Within the northern temperate zone, August is a time of hazy, lazy canine days, a month whenever you take in that final little bit of summer time throughout outside picnics and shorebird chases. Whereas rising up in Niagara Falls, New York, I usually questioned if the nice and cozy and humid climate was just like the fixed short-wearing climates of tropical locations. Having lived in Costa Rica for a number of years, I recall these wonderful August days within the 80s and may say that sure, it’s fairly like August, all 12 months lengthy. Variations exist however August in Niagara is far nearer to Costa Rica than a Niagara November.
On the birding aspect of the coin, August up north is the quiet earlier than the large fall migration rush, a time when many birds cool down and alter feathers earlier than they chase the summer time south. The woods and fields lack a lot of the chicken music of Could and June however coastal habitats and wetlands are one other story. In August these are the thrilling habitats to go to, the mud flats and sewage therapy crops are the place the chicken motion is going on. Shorebirds have left their northern tundra swimming pools and boreal fens, August is once they cross by a lot of North America. In Costa Rica, we see a few of that very same migration however in line with us being so much additional south, peak shorebird migration right here is extra in September and October. Even so, we do have some sandpipers and plovers round; there have been current reviews of Surfbirds and numerous different wading species.
Go birding in Costa Rica in August and you can find shorebirds. Although it isn’t the most well-liked month to go to Costa Rica, you possibly can see lots of different birds too. Here is a few of what’s been taking place over the previous two months.
Harpy Eagles!
The largest birding information for Costa Rica was a sighting of an grownup Harpy Eagle in northern Costa Rica, close to Boca Tapada. A bunch of kayakers have been driving in a car alongside the principle highway close to the village of Boca Tapada when one in all them seen an enormous chicken in a roadside tree. Their native information excitedly confirmed the chicken as a Harpy Eagle (solely probably the most dearly needed species for each birder in Costa Rica), took images and video, and unfold the information.
A bunch of native birders went to the location as fast as they may however because the journey nonetheless took two to 3 hours, the chicken was lengthy gone. Additional searches have not refounded the eagle however given the large territory utilized by this high rainforest predator and its propensity to stay beneath cowl, that hasn’t been shocking. This was and is main native birding information as a result of it solutions one of many largest and most constant questions on the minds of native and visiting birders.
The birding neighborhood now is aware of, certainly, that no less than one Harpy Eagle nonetheless happens in Costa Rica. Personally, I wasn’t shocked that the sighting occurred the place it did. It occurred proper within the space the place I anticipated a Harpy Eagle to be seen, in a part of an in depth, little explored forest complicated related to the Indio Maiz Reserve, a big, extraordinarily essential space of lowland rainforest in Nicaragua that also hosts a inhabitants of the massive eagles. We do not know if the chicken seen in late July close to Boca Tapada was a wandering particular person seeking territory or perhaps even a chicken that has all the time lived in Costa Rica however given the massive areas of appropriate habitat close to there, I lean in direction of the latter concept. I believe it is doubtless that no less than one pair of Harpy Eagles happens close to there, now, we simply have to refind the chicken, or, even higher, discover a nest (!) whereas concurrently working to coach locals in regards to the significance of defending this high birds of prey.
The Costa Rica Hen Checklist grows…
With greater than 900 species of birds recognized from a rustic the scale of West Virginia, it could be an understatement to say that Costa Rica has lots of chicken species. Extremely, we maintain including birds to the record, even surprising species just like the Spectacled Petrel! Though the official Costa Rica chicken record was not too long ago up to date, because of current sightings in June and July, no less than two or three extra species will most likely be added to the record.
The primary is an albatross noticed and videod off the Pacific Coast. To date, it seems to have been a Salvin’s Albatross, a chicken extra at residence within the Humboldt Present. Whether or not it was that species or one other, it is undoubtedly new for the Costa Rica record! The opposite doubtless new birds have been a possible Lesson’s Seedeater photographed in Tortuguero, and a possible Southern Martin photographed close to Turrialba. These sightings have but to be voted on and accredited by the chicken record committee however they nonetheless act as reminders to take photos of any unfamiliar chicken regardless of the place you go birding. It is also value mentioning that in line with the aim of offering birders with the most recent in chicken data for Costa Rica, these three species have additionally been included in a current replace for the Costa Rica Birds Area Information app.
Naked-necked Umbrellabird at Centro Manu
Simply as with 2021, the uncommon and endangered (and spectacular) Naked-necked Umbrellabird has as soon as once more migrated to the lowland and foothill rainforests of Centro Manu. This glorious little reserve is popping out to be a unbelievable and crucial website for this and different species. In case you are headed to Costa Rica, you would possibly wish to schedule a go to. Rent native information Kenneth to see the umbrellabird and numerous different high quality lowland rainforest species.
Plenty of Reserving for the Excessive Season
This final piece of birding information is extra of a advice. The winter might seen far-off however excessive season bookings for Costa Rica are happening in earnest. Should you plan on birding in Costa Rica from January to April, 2023 and wish to keep at any of the favored websites, I recommend reserving rooms now. For some dates, among the hottest resorts are already booked. Do not wait to make reservations! Nonetheless, in the event you do have hassle discovering locations to remain, do not quit. There are many lesser identified however wonderful locations in each nook of Costa Rica. I may help, contact me at [email protected]
As all the time, there’s heaps extra to be mentioned in regards to the birding in Costa Rica. There’s all the time heaps to see, you will have a terrific likelihood of seeing a Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and the birding is usually unbelievable. I hope to see you right here!
