Birdwatching in Bijagua: Tips for Your Early Morning Walk

Many years ago, our family began planting trees on our land in Bijagua so native species would have a place to live. Today, the birds are some of our most faithful visitors, and an early morning walk is the best way to meet them.

Why the morning matters

Birds are busiest early in the day, when they feed and call before the heat and afternoon rain. That is why our birdwatching tour is an early morning walk of about three hours through secondary forest. We open at 6:00 AM Monday to Saturday, so you can be on the trail while the forest is waking up.

What you might see

Our guides regularly look for hummingbirds, toucans and many other species. Birds photographed on our land include the Montezuma oropendola, blue dacnis, red-legged honeycreeper, palm tanager, squirrel cuckoo, lineated woodpecker and the tiny common tody-flycatcher. Sightings vary every day, and part of the fun is never knowing exactly who will show up.

The species seen by our guides and guests are reported on eBird, so your morning on the trail also adds to what is known about birds in this area.

What to bring

• Binoculars. They make a huge difference for small birds high in the trees.
• A camera with a zoom lens if you love bird photography.
• Muted clothing in greens or browns, and comfortable closed shoes for trails that may be damp.
• A rain jacket and water.
• Patience. Standing quietly at the edge of the forest often brings the birds to you.

Birding with a guide

A good guide hears birds long before you see them. Our bilingual naturalist guides lead tours in English or French and help you spot movement, identify calls and tell similar species apart. The minimum booking is two people per tour.

Curious about the birds before you come? Browse our gallery for photos taken right here in the forest our family has restored.