Introduction
On this trip we attempted to cover as many sites and habitats as possible in just over two weeks without having to drive at night, rush around too much or cover long distances during the day. Everything worked out OK except the break-in our 4WD suffered in Tarcoles. It is a good idea to avoid the car park at the start of the river trail as it is below the road and hidden from view which makes vehicles an easy target. It is much safer to park on the bridge near the police hut and walk to the start of the river trail. This made us fairly wary about leaving the 4WD vehicle anywhere for the rest of the trip, we did a morning trip to Braulio Carrillo from La Selva so we didn’t have to leave all our stuff in the vehicle, and asked someone at the HQ to keep an eye out for us. Apart from this minor hitch we had no other problems. The birding was very good with trip highlights of 2 Umbrellabirds, 4 Three Wattled Bellbirds, 33 species of hummingbird, 22 species of tanager and 2 Great Currasows. We used Costa Rica Gateway to help us plan and book parts of our holiday, they were very helpful but on the whole you don’t really need to do this unless you want to stay at Tarcoles Lodge or Rancho Naturalista, the two lodges they own.
Sites Visited
La Selva
It is worth staying at the research station as you then have access to the primary forest. If you stay elsewhere you have to take a guide every time you go in which can be quite expensive. You can book direct with La Selva via their website www.ots.ac.cr/en/laselva/ , if you book through Costa Rica gateway they take a hefty commission which is taking money away from a valuable research facility. When you stay here the accommodation is in dormitory type rooms but we had one to ourselves with 6 beds, you also receive a food ticket which entitles you to 3 good meals a day in the canteen.
The driveway and around the HQ buildings are very good for birding, this being fairly open habitat most birds are easy to see. The football pitch trail was also rewarding, one afternoon we saw a 35 species mixed flock. The grid is slow going as with most lowland primary forest but if you want to see the difficult and specialized birds then you have to spend some time on it. We successfully twitched the Sun bittern at Selva Verde; it didn’t seem to cause any problems walking around to the front of their restaurant and scanning the river edges.
Tarcoles
One of our big mistakes was not to stay at the lodge, this is useful if you want to see some of the specialties of the area and for guiding in Carara NP. We missed quite a few species as a result.
Monteverde
We would definitely recommend taking Adrian as a guide adriancr@racsa.co.cr , for the San Gerardo valley. You can see lots of good birds here and with a very good chance of seeing Bellbirds and Umbrellabird this is a must when visiting Costa Rica. Adrian is a very nice chap and was great company for two days.
Palo Verde
This is an excellent wetland site, with good birding on the access road between the site and the pan American highway. The grass lawn in front of the reserve entrance centre seemed to be a good site for double striped thick-knee. When we visited the water was quite low so all the birds were concentrated into a smaller area. The dry forest above the car park was very productive even in late morning, a few species were seen here and nowhere else, none better than 2 male great curassows seen crossing the path.
Braulio Carrillo / El Tapir Hummer bushes
Reserva Ecotouristica El Tapir is situated about 2km to the north of the lower ranger station of the National Park. We visited this site and Braulio in an early morning trip from La Selva. El Tapir flowering bushes were good for Coquette, thorntail and snowcap. We only walked the trail from the HQ of the national park for a few hours but it looked very good.
Rancho Naturalista
This site came highly recommended from friends who had visited in 2000, we were not that impressed though, it’s very expensive with a large emphasis on eating; the hummingbirds were brilliant though.
Tapanati NP
We only birded here for two & half hours over lunchtime, even from a short visit at the wrong time of day you can see the potential. I think a good early morning stint would be very rewarding. We also visited on a Saturday so there were hundreds of locals enjoying their weekend out, probably best visited during the week.
Quetzal Lodge
A cheaper option than staying at Savegre lodge costing only $30 per night including 3 meals, the lodge has a very nice setting with some good birding in the surrounding area. It is only a short drive to Savegre where you seem to be able to use their trails without too much trouble.
Daily account
27th March 04
After a long flight from London via Madrid and Miami we arrived in San Jose and took a taxi to Hotel Cacts where we were booked to stay for our first night.
28th March 04
Up early and birded around the hotel for an hour before breakfast. Collected hire car headed for Tarcoles region stopping several times en route. In the early afternoon we stopped at Tarcoles bridge for a while, then checked into Cabinas Carara and birded the rough road down to Tarcoles lodge and at the lodge itself.
Highlights: Hepatic Tanager, Scarlet Macaw, Mourning Warbler, Lineated Woodpecker
29th March 04
Early start from the HQ carpark at Carara NP walked the loop trail. Late morning went back to the lodge and did the trail from the road through swamp forest to the river. Late afternoon we parked at the start of the river trail in the Carara NP. This was a big mistake, we had the car broken into after only 20 minutes
Highlights: Dot winged Antwren, Riverside Wren
30th March 04
Early morning walk up tarcoles beach from Cabinas Carara then had to go to San Jose to get the hire car window replaced. Made it back to Tarcoles bridge at 5pm, parked on the bridge for safety walked the start of the river trail and then waited on the bridge until dusk for the nighthawks.
Highlights: Blue Grosbeak, Mangrove Warbler, Orange Billed Sparrow
31st March 04
Headed back to the Carara National Park HQ car park in the early morning and walked the loop trail. Mid morning we walked the river trail properly (parked the car on the bridge by the police hut for safety). Left Tarcoles around lunchtime, stopped in Orotina town square en route then headed north up the Pan American highway. Turned off at Rancho Grande, made several birding stops in the foothills and then on to Monteverde. Found our hotel – Hotel el Bosque- in the dark then spoke to Adrian our guide for the next two days.
Highlights: Kentucky Warbler, Pale Billed Woodpecker, Great Tinamou, Boat Billed Heron, Black & White Owl, Orange Collared Manakin
1st April
Met Adrian in Santa Elena at 6.30am, did some of the reserve’s open areas, cloud forest and the area around the tea rooms. Parked the jeep and headed off on foot down the San Gerardo valley. Made it to the lodge early afternoon, rested for a while then had afternoon walk in search of umbrellabirds. Stayed at the lodge overnight.
Highlights: Bare Necked Umbrellabird, Black Guan, Three Wattled Bellbird, Barred Becard, Bare Shanked Screech Owl, Golden Browed Chlorophonia,
2nd April
Up early had a 2 hour walk from the lodge then back for breakfast. Walked back up the valley to the Santa Elena reserve birding en route. Birded some private land just off main road near Santa Elena, then headed back to hotel for an early night, stayed at the Cabinas dos Pinos as the El Bosque was full, (we were told there was a scorpion infestation!) but I think they just double booked us.
Highlights: Long Tailed Manakin, Resplendant Quetzal, Spangle Cheeked Tanager, Blue Crowned Motmot, Yellow throated and Chestnut capped Brush finches
3rd April
Birded the Hotel el bosque gardens which had good hummer flowers outside cabin 23. After breakfast went to the ecological farm then in the late morning we spent an hour at the hummingbird gallery. Luckily there were not too many people there and lots of hummingbirds. Headed down and out of the mountains after lunch then north up the Pan American Highway, making it as far as Liberia where we stayed overnight in the Best Western Hotel on the edge of town.
Highlights: Coppery Headed Emerald, Stripe Tailed Hummingbird, White Eared Ground-sparrow, Rufous Browed Peppershrike, Orange Billed Nightingale-Thrush
4th April
Up early left hotel in Liberia and headed back down the Pan American Highway to Palo Verde, good birding on dirt road before reaching wetlands. We looked at the water birds for a few hours then walked up into the dry forest around the rocky outcrop by HQ buildings. Left at lunch time, drove up and around Lake Arenal arrived in La Fortuna late afternoon. Stayed in Cabinas La Rivera.
Highlights: Grey Breasted Wood-rail, Great Curassow, Double Striped Thick-knee Laughing Falcon, Jabiru, Black Bellied Whistling Duck,
5th April
Early morning saw us heading up to Arenal observatory, birded minor road up to the observatory, this was fairly productive. Then onto the gardens which were very good for hummingbirds, especially around the observatory. We headed off to La Selva, around lunch time arriving there late afternoon. Birded the driveway and around the HQs and just across the suspension bridge.
Highlights: Amazon Kingfisher, Black Crested Coquette, Blue Throated Goldentail, Keel Billed Toucan, Chestnut Mandibled Toucan, Collared Aracari
6th April
Up early, walked the driveway and around the HQ buildings at La Selva. Had breakfast and afterwards joined a guided walk from 8am, across suspension bridge and onto the grid in primary forest, returning late morning. After lunch birded the driveway again, then back onto the grid on the other side of suspension bridge.
Highlights: Black Faced Grosbeak, Snowy Cotinga, Rufous Winged Woodpecker, Stripe Breasted Wren, Chestnut Backed Antbird
7th April
Early morning was spent on the driveway again, then after breakfast headed onto the grid inside the primary forest. After lunch in the early afternoon did the trail past the soccer field. We twitched Selva Verde in the late afternoon for the Sun bittern.
Highlights: Sunbittern, Buff Rumped Warbler, Barred Woodcreeper, Fasciated Antshrike, King Vulture, White Collared Manakin,
8th April
Up early, drove towards Braulio Carrillo, Stopping off on the way at Reserva Eco Touristica El Tapir for the hummingbird flowering bushes. Spent most of the morning at Braulio, then headed back to La Salva, checked out at 12. After lunch we drove to Rancho Naturalista arriving at approximately 3.30pm, headed straight out for a walk.
Highlights: Snowcap, Green Thorntail, Black Crested Coquette, Green Shrike Vireo, Black & Yellow Tanager
9th April
Went on a 6am walk with guide, back for breakfast, then headed back into the forest afterwards. Came back to the lodge for lunch and watched the hummingbirds for a few hours in the middle of the day. Had an afternoon walk in the forest and finished off at the hummingbird pools for dusk.
Highlights: Spotted Antbird, Mottled Owl, White Crowned Manakin, White Ruffed Manakin
10th April
Had a 6am walk up to the forest hummingbird feeders and a brief look at the hummingbird pools. Headed back for breakfast then had one more hour at the forest hummingbird feeder to mop up the last few species. Left around 9.30am to visit Tapanti NP, spent between 12.00-2.30 here, walking main road in forest. 24 species at the slowest time of day – not bad! Headed up to Cerro DeLa Muerte, stopped at La Georgina, which is 3100 meters above sea level. Spent the night in Quetzal Lodge down in the valley below.
Highlights: Tawny Chested Flycatcher, Purple Crowned Fairy, Red Footed Plumleteer, Red Headed Barbet,
11th April
Had an early morning walk around Quetzal lodge, after breakfast headed to Savegre Lodge. Checked out their hummingbird feeders. Then drove up behind the lodge to the Los Robles Trail. Back to Quetzal lodge for a late lunch, then walked the lower trail past Savegre Lodge.
Highlights: Flame Tanager, Flame Throated Warbler, Silver Throated Jay, Acorn Woodpecker, Resplendant Quetzal, Black Thighed Grosbeak
12th April
Up early, had breakfast, drove up to La Georgina where we walked the trail below the restaurant. Afterwards we headed up to the summit of Cerro de la Muerte. Back to La Georgina Trails for one last attempt at Zeladonia! Left about lunch time, drove to San Jose. Dumped hire car and stayed at Hotel Catcs.
Highlights: Timberline Wren, Black Billed Nightingale-Thrush, Swallow Tailed Kite
13th April
Up early and caught a return flight to London, got hotel transport to the airport.
Great Tinamou Seen from the loop trail at Carara NP 31st March
Magnificent Frigatebird Common Tarcoles region
Brown Pelican Common Tarcoles region
Olivaceous Cormorant Tarcoles beach 30th March
Anhinga One on Lake Arenal 4th April
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Male seen from Tarcoles bridge 28th March, Carara NP river trail 31st March, One seen feeding in stream from road to Palo Verde 4th April, 2 more at Palo Verde itself.
Great Blue Heron Palo Verde 4th April
Great Egret Fairly common throughout lowlands
Snowy Egret Tarcoles bridge 28th March and Palo Verde 4th April
Little Blue Heron Tarcoles bridge 28th March & white morph on Tarcoles beach 30th March
Cattle Egret Fairly common throughout lowlands
Green-backed (Green) Heron Seen from Tarcoles bridge 28th March & Carara NP river trail 31st March
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Tarcoles Lodge 28th March
Boat-billed Heron Two birds roosting at the usual site Carara NP river trail on the river bank at the view point 31st March
White Ibis A few seen at Tarcoles bridge & lodge also at Palo Verde
Glossy Ibis Palo Verde 4th april
Roseate Spoonbill A few seen at Tarcoles bridge & lodge also at Palo Verde
Jabiru 20 plus birds seen at Palo Verde, they appeared to be fairly concentrated due to lack of water
Wood Stork Palo Verde 4th April
Fulvous Whistling-Duck At least 10 seen at Palo Verde 4th April
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck 50+ birds seen from Tarcoles bridge 28th March, then an impressive flock of 1,000 birds at Palo Verde on 4th April
Muscovy Duck 4-5 birds seen at Palo Verde 4th April
Blue-winged Teal Palo Verde 4th April
Northern Shoveler Palo Verde 4th April
Black Vulture Common throughout
Turkey Vulture Common throughout
King Vulture One bird soaring over the science labs at La Selva 7th April
Osprey Singles seen at Tarcoles Lodge and from the bridge
Gray-headed Kite Arenal Observatory 5th April
American Swallow-tailed Kite San Gerardo valley 1st April, 6 birds in the valley above Savegre lodge and one near La Georgina 12th April
Double-toothed Kite Seen over the forest at La Selva on 6th April
Mangrove Black-Hawk Carara NP 29th March and Tarcoles beach on 30th March
Bay-winged (Harris') Hawk By the roadside at the Monteverde turn off 31st March
Gray Hawk Tarcoles Lodge road 29th March and en route to Rancho Naturalista 8th April
Roadside Hawk Palo Verde entrance road 4th April
Broad-winged Hawk Arenal Observatory road 5th April & Rancho Naturalista 9th April
Red-tailed Hawk Over Cerro de la Muerte 12th April
Black Hawk-Eagle Tarcoles lodge road 29th March
Crested Caracara By the roadside at the Monteverde turn off 31st March
Yellow-headed Caracara By the roadside at the Monteverde turn off 31st March
Laughing Falcon Palo Verde HQ distinctive call heard then bird seen near the carpark 4th April
Gray-headed Chachalaca Family group seen Monteverde Ecological farm 3rd April
Black Guan Santa Elena reserve 1st April, San Gerardo lodge 2 birds on 2nd April plus another in the valley
Crested Guan Near San Gerardo lodge in the fruiting tree where we saw the umbrella bird, 5-6 birds on 1st April. Then 3 birds near the science labs at La Selva on 5th and 6th April
Great Curassow 2 males were seen for a few minutes on the path in the dry forest at Palo Verde. A shock sighting and no video camera with me! They were pretty close to the HQ buildings just up the hill, 4th April.
Gray-necked Wood-Rail La Fortuna Cabinas la rivera 2 adults & 3 young on the driveway 4th April
American Coot Palo Verde 4th April
Sunbittern Selva Verde lodge twitched from La Selva around 5pm on 7th April, the bird was walking around on the rocks right in front of the lodge restaurant.
Limpkin Palo Verde 4th April
Double-striped Thick-knee 2 birds sitting out in the open early morning by Palo Verde entrance gate on the grassy lawn 4th April
Black-bellied Plover Tarcoles beach 30th March
Collared Plover Tarcoles bridge 28th March
Semipalmated Plover Tarcoles lodge 28th March and Tarcoles beach 30th March
Black-necked Stilt Tarcoles bridge 28th March and Palo Verde 4th April
Northern Jacana Tarcoles bridge 28th March, Carara NP river trail 31st March and Palo Verde 4th April
Greater Yellowlegs Tarcoles lodge 28th March and one at Palo Verde 4th April
Lesser Yellowlegs Many seen at Palo Verde 4th April
Willet Tarcoles lodge 28th March, Tarcoles beach 30th March
Spotted Sandpiper Seen most days
Whimbrel 28th March Tarcoles Lodge and 30th March on beach
Ruddy Turnstone Tarcoles beach 30th March
Sanderling Tarcoles beach 30th March
Western Sandpiper Tarcoles lodge 28th March
Least Sandpiper Seen at Tarcoles bridge, Tarcoles lodge and Palo Verde
Pectoral Sandpiper Many seen at Palo Verde 4th April
Stilt Sandpiper 10+ Palo Verde 4th April
Laughing Gull Tarcoles Lodge 28th March and Tarcoles beach 30th March
Royal Tern Tarcoles Lodge 29th March and Tarcoles beach 30th March
Rock Dove Lake Arenal 4th April
Pale-vented Pigeon 6th April La Selva driveway
Red-billed Pigeon Seen in San Jose 28th March near hotel cacts and at Santa Helena 1st April
Band-tailed Pigeon Santa Helena 2nd April
Ruddy Pigeon Seen near La Georgina, Cerro de la Muerte 12th April
Short-billed Pigeon La Selva 6th April
White-winged Dove Fairly common in Pacific lowlands, Tarcoles, Palo Verde Liberia also Hotel Cacts in San Jose
Inca Dove Common San Jose, Liberia, Tarcoles & Bagaces area
Common Ground-Dove Common San Jose, Tarcoles, Palo Verde and Liberia
Ruddy Ground-Dove Seen San Jose, La Selva and Tarcoles
White-tipped Dove Tarcoles lodge road 28th March and Carara NP 29th March
Gray-chested Dove Seen La Selva driveway on 5th April and Rancho Naturalista 10th April
Crimson-fronted Parakeet Common in San Jose also seen at turn off to Monteverde
Olive-throated Parakeet La Selva driveway 7th April
Scarlet Macaw Fairly common Tarcoles region, one flock of 20 birds near Cabinas Carara in plam trees along back of beach.
Orange-chinned Parakeet Tarcoles Lodge road 29th March
Brown-hooded Parrot La Selva head quarters buildings 6th April
White-crowned Parrot Seen in flight over san Gerardo valley 1st April and in tall trees by La Selva science labs 6th April
White-fronted Parrot Flock over private land Santa Elena 2nd April and good views in the Palo Verde HQ carpark perched in tall tress.
Red-lored Parrot 2 birds perched in trees by La Selva HQ 5th April and 2 near the football pitch on 7th April
Mealy Parrot La Selva HQ 2 birds perched in tall bare trees 5th & 6th April
Yellow-naped Parrot En route to Palo Verde on dirt track 2 birds in bare trees by roadside 4th April
Squirrel Cuckoo Seen at Carara NP 29/3 & 31/3, Tarcoles lodge rd. 29/3, La Selva 6/4, Braulio carrillo 8/4 and Rancho Naturalista 10/4
Groove-billed Ani Tarcoles lodge road 28/3, Carara NP river trail 31/3 and Monteverde turn off 31/3
Bare-shanked Screech-Owl Seen at day roost top of San Gerardo valley just past Santa Helena reserve car park 1st April
Mottled Owl Rancho Naturalista, roosting close to the ground in tree 9th April seen again well in the afternoon, had been missing for a few days due to heavy rain.
Black-and-white Owl Orotina town square 31st March +3 toed sloth
Lesser Nighthawk Tarcoles lodge 3 birds on 28th March, then 20+ seen hawking over the river at dusk seen from the bridge.
White-Collared Swift Tapanti NP 10/4, also up above Savegre Lodge 11/4
Vaux's Swift En route to Tarcoles 10th April
Gray-Rumped Swift Arenal Observatory road 5th April
Brownzy Hermit La Selva inside the forest 7th April
Green Hermit Santa Elena reserve 1st April, Arenal Obs garden 5th April, Braulio Carrillo 8th April and one at the forest feeder Rancho Naturalista 9th & 10th April
Long-tailed Hermit Carara NP loop trail 31st March
Little Hermit Seen in the garden of Rancho Naturalista buzzing around the flowering bushes on 9th and 10th April
Violet Sabrewing Santa Elena reserve 1st & 2nd April, 3 males Monteverde hummingbird gallery 3rd April
White-necked Jacobin Arenal obs garden 5th April, El Tapir hummer bushes 8th April and lots at Rancho Naturalista
Brown Violet-ear Rancho Naturalista feeders around the house 9th April
Green Violet-ear Hotel el Bosque, Monteverde 3rd April and common at the hummingbird gallery on same day
Green-breasted Mango A grotty individual at Tarcoles Lodge 29th March, Arenal Observatory gardens 5th April and many at Rancho Naturalista
Violet-headed Hummingbird On the flowering bushes by La Selva canteen 6th and 7th April, and Reserva Ecologica El Tapir hummer bushes 8th April
Black-Crested Coquette Male in the Arenal Obs garden 5th April and a pair Reserva Ecologica El Tapir hummer bushes 8th April
Green Thorntail Reserva Ecologica El Tapir hummer bushes 8th April and at the forest feeders Rancho Naturalista on 9th and 10th April
Fork-tailed Emerald Female outside cabin 23, Hotel el Bosque and a male at the ecological farm both Monteverde on 3rd April, then a female on the feeders at Rancho Naturalista on 9th April
Crowned Woodnymph By La Selva science labs 6/4, male at Reserva Eco el Tapir hummer bushes and female at Braulio Carrillo both on 8/4 then many at Rancho Naturalista
Fiery-throated Hummingbird La Georgina feeders, Cerro de la Muerte 10th April
Blue-throated Goldentail Arenal Observatory garden on 5th April
Blue-Chested Hummingbird Male on the flowering bushes outside the canteen at La Selva 7th April
Steely-vented Hummingbird Monteverde ecological farm 3rd April
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Fairly common throughout
Cinnamon Hummingbird Palo Verde up on the lookout trail above the HQ 4th April
Striped-tailed Hummingbird Monteverde Hummingbird gallery 3rd April
Coppery-headed Emerald Monteverde Hummingbird gallery 3rd April
Snowcap Reserva Eco el Tapir hummer bushes 8th April, a few at the forest feeders and hummingbird pools on 9th and 10th April at Rancho Naturalista
Red-footed Plumeleteer One at the forest feeders Rancho Naturalista briefly on the morning of the 10th April
White-bellied Mountain-gem San Gerardo lodge 1/4 and a female at Tapanti NP 10/4
Purple-throated Mountain-gem Female in the san Gerardo valley 1/4 , male at Santa Elena reserve 2/4 and common at the Monteverde hummingbird gallery on 3rd April
White-throated Mountain-gem Quetzal Lodge 11th April male and female
Green-Cowned Brilliant Santa Elena reserve 1st April, Monteverde hummingbird gallery 3rd April and common at the forest feeders, Rancho Naturalista
Magnificent Hummingbird La Georgina feeders Cerro de la Muerte 10th April
Purple-Crowned Fairy Pair seen 10th April at the Rancho Naturalista hummingbird pools, very different posture in flight to most hummers very elongated appearance.
Magenta-throated Woodstar Female outside cabin 23 Hotel el Bosque and 2 male & 1 female at the hummingbird gallery, both Monteverde 3rd April
Volcano Hummingbird La Georgina feeders Cerro de la Muerte 10th April
Scintillant Hummingbird A female at Quetzal Lodge also at the Savegre feeders both 11th April
Black-headed Trogon Female Carara NP 29/3 in car park and 4 males at Palo Verde in dry forest above visitor centre 4/4
Violaceous Trogon Female seen at Arenal Observatory garden 5th April and a pair at La Selva in the big flock near the football pitch 7th April
Collared Trogon Male seen on trails at Rancho Naturalista 9th April and female on Los Robles trail Savegre 11th April
Orange-bellied Trogon San Gerardo valley 1st April and a pair on 2nd
Resplendent Quetzal Stonking male on road just below Santa Elena reserve 2nd April, female up above Savegre lodge 11th April and a male on lower trail from Savegre on same day
Blue-Crowned Motmot Private land Santa Elena 2nd April with Adrian
Rufous Motmot San Gerardo valley 1st April, near San Gerardo lodge 2nd April, La Selva 6th April by main river and Rancho Naturalista 8th April.
Turquoise-browed Motmot Fairly common in Pacific lowlands, a stunning bird
Ringed Kingfisher Selva Verde lodge 7th April flying past the restaurant
Amazon Kingfisher On the Arenal Observatory road 5th April and from the road near Selva Verde 7th April
Green Kingfisher Male Carara NP 31st March and Arenal Observatory road 5th April
Rufous-tailed Jacamar San Gerardo lodge 1st April
Red-headed Barbet Tapanti NP 10th April
Prong-billed Barbet Santa Elena 1st April
Emerald Toucanet Fruiting tree near San Gerardo lodge 1st April and Hotel el Bosque in Monteverde 3rd April
Collared Aracari 2 seen in tall, bare trees by the science labs at La Selva on 5th, 6th and 7th April
Keel-billed Toucan One seen in flight with Adrian on private land near Santa Elena 2nd April and fairly common at La Selva
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Fairly common at La Selva
Acorn Woodpecker Seen at Savegre lodge on 11th and La Georgina Cerro de la Muerte on 12th April
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Pair nesting at La Selva around HQ seen most days also seen in flock near football pitch on 7th April and Braulio Carrillo on 8th April
Hoffmann's Woodpecker Common in the Pacific lowlands
Hairy Woodpecker 2 birds at Quetzal lodge 11th April
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Seen at San Gerardo lodge 2nd April and from the La Selva driveway 7th April
Rufous-winged Woodpecker Singles seen on the La Selva driveway 6th April and Rancho Naturalista 9th April
Golden-olive Woodpecker Hotel el Bosque at Monteverde 3rd April
Chestnut-colored Woodpecker La Selva by the HQ buildings 6th April
Lineated Woodpecker 28th March one seen on road to Tarcoles Lodge
Pale-billed Woodpecker Male and Female seen Carara NP loop trail 31st March
Slaty Spinetail Near San Gerardo Lodge on 2nd April
Red-faced Spinetail San Gerardo Lodge on 1st April
Spotted Barbtail San Gerardo Lodge on 2nd April
Ruddy Treerunner Santa Elena reserve 1st April and on the trail below La Georgina, Cerro de la Muerte 12th April
Buffy Tuftedcheek Los Robles trail, Savegre 11th April
Spectacled Foliage-gleaner Near San Gerardo lodge on 2nd April
Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Rancho Naturalista early morning from trail 9th April
Plain Xenops Carara NP river trail 29/3 & 31/3, La Selva driveway on 6/4 and with the flock near football pitch on 7/4
Streaked Xenops Tapanti NP 10th April
Gray-throated Leaftosser Staked out bird seen at dusk below the hummingbird pools Rancho Naturalista 9th April
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Near San Gerardo lodge on 1st April
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper San Gerardo valley 1/4, La Selva 7/4 inside primary forest also with flock near football pitch and at Braulio Carrillo 8/4
Barred Woodcreeper With large flock at La Selva 7/4 near football pitch
Spotted Woodcreeper Near San Gerardo Lodge on 1st April
Streaked-headed Woodcreeper Carara NP and Tarcoles Lodge road on 29/3 also La Selva 6/4 and 7/4
Spotted-crowned Woodcreeper Los Robles trail Savegre 11th April and trail below La Georgina, Cerro de la Muerte 12th April
Brown-billed Scythebill San Gerardo valley 1/4 and at the lodge on 2/4 also Braulio Carrillo 8/4
Fasciated Antshrike Male at La Selva 7th April in large flock near football pitch
Barred Antshrike Female see on the Tarcoles Lodge road 28th March and a male in the same place the following day
Black-hooded Antshrike Female Carara NP loop trail 29/3, female Carara NP river trail 30/3 & a pair on the loop trail 31/3
Russet Antshrike Braulio Carrillo 8th April
Slaty Antwren Male San Gerardo Lodge, 1st and 2nd April
Dotted-winged Antwren Pair seen on loop trail Carara NP 29/3 & 31/3; also on river trail 31/3
Dusky Antbird Female Carara NP loop trail on 29th & 31st March and a pair on the river trail on 29th & 30th March
Chestnut-backed Antbird One bird seen in Primary forest on the grid at La Selva very close to the forest floor, 6th April
Immaculate Antbird Brief view near San Gerardo Lodge, 2nd April
Spotted Antbird Seen very close to the trail at Rancho Naturalista, perched a few feet away posing for the video
Mistletoe (paltry) Tyrannulet 7th April La Selva in large flock near football pitch
Yellow-bellied Elaenia La Selva HQ buildings 6th April
Mountain Elaenia Santa Elena reserve 1/4 and Quetzal Lodge 11/4
Torrent Tyrannulet Quetzal Lodge 11th April
Olive-striped Flycatcher Santa Elena, 1st April
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher La Selva primary forest 6th April and Rancho on 9th April
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Rancho Naturalista, 9th April
Black Capped Pygmy-Tyrant La Selva inside forest 7th April
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant San Gerardo valley 1st April and Tapanti NP 10th April
Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher Carara NP 29th March on loop trail
Common Tody-Flycatcher Carara NP 29th March, Cabinas la Rivera 5th April and seen nesting at La Selva by the HQ buildings
Yellow-olive Flycatcher San Gerardo lodge 1/4 and La Selva driveway 6/4
Tawny-chested Flycatcher Early morning at Rancho near forest hummer feeders, 10th April and another after breakfast in large bamboo stand above the lodge
Tufted Flycatcher San Gerardo lodge 1st April, Tapanti NP 10th April and Quetzal Lodge 11th April
Western Wood-Pewee San Gerardo Lodge perched and fly catching in a clearing in the forest 2/4
Eastern Wood-Pewee Rancho Naturalista perched on forest edge 9th April
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Tapanti NP 10th April
Alder Flycatcher Monteverde ecological farm, 3rd April and Rancho Naturalista, 9th April
Yellowish Flycatcher Santa Elena 1st April and up above Savegre Lodge 11th April
Black Capped Flycatcher Quetzal lodge 11th April
Black Phoebe Arenal Observatory road on 5th April and Quetzal lodge 11th April
Bright-rumped Attila One perched above main track in primary forest at La Selva on 6th April then another on the driveway on the following day
Panama Flycatcher Tarcoles Lodge road on 29/3 & Tarcoles beach on 30/3
Dusky Capped Flycatcher La Selva HQ buildings, 6th April
Nutting's Flycatcher Palo Verde, 4th April
Great Crested Flycatcher Carara NP river trail, 31st March
Brown-crested Flycatcher Tarcoles Lodge road, 28th March
Great Kiskadee Common throughout
Boat-billed Flycatcher Monteverde turn off 31st March by roadside, Santa Elena 2nd April and around the HQ buildings at La Selva on most days
Social Flycatcher Common throughout
Gray-capped Flycatcher Arenal observatory road 5th April, and a permanent fixture around the HQ buildings at La Selva
White-ringed Flycatcher La Selva HQ buildings 6th April
Golden-bellied Flycatcher Santa Elena on the 1st April and the Los Robles trail at Savegre, 11th April
Streaked Flycatcher En route to Tarcoles 28th March and the road to Tarcoles Lodge later the same day
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher En route to Tarcoles 28th March and the road to Tarcoles Lodge later the same day
Piratic Flycatcher Carara NP Loop trail 31st March, Santa Elena 2nd April and La Selva on 6th April
Tropical Kingbird Very common, flocks seen in foothills below Monteverde
Eastern Kingbird La Selva driveway 5+ birds 6th April
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher One briefly in Bagaces 3rd April near pan American highway
Barred Becard Female seen briefly in the car park at Santa Elena 1st April
Cinnamon Becard Near San Gerardo Lodge 2nd April, Arenal Observatory road 5th April and La Selva on 6th and 7th April
White-winged Becard Female at La Selva, near main river, 6th April; pair seen near the football pitch 7th April
Rose-throated Becard Female en route to Tarcoles 28/3, male Carara NP loop trail 29/3 & 31/3 also on Tarcoles Lodge road 29/3
Masked Tityra En route to Tarcoles, 28th March; San Gerardo Lodge, 1st April and La Selva HQ area, 6th and 7th April
Black-crowned Tityra Tarcoles Lodge road, 29th March and La Selva HQ area, 6th and 7th April
Snowy Cotinga Male and Female in tall trees by La Selva suspension bridge near HQ 6th April around midday !
Bare-necked Umbrellabird 2 birds in fruiting tree near San Gerardo Lodge 1st April
Three-wattled Bellbird 3 males calling from tree tops in San Gerardo valley 1st April all spotted by Adrian and one found by me on 2nd April on the way back up
White-collared Manakin A pair at La Selva 7th April inside forest grid and male at Rancho 9th April
Orange-collared Manakin Female seen Carara NP loop trail 31/3 then later same day, pair seen on the river trail
White-ruffed Manakin Two males at Rancho 9th April
Long-tailed Manakin Male seen on private land Santa Elena 2/4, another male Monteverde ecological farm 3/4 and a female at Palo Verde 4/4
White-crowned Manakin Two males at Rancho 9th April
Mangrove Swallow Seen from Tarcoles bridge 28th March
Bank Swallow One seen from Tarcoles beach JW only 30th March
Blue-and-white Swallow Hotel Cacts 28/3, Tapanti NP 10/4 and Quetzal Lodge 11/4
Southern Rough-winged Swallow En route to Tarcoles, 28th March and around Lake Arenal 4th April
Barn Swallow Seen from Tarcoles river bridge 28th March and near Selva Verde 7th April
White-throated Magpie Jay Only seen at one site a short way up the Monteverde turn off by Rancho Grande from the Pan American highway 31st March
Brown Jay San Gerardo Lodge area 1st April
Azure-hooded Jay San Gerardo Valley, 1st April and Monteverde Hummingbird gallery, 3rd April
Silvery-throated Jay Los Robles trail Savegre, 11th April a party of 6 birds
Banded-backed Wren La Selva driveway, 6th and 7th April
Rufous-naped Wren Fairly common in the Tarcoles area and also seen at Palo Verde on 4th April
Riverside Wren Carara NP loop trail 29th March
Striped-breasted Wren Inside primary forest at La Selva, 6th April; also on the trail at Braulio Carrillo, 8th April
Rufous-breasted Wren Seen on the Carara River trail on 29th ; also seen feeding young there on 31st March
Rufous-and-white Wren Ecological farm, Monteverde, 3rd April
Banded Wren 2 birds seen at Palo Verde on 4th April in dry forest above wetlands
Plain Wren En route to Tarcoles, 28th March
House Wren Carara NP headquarters around the car park 31st March; also in the gardens at Arenal Observatory 5th April
Timberline Wren On the summit of Cerro de la Muerte, 12th April taped in
White-breasted Wood-Wren Seen at La Selva inside primary forest on 6th April appeared to have a grey breast! Grey breasted wood wren is not on the La Selva list though. A good white breasted one seen following day at La Selva; also seen at Rancho Naturalista 9th Arpil
Gray-breasted Wood-Wren Santa Elena reserve 1st April, San Gerardo lodge 2nd April and from the Los Robles trail at Savegre on 11th April
Ochraceous Wren Up behind Savegre lodge on the upper trail only seen by JW, 11th April
White-lored Gnatcatcher Palo Verde, 4th April in dry forest above wetlands
Black-faced Solitaire San Gerardo valley & Santa Elena reserve on 2nd April, also 2 up above Savegre Lodge and one on the Los Robles trail both on 11th April
Black-billed nightingale-Thrush On the trail below La Georgina on the Cerro de la Muerte 12th April
Orange-billed nightingale-Thrush Monteverde ecological farm 3rd April
Slaty-backed nightingale-Thrush Santa Elena tea room, 1st April
Ruddy-capped nightingale-Thrush Santa Elena tea room, 1st April, Quetzal Lodge, 11th April and on the lower trail at Savegre on the same day
Black-headed nightingale-Thrush Seen on the trail at Braulio Carrillo, 8th April and Rancho Naturalista hummingbird pools on 9th April
Swainson's Thrush Seen at most sites; fairly common winter visitor
Wood Thrush La Selva near the HQ buildings, 6th April, Rancho Naturalista hummingbird pools on 9th and near the feeders in the forest on the 10th April
Sooty Robin Around La Georgina at 3,100m on the Cerro de la Muerte, late afternoon on 10th April and at Quetzal Lodge on 11th April
Mountain Robin Quetzal Lodge on 11th April
Clay-colored Robin Common throughout
White-throated Robin Seen in open area near San Gerardo lodge 1st April
Pale Vented Thrush La Selva driveway 6th April, JW only
Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher Quetzal Lodge on 11th April and on the trail below La Georgina, Cerro de la Muerte, 12th April
Yellow-throated Vireo En route to Tarcoles, 28th March and Carara NP loop trail on 29th March
Yellow-winged Vireo Quetzal Lodge on 11th April
Red-eyed Vireo En route to Tarcoles, 28th March, La Selva, 7th April and Tapanti NP 10th April
Yellow-green Vireo Carara NP loop trail on 29th March
Lesser Greenlet Tarcoles Lodge road 29/3, Carara NP loop trail on 31/3, Palo Verde 4/4, La Selva 7/4 with large flock and Braulio Carrillo 8/4
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Monteverde ecological farm, 3rd April
Green Shrike Vireo Braulio Carrillo, 8/4 in canopy flock
Golden-winged Warbler San Gerardo lodge 2nd April, La Selva 7th April & a at Rancho 8th April
Tennessee Warbler Fairly common throughout
Tropical Parula San Gerardo Lodge 2nd April
Flame-throated Warbler Up above Savegre Lodge 11th April, also seen on the trail below La Georgina, Cerro de la Muerte, early and late morning on 12th April
Yellow Warbler Common throughout lowlands
Mangrove Warbler Mangroves, Tarcoles beach, 30th March, one good seen
Chestnut-sided Warbler Seen in small numbers at Carara NP, San Gerardo valley, La Selva & Braulio Carrillo. Some males in bright plumage
Black-throated Green Warbler San Gerardo lodge on 1st & 2nd April, Monteverde ecological farm 3rd April and Quetzal lodge 11th April
Blackburnian Warbler Bright males seen at San Gerardo lodge, 1st April and Tapanti NP, 10th April
Ovenbird Carara NP river trail, 31st March
Northern Waterthrush Seen from Tarcoles Lodge road, 29/3; behind Tarcoles beach, 30/3 and along the river trail at Carara NP 31/3
Kentucky Warbler males at Carara NP loop trail on 31st March and Rancho by the forest hummer feeders on 10th April
Mourning Warbler Tarcoles Lodge road, 28th March
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Seen in an open grassy area near San Gerardo Lodge, 2/4 and along the Arenal Observatory road, 5/4
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat A few kilometers up from the Monteverde turn off in a small cemetery, 31st March and Santa Elena, 1st April
Wilson's Warbler Santa Elena, 1st April, Monteverde ecological farm, 3rd April & Tapanti NP, 10th April
Canada Warbler Carara NP river trail, 31/3 and a at Rancho Naturalista, 9th April
Slate-throated Redstart Santa Elena reserve, 1st April & Tapanti NP, 10th April
Collared Redstart Seen at the top of the San Gerardo valley, 1st April and Los Robles trail, Savegre, 11th April
Golden-crowned Warbler San Gerardo Lodge, 2nd April
Rufous-capped Warbler Carara NP loop trail on 31/3
Black-cheeked Warbler Los Robles trail, Savegre, 11th April and the lower trail at Savegre on the same day
Three-striped Warbler Santa Elena reserve, 1st April, San Gerardo valley, 2nd April and Tapanti NP 10th April
Buff-rumped Warbler Selva Verde Lodge, 7th April on rocks by river in front of the restaurant
Bananaquit San Gerardo Lodge, 2nd April, Monteverde hummingbird gallery, 3rd April and La Selva 6th April
Golden-browed Chlorophonia Santa Elena reserve & San Gerardo Lodge both on 1st April plus a pair at Quetzal Lodge on 11th April
Scrub Euphonia En route to Tarcoles, 28th March
Yellow-crowned Euphonia Tarcoles Lodge road, 28th March and La Selva driveway 6th April
Yellow-throated Euphonia Pair on the river trail at Carara NP, 31st March
Blue-hooded Euphonia Santa Elena, 1st April and Tapanti NP, 10th April
Olive-backed Euphonia La Selva science labs, 6/4, in large flock by football pitch at La selva, 7/4 and Rancho Naturalista 9/4
White-vented Euphonia Braulio Carrillo, 8th April
Tawny-capped Euphonia Rancho Hummingbird pools, 10th April; also Tapanti NP on the same day
Silver-throated Tanager San Gerardo valley, 1/4, 2 birds at San Gerardo lodge on the same day; also Tapanti NP, 10th April and lower trail at Savegre Lodge 11th April
Bay-headed Tanager Carara NP river trail 29/3 & on the loop trail there on 31/3 also Rancho Naturalista 9/4
Golden-hooded Tanager Carara NP river trail, 29/3 & on the loop trail there on 31/3, La Selva, 6/4 & 7/4 and Tapanti NP 10/4
Spangled-cheeked Tanager San Gerardo Lodge 2/4 & up above Savegre Lodge 11/4
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis Pair at Santa Elena 1/4, San Gerardo valley 1/4 and Tapanti NP 10/4
Blue Dacnis Pair Carara NP loop trail, 31/3, Arenal Observatory road 5/4, La Selva 6/4 & with flock there on 7/4
Green Honeycreeper San Gerardo Lodge 2/4, Arenal Observatory road 5/4, La Selva 6/4 & 7/4 and Braulio Carrillo, 8th April
Shining Honeycreeper La Selva HQ buildings 6/4 and with flock there 7/4
Red-legged Honeycreeper Tarcoles, 28/3, Carara NP 29/3, Carara NP river trail 30/3 & 31/3, Cabinas la Rivera in La Fortuna 4/4 and Arenal Observatory road 5/4
Blue-gray Tanager Common throughout
Palm Tanager Fairly common throughout
Olive Tanager Braulio Carrillo, 8th April
Gray-headed Tanager Nesting on the river trail at Carara NP, 31st March
Tawny-crested Tanager Braulio Carrillo, 8th April
White-lined Tanager La Selva driveway, 6th and 7th April
Red-throated Ant-Tanager Rancho Naturalista in fairly open area on edge of forest, 9th April
White Shouldered Tanager Carara NP river trail, 31st March, JW & AW only
Hepatic Tanager seen near Hotel Cacts in San Jose on first morning 28/3
Summer Tanager La Selva HQ buildings, 6/4 and with the large flock near football pitch at La Selva, 7/4
Scarlet Tanager La Selva driveway, 5th April and with the large flock near football pitch at La Selva 7/4
Flame-coloured Tanager Quetzal Lodge, 11th April
Crimson-collared Tanager La Selva driveway, 5th and 6th April
Scarlet-rumped Tanager San Gerardo Lodge area, 1/4, Lake Arenal 4/4, La Fortuna, Cabinas la Riviera 4/4, La Selva driveway 5/4 & 6/4; also in the large flock seen there on 7/4
Dusky-faced Tanager In large flock by football pitch at La Selva, 7th April
Common Bush-Tanager Santa Elena, 1st April, Tapanti NP, 10th April and the lower trail at Savegre Lodge, 11th April
Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager Quetzal Lodge 11th April & above Savegre Lodge 11th April
Black-and-yellow Tanager Braulio Carrillo, 8th April
Grayish Saltator Seen outside Hotel Cacts, San Jose, 28th March
Buff-throated Saltator Carara NP loop trail, 31st March, La Selva, 6th April and there the following day with large flock by football field
Black-headed Saltator Arenal Observatory road 5/4, La Selva driveway, 6/4 and also there on the 7/4 with large flock by football field
Black-faced Grosbeak La Selva driveway, 5 birds seen 6/4 & 7/4; also by HQ on the 7th and at Braulio Carrillo on 8/4
Black-thighed Grosbeak Lower trail from Savegre Lodge, 11/4
Blue-black Grosbeak Carara NP loop trail, 31st March, by HQ buildings at La Selva, 7th April
Blue Grosbeak in scrub on Tarcoles Beach, 30th March and another just past the Monteverde turn off in a cemetery by the roadside, 31st March
Yellow-thighed Finch San Gerardo valley, 1st April and Los Robles trail at Savegre, 11th April
Large-footed Finch 2 birds on the Los Robles trail at Savegre 11th April and
near summit, Cerro de la Muerte, 12th April
Yellow-throated Brush-Finch San Gerardo valley, 2nd April
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch San Gerardo lodge, 2/4 and Los Robles trail Savegre, 11/4
Orange-billed Sparrow First seen on the river trail at Carara NP, 30/3 then again the following day; also inside the primary forest at La Selva 7/4 and at Braulio Carrillo 8/4
Olive Sparrow Feeding on the dirt road en route to Palo Verde, 4th April
Black-striped Sparrow Arenal Observatory road, 5/4 and La Selva 6/4
White-eared Ground-Sparrow Hotel el Bosque gardens, Monteverde, 3rd April
Blue-black Grassquit Tarcoles Lodge road, 28th March and on the river trail at Carara NP, 31st March
Variable Seedeater Tarcoles Lodge road, 29/3; open area near San Gerardo Lodge, 2/4, La Selva, 6/4 and there with large flock on 7/4
White-collared Seedeater Carara NP, 29th March and Tarcoles beach 30th March
Yellow-faced Grassquit Santa Elena, 1st April and Monteverde 2nd April
Slaty Flowerpiercer Savegre Lodge gardens 11/4 & Quetzal Lodge gardens 12/4
Striped-headed Sparrow Tarcoles Lodge road, 29th March and another just past the Monteverde turn off in a cemetery by the roadside, 31st March
Rufous-collared Sparrow Common throughout
House Sparrow Road stop on Pan American Highway, near Liberia, 3/4
Volcano Junco A few seen at the Summit of Cerro de la Muerte 12th April
Red-winged Blackbird Numerous in agricultural fields, seen from dirt road before reaching Palo Verde 4th April
Melodious Blackbird Road stop on Pan American Highway, near Liberia, 3/4
Great-tailed Grackle Common throughout
Bronzed Cowbird Arenal Observatory road, 5th April
Giant Cowbird Seen in the Oropendola colony tree near San Gerardo Lodge, 2nd April
Black-cowled Oriole La Selva HQ buildings, 6th April and with the large flock on 7th April near the football pitch
Streaked-backed Oriole seen at roadside stop turn off from Rancho Grande towards Monteverde 31st March
Northern (Baltimore) Oriole common throughout
Yellow-billed Cacique La Selva driveway 7th April
Scarlet-rumped Cacique Seen at La Selva on 6/4 & 7/4; also Braulio Carrillo 8/4
Chestnut-headed Oropendola A colony tree close to San Gerardo Lodge, 1st April and Tapanti NP, 10/4
Montezuma Oropendola Seen close to San Gerardo Lodge 1st April, La Selva 6th April and Tapanti NP on 10th April
Yellow-bellied Siskin Up above Savegre Lodge, 11th April