Birdwatching From the House: Tips for a Rainforest Stay

One of the joys of staying in the rainforest is that you don't always have to go looking for birds. At Casa Bentbill, the house is surrounded by habitat where hundreds of species can be seen, so a cup of coffee on the deck can turn into a morning of birding. A little planning helps you see more.

Start early and stay put

Birds are often most active in the first hours of daylight. Set your alarm, pour a coffee and settle in somewhere comfortable with a view. Sitting quietly in one spot lets the birds get used to you, and many will carry on with their day close by.

Try returning to the same spot at different times. Late afternoon can bring a second burst of activity, and you'll start to notice which birds pass through at which hours.

Bring the right gear

• Binoculars: A pair for each person saves a lot of passing back and forth.
• A field guide or app: Pick one that covers Costa Rica so you can check what you're seeing on the spot.
• A notebook: Jot down species, times and where you saw them. It's a great record of your trip.
• A camera with zoom: Useful for confirming tricky identifications later.
• Rain gear: It's a rainforest, and birds don't stop for showers.

Listen as much as you look

In dense forest you'll often hear a bird long before you see it. Pause, close your eyes for a moment and pick out different calls. Following a sound with your eyes, slowly and patiently, is often how the best sightings happen.

Move gently, avoid sudden movements and keep voices low. If you're birding with others, agree on simple ways to point out a bird, like naming a branch or a nearby leaf.

Keep the wildlife wild

Enjoy the birds without disturbing them. Give nesting birds plenty of space and skip playback calls, which can stress birds. The less you change their behavior, the more natural moments you'll get to watch.

Curious about what you might see? Have a look at our Birds & Wildlife page to get a feel for life around the house.