Did you know that March is the peak of the bird nesting season in the country? At this time, hundreds of species are nesting and the reproductive stage is booming.
The process of courtship, reproduction and nesting usually occurs between the end of January and the second week of April, although it may vary due to phenomena such as drought or excessive rainfall.
Why do birds nest during these months? There is not a single answer. The time may vary depending on the part of the country and the species. But the great production of food, the stable climate and the little wind are the perfect recipe for March to become special month for these birds.
Costa Rica’s bird variety per square kilometer has no comparison in beauty and biodiversity with that of neighboring countries and even with much larger nations such as Canada, China or Russia.
They fly from the rain forests in Tapantí to the flooded plains of Guanacaste. More than 900 species of birds have been recorded and 80% of them nest in this land.
Their complex courtship behaviors are Bollywood-worthy, with synchronized dances or spectacular movements of their wings. They choose, they fertilize… Some stay, others simply sow their seed and leave.
Few birds recycle materials for their nests, but they manage to create a safe and comfortable space that guarantees their reproductive success.
Randall Ortega Chávez
Each fallen branch, every fiber in the forest floor should be respected, cared for and especially understood. Something that seems very difficult for many humans who abuse their environment as if it were a gift without value.
It is also extremely important to remember that a cautious distance must be kept for birds to be successful in caring for eggs and chicks.
Some species prefer to leave their nests if the human is too close. In many cases, if one touches them, they are left abandoned.
According to Rachel Carson and his well-known work Silent Spring, the indiscriminate use of pesticides is the cause of birds’ silence, regardless of the season.