Thousands of tourists flock here tosee birds every year. From the tiny volcanohummingbird to the statuesqueresplendent quetzal, Costa Rica’s birdsare stars of the international bird world.People from all over the world pay thousandsof dollars to catch glimpses of thecountry’s amazing avifauna.For those living here, the birds areright in our backyards – and down theroad and over the mountain. Everymonth, the Birding Club of Costa Rica(BCCR) sets out on a bird-watchingexpedition, either a day outing or aweekend trip.Some members are experiencedexperts, some are novices and others arejust happy to be out for a walk in thewoods along with like-minded nature lovers.Bilingual guides help us spot andidentify birds we see in some of theremotest nature preserves, as well ascloser, Central Valley birding hotspots.Traveling as a group, the club saves onlodging and guide expenses, so the tripsare affordable.The groups may stay in a luxuryecolodge one month and then bunkdown in rustic dormitories another trip.Day trips cost even less than a night atthe movies.The organization is holding its annualgeneral meeting June 19 in the coolhighlands near Varablanca, north ofHeredia.They will be birdwatching at 6 a.m.at Poás Volcano Lodge, rain or shine, followedby a short meeting and an elegantFrench country lunch at the hilltopRestaurant Colbert. For info, callDorothy Sagel, 249-1856 or e-mailcrbirdingclub@hotmail.com to receivean e-mail copy of the monthly newsletter,The Tico Tweeter.
