The area of Central America is well-renowned among the set of dedicated, almost obsessive, hobbyists called birders. With more species of birds and trees than any other area of the world, Central America is the destination among destinations for those seeking to locate the elusive as well as the resplendent nature travel experience.
Before advocating in favor of Panama as the choice for a birdwatching-focused journey, it is important to understand the true nature of the birder. In his book, The Verb ‘To Bird,’ Peter Cashwell wrote, “In truth, my mind is less distracted by birding than inordinately pleased by it, probably because birding is as much an intellectual passion as an emotional one.” There is a scholarly birding experience, sort of ornithological, that happens in the process of analysis and identification. The more cerebral birder will also understand that there is an emotional, vis-a-vis spiritual experience at play here, as the species appear to us, elude us, carry folklore and history, and even possess a deified presence.
From here, birders can share the shoreline with birds such as the yellow-crowned night heron, snowy egret and the brown pelican, who can be seen floating by with its pterodactyl resemblance.
Taboga Island, Panama
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Another island excellent for exploration is Taboga Island. Travelers can make this a day trip or even stay over a few days. Taboga Island is a short boat ride from Panama City on the Panama Bay. Taboga Island is ideal for beach combing or hikes that take the adventurer all the way up to the top of Cerro de la Cruz for a panoramic view of the island, well worth the three-hour trek. On the island, the birder can check off his/her list when identifying cormorants, boobies and frigate birds. A closer inspection, and birdwatchers might catch a glimpse of a blue-chested hummingbird, black striped woodpecker, or a grey-capped flycatcher.
Hummingbird in Panama
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At the Finca El Oasis Hotel in Volcan Baru, Boquete, Panama, not only can the traveler see a wealth of birds, but also feel like a bird him/herself. The zipline experience is one of the hotel’s many activities. From atop the canape, one can see how birds have so easily been seen as spiritual totems.
Volcan Baru, Boquete, Panama
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The elevation, and the fact that Finca El Oasis is the only farm located inside a national park and volcano, enables the birder a unique experience. At 2400 meters above sea level, the hotel vantage point allows for a great view of the harpy eagle, the national bird of Panama, as well as the resplendent quetzal, which is most likely to be seen in Boquete.
Though a few spots in Panama were outlined, the entire region is rich with birds. Also, there are more bird species in this region of the world than anywhere else on earth.
A close-up of a Collared Aracari (toucan).
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Thus, this is a birder’s paradise where the trained eye can spot a tropical kingbird, a sun bittern, a bare-necked umbrellabird, a rosy thrush tanager, a speckled owl and hundreds more. A quality pair of binoculars, bug spray, long pants and a hat is all one needs to take the trek of a lifetime: birdwatching in Panama.
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