They both present unique challenges: dense forests, peak activity at dawn and dusk, and species that stay hidden. These are precisely the situations where thermal optics reveal what the naked eye cannot.
Why Georgia? Why Costa Rica?
Known for its migration crossroads on the Black Sea Flyway, Georgia offers a spectacle of nature with some of the highest raptor counts in the world. Its diverse landscapes – from significant wetlands teeming with waterbirds to high mountain ranges to observe high-altitude species – make for an exhilarating adventure.
In contrast, the compact country of Costa Rica boasts one of the richest bird diversities in the world, attracting over 900 different species. Its lush rainforests and tropical dry forests serve as home to an astonishing array of colorful birds, from vibrant hummingbirds to resplendent quetzals.
Both destinations combine the thrill of adventure with a deep dive into cultural and ecological richness, encouraging not only the exploration of natural landscapes but also a profound appreciation for biodiversity conservation.
Birding in Georgia: raptors and migration spectacles
If you visit Georgia in the autumn, you might be lucky enough to witness the most impressive raptor migration, when over a million birds funnel through the region. Depending on migratory and breeding cycles, you may also catch a glimpse of large colonies of storks, herons, and pelicans inhabiting the coastal wetlands.
If you venture into the High Caucasus Mountains, you’ll be rewarded with unique alpine species. For songbirds, be sure to return in spring when they are actively breeding. Georgia had its showstoppers, which can be challenging to capture but are worth the effort. In the air, you might spot the Steppe Eagle, a migration star often seen in impressive numbers, or the elegant Booted Eagle, common along migration routes.
At dawn, take a boat onto Lake Kartsakhi and look for the wetland giant Dalmatian Pelican. To make the most of your stay, use thermal devices for detecting raptors on ridges at dusk and pelicans with herons resting in marshes before sunset. Pulsar Wildlife Lumion will seamlessly adapt to varied landscapes, while Ventex binoculars will provide a wide view for scanning the sky.
Birding in Costa Rica: tropical abundance
Costa Rica is a rare gem for the misty, lush beauty of its cloud forests and lowland jungles, which are packed with diverse birdlife year-round. Here you can find the best of both worlds: diurnal inhabitants, like the iconic, jewel-like Resplendent Quetzal and the noisy, flamboyant Scarlet Macaw, along with powerful nocturnal predators like the Spectacled Owl, which is often overlooked without thermal gear.
With heavy clouds covering the rare forest environments, spotting beautiful birds can be a hit or miss. Relying on a traditional flashlight is not only challenging due to the density of the foliage but can also disturb and scare away the birds, disrupting their natural behavior and potentially causing them stress.
Instead, trust thermal devices to locate hidden owls and nightjars in dense forests, as well as detect flocks roosting silently in vegetation. A portable and lightweight Pulsar Wildife Alaris will be your best partner for navigating dense environments and overcoming masterful camouflage.
Thermal birding advantages in exotic destinations
If you aim to extend birding into dawn, dusk, and night, revealing nocturnal or hidden species without disturbance but with full clarity, be sure to pack thermal optics. With the right gear, challenging environments like foggy mountains and dense rainforests will disclose their mysterious inhabitants and ensure your safety while scanning paths and orienting yourself in the dark.
Although Georgia and Costa Rica may be worlds apart, they both deliver remarkable, dreamlike birding experiences. Thermal optics bring a new perspective – from tracing the glowing outlines of steppe eagles soaring over Batumi, to finding a spectacled owl tucked away in a Costa Rican tree hollow. Wherever your next adventure takes you, adding a thermal twist will reveal more birds, more behavior, and more magic than ever before.