Birding Costa Rica's Wetlands: Caño Negro & Medio Queso

Costa Rica is not all about mountain ranges and rain/cloud forests. This week, we go birding in the wetlands in search of the Jabiru.
After our attempt to see the raptor migration was somewhat torpedoed by a solar eclipse, thunderstorms, and a lack of raptors, we decided to add another short trip to the trip. After reaching out to local birding expert Chambita, we drove to the quaint town of Caño Negro, situated in the wetlands of the same name. While the man himself was unfortunately unavailable, he set us up with his friend Jimmy, who took us out on a wonderful boat trip.
A Pacific Screech-Owl, a couple of Black-Collared Hawks, and numerous kingfishers later, we were on the lookout for the elusive target of the day: The Yellow-Breasted Crake. Especially in wet season, you have great chances of seeing this elusive bird here...
After the boat trip and a filling breakfast at small soda on the road to Los Chiles, we continued birding there and as a spur-of-the-moment decision headed to Medio Queso.
It was absolutely worth the extra day on the road, even though the trip to San José took us quite some time afterwards.
A special thank you to Jimmy, Chambita, and his sister Elizabeth in Caño Negro. If you're ever in the area, reach out to them - you won't regret it.
If you've read through here, you might even find our store interesting:
We sell t-shirts of your (soon-to-be) favorite birds. Check out our full collection at https//jabiru-clothing.com

[@xdmc052412]

Stunning journey through Costa Rica's lesser-known wonders! 🌿 The quest for the Jabiru amidst breathtaking wetlands was truly captivating. Kudos to Jimmy and Chambita for their invaluable expertise. A must-watch for every nature lover

[@jabirustories]

Thank you so much 🙏 It’s wonderful to be surrounded by people who love sharing their knowledge and experience. I think birding is very special in that regard!

[@marceloelizondocoto8294]

Love the edition, and the script as well! And jealous you guys have seen more jabirus than me😂

[@jabirustories]

Thanks for watching 😃Glad that you enjoyed it!

[@dirkswildworld]

What a great spot. Never made it to Caño Negro, but it was and still is on my bucket list. Indeed, spectacular wildlife. I worked in a Zoo for almost 30 years, and I remember a very friendly Jabiru, that we kept alongside with Tapirs and ant-eaters...

[@jabirustories]

Thank you! They do look like they would be friendly, although maybe a bit mischievous 😄 Let me know when you come back, we’ll go out with Chambita! It’s such a great place, I could have stayed for a week!

[@dirkswildworld]

@@jabirustories it would be a more than great idea to go out for a birding walk together. Hopefully, I will return to CR next year. My girlfriend wants to visit Namibia again, but I will try my very best. At the moment we are trying to sell our house here, it's on the market since July, and if all is coming to an end, I HAVE to return to CR, as I am planning to look for some rental/buy property near Tilaran...🙂👍