Irazu Volcano (1 Viewer)

I'm going there in April just for a morning, but I'm surprised there's nothing resembling a checklist anywhere... or even any bird notes from many other birders (other than Patrick's info on his blog site).

Should I presume it's similar to all other habitat around Cerro and high-elevations at Tapanti? I've been to both places.

Besides the Wood-Partridge, are there other species that might be easier seen there? Any Ovenbirds? Is Timberline Wren fairly reliable there? Is there a lot of variation in elevation?

Any help would be appreciated.

As you mention it is good for the wood-partridge. I've also seen there Silvery-throated Jay, Costarican Pygmy-Owl, Timberline Wren, Volcano Junco and Zeledonia. Check if there's fruiting bamboo, you might get a chance for the very rarely spotted Maroon-chested Ground-Dove or some other rare bamboo specialists. The habitat is somewhat similar to the Cerro de la Muerte but with an impressive crater.
If the weather helps is really worth doing. Good luck.

Motmot said:

As you mention it is good for the wood-partridge. I've also seen there Silvery-throated Jay, Costarican Pygmy-Owl, Timberline Wren, Volcano Junco and Zeledonia. Check if there's fruiting bamboo, you might get a chance for the very rarely spotted Maroon-chested Ground-Dove or some other rare bamboo specialists. The habitat is somewhat similar to the Cerro de la Muerte but with an impressive crater.
If the weather helps is really worth doing. Good luck.

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Excellent.

The Silvery-throated Jay has eluded me, and that Pygmy Owl has never made my list either.

Thanks.

I agree that its a bit similar to Cerro de la Muerte but not as much forested habitat. Can still get some good birds (as Eduardo mentioned). I have found the pygmy owl easier there than at other sites (especially near the Noche Buena restaurant- quetzal is regular there too). The junco and wren are pretty reliable near the crater and in paramo habitat just outside the national park. The general area is one of the easier sites for wood partridge in my opinion although they are of course rather shy. Another good bird for CR that is regular on Irazu is Lesser Goldfinch (and Mourning Dove if you want it for your CR list!).

Birdingcraft said:

Another good bird for CR that is regular on Irazu is Lesser Goldfinch (and Mourning Dove if you want it for your CR list!).

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It's easy to forget those... and I have neither in CR