13 Sep Join a Conservation Birding Trip this winter!

A pair of Vermiculated Screech Owls. Photo by Alan Dahl

Fall is fast approaching, and the change of seasons signals something particularly exciting for the Osa Peninsula – the return of migrating birds! The Osa is home to almost 500 resident bird species and many more who migrate to the peninsula from boreal forests in the US and Canada. Now in the middle of September, the migratory bird season is well under way, with species such as the Golden-winged warbler, Olive-Sided Flycatcher, and the Baltimore Oriole making their long journey to Central America.

Besides the many species that winter in the Osa, the peninsula is a year-round home to an astonishing diversity of tropical birds. When the continents of North and South America merged some 3 million years ago, birds living on either side of the divide poured into the newly-formed land bridge, creating a wealth of avian diversity seen few other places in the world. Protecting these birds’ habitats has become a top priority for conservationists as their territories face increasing threats from deforestation, farming and climate change.

A pair of Scarlet Macaws. Photo by Alan Dahl

Fortunately, you can help protect these birds and their nesting grounds by joining one of our Conservation Birding Expeditions this winter! These amazing adventures, taking place from January 18 – 26 and February 9 – 16, 2014, include extensive birding, hikes through old-growth rainforest and mangrove patches, ogling of sloths and howler monkeys, and general frolicking throughout the jungle. You’ll also hear nightly presentations from Osa Conservation staff on the conservation efforts currently underway at our research stations,  including sea turtle nesting, reforestation efforts, environmental education, and large cat conservation. All birding tours and hikes are led by local naturalist guides with plenty of experience in flushing out the most elusive nesters.

The first five nights will be spent at Piro Biological Station, where you’ll bird along the Rio Piro, Cerro Osa and other spots local spots while witnessing biological research and conservation in action. The remaining nights will be spent at Bosque del Rio Tigre, an intimate ecolodge on a 31-acre private wildlife reserve, where you can spot up to 60 different bird species in the morning and fall asleep to the sounds of cascading waterfalls in the evening!

Guest house at Piro Biological Station

This is an amazing opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula and its globally-significant biodiversity, and to revel in the wonders of the animal kingdom. All adults, ages 18 and over, are welcome to join a trip. For more information, including a detailed itinerary, costs and accommodations, please email [email protected] or visit our Conservation Birding page. We hope to see you there!

**Note: listening to excessive birdsong may cause giddiness, lightheadedness, and uncontrollable gaiety. Please take proper precautions, such as drinking plenty of water, eating regularly, and bringing a change of shorts.**