The calls of Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds (Amazilia tzacatl), an aggressive hummingbird, could be heard when you open the door to the garden. This little, tiny bird zipped around the flowering shrubs. Tucked away in the vibrant outskirts of San José, Costa Rica, Hotel Bougainvillea is more than just a comfortable retreat—it’s a birding haven. Its meticulously maintained gardens, spanning 10 acres, offer a rich variety of habitats perfect for observing some of Central America’s most dazzling avian residents and winter visitors. For bird enthusiasts, a winter visit to this verdant oasis promises a feast for the senses and a checklist full of avian treasures. Additionally it is an entry to the birds of Costa Rica before you go on an adventurous trip.
So you get well accustomed to Costa Rice because the hotel’s expansive grounds feature a mix of open lawns, flowering shrubs, towering trees, and tranquil ponds. These diverse habitats attract a variety of birds, from colorful tanagers to melodious thrushes. For winter birders, the gardens provide a rare chance to observe both local species and migratory birds escaping the colder climates of North America.
We were very successful, birding White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis), Hoffmann’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes hoffmannii), White-fronted Amazon (Amazona albifrons), a beautiful Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) and last not least a White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi) already on the first day. Furtheron a real highlight was a Lesson´s or Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps), which perched in a shaded area of the garden, providing ample photographic opportunities. The bird is known for its vibrant green body, blue crown, and racket-shaped tail feathers, this stunning bird often. The On the lawns we noticed Clay-colored Thrushes (Turdus grayi), which draw attention with its rich, melodic song that fills the garden, especially during the cooler winter mornings of our stay. The noisy, gregarious parakeets we saw were Crimson-fronted Parakeet (Psittacara finschi), which we could often see in small flocks, darting between trees and feeding on fruits.
We were lucky to see some winter migrants, too. One strikingly patterned migrant was a Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia), which could be spotted quite regulary creeping along branches, searching for insects in a nuthatch-like manner. Another warbler was the Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina). This small, olive-green warbler frequents flowering trees, sipping nectar and blending seamlessly with the foliage. With its bright orange breast and its melodious calls, the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is North American migrant that adds a splash of color to garde scenery. Last ot least we saw Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus). Males, with their striking black and white plumage and rosy breast patches, are hard to miss, even in the densely vegetated areas of the garden.
Winter at Hotel Bougainvillea offers pleasant weather, lush foliage, and the unique overlap of resident and migratory birds. The gardens provide both feeding and roosting opportunities, making it a prime spot for diverse sightings. Birders often find that mornings yield the best observations, as the gardens come alive with activity during the cooler hours.
A stay at Hotel Bougainvillea in San José is highly recommend. It combines comfort with unparalleled birding opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a curious traveler, the winter season unveils a tapestry of vibrant species that showcase the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. With binoculars in hand and the hotel’s gardens as your base, you’re sure to leave with cherished memories and an impressive bird list.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.