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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Birdingcraft" data-source="post: 1573680" data-attributes="member: 55810">It's nice to see that so many raptors have become adapted to living with people. I wish I could say the same for Costa Rica. Here in the urbanized central valley or Costa Rica, there are very few raptors. Even vultures have declined during the past 15 years. It seems that very few species have adapted to urban life in Costa Rica-probably because most raptors here need forest and those that can manage with some green space actually have very little to work with in and around San Jose. Whereas most houses used to have backyards and gardens that were filled with birds (especially migrants) and butterflies, as the population has increased, people have been replacing backyard habitats with additions to their houses or apartments. Although fewer in number, I still see some raptors- especially around riparian zones that have retained some vegetation. Turkey and Black Vultures are the most common, Short-tailed Hawk soaring with them once in a while. White-tailed Kite is the other most frequently seen raptor and Peregrines show up during migration. The urban owls are Barn and Tropical Screech. As one gets out of the city into areas with coffee plantations and more green space, there are occasional Hook-billed Kites, and wintering Broad-winged and Cooper's Hawks. Pretty slim pickings overall compared to some of the forested areas of the country that support 10 or more species of raptors (many of which are at least easily visited on day trips from San Jose).</blockquote>

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