Juan Castro Blanco Park Bird Watching Tour
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The tour departs from La Fortuna at 5 am arriving at this ideal bird watching trail near 6 am. The park is located 10 minutes from La Fortuna and is covered in lush Tropical Cloud Forest, allowing us to go from the Rainforest to the Cloud forest in under an hour. The park is not often visited, despite its scenic beauty, which is a great advantage for bird watching. |
Once we arrive to the Quetzal trail which combines forested areas with wide open areas where it is common to spot: Common Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus), Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus), Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops) a bird of beautiful song which is very distinctive to the Cloud Forest, Grey-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys), Purple-throated Mountain-Gem (lampornis calolaemus), as wall as less common species like: the Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) a breathtaking bird, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the continent and compared to the birds of paradise, due to its striking colors. The best season to located Quetzal is between mid-February and May, during its mating and nesting period, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher (Ptilogonys caudatus), Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys), American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), Buffy-crowned Tree-quail (Dendrortyx leucophrys). With great luck, you can observe species like: the Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) or the Highland Tinamou (Nothocercus bonapartei).
After 3 hours of hiking through the forest trails and pastures, we will return to our starting point to enjoy fresh coffee and a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, before returning La Fortuna.
Duration: Around 6 hours, leaving La Fortuna at 5 am and returning around 11 am; includes 3 hours of trail hiking, and a 1 hour breakfast break.
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What to Bring: Binoculars, Costa Rican Bird books, Poncho, Warm Clothing, Hiking Boots. |
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What’s included?: Transportation, Specialized Guide, Park Entrance fee, Bottled water, Breakfast.
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