Bosque de Paz Lodge and Private Reserve “Peace in a Montane Forest”
Birding and Wildlife Attractions of Bosque de Paz:
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Wildlife near Lodge: Besides the hummingbird feeders I mention below there are a host of other birds and mammals one can see near the lodge. The fortified corn meal set out attracts Black Guan, Common Bush and Silver-throated Tanagers, Rufous-collared Sparrows, and Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch. Mammals also enjoy the corn meal and include Agouti and Coati by day, and the Paca, an attractive and very large member of Rodentia, at night. Blue-and-white wallows nest in the eaves and Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush can be found along the edges of the garden. Along the stream watch for the resident Black Phoebe, Torrent Tyrannulet, and American Dipper.You should also keep a lookout for Resplendent Quetzal and mixed species flocks along the edge of the forest. The open areas near the lodge is a good place to watch for raptors including Great Black-Hawk and Ornate Hawk-Eagle! |
 Paca feeding at night |
 Violet Sabrewing |
Hummingbird feeders:There are several hummingbird feeders around the lodge and plenty of natural flowers as well that attract a variety of species. Expect to see the large Violet Sabrewing, Magnificent Hummingbird, and Green-crowned Brilliant, the impressive Green Hermit, the flashy Purple-throated Mountain-Gem, and the diminutive Scintillant Hummingbird. Occasional visitors include Brown Violetear and Magenta-throated Woodstar among others. The feeders are well maintained and provide excellent photo opportunities as well. |
| Forest trails: Bosque de Paz has an extensive trail system which will accommodate both the casual and avid hiker. The trails leading through the meadow, along the streams, and the dirt road out front are all easily manageable. The trails leading to higher altitudes are steep and sometimes include ladders, fun for the young or young at heart, quite difficult for others. Walking slowly and quietly along any of the trails can produce some of the most sought after birds in Costa Rica, (see specialty birds below). Birding can be slow at times and then suddenly you find yourself surrounded. Spotted Barbtails, Red-faced Spinetails, Spangle-cheeked Tanagers, the glorious Golden-browed Chlorophonia, the ubiquitous Common Bush-Tanager, and several tyrant-flycatcher species are just some of the expected members of these flocks. Others, especially the skulkers such as Highland Tinamou, Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, and Scaled Antpitta, tend to be loners and you will need sharp eyes to pick them out of the dark forest floor. No matter what you see, it is just a real joy to walk through this beautiful pristine cloud-forest. |  Stream along trails |
| We recommend at least two nights at Bosque de Paz to take in the atmosphere, birds, and wildlife but since it is such a nice place to stay and bird that a stay of 3 or 4 nights would be most enjoyable. Bosque de Paz is also a refreshing alternative to the crowds of tourists you will likely encounter at Monteverde. | |||||||||
Specialty birds of Bosque de Paz:Highland Tinamou – This shy ground dweller is fairly common in the forest but far more often heard than seen! Black Guan – This is the best place to see this impressive Cracid, up to 10 come to the corm meal feeder throughout the day! Bicolored Hawk – This large forest accipiter is rare throughout its range but regular in the private reserve. Buff-fronted Quail-Dove – Gorgeous but shy, this ground dwelling, Chiriqui highland endemic can be found with luck along the forest trails. Purple-throated Mountain-Gem – Another Chiriqui highland endemic, common at the feeders. Scintillant Hummingbird – Common near the lodge, Savegre being the other sure site to see this, the smallest Costa Rican hummingbird. Resplendent Quetzal – Not as predictable as in Savegre or Monteverde but pairs are resident and can even be found even close to the lodge. Orange-bellied “Collared” Trogon – Now lumped with Collared, still nice to see this distinct unique color morph found commonly here. Black-banded Woodcreeper – A large and rare woodcreeper in Costa Rica, pairs can be found even close to the lodge at times. Scaled Antpitta – Best looked for along trails in the early morning and late afternoon in the private reserve. Silvery-fronted Tapaculo – Another skulking Chiriqui highland endemic best looked for in dense undergrowth, far more often heard than seen. Barred Becard – One of several sites where you can find this handsome becard. Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush – fairly common around the lodge proper. Spangle-cheeked Tanager – Found commonly in mixed-species flocks in the private reserve. Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch – Normally quite shy and difficult to see well, this attractive brush-finch comes daily to the feeder! Blue Seedeater – Almost a mythical status in Costa Rica, watch for this bamboo specialist in its preferred habitat (bamboo) in the private reserve. |
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