WILDLIFE PRESERVE

Five artificial nests were installed at Macaw Lodge, located in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica.

As the year starts, we expect more sun and wind rather than rain and humidity in Costa Rica's dry season. The blooming verbenas that surround the Eastern side of the Lodge project their purple 'foxtails' attracting all sorts of hummingbirds: Scaly-breasted, Charming, Rufous-tailed, Violet-headed, Blue-vented and Rubythroated have been spotted around our grounds during this season. Walking towards the entrance, fruit attracts the beautiful, small and playful tanagers: Summer, Blue-gray and Golden-hooded are just a few types that come by. Cecropias are also a favorite food that will bring other species. Last but not least, our almond trees are ready for our iconic bird: the Scarlet Macaw. To the newcomer, sighting this bird for the first time is a very magical moment. The red wings contrast with the bright yellow and deep blue lines making their flight a magnificent sight. We have set up 5 artificial nests amongst their favorite food: the fruit from the almond trees. You can spot groups of them happily feeding, flying or just resting in couples. We fully pride ourselves in our name Santuario de Macao, which is inspired in this beautiful bird and the story of a species that almost was extinct and is now thriving. The rain and wet forest surrounding us hosts up to 350 species of migratory and resident birds.

Reference: https://www.macawlodge.com/pdf/macawlodge-newsletter-jan2020.pdf

"It is important to generate efforts to protect populations of mammals exposed to constant roadkills, all of which can impair the population dynamics of the species. For species that frequently die trampled in the area, an excellent option would be canopy crossings, taking advantage of the overhanging trees often found on the road, and propose sites for location of these crossings and their signage."

Reference: https://revistas.uned.ac.cr/index.php/repertorio/article/view/2549/3242