Although not a "professional bird watcher" (and I mean the feathered kind), I learned to keep track of winged visitors to our feeders on the lake adjoining our backyard here in Canada. So far, I've identified close to 60 species.
Arriving in Boquete last January, I quickly noticed the vast variety of birds and, equipped with a 80-zoom camera, started hunting.
In only three months, I photographed over 100 species of birds, including the fabulous Resplendent Quetzal (saw it 18 separate times, from one to five individuals) and the rare fiery-billed Arcari. At this pace, it will take me only 8 more years to see all of Panama's bird species!
I'd like to hear from other ningers who love the variety of bird species around Boquete what their most prized sightings have been...
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On Tuesday afternoon, I explored the road on the other side of the Lucero Development property, driving it all the way down past the golf course with its stone wall on a 4wd road for the last 3km to a primitive fence and gate. I love to head out on back country dirt roads and see where they take me. I explored many remote areas of California and Nevada over the 50 years that I lived there, and hope to continue that tradition here.
The region between Jaramillo and Caldera transitions from rain forest ecosystem to a rugged beautiful hilltop and hillside savannah with scattered trees, thickets and pockets of forest. There are likely many birds many in the thickets and forest patches which I will which I stop and search for in future journeys into that region.
When clear of the forest trees, the view of the surrounding mountains and valleys in all directions is magnificent. Sweeping rugged vistas let you see as all the way to the ocean and Costa Rica.
I will post here when I do my next remote drive/walk in the close by, yet remote and desolate countryside, and see if anyone is feeling adventurous and interested in coming along. I will be especially interested in sharing my day-trips with those with a knowledge of natural systems and flora and fauna - and a desire to learn more about the plants and animals of Chiriqui.
And of course, when you take such remote journeys on wheels or by foot, always let someone know where you are going in case of an accident or breakdown, or other problems in getting back. Easiest thing to do is a screen-shot of Google maps with markers for your route or destination. E-mail it to a friend before you leave, and let that friend know when you return safely.
Yes, it was by the bridge in Caldera where we saw the pair of Arcari. Definitely a treat!! I'll check out the place you mentioned next time I'm in PC. I love the little nyekays (sp?) and agouti. I've only seen them once on the Chiriquí side- while climbing a mountain path to Volcancito. Wish there were more of them around, I think they're so cute!!
There is a bird walk once a month around the town of Boquete. These walks are announced on News Boquete. If you are not registered to receive these notices, contact news.boquete@gmail.com
This is the link for information about last years Christmas Bird Count in Volcan.
They do this every year. Audobon Society Effort.....
Something Bird Lover's might enjoy participating in.
Tweet....
http://www.cielitosur.com/cbc%20volcan.html
Thanks for the pics.
Dav
The birding is one of the reasons my bf and I visited Panama to begin with. It's been a love affair since.
I just returned home from a visit where I too saw the fiery billed Arcari in Caldera area. Too bad my photos weren't as good as yours!! They were very far away. Thanks for sharing!!