In reading about Panama (my favorite subject these days), I found out that there are at least 972 bird species - including 22 species of parrots (!) - in Panama. This is more than in neighboring Costa Rica. No wonder it is one of the premier places in the world for birding!
So how does one become a birder?
Since I am early in this process, I don't yet know - and would welcome tips from those of you who already are experts - or at least further along than I am.
As a former parrot owner, I'm really excited to get to see macaws in the wild. I'm particularly keen to see Blue-and-golds (the largest of the six macaw species in Panama) [http://bit.ly/15VptMA] and Scarlets [http://bit.ly/11xTC13]. They are gorgeous birds - and I bet they are even more gorgeous in the wild.
And then there are toucans [http://bit.ly/11UYZGN]. I knew a toucan breeder in LA and loved their huge bright yellow beaks. They're such improbable looking birds. They must be quite something to see in the wild.
I understand that the Queztal [http://bit.ly/13Afkn0] is the "holy grail" of birds - and that they are "easily seen"(by experienced birders no doubt) in some parts of Panama. I had only heard of them until I looked up the image - and WOW! I can see why they are so special.
I wish my mother were still alive and could come with me for many reasons, one of which is that there are 59 species of hummingbirds which were her favorite birds and frequent visitors to my folks' bird feeder in Phoenix. Of course, hummers can be simply a blur because they move so fast. As I understand it they eat their body weight each day just to maintain their high-energy antics.
There are lots of other birds too: Ibis and turkey vultures, egrets and spoonbills, ducks and quali, coots and rails, and so many more. Many are migrants, most of which are snowbirds, traveling down from North America. My Minnesota friends would probably like to have joined them, especially this past winter - which extended into May!
I know a number of you are birders - so please educate me! What books should I consult? What can I do to practice birding skills before I go?
And come visit when I'm in Panama for a hands-on-the-binocs visit!
