Find Panama
Exotic Birds in Chiriqui Province
You may be no
ornithologist or a bird scientist but birdwatching is an
activity that everyone can enjoy. The sheer variety of birds
(almost 10,000 species worldwide) makes identifying them a
worthwhile hobby. Also, bird watching can take you to different
places if you're serious about it. Panama is one of the best
destinations for bird watching.
Panama has over 960 bird
species, 9 of which are endemic. Two of these endemic birds and
a number of 'near endemics' as birders call them can be found
in Chiriqui province. Panama has a unique mix of South American
and Central American bird species. This is because Panama
connects the two regions and acts as a border of
sorts.
Tips for
Beginning Birdwatchers
There are really just a
few things to bring when going birdwatching. Most often a
binocular, your curiosity and a little patience is all that is
required. The following tips will will help you enjoy your
birdwatching in Chiriqui more.
-
Dress for the
occasion – be sure to wear comfortable outfit that
matches the environment you intend to explore for
birdwatching. Prepare for the cool climate in the
highlands and be sure to be protected from the heat
when visiting coastal locations.
-
Don't forget
your binoculars – this seems obvious but you will
be surprised how many beginning birdwatchers don't
bring a binocular. A good binocular doesn't have to be
expensive.
-
Be patient
– sometimes staying in one location is better than
moving around. If the location is known for the species
your aiming to tick, the possibility of seeing that
bird is very high.
-
Leave nothing,
take nothing – be sure to not to leave trash in the
spot. Take the experience with you but don't take the
birds home!
-
Keep a
list – Keeping a list of all the birds you have
seen is like a way of keeping score. It's more than
simply listing though. Put in some drawings and
descriptions. Make sure you use a durable notebook with
sturdy covers. You will find it enjoyable to look back
at your notes further in your birdwatching
journey.
-
Become a
twitcher – a twitcher is an advanced birdwatcher
who finds excitement in ticking a species he or she has
never seen before. Engage in birdwatching long enough
and you won't be a stranger to this
sensation.
Birdwatching
Destinations in Chiriqui
There are a number of
wildlife parks and reserves in Chiriqui where you can enjoy the
pleasures of birdwatching.
-
La Amistad
International Park – located between Panama and Costa
Rica, the La Amistad International Park is nice place
for birdwatching. You are most likely to see the
Resplendent Quetzal among other interesting bird
species.
-
Boquete Cloud
Forest – aside from the wonderful diversity of birds to
see, this location is also very near accommodations. A
half-day tour would be enough to whet your appetite.
You'll be back in your hotel in Boquete before lunch
time.
-
Caldera – at 300
feet, Caldera is another accessible location for
birdwatching. Half-day tours are available and you
should be back to your hotel in Boquete before
noon.
-
The Senendro Los
Quetzales – this trail would require a full day hike.
Exercise plus birdwatching equals a healthy
combination.
-
La Fortuna –
somewhere in the middle of the Continental Divide and
Fortuna Reservoir is the perfect site for birdwatching.
Numerous rare species are sighted here
frequently.
-
La Barqueta Beach
Wildlife Refuge – there are marine birds and swamp
birds and other marine species to see in La Barqueta.
There are a lot of other activities available here like
whale-watching and rafting.
-
Chiriqui Gulf
National Marine Park – birdwatching and island hopping
fun!
Now you are equipped to
explore the pleasures of birdwatching in Chiriqui. Go tick that
bird twitcher!
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