Tyler,
I went with my family for 17 days in August, 1997and had a great time seeing
over 100 bird species, almost half of which were lifers (I would have had
more lifers if I had not birded Forida extensively, probably less if I had
birded Mexico). We also saw many mammals, herps, fish, insects and flora
while hiking, caving, snorkling, rafting, and boating. Summer is the rainy
season, time of less tourists, and better prices. We went to both the
Atlantic and Pacific coasts in the northern half of the country, as these
areas were most accessable; the south is less developed, but more expensive
and harder to get around. We did about 5 half day to 2 day "tours" like a
Crocodile Cruise, a sea turtle nesting tour, white water rafting (Rio
Pacuare has much wildlife, water-proof binocs are great for use everywhere
in the country), and canal boating/lodging tour to Barra de Colorado. The
rest of the time we rode buses, stayed in moderate priced hotels, and
explored on our own. We got along fine on Berlitz guide Spanish, but it
never hurts to know more. Also planning and preparation, tempered with
patience and flexibility helped make our trip most enjoyable.

The bird book I used is a bible sized "A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica"
by F. Gary Stiles and Alexander F. Skutch. I wish I had had good field
guides to reptiles, amphibians, mammals, reef fish, freshwater fish,
butterflies, other insects, and plants, but either I didn't find them or
they do not exist. (Tweeter's please correct me if you have better
information.) The Mountaineers have a great book on parks and wilderness
adventures in Costa Rica available at REI (I gave away my copy to tour guide
as a tip). Get another book or two with current prices and lodging. Also do
some searching on the Internet for both lodging/tour ideas and naturalist
topics. We got a map at a travel store and placed colored pins and tags for
things like "Quetzal" (saw one tailless male at Monteverde), "Crocodile"
(Palo Verde), "Turtle Nesting" (Green Sea Turtle at Tortuguero), and rafting
to help plan the route of our trip.

If you decide to go in summer or when you have some locations, you can write
me directly about accomodations.
Bob Schmidt
BobS at BestNet.com


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Turaco14 at aol.com [SMTP:Turaco14 at aol.com]
> Sent: Sunday, April 25, 1999 3:26 PM
> To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
> Subject: Costa Rica . . . When & Where?
>
> Tweeters -
>
> Just recently got back from my trip to Arizona, and we're already planning
>
> another one! My parents want to go to Costa Rica for Christmas '99, but
> if
> I'm going to go to Costa Rica I'm going to make the best of it and want to
>
> know the most productive time of year. So, for those of you who know,
> when
> should we go? If we do go, where should we go? Are there any books on
> birding Costa Rica?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tyler
>
> PS - If you happen to know any good accommodations, please let me know.