Why January Is Excellent for Bird Photography in Costa Rica

Bird Photography in Costa Rica

January has become one of the favored months for bird photography in Costa Rica, not because it guarantees rare birds or dramatic moments, but because so many elements line up to create fantastic conditions for bird photographers. The light is good, the weather is nice, and some tough species of birds can be more cooperative. January consistently stands out as a month where patience is rewarded with stunning images of many of Costa Rica’s most iconic species.

Perfect Light and Reliable Weather for Birding

One of the biggest advantages of January is the quality of light, particularly on the Pacific side of the country. Mornings tend to be clearer and brighter, with softer light early in the day and fewer interruptions from heavy rain. This makes a real difference for photographers working in forested environments, where light can be challenging even on the best days. January doesn’t eliminate those challenges, but it does make them easier to work with.

Just as important is how January feels on the ground. At Pacific locations, trails are generally in good condition, days are predictable, and long stretches of uninterrupted photography are possible. You can settle into a location, wait for behavior to unfold, and spend time refining composition rather than constantly reacting to changing weather. That kind of rhythm is invaluable for photographers.

Chasing Quetzals in San Gerardo de Dota

For many people, January bird photography in Costa Rica is closely tied to the Resplendent Quetzal, especially in the Talamanca Mountains and the San Gerardo de Dota area.

While the peak breeding season is still a few weeks away, January offers an excellent opportunity. Quetzals are often present and active, making them easier to observe and photograph. The cooler temperatures and cloud forest light create ideal conditions for photography, especially in the early morning hours.

San Gerardo de Dota also happens to be one of the most rewarding places in Costa Rica for photographers who appreciate variety. In addition to quetzals, January brings excellent opportunities to photograph species like Flame-throated Warbler, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Scintillant Hummingbird, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and Golden-browed Chlorophonia. These birds are not only beautiful, but often cooperative, frequenting flowering trees and fruiting plants close to lodges and trails. For photographers, that combination of accessibility and stunning plumage makes San Gerardo a perennial favorite.

Three-wattled Bellbirds On the Move: Monteverde to the Pacific

Monteverde is the starting point of a very different photographic experience in January, but one that can be just as rewarding. Monteverde is deeply tied to one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating birds from a behavioral and visual standpoint: the Three-wattled Bellbird.

Monteverde is one of the only places in Costa Rica where Three-wattled Bellbirds reliably nest. After the nesting season ends in September, they begin a remarkable journey. They move first toward San Ramón and Arenal, though in Arenal they tend to stay high in the canopy, making photography difficult. From there, they travel around Lake Arenal toward Cañas, where they pause briefly. During this time, they are often seen perched on fence posts near La Ensenada Lodge, offering some of the most accessible photographic opportunities for this species. It’s not just about the Bellbird, this region is exceptional for the Pacific Screech Owl, the Northern Potoo, and the Long-Tailed Manakin.

By late December and early January, the bellbirds cross the Gulf of Nicoya to the Nicoya Mountain Range, a small and often overlooked area with patches of cloud forest. They remain there for several weeks. By April, they begin their return toward Monteverde, arriving in early May when the males resume their unmistakable calling. Hearing the Bellbird in Monteverde is easier than spotting the Bellbird. That short window in January, when they visit the Pacific, is generally the best time of the year to capture amazing photos.

The Pacific Side: January at Its Best

Beyond specific species, January is simply a strong month for Pacific-side photography in general. Places like the Osa Peninsula tend to experience their most reliable weather during this time of year, making long days in the field both productive and comfortable. The combination of rainforest and coastline creates excellent opportunities to work with background, color, and light.

In the Osa, birds like Turquoise Cotinga in the rainforest canopy and Yellow-billed Cotinga in the mangroves are often high on photographers’ wish lists. January’s clearer conditions make it easier to work with distant subjects, and patient observation often leads to repeated opportunities with the same individuals. Mangrove light in particular can be spectacular during this time of year, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Why January Works for Bird Photographers

What I appreciate most about bird photography in Costa Rica in January is how accessible the natural habitats become, particularly on the Pacific side. With reliable weather and good trail conditions, photographers can spend more time working forest edges, canopy openings, and mangroves, focusing on birds in their natural settings rather than relying on feeding stations and gardens. Whether you’re waiting quietly for a quetzal to return to a favorite perch, watching bellbirds move through a transitional landscape, or working the edges of rainforest and mangrove in the Osa, January delivers on some of the top species in the country.