Birdwatching at Lago Bay

Birdwatching is an experience at Lago Bay for all to see the incredible variety of Panama's birds.

I never was much interested in hanging out and watching birds as a hobby. My sports have always been more fierce like rugby, motorcycles and MMA. When you're around so many birds everyday, however, you can't help but to start to take notice. There are a lot of things going on with these guys. If you pay some attention, they can really put on a show.

Here at Lago Bay, bird watching is not only thick (lots of them) but easily accessible for everyone. Just step outside with your cup of coffee and see the buzz of morning rush hour. Clock back in during cocktail hour and see the evening show. When your curiosity gets wetted...take a short walk through any of the four distinct habitats here at Lago Bay and see four completely different worlds of...birds.

Many of our guests here at Lago Bay are avid birdwatchers. The combination of Lago Bay and Coiba for spotting different varieties is in most estimations...incredible. I've had many a birder stay for long periods of time and really get in tune with the habits and habitat of these beautiful creatures. Steven Day is a good example of a part-time birder that was swept away. He has done the favor of writing a little about his experience of birdwatching here in Lago Bay.

Pelicans and cormorants gather in shallow water, with white egrets in the background. Dense green foliage and a sandy shore set the scene. — Pelicans and cormorants gather in shallow water, with white egrets in the background

Steven Day - A guest, environmentalist, and a part-time birder.

Interview with Steven Day

The Lago Bay neighborhood is blessed with an extraordinary number of resident birds. After speaking with Brett, I've discovered that behind this good fortune is 20 years of hard work restoring this former farm into a tropical luxury estate that has been sympathetically managed to invite nature back. As an example, where there were just cattle ﬁelds there are now groves of coconut, moringa, neem and palm trees. These groves are set amongst grasslands that dance with butterﬂies and lakes that even boast alligators. This environment has become home to many species of birds!

Some of Lago Bay's ﬂagship birds are the impressive Mangrove Black Hawks. These apex predators soar over the estate or perch in the various hardwood trees. There are two families and they can often be seen close along the beach usually hunting for crabs. The Yellow-headed Caracara is a beautiful hawk that patrols Lago Bay, but what it has in looks it sadly lacks in voice. You will likely hear its loud scratchy call as you walk around the estate.

Now let’s talk parrots; it’s impossible to miss the most visible resident birds. They are colourful, noisy and full of character…..and truly steal the show as they flock through Lago Bay. Hundreds of Orange-chinned Parakeets and Red-lored Amazons pass through daily. You simply can’t miss them in the morning as they noisily greet each other and again in the evening as they ﬂock to discuss the events of the day.

Green parrots in flight against a clear blue sky, with leafy branches in the background, creating a peaceful, natural scene. — Parrots usually mate for life

Tropical Flycatchers are everywhere. Species that perch in our trees whilst hunting insects include Great Kiskadee, Streaked Flycatcher and the wonderfully named Boat-billed Flycatcher. They are ever watchful and never miss the opportunity to sally out and make a meal from a passing insect.

Aside from numerous hawks, parrots and ﬂycatchers there are incredible flocks of herons, egrets, doves, and warblers, hummingbirds, owls… I could go on! Each day that passes I continually spot more species here at Lago bay. Yesterday I had a sighting of the Keel-billed Toucan. From what I understand...they aren't residents yet, but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

If you’re a novice birder, ask Brett to borrow a pair of binoculars and download the free Merlin app to help with ID. That's enough to have a great walk around the estate. The birds are everywhere. More experienced birders might want to bring a telescope to survey the wetlands and coastal mudflats.

Happy Birding!

From:

Steve Day

Corporate Environmentalist

Part-time Birder.