Field Trip Report: Costa Rica 2025!

We had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. The weather was very good and except for two short episodes, we had no rain. Roger Melendez was a remarkable guide and provided great accommodations, good meals, excellent birds, a few remarkable mammals, and good history and culture. And he had a tremendous sense of humor!

We had 14 participants plus Roger and his driver. We all bonded well and feel as though we are family now.

I don’t want to give too much away because we are planning to present a program for Whidbey Aububon Society in either June or September.

We had two remarkable sightings: a Sunbittern with wings outstretched and four Respondent Quetzals talking and showing off (photos below).

Sunrise  La Ensenada (credit: Patty Cheek)

Sunbittern (credit: Carol Russon)

Our group - Lance Porter, Vivian Stembridge, Linda Dwight, Carol Russo, Barbara Paul, Eileen Ryan, Jo Prussia, Linda and Gordy Griesbach, Karen and Steve Jordan, Niles Primrose, Vincent Ho, Patty Cheek (credit: Roger Melendez)

Resplendent Quetzal (credit: Roger Melendez)

Sign Up Now for 2026 Costa Rica Birding Field Trip!

In May 2026, Roger Melendez will lead another bird-watching trip in southern Costa Rica at various locations, from the Pacific coast to the highlands. The trip is already planned for May 19-30. The fee of approximately $3,000 will include all hotels, meals, transportation, park entrances, the guide, and a full-time vehicle driver. The trip is limited to 12 people, double occupancy only. 

Please contact Patty Cheek as soon as possible. Once the trip is filled, your name will be placed on a wait list.