Most of the species of Albatross are headed for extinction!!!
It can’t be put plainer than that. This family has always been in a precarious position because they tend to breed on small isolated islands which are vulnerable to introduced predators. However, the threat that is bringing them to annihilation is long line fishing. Long lining is the practice of setting out a single line, sometimes over 100km. long, with thousands of baited hooks. These baited hooks attract thousands of albatross and other seabirds who are caught and dragged till they drown. More than 300,000 seabirds are being killed each year, and over twenty species are facing extinction including most albatross species. These species reproduce in small numbers and the kill rate by long line fishing vastly outnumbers new births.
The Save the Albatross Campagn, supported by organizations such as Birdlife International and the RSPB, are publicising the problem and promoting solutions. These solutions include changing the fishing methods so that they are not attracting seabirds, legislation, and policing pirate fishing operations.
Tomorrow: Some good news from Argentina
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This National Park is an area of untouched rain forest on the eastern or Caribbean slopes of the central mountain range. It is within 20km. of the capital, San Jose, although I found it more convenient to stay in the town of Guápiles, a pleasant town to the east of the park. The park is located in one of he most rugged areas of Costa Rica and can be wet as well, so dress accordingly. There are also reports of theft from parked cars, take precautions.
There is an aerial tram to take you above the canopy. It can be fun but don’t expect to see a lot of birds as it seemed pretty barren, although we did see a Tiny Hawk which was an unexpected surprise.
Some bird you might see include Broad-billed Motmot, Lattice-tailed Trogon, Dot-winged Antwren, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Plain-Brown and Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Black-cheeked, Pale-billed and Lineated Woodpeckers, Buff-throated Saltator and Scarlet-rumped Cacique.
Tanagers are well represented such as Gray-headed, Silver-throated, Speckled, Bay-headed and White-shouldered Tanager.
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The Carara National Park is my favorite wildlife area in Costa Rica. It is located on the central part of the Pacific coast and includes a large amount of primary growth as well as secondary growth and the rich diversity of the Tarcol River. (more…)
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is an important winter refuge for migrant waterfowl, and has a number of resident wetland species. (more…)
One of the first national parks of Costa Rica,Santa Rosa National Park contains some of the little remaining area of tropical dry forest habitat throughout all of Central America. Its beaches attract both Pacific Ridley Sea Turtles and surfers. (more…)
Palo Verde National Park comprises 13,058 ha. of varied habitats in the lower Tempisque River basin which includes important wetlands and woodlands. (more…)
The Arenal area is a magnet for tourists who come to see the active volcano but it is also a great birding destination. (more…)
Golfito, which is near the Panama border at the most southern part of Costa Rica, was an important port at the beginning of the twentieth century. This was due to the extensive production of the United Banana Company in the area. It declined after the demise of the company in 1985 but has increasingly become a tourist attraction. (more…)
Guápiles is an excellent place to stay if you are visiting Braulio Carrillo N.P. and it has some excellent Caribbean lowland birding. (more…)
