Whale Sharks.

Cats 150

Cats 2011 Costa Rica Deer 150