I love canal bird surveys at the Tortuguero National Park by Marjolein Nibbelink

I really love bird survey and Caño Harold in the Tortuguero National Park. This survey is my favorite because it offers a great opportunity to see some rare and beautiful birds! Apart from that, in particular Caño Harold, the canal itself is just gorgeous!

We paddle upstream for about 2.5 hours further and further away from tourists until after a while, you’re the only boat around. The canal gets narrower and narrower until you have to dodge overhanging logs. If a bird is spotted, the survey leader will try and get as close as possible so that everyone can have a good look and positively identify it. All will carry binoculars, and if you get a good pair, it’s even more enjoyable!

All in all, bird surveys make you get the most out of the surrounding nature and biodiversity. You’ll be happy to get up early or sit still in the rain for a while, if you get the opportunity to see, for instance, a tricoloured heron (Egretta tricolor) or a green-and-rufous kingfisher (Chroloceryle inda)!

I love canal bird surveys at the Tortuguero National Park by Marjolein Nibbelink