Birdwatching

Even though forests are being cut and a few species are nearly extinct, the total number of species in Costa Rica is actually INCREASING, because new species are spreading from the north and south. Previously, the entire area was made up of impenetrable jungle, but now the clearing has made it possible for many species to spread. The arrival of new species may put heavy competitive pressure on native birds, and within 100 years, many native species may be lost.

In the Malpais/Montezuma area, we supposedly have over 300 species of birds, but I’ve only been able to document a small percentage of those. I hope that other photographers will help to fill out this section of the website.

If you’re interested in birdwatching, then you’ll be interested to know that the best season to see many species is in the dry season, when supposedly many species migrate to the area to eat bugs that are easier to find when there’s less foliage. Even the famous “bellbird” takes up residence here in remote jungle valleys of the area during the dry season, and disappears when the first rains start to fall.

We’ve noticed that the best time to see birds is in the morning, around 7-8 a.m., which we call “the birdy hour”. Also, if you’re lucky enough to find a swarm of army ants, you’ll probably see a dozen or more bird species perched around, looking to swoop down and prey on bugs that the ants stir up.

If you find an injured bird, perhaps one that hit a window, just leave it alone and keep cats away from it for a while. Usually they will recover within an hour or two and fly off. If the bird still seems hurt, then contact Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary in Cabuya and they will take it and try to nurse it back to health for release.