Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Margaret Morfoot was thrilled by the sheer variety of colourful birdlife and other diverse wildlife of Costa Rica. Guided by local bird expert Frank, the group managed to add a total of over 20 sightings of species not on the already extensive list of spottings accumulated by previous RWH guests.

I’ve been on a number of group holidays, but our group this time was the best ever. I fear I was perhaps the oldest, but managed to keep up! Daniella, our leader, was splendid. Helpful, enthusiastic, delightful and ever-present. Frank, the local guide, was exceptional, as almost all our group were birders to some degree and it was his passion. The coach driver, Alex, was also super, and excellent at negotiating even the tightest of corners. The hotels were good overall, although we did encounter some unseasonably wet and cool weather. Salva Verdi Lodge was really lovely and Celeste Mountain Lodge fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed Vieja Lodge – I took rides on the zip wire, the only one mad enough!

Frank was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and a gentleman and pointed out 80 different bird species, maybe more as I could have missed a few. He met us on three occasions at 6am for bird spotting. He also accompanied us on a sunset walk, and on the crocodile boat trip. We saw about five crocodiles and around 25 different bird species. The group was as thrilled as Frank by the wildlife ‘haul’.