Costa Rica, renowned for its rich avian biodiversity, often lures birding enthusiasts to its lush rainforests and misty cloud forests. However, Guanacaste, with its coastal towns like Nosara, might just be a hidden gem for birdwatchers amidst the surfers and beachgoers. While this region may not be the typical destination for wildlife enthusiasts, there are still some pretty decent spots to discover diverse bird species.
The Beaches
Nosara’s main beaches, Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, offer more than just sun and sand. Surprisingly, these coastal havens actually host a variety of birdlife beyond the ubiquitous pelicans. Playa Guiones in particular has some excellent trails along its shorelines, providing a pretty good opportunity for some “birding disguised as another activity”.
Refugio Nacional Ostional
Famed for its nesting sea turtles, Refugio Nacional Ostional also presents excellent birding opportunities. As you opproach on the road flanked by farmland (always, always take the slower scenic route, turning left after the bridge instead of keeping straight ahead), keep an eye out for hawks perched in trees and double-striped thick-knees camouflaged in the fields. The inlet at Ostionalito is a haven for shorebirds, offering a chance to observe a diverse array of avian species. On my last visit there, I spotted lapwings, night herons, plovers (including Collared), kingfishers, and much, much more.
Reserva Biológica Nosara
Maybe my personal favorite among Nosara’s birding spots, the Reserva Biológica or Biological Reserve, is a sanctuary of mangroves, forests, and lovely trails. Here, you’ll find trogons, motmots, warblers, and might even chance upon a Collared Forest Falcon or a White-necked Puffbird in the canopy. The lookout point at the top of the hill might be a real estate development at some point in the future – but let’s just hope it takes some time for that to happen.
Day Trips: Diriá & Pozo de Agua
If your family somehow managed to convince you to spend a week or so in Nosara, you may find yourself wanting to venture out a bit. Diriá, nestled in the hills near the charming town of Santa Cruz, protects dry forests teeming with birdlife. Don’t mistake it for a hiker’s destination, its loop trail can probably be walked in less than half an hour if you’re not stopping. It’s not bad for birding, although I feel that the road that leads up to the park might actually be better.
Pozos de Agua, meanwhile, hosts a vibrant lagoon bustling with waders, herons, wood storks, and even the majestic Jabiru stork. Read up more on How (Not) to Visit Pozo de Agua in my recent post.
It’s not Monteverde, but Nosara isn’t a shabby birding spot
Granted, even with these lovely spots nearby, you won’t find a birding tour anywhere in the country including it on its itinerary. But still: If you’re here anyways, as part of a family vacation or just to wind down at the beach from some more exhausting birding throughout the country, it’s not a shabby place by any means. As my exploration continues, this list will evolve, and I’ll keep it updated with my latest findings.
Know a spot in Nosara? Share your recommendations in the comments, I’d love to check them out 🙂
