Question about Birding in Costa Rica (1 Viewer)

[Anne M.]

Hi:
I am brand new to the Forum and am planning a trip to Costa Rica for this July with my family. This will be our first trip to Costa Rica.

We will stay at Hotel Savegre for a few days (3) and have booked an all-day, private birding tour through the hotel, which will take us through the grounds. My 13 year-old son, who is an avid birder, is also interested in birding in the paramo. We have limited time, and other ideas for birding include taking a quetzal tour offered through Savegre (I am a little nervous about committing to this as I know that July is one of the months where it is harder to see quetzals), visiting Batsu gardens, and/or Feathers.

So - I am looking for some advice as to how to best spend our time. The hotel does not offer a birding to the paramo, only a naturalist trip. Although that would be nice, birding in the paramo for endemics is the priority. We do not have a car.

I would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions on this all is greatly appreciated. Also - should anyone have suggestions for a guide to the paramo, I would love to have website/contact information.

Thank you for your help!
Also - of there is a more appropriate area in the forum where I should make a post, please just let me know. I am happy to do it, just brand new to this all.

Best,
Anne

 

[cafe birder]

Hi, I recommend reposting this in the forum "Information Required" or ask a moderator to move it as it seems it is being missed here and birdforum has plenty of members who know Costa Rica well

Regards Howard

 

[dandsblair]

There is some very good habitat just outside the Savegre Hotel and in 30 minute you can be in Paramo/Sub Paramo but even just outside the hotel you can get some of the Paramo specials like Large-footed Finch, Volcano/Talamanca Hummingbird and a few others.
I wouldn't give up hope of Quetzals as even thought they will probably have finished breeding by May, we had family groups around here and the guides will probably know of fruiting avocado trees that they and other birds visit.
The guide we used at Savegre - Melville took us to his garden and was pretty good on the local stuff - I attach a trip report which might give you a few ideas

 

[Anne M.]

There is some very good habitat just outside the Savegre Hotel and in 30 minute you can be in Paramo/Sub Paramo but even just outside the hotel you can get some of the Paramo specials like Large-footed Finch, Volcano/Talamanca Hummingbird and a few others.
I wouldn't give up hope of Quetzals as even thought they will probably have finished breeding by May, we had family groups around here and the guides will probably know of fruiting avocado trees that they and other birds visit.
The guide we used at Savegre - Melville took us to his garden and was pretty good on the local stuff - I attach a trip report which might give you a few ideas

D and S:
Thank you so much for this information and definitely some ideas for our trip. I loved reading your trip report, and I know that my son, the birder, will too! What a great trip you had and a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday! I will move forward with booking a Quetzal tour with the Hotel Savegre. We really can't wait and thank you again for your help.

Best,
Anne