Most folks bird the rain forests in the central and Caribbean regions of Costa Rica, but plenty of enjoyment may be found in the dry forests of Guanacaste. Like elsewhere in the world where one is in extremely dry habitats, find the water, but remember … sometimes the water is present even when it may not be seen! Towards the end of the dry season in the dry forest habitats of Costa Rica, there will almost never be water in the creeks. However, when heavy rains arrive during the Rainy Season, waters seep deep into the ground, and often will still be present underground even after several months of the dry season. The dry creek beds will be obvious, and if the surrounding trees have leaves … bingo! These trees may also have nuts and fruits which the birds will use for their meals! Don’t forget to check out where the dry creeks enter the ocean. Often there will be tidal pools which recharge with the changing of the tides. While we humans are not able to survive on these brackish waters, other animals and insects have amazing tolerances. Finally, if you find a “fresh water trickle”, mark the spot. It is guaranteed animals and birds also know where the actual freshwater exists … no matter how small the source.

Las Catalinas Dry Creek Bed & Small Tidal Pool

Bare-Throated Tiger Heron (immature)

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Boat-Billed Flycatcher

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Canivet’s Emerald Hummingbird

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Chestnut-Capped Warbler

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Great-Tailed Grackle

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Northern Waterthrush

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Painted Bunting (female or immature)

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Rufous-Backed Wren

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Squirrel-Tailed Cuckoo

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Summer Tanager

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Tropical Kingbird

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Turquoise-Browed Mot Mot

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Wilson’s Warbler

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Orange-Chinned Parakeet

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Stripe-Headed Sparrow