From July to December, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica—especially the wild Osa Peninsula—becomes a crucial stopover for migratory birds escaping colder climates. As Corcovado National Park hums with life, the skies above tell another story: one of epic journeys and fleeting beauty.

Mississippi Kite
Graceful and ghost-like, the Mississippi Kite glides through southern Costa Rica in early fall. Look for them circling over the forest canopy near Carate or Los Patos station in Corcovado during September migration waves.

Black-and-white Warbler
This tiny tree-trunk creeper arrives in October, zigzagging through the lower Pacific forests. Try the trails near Puerto Jiménez or the secondary growth around Drake Bay for a closer look.

Swainson’s Hawk
By November, kettles of Swainson’s Hawks spiral high above the coast, en route to Argentina. The open skies around Sierpe or along the Golfo Dulce coastline offer perfect viewing.
These travelers share the forest with Corcovado’s iconic residents—Scarlet Macaws, toucans, and hummingbirds—making the rainy season a vibrant time for birdwatching. Fewer tourists, dramatic skies, and rich biodiversity make this Costa Rica’s wildest birding window.