Hi Gwynne,

Good choice of a location to go birding. I have visited Panama City and
Pipeline Road many times, most recently June of last year. You can stay in
Panama City or in one of the closer lodges (I recommend the Canopy Tower)
and access Pipeline Road but you will need to get an official pass to
enter. The road is not locked so you don't NEED the pass to acually enter.
When I was there, I stayed at the Canopy Tower and they supplied me with the
necessary pass. I didn't think I would need it but I was stopped each day
by a park official (I guess) who wanted to see the pass (never happened
before on previous visits). I don't know what would have happened if I
didn't have it.

Good luck. I've spent many many hours with the antbird flocks there and
will do it again!
Jim Danzenbaker
Sales Manager
Kowa Optics
perched in Battle Ground, WA
On Jan 31, 2008 9:07 AM, Gwynn Harris <rikwilma at hotmail.com> wrote:

>
> Hello- I am thinking of going to Panama City and I would love some tips
> from anyone who has been birding in that area. We would like to go to the
> Soberania National Park/Pipeline Road. Is it possible (or safe) to hike that
> area on our own or is it necessary to take a tour? Please let me know if you
> have any insights on this or any other pointers for that area.
>
> Thanks!
>
> -Gwynn Harris
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--
Jim Danzenbaker
Battle Ground, WA
360-723-0345
jdanzenbaker at gmail.com