Introduction

Costa Rica was the chosen country for our annual birding trip.  The aim was to see as many species as possible but to focus in particular on endemic species and Hummingbirds.  The team consisted of Jim Rose, Dave Parmenter, Jackie Newcombe and Neil Fletcher, all birders from south Buckinghamshire in the UK.  The trip was organised and guiding provided by Alfredo Scott of Wildbird Tours who are based in San Jose.  Highly recommended!

The team - Dave, Jackie, Jim and Neil

Carlos - Our excellent guide for most of the trip.

Alfredo Scott - He did a great job of organising the trip and was excellent leading the latter part of the trip.

The Itinerary

• 8th Feb 2018 - Fly Heathrow Airport to San Jose. Arrived late afternoon. Transferred to Aeroporto Hotel.
   
• 9th Feb 2018 - Picked up by guide Carlos at 6 am to start journey to Golfito in the SW of the country stopping in several places along the way, most notably Tarcoles River and Tacoles Beach.  Overnight in Sierra Hotel, Golfito.
   
• 10th Feb 2018 - Before breakfast birding in the Golfito area close to the hotel. The afternoon was spent birding at the nearby Esquinas Lodge.  Overnight in Sierra Hotel.
   
• 11th Feb 2018 - Before breakfast birding in the Golfito area close to the hotel. The rest of the day was spent in an area south of Ciudad Neily.  Overnight in Sierra Hotel.
   
• 12th Feb 2018 - Before breakfast we birded some areas of Mangroves fairly close to the hotel and also some coastal inlets.  After breakfast was the transfer to Wilson Lodge in the southern mountains, where we arrived mid-morning and spent the rest of the day there.  Overnight at Wilson Lodge.
   
• 13th Feb 2018 - Birding in grounds of Wilson Lodge.  Overnight at Wilson Lodge.
   
• 14th Feb 2018 - Before breakfast birding at Wilson Lodge.  Then the long transfer to Miriam Lodge in the central highlands, stopping at a roost site for Boat-billed Herons for lunch.  We arrived at Miriam Lodge just before dusk.  Overnight at Miriam Lodge.
   
• 15th Feb 2018 - Birding in the central highlands. Arrived at Paradisio Lodge for dawn birding in and around that area until lunchtime.  Lunch and early afternoon bck at Miriam Lodge and then much of the afternoon birding at Bosque Del Tolomuco.  Overnight at Miriam Lodge.
   
• 16th Feb 2018 - Birding in the central highlands.  Before breakfast was spent looking for Resplendent Quetzal. Breakfast at Miriam Lodge and then birding for the rest of the day in the grounds of the Savegre Hotel.   Overnight at Miriam Lodge.
   
• 17th Feb 2018 - Transfer to Sueño Azul Lodge in the Caribbean lowlands.  On the way we stopped at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Mirador Cinchora. Overnight at Sueño Azul Lodge.
• 18th Feb 2018 - Birding the Caribbean lowlands in extensive grounds of Sueño Azul Lodge.  Overnight at Sueño Azul Lodge.
• 19th Feb 2018 - Most of the day birding at the La Selva Biological Station. Transfer to Tram Lodge high on the Caribbean slope.  A night walk at Tram Lodge where we spent the night.
• 20th Feb 2018 - Birding close to the Lodge before breakfast,then a tram ride before lunch.  In the afternoon a visit to Cope's house.  Another night walk and overnight at the Tram Lodge.
• 21st Feb 2018 - Birding close to the Lodge before breakfast.  Then in the Braulio Carrillo National Park before the transfer to the Aeroporto Hotel.
• 22nd Feb 2018 - Birding in the San Jose area and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.  Return to San Jose airport for overnight flight to Heathrow airport.

The approximate route taken.

The Sierra Hotel at Golfito - Quite comfortable.

Wilson Lodge - Large gardens and many trails, so lots of birds!.  Comfortable with good food. A great place to stay.

Miriam Lodge - High altitude, so cold nights.  Great location, good food but the rooms a little basic but enjoyable.

Sueño Azul Lodge - Very comfortable with impressive grounds.  Good food.

Tram Lodge - Comfortable with good food but no electricity after 21:00 hours!  A great location and excellent place to stay.

Aeroporto Hotel - A comfortable hotel, close to the airport but with the opportunity for some birding in the gardens.

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