Departure: 5:00 am
Duration: 10 hours
Difficulty: ModerateThe musical, curious notes of a Song Wren are heard in the undergrowth. Peering in, we see three of these little avian rainforest gnomes. We realize they are feeding at an Army Ant swarm and the already exciting birding is about to get kicked up a notch! Fancy Ocellated Antbirds call and appear at the front of the swarm along with Spotted and Bicolored Antbirds. Hidden Thicket Antpittas sing from the dense vegetation, other species flit above us, sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin to look when birding the Children’s Eternal Rainforest!
The largest private protected area in Central America is cloaked in fantastic, mature tropical forests and as one might expect, the birding is truly some of the best in Costa Rica. There are a few different points of access including one or two spots in the Monteverde area and at least two other sites on the Caribbean slope near Arenal. One of those access points, the Pocosol station, is situated deep inside the reserve. This spot acts an excellent place to become acquainted with wonderful mixed flocks and a number of uncommon or rare species that requite mature forest.
Found around an hour drive from the Arenal area, the Pocosol Biological Station offers excellent birding right from the main buildings as well as on trails through high quality foothill rainforest. These are some other factors that make this site an excellent, exciting choice for birders of all levels of experience but especially those in search of rare species:
These features add up to a successful birding experience whether you happen to be someone just getting interested in birds or seasoned birders who have taken several trips to the tropics.
- Large mixed flocks. This site seems to be especially good for large groups of birds that can include 20 or even 30 or more species, eBird Hotspot list.
- Uncommon and rare birds. Large areas of mature forest typically harbor the less common species and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest is no exception. This makes it a good place to visit when looking for species like Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Yellow-eared Toucanet, and Purplish-backed Quail-Dove.
- Good trails, great overlooks. There is more than one, long trail through great habitat and a few places that overlook the canopy of quality forest.
This day tour of birding in Costa Rica begins with an early start and drive to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest from your hotel. Since part of the road to the station passes through and near nice habitat, we may see such species as White Hawk, Crimson-collared Tanager, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and Tropical Parula on the drive in and other species are also possible. However, the real birding starts upon arrival.
From the balcony of the station, scanning the forest and sky may result in views of King Vulture and other raptors, oropendolas, and other species. Mixed flocks also move through the trees right next to the station and could have everything from Russet Antshrike and Scarlet-thighed Dacnis to various Tanagers, Spotted Woodcreeper and even Brown-billed Scythebill. If trees are fruiting there, we may also see a parade of tanagers and other species taking advantage of the sudden bounty of food. Just down the entrance road from the station, more mixed flocks await as well as many other possibilities including Yellow-eared Toucanet, Crested Guan, and White-throated Thrush in the canopy, while Slaty Spinetail, Black-throated Wren, and Thicket Antpittas call from the undergrowth.
On the trails, we will look for shy birds of the forest like Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Streak-crowned Antvireo, and other species that quietly move through the undergrowth in mixed flocks. More mixed flock activity inside the forest could reveal the presence of rare species like Scaly-throated and Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaners, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, and others. While walking the trails, we also have the chance of finding Broad-billed and Rufous Motmots along with the rare Keel-billed Motmot and various trogon species.
We will also watch the ground for Purplish-backed Quail-Dove, and Tawny-throated and Scaly-throated Leaftossers. With luck, we may even see Black-headed Antthrush, find an antswarm with Ocellated, Bicolored, and Spotted Antbirds as well as other rarer species. Speaking of rare birds, this site does have such mega species as Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Lanceolated Monklet, Bare-necked Umbrellabird and Lovely Cotinga. They are rare and aren’t always present but we will be in a good place to find them!
We can’t wait to bird the Children’s Eternal Rainforest with you. Let’s go have a fantastic day of birding!
Price from:
$ 225.00 p.p.
Price based on
2 participants
Includes:
- Private guide for a full day tour.
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
We can make arrangements for lodging, transportation, activities, car rental and all the fun you want to have while in Costa Rica.
Our specialty is Custom Made Birding Tours to the best birding destinations in Costa Rica.