Read the habitat
Begin at Camaquiri by learning how forest structure, edges, clearings, and food resources guide where and when to look for birds.
Plan a program 
Birding · Caribbean & Pacific Slopes
Read the forest
one bird at a time.
An immersive birding journey from the wet Caribbean lowlands to the dry and transition forests of the Pacific, using extensive field observation to connect identification with behavior, habitat, and conservation.
DatesJune 26–July 5, 2027
Application deadlineJune 11, 202715 days before the course begins.
Duration10 days
Tuition$2,000International airfare is not included.
Field locationsCamaquiri · Río Colorado · Carara
Course experience
Observe carefully.
Think like a field scientist.
Extensive bird walks, a Río Colorado boat excursion, and guided exploration of Camaquiri and the Carara region expose students to sharply contrasting bird communities. Informal lectures and daily discussion turn each sighting into a lesson in tropical bird ecology, behavior, habitat use, and biogeography.
- Identify tropical birds through field marks, vocalizations, movement, behavior, and habitat.
- Compare bird communities across wet Caribbean, riverine, dry, and transition forests.
- Interpret how rainfall, forest structure, food resources, and geography influence species distribution.
- Build structured field lists and observation notes that support ecological discussion and future study.
How the course unfolds
From first detection
to ecological insight.
The course is built around time in the field. Students sharpen observation skills in one habitat, carry those skills into a contrasting ecosystem, and use daily review to understand why each bird occurs where it does.
Use every clue
Combine sight, sound, flight style, behavior, and habitat to make confident identifications during extensive guided bird walks.
Compare ecosystems
Contrast Caribbean lowland and riverine communities with the dry and transition forests of the Carara and Tárcoles region.
Interpret the list
Use field notes, species lists, and informal lectures to connect observations with ecology, behavior, biogeography, and conservation.
Clear from the start
What your tuition
covers.
Course tuition is designed to cover the complete academic field experience in Costa Rica during the official program dates.
- All accommodations throughout the official course dates.
- All meals throughout the full course.
- All in-country transportation required by the itinerary, including ground and water transportation when applicable.
- All scheduled arrival, departure, and inter-site transfers within Costa Rica.
- All entrance fees and scheduled program activities.
- Academic instruction by the course faculty and instructors.
- Personal research and field equipment, including binoculars, course-specific personal materials, rubber boots, and notebooks.
- International airfare.
- Personal expenses.
- University credit or any fees charged by a participant’s home institution.
Meet Your Professor
Dr. Terry L. Master
- Academic affiliation
- East Stroudsburg University · Distinguished Professor of Biology Emeritus
- Specialization
- Ornithology · Behavioral ecology · Avian conservation
Dr. Master is an ornithologist and behavioral ecologist with decades of experience teaching biology and mentoring field research. He has led university learning experiences in Costa Rica since 1995.
2026–2027 field courses
Ready to learn
in the field?
Applications begin with fit, preparation, and academic interest. No payment is required to submit the form.
Start your application ↗