Tropical Ornithology, June 22 - july 6.

Costa Rica is a small country, approximately the size of West Virginia, lying between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Within this relatively small area (0.03% of the Earth’s surface) 5% of Earth’s total biodiversity can be found including almost 10% of the world’s bird species. At our primary destination, The Camaquiri Conservation Initiative (CCI), more species of birds have been seen (278) then breed in Pennsylvania (see species list @ www.Camaquiri.com). We can expect to see over 200 species of birds on this tour. This amazing diversity derives from a complicated geography which influences climatic factors that permit nearly every type of tropical habitat to exist in Costa Rica from coastal mangrove swamps to windswept mountain summits where frost occurs on occasion.The country is divided by a mountainous spine into Pacific and Caribbean slopes. We will visit lowland (Camaquiri) and mid-elevation (Arenal) sites on the Caribbean Slope, a high elevation site bordering the Central Valley (Parc Naciónal Volcan Poas) and dry forest on the Pacific slope (El Rinconcito Lodge/Parc Naciónal Rincon de la Vieja). Each location/elevation has its own characteristic bird Community. The itinerary is designed to see species from a variety of habitats that will provide examples and a backdrop to learning about their ecology, behavior and conservation during informal lectures and discussions. The course is designed for college students or anyone with a keen interest in birds.

Tuition: $1,800
Deadline: May 1, 2024.