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Panama
The Republic of Panama, a small strip of land located in the middle of the Americas, is considered one the most interesting Birding
Destination in the neotropics. This 29,000 sq. mi. territory has 12 life zones that harbors 976+ species of birds,including 11 National
Endemics, more than any Central American country, five EndemicsBird Area (EBA's) with 107 species that are only found there with and
the presence of many
South American birds at its Northernmost range .
Panama is also a vital point in the continental migration,being one the few places where the North American Raptors flyways merge and having the only hemispheric importance site for migratory Shorebirds in Tropical America(Panama Bay). It ain't no fluke that the Harpy Eagle is the country National Bird.
For Birdwatching purposes the territory is divided in two major slopes (Pacific and Caribbean) with its sub-divisions (Central, Western and Eastern) and altitudinal margins (Lowlands, Foothills and Highlands). There a two seasons in Panama: Dry Season from Mid-December to late April and the Green Season (also called rainy) from May to early December.
The best time for Birding is by March and April when most of the birds are mating or breeding, but if you are interested in local Birds only, then late July and August, it's the right time; during the peak of the Bermudas Anti- cyclone, that creates a blockade on rain clouds in Southern Central America, increasing clear skies days.
Birding venues are accesible by a good road system or a short internal flights (1hr.). Lodging is available in many locations where US Dollar is widely accepted. So this the destination you've been looking for. So take your binos and come birding to Panama!
South American birds at its Northernmost range .
Panama is also a vital point in the continental migration,being one the few places where the North American Raptors flyways merge and having the only hemispheric importance site for migratory Shorebirds in Tropical America(Panama Bay). It ain't no fluke that the Harpy Eagle is the country National Bird.
For Birdwatching purposes the territory is divided in two major slopes (Pacific and Caribbean) with its sub-divisions (Central, Western and Eastern) and altitudinal margins (Lowlands, Foothills and Highlands). There a two seasons in Panama: Dry Season from Mid-December to late April and the Green Season (also called rainy) from May to early December.
The best time for Birding is by March and April when most of the birds are mating or breeding, but if you are interested in local Birds only, then late July and August, it's the right time; during the peak of the Bermudas Anti- cyclone, that creates a blockade on rain clouds in Southern Central America, increasing clear skies days.
Birding venues are accesible by a good road system or a short internal flights (1hr.). Lodging is available in many locations where US Dollar is widely accepted. So this the destination you've been looking for. So take your binos and come birding to Panama!
Design and Photos by Ariel Aguirre-Copyright 2012