Throughout the months of September and October, millions of migratory birds will cloud the skies of Costa Rica. If you have clients that have yet to decide their travel date to Costa Rica don't hesitate! recommend they travel during the upcoming months of September and October and be sure to include a tour to the Caribbean or the Northern Highlands.
Costa Rica Gull
Each year, dozens of diverse species of migratory and aquatic birds flee the bitter winter of the northern hemisphere, traveling south to the tropical regions of America and September through October is the best time to see them.
Experts state that the number of species can reach 200 while bird counts register flocks that add up to three or five million birds. As I write this article, these birds will have begun their intense feeding period as they build up fat for their long journey.
The Caribbean Coast and Camino al Sur the Northern Highlands While Tortuguero, Puerto Limon and Sixaola are famous destinations for migratory birds, in reality the entire Caribbean Coast and the regions of Sarapiquí and Guápiles in the Northern Highlands are also prime areas from which observation of this natural phenomenon is possible.
North to South migrations includes the entire flock: the young and the old, male and female and because of this; these migrations are both fantastic and numerically impressive. On their return flight to Canada, United States and Mexico during the month of March, male migratory birds tend to depart north first, both to claim their territory as well as to prepare for the courting season; resulting in the sightings of smaller flocks. Cloud cover during March is sparse, revealing the Pacific coastline that the birds use to navigate their return.
Costa Rica Herons
Aquatic birds are much more numerous and experts have registered the migration of over 130 distinct species among them herons, gulls and plovers. Other species of 'land bird' also migrate during this season and 'include the warbler.
Migratory birds can travel such long distances by taking advantage of warmer air currents. As temperatures Hoe, the warm air also rises and birds navigate these currents to reach higher altitudes. Given that they exert less effort to glide these warmer air 'highways'. They can travel longer distances with less expense of energy.
The migration season is a majestic spectacle that will add to an already attractive trip to Costa Rica. The country's fame as a year round destination for birdwatchers both for the diversity of species and the sheer numbers of birds, has also resulted in an abundance of specialized tour guides that will assure the highest levels of client satisfaction.
