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<blockquote data-quote="Birdingcraft" data-source="post: 1287816" data-attributes="member: 55810">In early August, 2008 I took a short trip from Costa Rica to David and the Lost and Found eco-hostel, both in Chiriqui, Panama. I would have liked to explore more around David but due to time and transportation limitations, wasn’t able to look for Veraguan Mango. Nor was I able to bird the extensive mangroves and nearby forested islands in the Chiriqui gulf. Nevertheless, I hope to give birders an idea of what to expect and at the same time encourage them to explore underbirded, promising areas near David. I certainly hope to do so at some future time.Birding in DavidDavid, the second largest city in Panama, is pretty birdy as a result of green space in the form of empty lots, gardens and many remnant trees. Found in the Pacific slope lowlands of western Panama, David is hot and humid and located at the junction of drier habitats to the east and wet forests of the Chiriqui Endemic Bird Area to the west. As is the case of most urbanized areas, birding is better outside of the city but if you can’t do that at least you should see a fair number of widespread neotropical species. I visited Pedegral Port one morning hoping to get images of aquatic species. Although I didn’t get lucky with aquatic birds, it sounds like a boat trip through nearby mangroves would be very worthwhile according to <a href="http://www.geocities.com/xenornis/" target="_blank">Guido Berguido who apparently found Yellow-billed Cotinga!</a>Pedregal is found at the end of the main road heading south from the airport. There is a small yacht club with small restaurant. Overall, the place was undeveloped; don’t expect that to last for long! This would be an excellent place for mangrove education and tourism. I took a taxi there for about $3-$4. Buses are also available but may be infrequent.Where to stayDavid has a wide range of accomodations ranging from hostels to higher end hotels. This link gives reviews on most hotels in David: <a href="http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/tag/hotels/" target="_blank">http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/tag/hotels/</a>Getting aroundPublic transport in the form of mini buses and taxis is readily available.Food costsPretty cheap; $3-$4 for dinner in Chinese reastaurant.The following is a list of species (most very common) recorded while casually birding around the Parque Cervantes and empty lots and shaded streets near the Purple House Hostel http:// <a href="http://www.purplehousehostel.com" target="_blank">www.purplehousehostel.com</a> as well as a few hours one morning at Port Pedegral. There are certainly many more possibilities including at least a few owl species:P= only recorded PedregalMagnificent Frigatebird (P)Anhinga (P)Great Egret (P)Little Blue Heron (P)Neotropic Cormorant (P)Black-bellied Whistling Duck (P)Spotted Sandpiper (P)Collared Forest Falcon (P)Yellow-headed CaracaraCrested CaracaraBlack VultureTurkey VulturePale-vented PigeonWhite-tipped DoveRuddy Ground DoveRed-lored ParrotBlue-headed ParrotCrimson-fronted ParakeetOrange-chinned ParakeetBrown-throated ParakeetSquirrel CuckooShort-tailed SwiftMangrove Swallow (P)Grey-breasted MartinRufous-tailed HummingbirdBlue-crowned MotmotLineated WoodpeckerRed-crowned WoodpeckerBarred AntshrikeTropical KingbirdPiratic FlycatcherSocial FlycatcherBoat-billed FlycatcherGreat-crested FlycatcherDusky-capped FlycatcherCommon Tody FlycatcherYellow-crowned TyrannuletSouthern Beardless Tyrannulet (P)Yellow-bellied ElaeniaHouse WrenCay-colored RobinBananaquitBaltimore OrioleOrchard OrioleBronzed CowbirdGreat-tailed GrackleBlue-grey TanagerBuff-throated SaltatorBlack-striped SparrowThick-billed Seed FinchBlue-black GrassquitYellow-faced GrassquitYellow-bellied Seedeater (P)The Lost and Found Eco-Hostel The Lost and Found Eco-Hostel is probably one of the only hostels in the world nestled within its own cloud forest preserve. After running into several of their pamphlets at other Panamanian hostels, I finally got the chance to visit for a few days in early August, 2008. Located at 1,200 meters on the Pacific slope, aside from some shade coffee and a small orchard, this hostel is surrounded by a large area of old growth moist and cloud forest. Birding was pretty good around the hostel itself with American Swallow-tailed Kite being one of the more common, spectacular species. For most of the day at least a dozen graced the sky with their aerial acrobatics. Mixed flocks and frugivores often came through the trees near the hostel, especially the forest edge at the trailhead. The few trails that accessed the forest were fairly muddy and rough but offered good birding and extended for a few ks. One trail apparently reaches a river and enters forest with a more Caribbean slope aspect. The upper part of the trail that follows a ridge with stunted trees and bamboo probably has specialties such as Maroon-fronted Ground Dove and Blue Seedeater. Although one of the owners, Andrew, is there most of the time, it’s probably best to contact them before visiting. Both he and Patrick were very helpful and friendly. They manage the place quite well and even have a feeding platform for nocturnal animals. I look forward to my next visit.Cost$12 for spacious dorm bed, $20-$30 for private room. Kitchen is available for use, if you don’t bring your own food, groceries can be bought at hostel at substantially higher prices.$4 to use the trails.Getting ThereEntrance to the hostel is located along the David-Changuinola road just north of Valle de la Mina. Watch for their yellow sign on the east side of the road. Buses traveling bewteen David and Changuinola can drop you here; just tell driver to stop.For further information see my blog <a href="http://birdingcraft.com/wordpress" target="_blank">http://birdingcraft.com/wordpress</a> and their blog <a href="http://www.moreinpanama.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://www.moreinpanama.blogspot.com</a>Lost and Found email: <a href="mailto:thepanpro@yahoo.com">thepanpro@yahoo.com</a>Phone: 65819223 or 66545961&nbsp; The following is a list of all species recorded (66 total) during a stay of about three days with notes on abundance. As I was focused on bird photography, birders working the trails should come up with several more species. Regional endemic taxa are highlighted. Little Tinamou&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; heard below orchardBlack-breasted Wood Quail&nbsp; &nbsp; few coveys heardBlack Guan&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a few seen fruiting treesTurkey Vulture&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a few seenShort-tailed Hawk&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1 seenWhite Hawk&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1 seenAmerican Swallow-tailed Kite&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; very commonBand-tailed Pigeon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a few flyoversRuddy Pigeon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1-2 heardChiriqui Quail Dove&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1 quick flyby in orchardSulphur-winged Parakeets&nbsp; &nbsp; good views of flyby flocksMottled Owl&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1 heardSquirrel Cuckoo&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1 seenWhite-collared Swift&nbsp; &nbsp; 100 or so in flockGreen Hermit&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; several seenGreen Violetear&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; several seenViolet Sabrewing&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a few seenRufous-tailed Hummingbird&nbsp; &nbsp; a few seenMountain Gem species&nbsp; &nbsp; a few seenWhite-tailed Emerald&nbsp; &nbsp; several in orchard-quite commonOrange-bellied Trogon&nbsp; &nbsp; a few seenEmerald (Blue-throated) Toucanet&nbsp; &nbsp; several seenProng-billed Barbet&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a few seenGolden-olive Woodpecker&nbsp; &nbsp; a few seenRed-crowned Woodpecker&nbsp; &nbsp; a few near roadSpotted Barbtail&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; pair in forestRed-faced Spinetail&nbsp; &nbsp; a few near orchardSpectacled Foliage-gleaner&nbsp; &nbsp; several-pretty commonLineated Foliage-gleaner&nbsp; &nbsp; one heard forestSpotted Woodcreeper&nbsp; &nbsp; 1-2 seenWedge-billed Woodcreeper&nbsp; &nbsp; 1 seenOlivaceous Woodcreeper&nbsp; &nbsp; 1 seenRuddy Woodcreeper&nbsp; &nbsp; pair in forestRufous-breasted Antthrush&nbsp; &nbsp; 1-2 heardImmaculate Antbird&nbsp; &nbsp; a few heardSlaty Antwren&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; few in forestThree-wattled Bellbird&nbsp; &nbsp; 1-2 heardDusky-capped Flycatcher&nbsp; &nbsp; 1 pairTropical Peewee&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 1 orchardYellowish Flycatcher&nbsp; &nbsp; common around hostelPaltry Tyrannulet&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; severalMountain Elaenia&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; a fewHouse Wren&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; hostel mascotGray-breasted Wood Wren&nbsp; &nbsp; A few heardSouthern Nightingale Wren&nbsp; &nbsp; 1 heardOrange-billed Nightingale Thrush&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; several, common around hostelWhite-throated Thrush&nbsp; &nbsp; 1 seenMountain Thrush&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; few seenLong-billed Gnatwren&nbsp; &nbsp; fairly common forestTawny-crowned Greenlet&nbsp; &nbsp; A few forestLesser Greenlet&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; SeveralBrown-capped Vireo&nbsp; &nbsp; SeveralThree-striped Warbler&nbsp; &nbsp; A few forestGolden-crowned Warbler&nbsp; &nbsp; A fewBananaquit&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; A fewTropical Parula&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; SeveralSlate-throated Redstart&nbsp; &nbsp; SeveralCommon Bush Tanager&nbsp; &nbsp; A fewScarlet-thighed Dacnis&nbsp; &nbsp; A fewSilver-throated Tanager&nbsp; &nbsp; SeveralBay-headed Tanager&nbsp; &nbsp; A fewCrimson-collared Tanager&nbsp; &nbsp; A fewFlame-colored Tanager&nbsp; &nbsp; 1White-winged Tanager&nbsp; &nbsp; PairYellow-throated (White-naped) Brush Finch&nbsp; &nbsp; Several</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Birdingcraft, post: 1287816, member: 55810"] In early August, 2008 I took a short trip from Costa Rica to David and the Lost and Found eco-hostel, both in Chiriqui, Panama. I would have liked to explore more around David but due to time and transportation limitations, wasn’t able to look for Veraguan Mango. Nor was I able to bird the extensive mangroves and nearby forested islands in the Chiriqui gulf. Nevertheless, I hope to give birders an idea of what to expect and at the same time encourage them to explore underbirded, promising areas near David. I certainly hope to do so at some future time. [B] Birding in David[/B] David, the second largest city in Panama, is pretty birdy as a result of green space in the form of empty lots, gardens and many remnant trees. Found in the Pacific slope lowlands of western Panama, David is hot and humid and located at the junction of drier habitats to the east and wet forests of the Chiriqui Endemic Bird Area to the west. As is the case of most urbanized areas, birding is better outside of the city but if you can’t do that at least you should see a fair number of widespread neotropical species. I visited Pedegral Port one morning hoping to get images of aquatic species. Although I didn’t get lucky with aquatic birds, it sounds like a boat trip through nearby mangroves would be very worthwhile according to [URL="http://www.geocities.com/xenornis/"]Guido Berguido who apparently found Yellow-billed Cotinga![/URL] Pedregal is found at the end of the main road heading south from the airport. There is a small yacht club with small restaurant. Overall, the place was undeveloped; don’t expect that to last for long! This would be an excellent place for mangrove education and tourism. I took a taxi there for about $3-$4. Buses are also available but may be infrequent. Where to stay David has a wide range of accomodations ranging from hostels to higher end hotels. This link gives reviews on most hotels in David: [url]http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/tag/hotels/[/url] Getting around Public transport in the form of mini buses and taxis is readily available. Food costs Pretty cheap; $3-$4 for dinner in Chinese reastaurant. The following is a list of species (most very common) recorded while casually birding around the Parque Cervantes and empty lots and shaded streets near the Purple House Hostel http:// [url]www.purplehousehostel.com[/url] as well as a few hours one morning at Port Pedegral. There are certainly many more possibilities including at least a few owl species: P= only recorded Pedregal Magnificent Frigatebird (P) Anhinga (P) Great Egret (P) Little Blue Heron (P) Neotropic Cormorant (P) Black-bellied Whistling Duck (P) Spotted Sandpiper (P) Collared Forest Falcon (P) Yellow-headed Caracara Crested Caracara Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Pale-vented Pigeon White-tipped Dove Ruddy Ground Dove Red-lored Parrot Blue-headed Parrot Crimson-fronted Parakeet Orange-chinned Parakeet Brown-throated Parakeet Squirrel Cuckoo Short-tailed Swift Mangrove Swallow (P) Grey-breasted Martin Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Blue-crowned Motmot Lineated Woodpecker Red-crowned Woodpecker Barred Antshrike Tropical Kingbird Piratic Flycatcher Social Flycatcher Boat-billed Flycatcher Great-crested Flycatcher Dusky-capped Flycatcher Common Tody Flycatcher Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Southern Beardless Tyrannulet (P) Yellow-bellied Elaenia House Wren Cay-colored Robin Bananaquit Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Bronzed Cowbird Great-tailed Grackle Blue-grey Tanager Buff-throated Saltator Black-striped Sparrow Thick-billed Seed Finch Blue-black Grassquit Yellow-faced Grassquit Yellow-bellied Seedeater (P) The Lost and Found Eco-Hostel The Lost and Found Eco-Hostel is probably one of the only hostels in the world nestled within its own cloud forest preserve. After running into several of their pamphlets at other Panamanian hostels, I finally got the chance to visit for a few days in early August, 2008. Located at 1,200 meters on the Pacific slope, aside from some shade coffee and a small orchard, this hostel is surrounded by a large area of old growth moist and cloud forest. Birding was pretty good around the hostel itself with American Swallow-tailed Kite being one of the more common, spectacular species. For most of the day at least a dozen graced the sky with their aerial acrobatics. Mixed flocks and frugivores often came through the trees near the hostel, especially the forest edge at the trailhead. The few trails that accessed the forest were fairly muddy and rough but offered good birding and extended for a few ks. One trail apparently reaches a river and enters forest with a more Caribbean slope aspect. The upper part of the trail that follows a ridge with stunted trees and bamboo probably has specialties such as Maroon-fronted Ground Dove and Blue Seedeater. Although one of the owners, Andrew, is there most of the time, it’s probably best to contact them before visiting. Both he and Patrick were very helpful and friendly. They manage the place quite well and even have a feeding platform for nocturnal animals. I look forward to my next visit. Cost $12 for spacious dorm bed, $20-$30 for private room. Kitchen is available for use, if you don’t bring your own food, groceries can be bought at hostel at substantially higher prices. $4 to use the trails. Getting There Entrance to the hostel is located along the David-Changuinola road just north of Valle de la Mina. Watch for their yellow sign on the east side of the road. Buses traveling bewteen David and Changuinola can drop you here; just tell driver to stop. For further information see my blog [URL="http://birdingcraft.com/wordpress"]http://birdingcraft.com/wordpress[/URL] and their blog [URL="http://www.moreinpanama.blogspot.com"]http://www.moreinpanama.blogspot.com[/URL] Lost and Found email: [email]thepanpro@yahoo.com[/email] Phone: 65819223 or 66545961 The following is a list of all species recorded (66 total) during a stay of about three days with notes on abundance. As I was focused on bird photography, birders working the trails should come up with several more species. Regional endemic taxa are highlighted. Little Tinamou heard below orchard [B]Black-breasted Wood Quail few coveys heard[/B] [B]Black Guan a few seen fruiting trees[/B]Turkey Vulture a few seen Short-tailed Hawk 1 seen White Hawk 1 seen American Swallow-tailed Kite very common Band-tailed Pigeon a few flyovers Ruddy Pigeon 1-2 heard [B]Chiriqui Quail Dove 1 quick flyby in orchard Sulphur-winged Parakeets good views of flyby flocks[/B] Mottled Owl 1 heard Squirrel Cuckoo 1 seen White-collared Swift 100 or so in flock Green Hermit several seen Green Violetear several seen Violet Sabrewing a few seen Rufous-tailed Hummingbird a few seen [B]Mountain Gem species a few seen White-tailed Emerald several in orchard-quite common Orange-bellied Trogon a few seen Emerald (Blue-throated) Toucanet several seen Prong-billed Barbet a few seen[/B] Golden-olive Woodpecker a few seen Red-crowned Woodpecker a few near road Spotted Barbtail pair in forest Red-faced Spinetail a few near orchard Spectacled Foliage-gleaner several-pretty common Lineated Foliage-gleaner one heard forest Spotted Woodcreeper 1-2 seen Wedge-billed Woodcreeper 1 seen Olivaceous Woodcreeper 1 seen Ruddy Woodcreeper pair in forest Rufous-breasted Antthrush 1-2 heard Immaculate Antbird a few heard Slaty Antwren few in forest Three-wattled Bellbird 1-2 heard Dusky-capped Flycatcher 1 pair Tropical Peewee 1 orchard Yellowish Flycatcher common around hostel Paltry Tyrannulet several Mountain Elaenia a few House Wren hostel mascot Gray-breasted Wood Wren A few heard Southern Nightingale Wren 1 heard [B]Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush several, common around hostel[/B] White-throated Thrush 1 seen Mountain Thrush few seen Long-billed Gnatwren fairly common forest Tawny-crowned Greenlet A few forest Lesser Greenlet Several Brown-capped Vireo Several Three-striped Warbler A few forest Golden-crowned Warbler A few Bananaquit A few Tropical Parula Several Slate-throated Redstart Several Common Bush Tanager A few Scarlet-thighed Dacnis A few Silver-throated Tanager Several Bay-headed Tanager A few Crimson-collared Tanager A few Flame-colored Tanager 1 White-winged Tanager Pair Yellow-throated (White-naped) Brush Finch Several [/QUOTE]

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