Neighboring Carara National Park in the Turrubares Mountains of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region (approx. 45 minutes from Tarcoles), Macaw Lodge is a dream destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers in general. I had wanted to stay here ever since visiting for an afternoon several years ago, so I didn’t hesitate to say YES! when Macaw Lodge invited me to stay for several nights in support of my Big Year.

The lodge has a small pond and beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by rainforest. The views of the surrounding countryside are gorgeous and Scarlet Macaw can be seen frequently flying overhead. Owned by Costa Ricans with a sincere concern for conservation and sustainability, Macaw Lodge is a true eco-resort, not just in name. All of the electricity is provided by solar power and almost all of the food (quite delicious, I might add) is grown organically on-site.

Over the course of three full days birding the lodge’s 264-acre reserve, I observed 153 species of birds including two lifers: Marbled Wood-Quail and White-tipped Sicklebill. Also new for the year were Least Grebe, Bank Swallow, Stub-tailed Spadebill, and Least Flycatcher, bringing my yearly tally to 640 species.

Other birding highlights included Costa Rican Swift, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Charming Hummingbird, Baird’s Trogon, White-whiskered Puffbird, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Rufouswinged Woodpecker, Dot-winged Antwren, Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner, Golden-crowned Spadebill, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Rufous Piha, Blue-crowned Manakin, Orange-collared Manakin, White-winged Becard, and Scaly-breasted Wren.