Costa Rica: Darik Fait (Learning on Excursions)

Program: UW Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica, Spring Break

The study abroad program “Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica” is the perfect opportunity to learn about and observe unique species with the guidance of knowledgeable local tour guides. The first excursion on the program was to Palo Verde, a tropical dry forest. Upon arrival, I was fascinated with the intense diversity and sheer number of species, both endemic and widespread. Birds have always been my favorites species to observe, and in preparation for the program, I carefully studied over 500 species.

Despite knowing the scientific species, I had little knowledge of the optimal locations for observation. To my delight, the excursion was led by a local guide, knowledgeable not just about the appearance of species, but of exactly where to search, allowing me and my peers to learn about these rare species in their native habitats. To deepen my understanding of the biodiversity at Palo Verde, I made a strong connection with this local guide, mentioning specific target species which I was excited to observe.

Pictured left: Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks

Our guide generated plans for hikes which specifically targeted high diversity areas where observing rare species was possible. In one instance, my peers and I were led to the edge of a vast wetland where we were able to observe the murmuring behavior of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, and the next morning, a sunrise hike was targeted at observing the rarely seen Thicket Tinamou. From these excursions, it has become clear that the ability to learn about the diversity of Costa Rica at the level this excursion provided would be impossible without the guidance of place-based knowledge from a local guide. I observed dozens of species which I would have otherwise been incapable of learning about on my own and am incredibly grateful for such a memorable experience.