BIRD WATCHING

Costa Rica is a bird watchers paradise. No matter which part of the country you travel to, you are sure to see some interesting birds. However, one of the better places to go in Costsa Rica has to be Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio and the immediate surrounding area are home to more than 250 species at last count. This number includes birds which leave year round in the area and those birds that are migratory in nature.

The beach is the area where everyone likes to start. It may have something to do with the water! Anyway it is possible to see some species of bird along the beach area, however the vast majority of birds will be found further inland. Birds tend to flock towards vegetation so that is where you want to look. Even the trees aroud the school or your host family is likely to be a good place to spot some species such as: hummingbirds, golden tails, and woodnymphs to name just a few!

For many bird watchers a great thrill is when there is a mixed species flock of birds foraging for insects. Few places in the world can you see so many birds together. The colors, sound, and sights are absolutely amazing! At Manuel Antonio there are plenty of opportunities to see such a thing.

One problem most of us have is trying to identify everything we are seeing. Find a guide to help you. A good guide will do at least a few things for you. First that guide will be able to identify the species of bird you come across. Second that guide knows which trees and which areas birds like to stay. Without a guide you will see a lot of birds. With a guide you will see vastly more. Third, your guide will also be able to take you to some interesting spots along some amazing routes.

What a great way to get to know part of Costa Rica!

Much of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:

Courtesy of Christopher P. Baker and Avalon Travel Publishing.
© 2004 Christopher P. Baker. All Rights Reserved.

Spanish Abroad, Inc. highly recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit his website where you can purchase this book or find out more about the author.