Help with Good spots for bird photography in Costa Rica (1 Viewer)

[MandyD]

Hello, I am a bird photographer and will be in Costa Roca for 3 weeks in January 2025. I am hoping someone migh give me tips on spots that provide good opportunities for photography (blinds, well lit feeders with clean back grounds). I will be in Sarapiqui (Gran Gavilán de, Sarapiqui), Arenal Observatory) MonteVerde (Casa Batsu), , Tarcoles Birding Lodge, Manuel Antonio NP, and Savegre).

I have 4 full days in MonteVerde so a guide in that area that knows what photographers want and need would be so appreciated. Thank you in advance for any help you can proved!

 

[TicoTyler]

I'll mention the areas I'm most familiar with. For Arenal area the Observatory gardens are good, the feeder is so so because it doesn't have a clean background. The best photo spot in Fortuna is Papa's Place or to drive up to Boca Tapada (Laguna de Lagarto or Mirador Pizote).

Up at Savegre area there are also the feeders across the street called Batsu. And the hummingbird garden at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge is better for Fiery-throated Hummingbird than down in the San Gerardo Valley. There's also good opportunities for Spotted Wood-Quails at Gemas del Bosque and Spangle-cheeked Tanager and Buffy-cheeked Partridge at Casa Dowii.

 

[MandyD]

Thank you so much for this information Tico. Papa's Place looks like a great spot. A follow-up question for you. Specifically for bird photography, would you recommend I replace my 2 nights in Sarapiqui with 2 nights in Boca Tapada? Sarapiqui looks great for birders but maybe harder for me to get the shots I want. We will be coming from San Jose and so could bypass Sarapiqui if you think Boca Tapada has better opportunity for quality images.

 

[TicoTyler]

I know there are some good photo spots in Sarapiqui but I've not really done any of them despite it only being an hour from my house haha but yes Boca Tapada is like the photo place for the Caribbean Plains. On top of the feeders at Laguna del Lagarto and Mirador Pizote both places offer King Vulture hides, amphibian/reptile macro sessions (a lot of fun) and hummingbird multiflash. Also if you've never done bat photography that can be a lot of fun. I can DM you the contact info for Mirador Pizote who I usually work with or you can book directly with Laguna del Lagarto (they're a little bit pricier for the same photo tours usually, but their feeders are a bit better as they get species like Brown-hooded Parrots and sometimes Central American Pygmy Owls that Mirador Pizote doesn't get).

 

[MandyD]

Thanks Tyler. I'd love for you to send me your contact info for Pizote. I've just booked at Maquenque Eco-Lodge for 3 nights. Their amenities look like they will keep my partner very happy while I run around with my camera. And looks like I can drive quite easily in each direction to get to both Pizote and Laguna del Lagarto. I am very jealous you live only about 1 hour away. Lucky you! Oh. And BTW in another post you mention Adolfo's feeders in the area. But I haven't been able to find it. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the help and insight you are providing online. So hard to find these very, very special places in the world!

 

[TicoTyler]

Thanks Tyler. I'd love for you to send me your contact info for Pizote. I've just booked at Maquenque Eco-Lodge for 3 nights. Their amenities look like they will keep my partner very happy while I run around with my camera. And looks like I can drive quite easily in each direction to get to both Pizote and Laguna del Lagarto. I am very jealous you live only about 1 hour away. Lucky you! Oh. And BTW in another post you mention Adolfo's feeders in the area. But I haven't been able to find it. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the help and insight you are providing online. So hard to find these very, very special places in the world!

Will DM you. Adolfo's Feeders shows up on eBird as a hot spot. Adolfo is the long time manager of Laguna de Lagarto and lives nearby and has hummingbird feeders. I have heard Maquenque is nice.