Birdwatching in Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio & Quepos
With more than 850 species of resident and migrant birds identified throughout Costa Rica, bird-watching in this country is an extraordinary activity. Why there are lots of birds? Over 60 million years ago, before Costa Rica even existed, the North American continent extended down to where we currently find Nicaragua, which was then a tropical peninsula. 50 million years ago, an intense process of volcanism and tectonic lifting started forming islands between North America and South America. From 3 to 5 million years ago, a complete isthmus was formed, making possible the migration of species from the mainland to these islands. One of the biggest islands is the Talamanca Mountain Range, which heads southeast into western Panama.
About 350 species of birds including migrants can potentially be observed Manuel Antonio and the surrounding area extending to Quepos and the local airstrip. The majority of its bird life is to be found in the forest. It will be easy to see pairs of parakeets, different types of hummingbirds, scarlet-rumped, blue-gray, golden-hooded, yellow-crowned, thick-billed euphonias and many others. The best time to see this wide variety of birds is during the green season from May to November. At any season, it recommend to leave very early in the morning, which is the best time to observe the birds.
In order to get the best out of a birding experience on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it is advised to have a professional birding guide, who will maximize your bird sightings, by taking you to the right spots for bird watching and pointing out the birds. The Birdwatchers of Manuel Antonio Estates have studied the observation of birds and can recognize them by eyes, ears or through a visual enhancement device like binoculars. Their deep knowledges in bird species will give you plenty satisfaction and answer at any of your questions!
Manuel Antonio Estates is working with 1 naturalist birding guides who have already 3 years of experience. This is Johan. He spent 2 years at the national Institut of learning in Quepos and Puntarenas in order to be licensed by ICT (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo). There he studied the First Aide course, conduction and guidance of tourism, touristic legislation, natural history of Costa Rica and general sciences. He knows a lot about mammals, he has knowledges about frogs, insects and trees but the birds are definitively his strength.
He started to be interested in birds because recognizing them by eyes or ears is a big challenge. He really wanted to be good at it so he started birdwatching as a hobby. He learned a lot through books, people, seminaries and by observing the birds in the nature during his free time. He says that birdwatching is not easy but his passion and knowledges about birds are growing every day and he is still waiting to see his favorite bird: The Long Tail Manakin.
Johan thinks that the best condition to observe birds is very early in the morning. The birds are waking up, they start to sing and have breakfast. It is the best time to see them. For him a good birdwatcher should good eyes and ears, big knowledges, a professional equipment and of course the passion for the birds.
Private birdwatching tours can take part in 2 different places:
Manuel Antonio national Park, a birds paradise!
Manuel Antonio National Park exists since 1972. The inhabitants of the area decided to preserve it for future generations because of its beautiful biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Although it is the country's smallest national park, it is prized and privileged for its stunning geography, the beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares. This is also the most visited park in Costa Rica with over 275 000 tourist a years with 55000 hectares of marine area. The abundance of wildlife on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica has often been compared to the Amazon basin.
The park protects areas of primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, beach vegetation and marine life. It is located in between two different types of forests, the tropical wet and the tropical dry, giving the park an unusual diversity of species. Manuel Antonio is a small biological island which contains a charming combination of rain forest, beaches, coral reefs and birds diversity, connecting to the local rivers leading to central valley corridor all the way to the Atlantic ocean.
270 species, including migrants, can potentially be observed in the park. During the birdwatching tour, your guide will surely show you brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, Turquoise-browed Motmot, toucan, sparrow, and many others. During the early hike you can usually see monkeys, sloths and other different mammals as well. Come and join us for a fascinating nature experience!
Palma Pacifica – Discover the rainforest surrounding Quepos and Manuel Antonio!
Palmas Pacifica property is located 2km on the quiet outskirts of Quepos, surrounded by the primary and second forest. The area offer the uniquely breathtaking fusion of scenic mountain beauty and an active lifestyle. Up there, people will have the chance to see toucans, flycatchers, falcons, MotMot, stripe-throated hermit, orange chimed parakeets and many other exotic birds feasting on tropical fruit trees. This is the best place to observe the abundant sorts of birds due to its quite impressive primary and second growth forests. The trails are large and it is possible to observe the birds flying or simply resting next to a little pond.
Let one of our experienced guides take you on a spectacular walk to see some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful species of birds!
Villa Nueva
Vila Nueva is located at the top of the ricefield near of the rivers Naranjo, Savegre and Portalon, 20 km from Quepos. This is a perfect location for birdwatching as the rivers attract many sorts of birds. Per day, it would be possible to observe up to 40 species. The primary rainforest, the ricefield and the 3 rivers make Vila Nueva a great place to observe many birds like Roadside Hawk, Great Kiskadee, Tropical Kingbird, Dusky Capped, Orange collared Manakin, Fiery billed Aracary, Chesnut-Mandibled Toucan, Cherrie's Tanager, White crested coquette, Swallow Tailed Kite and many other.
In Vila Nueva, you will experienced the best birdwatching tour you never had!
For more information
on Quepos Real Estate and Manuel Antonio Vacation Rentals, or to
schedule an exciting tour, please contact Manuel Antonio Estates:
