Birds and Butterflies

Birds
The joke is when birdwatchers die, they go to Costa Rica. Costa Rica has over 850 species of birds, more than all of Europe or the United States and Canada combined. It boggles the mind to think that 1/10th of all species of known birds on earth inhabit this small country. Hummingbirds, only found in the Americas, inhabit the entire country, with over 60 different species. Beating their wings up to 80 times per second, they are the only bird in the world that can fly backward. Sixteen different types of parrots make Costa Rica home, including the scarlet, green and blue macaws. From the upper cloud forest, where the quetzal lives, to the coastal towns, home of the toucans, Costa Rica is a bird watcher's dream.   Don't forget the binoculars!

A special note to photographers: When photographing a hummingbird, keep a distance that does not disturb the bird while in the nest, especially if the hummingbird has babies. If the parent bird is disturbed while in the nest, it will not return. We have had guests photograph, using a flash, a hummingbird with babies in the nest. The nest and babies were abandoned.   Even getting near the bird, while in the nest, is a big risk. Please be respectful of our hummingbirds` habits.

This is a list of some of the birds seen in Costa Rica and the Orosi area.
Please click here to view the list.

Butterflies 
Costa Rica is a butterfly watcher's dream. This small country has more species of butterflies than all of Africa. During February and April we have an influx of butterflies that is a show not to be missed. The large blue morpho gets most of the attention, but many others that are equally as beautiful abound in our gardens. On one day in March, we counted over 30 different butterflies on the farm.

Lankester Gardens has a screened section dedicated to butterflies.   Sanchiri Lodge and Restaurant also has a butterfly area.

The Butterfly Farm, located near the airport, is the best butterfly exhibit in Latin America and a popular tourist attraction. The Butterfly Farm is very family friendly and educational. What a great introduction to Costa Rica! The quote below was taken from their web site at:

http://www.butterflyfarm.co.cr/tbf/index.htm

“Few places in the world offer visitors a more in depth view and appreciation of butterflies”. At The Butterfly Farm, widely recognized as one of the most popular destinations close to San Jose, all guests receive a two-hour guided tour. Inside an enclosed tropical garden, hundreds of Costa Rican butterflies flutter around flowers as trained guides explain about the life cycle and natural history of these fascinating creatures.   Early morning tours may have the extra treat of watching butterflies emerging from their chrysalides. On export days visitors may watch thousands of pupae being packed for export.”