Surrounded by lush jungle views that will capture your soul, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa is an amazing environment to enjoy some bird watching. As a guest of Garza Blanca’s breathtaking preserve, you will have plentiful opportunities to join birdwatching tours which are led by the activities team. You will also be able to borrow a bird guide at your leisure and observe the birds inhabiting the property whenever the mood might strike. The sweet birdsong of resident parakeets, jays, and mourning doves will provide a melodic backdrop to your excursion.
Feathered Residents – Chachalacas
Perhaps one of the most remarkable feathered residents at Garza Blanca is the chachalaca, a brown galliform bird that looks as though it could be a cross between a pheasant and a wild turkey. Although they are generally nervous around people, the tranquil atmosphere of the preserve encourages them to let their guard down, so sightings are quite frequent, particularly around the Outdoor Play and Fitness Center and the nursery and orchid garden areas.
As you catch a glimpse of these splendid creatures, you will most likely observe the males high up in the trees where they feel they are king of the jungle as they look for berries, while the females typically position themselves lower in the trees or search the ground vegetation for food. It is normal for the female to remain within a few feet of her male counterpart and she will eat a short time after the male. The pair will become even closer when the female is pregnant and they will often groom each other.
White Heron
This majestic white heron (Garza Blanca in Spanish), for which the awe-inspiring vacation resort is named, is another happy inhabitant of the preserve. They can often be seen amongst other water-friendly birds including seagulls and pelicans along the shoreline of Garza Blanca’s beach. Sunrise and sunset are ideal moments to gaze out along the water to watch these wonderful birds dive after fish.
Parakeets
While the parakeets that live throughout the preserve can be challenging to spot up close, you will definitely be able to view them from afar up high in the trees and enjoy their charming birdsong. The activities team can help you locate a nest if you are having trouble on your own. From there, you can view the male as he protects his nest, housing his female mate and their babies or eggs. The jungle termites who create huge nests on the sides of trees are an important part of the local ecosystem; the adult parakeets can often be seen removing the termite nests and moving them close to their own nests where they can provide plenty of delicious termites to their baby parakeets.
Woodpeckers
Another lovely bird to enjoy during a birdwatching tour is the woodpecker. While not always clearly visible through the jungle vegetation, you will see their handiwork everywhere you look with the holes they have made in several trees. Woodpeckers are famous for the distinctive, noisy drilling they perform on tree trunks while searching for insects or constructing a nest.
Regular Birdwatching Tours
This fun expedition through the spectacular jungle is aimed at any guest who appreciates studying wildlife amidst its natural surroundings, from complete novice to seasoned birdwatching enthusiast. The educational tour begins in the lobby where you will be guided by an expert into the lush outdoor habitat in search of a variety of bird species to observe. You will be taught how to detect particular birds just by listening to their songs and chirps while becoming aware of the calls of birds such as macaws and jays. Your guide will also bring attention to any visible nests for viewing and show you specific fruits and berries that are essential to the birds’ diets.
