Calling all Birders, birdwatchers, twitchers and ornithologists!
As a specialist group it is probably no secret to you that Costa Rica is a birdwatchers paradise.
But did you know that the Caribbean zone of Costa Rica counts over half of the country’s 850 bird species?
One of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse areas, the Caribbean coast is a birders dream come true, thanks to the large tracts of tropical rainforest, mangroves, estuaries and beaches that attract approximately 450 bird species.
Geckoes Lodge is THE Lodge for birders.
At Geckoes you are surrounded by primary and secondary rainforest bordered by a river, where a multitude of bird species can be seen without leaving your veranda!
Geckoes Lodge was created from 2 hectares of deserted cocoa plantation. Cocoa grows well in shade so this property has a wealth of diverse mature trees, which coupled with rainforest and river frontage, has created a bird sanctuary.
Situated only 1 kilometre from the coastal road you have easy access to all amenities but plenty of peace and quiet to appreciate and identify the differing calls from the birdsong which is Geckoes constant ‘background music’.
You will not be one of many at Geckoes Lodge. With only four houses for rent on our property, guests are assured of not only a tranquil and ‘nature-rich’ stay but also privacy. Our houses are spacious and well equipped to offer you supreme comfort, whilst great care is taken to preserve and protect the surrounding environment. Caring not only for our guests but also for the incredible nature surrounding us at Geckoes has resulted in a wealth of flora and fauna to enjoy.
Casa Bromelia, our two-bedroom house (sleeps 4 guests), could have been designed with bird-watching in mind… Situated in an elevated position it could be your most luxurious ‘hide’ to date! Whether you choose to bird from your veranda, your hammock, lying next to your plunge pool, taking a stroll through the property or sitting by the river, we can assure you that bird-watching at Geckoes is superb.
Terry, a birdwatcher guest at Geckoes Lodge in March 2011 compiled the following list seen from his veranda in only one afternoon:
- Bananaquit
- Rufous-tailed hummingbird
- Long-tailed Hermit
- Bronzy Hermit
- Variable Seedeater
- Black-cheeked Woodpecker
- Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
- Keel-billed Toucan
- Red-cored Parrot
- Short-billed Pigeon
- Blue Ground-Dove
- Great Kiskadee
- Social Flycatcher
- Gray-capped Flycatcher
- Clay-coloured Thrush
- Summer Tanager
- Passerini’s Tanager
- Palm Tanager
- Baltimore Oriole
- Black-cowled Oriole
- Buff-throated Saltator
- Black-striped Sparrow
- Montezuma Oropendola
- Orchard Oriole
- Long-tailed Tyrant
- Ruddy-ground Dove
- Bay Wren
- Streak-headed Woodcreeper
- Squirrel Cuckoo
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Blue-grey Tanager
In addition to the above Geckoes also has a visiting Slaty-tailed Trogon and is host to a community of more than 50 Oropendolas in nesting season. Hummingbirds are daily visitors and due to our location (middle elevation) there is a great diversity of species.
Thanks to indigenous planting at Geckoes Lodge the hummingbird species can be easily identified and even photographed. Toucans are also frequent visitors and differ according to the trees in fruit, but those most frequently seen are the Chestnut-mandibled, Keel-billed and Collared Aracari. The Great Egret and Kingfishers (Ringed, Green, Belted and Amazon Kingfishers) are often viewed near our river.
And when you have counted all the species around Geckoes Loge there are several highly experienced and knowledgeable bi-lingual local Ornithologist guides offering private or group birdwatching tours in specific locations in the area.
Zoë and Tom live on site and are happy to arrange Ornithology tours and help you make the most of your holiday.
Just contact us and in consultation with you, we can arrange tailor-made birdwatching excursions according to your wishes, budget and time-frame.
Birders can not only expect wonderful birdwatching at Geckoes Lodge but plenty of wildlife, spectacular beaches and more activities than you can manage in a few weeks! Take a look at our ‘Things to Do’ and Beaches page to give you an idea of the amazing diversity this coast has to offer.