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"As you drive in the Lodge at Pico Bonito, you know you are in route to someplace special."
- Audubon Magazine
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Lovely Cotinga
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Honduras offers the birdwatcher, amateur and professional alike, an incredible opportunity to observe its avian fauna in a wide variety of habitats. To date, at least 740 bird species have been recorded here. The country is dotted with national parks and reserves which alone harbor most of the species at one time or another throughout the year. From August to March one can observe huge numbers of migratory species which are either passing through on their journey further south, or residing here temporarily in order to escape the northern winter months.
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Photos: © Greg Hormel |
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In the south along the Gulf of Fonseca are a myriad of wetlands that are important for many migrating waterfowl. To the east, the remote La Mosquitia region is home to rarities such as the Agami Heron, Harpy Eagle, Macaws, Ant birds, Snowy Cotinga and the recently discovered Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher. Throughout the remainder of the country are rugged mountains that comprise some 85% of the territory. These are home to a huge diversity of species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird, White-ruffed Manakin, various Euphonias, Chlorophonias and a host of migratory Warblers. In the huge Aguan Valley, south of Pico Bonito National Park, one can find Honduras' only endemic species, the Honduran Emerald hummingbird (Amazalia luciae).
The single richest area for bird watching in the country is the North Coast of Honduras and the area in and around Pico Bonito National Park. The park itself a virtually unexplored 270,000 acres of low to mid elevation tropical wet forests, cloud forests and an unknown number of associated micro habitats. The nearby, bird rich Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, comprising some 35,000 acres, offers wetland and coastal mangrove habitats. A thorough study of both areas would probably render more than 500 bird species, possibly 600. We have counted 425.
The Lodge at Pico Bonito is uniquely located at the foot of Pico Bonito National Park and is nestled between the Corinto (east) and Coloradito (west) Rivers. Our 400 acre preserve borders the park and is comprised of various habitats including plantation areas (coffee, banana, orange and cacao), riparian habitat, and lowland tropical wet forest. Each area harbors its own set of bird species with some being confined to very specific areas, while others can be seen at several sites. The lodge's three, strategically located observation towers offer maximum viewing and photography opportunities. The adjacent mountains, rising to nearly 8000 feet, enable us to enjoy a host of altitudinal migrants which descend seeking more favorable conditions during the cooler winter months. Many species which are rarities elsewhere, (Lovely Cotinga, Keel-billed Motmot, Green Shrike-Vireo, Emerald Toucanette) are happily common around the Lodge.
The Lodge is the ideal place where one may relax after a morning or afternoon of birding our nearby system of nature trails. It can be used as a base for excursions to Pico Bonito National Park, Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, the Rio Aguan Valley, and other areas of Honduras, all of which provide excellent birding opportunities.
Bird List
Birder's Paradise Special
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Photos: © Greg Hormel |
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