Costa Rica | Hawk Watch and Birding

Arrive into San José early in the afternoon and travel to the hotel to get settled. If time permits, explore the lovely grounds of the hotel before a 6 pm meeting in the lobby. Check-in starts at 3 pm.

Travel by bus and boat to Tortuguero this morning. Located on the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero consists of a series of natural interconnecting canals and provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife by boat. Throughout the year, Tortuguero is an important nesting site in the western Caribbean for the endangered green and leatherback sea turtles. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) and meet with a representative of the organization to learn about its ongoing and impactful sea turtle research, which started in 1959. Then, walk through the village and do some birding before traveling to the lodge for more birding on property. In the evening, take a turtle walk to see hatchlings. It is the end of the season around this time, so there is still a chance to see them.

Board a boat to explore more of Tortuguero during the morning and afternoon and visit the nature hotspots of the area. The extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons in Tortuguero are home to seven species of river turtles, spectacled caimans, southern river otters, many crustaceans, and more than 50 species of freshwater fish. You may also see spider, howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, several different species of birds, three-toed sloths, and crocodiles. If lucky, you might spot an endangered West Indian manatee. In the evening, go on another enchanting turtle walk.

Depart for the lodge near the Kéköldi Indigenous Reserve observation tower. The Kéköldi Indigenous Territory was designated in 1977 as a protected area to give indigenous groups the right to live in self-governed communities within Costa Rica. It is home to the Bribrí and Cabécar people, the two biggest indigenous populations in the country.

Visit the Kéköldi observation tower, a world-renowned spot to observe birds of prey, and count hawks and learn about the important conservation work and research being done in the reserve. Some of the raptor species that can be observed here around this time are the Turkey Vulture, Swainson's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Mississippi Kite, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, and more.

Drive to Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui, stopping at Reserva Manu en route. Selva Verde Lodge is situated in the Caribbean lowlands, at elevations ranging from 180 to 220 feet. Established by the Holbrook family in 1985, the lodge is renowned for its commitment to ecological preservation and sustainability. The reserve is home to a large assortment of avian life, including several types of herons, egrets, hawks, falcons, macaws, hummingbirds, flycatchers, warblers, sparrows, and tanagers. Specific species often spotted at Selva Verde include the Keel-billed Toucan, Sunbittern, Crimson-collared Tanager, Wood Thrush, Crowned Woodnymph, and Russet-naped Wood-Rail. Selva Verde is also home to the endangered Great Green Macaw, a species that seems to be recovering thanks to area conservation efforts. They can occasionally be found feeding on the giant fruiting almond trees in the rainforest. Before dinner, attend a talk about projects to preserve the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Enjoy dinner and then join our guide for a night walk around the lodge.

Depart early for the world-famous Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station for breakfast and early morning birding in the tropical wet forest. La Selva consists of approximately 2,500 acres of land, more than half of which is virgin forest. The area averages more than 13 feet of rainfall each year and is one of the longest-studied rainforests in the world. More than half of Costa Rica's recorded bird species have been spotted at La Selva, including the Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Red-capped Manakin, Great Antshrike, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Striped Cuckoo, Slaty Spinetail, Yellow-tailed Oriole, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar. Return to lodge for lunch and attend a talk from Alex Martinez about the magnificent Great Green Macaw, with a possible nest visit. Return to La Selva for more birding for the rest of the afternoon.

This morning, visit the EcoVida Foundation Hawkwatch Tower and attend an introductory lecture about the project, counting methodology, silhouette identification, and more. Proceed to the tower to assist with bird counting for the next 3 hours. The foundation focuses on sustainable initiatives to protect, restore, and conserve the diverse habitats and flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Next, head to the home and private reserve of Costa Rican naturalist and wildlife artist José Alberto Pérez, also known as Cope. Cope's property is designed to maximize opportunities for birding and photography. His ponds attract aquatic species, and the property also features blinds for bird photography. Cope's incredibly fine-tuned knowledge of bird behavior and the local habitat, including his neighbors' reserves, provides unique access to some wonderful species. Enjoy lunch and then explore the property for the afternoon. Continue to San José for dinner and overnight.

Travel to the airport for the flights home. Check-out is at 12 pm.