Mark's Backyard Birds Goes to Costa Rica: 252 Species (Part 1)

Join wildlife biologist Mark McKellar and his birding friends John Hammond, Mary Nemecek and Ruth Simmons as they relive an unforgettable birding adventure through Costa Rica! From August 3–11, 2026, our group explored some of Costa Rica’s beautiful birding destinations with Carlos Tevy Jimenez of Ave Nativa as our guide. And what a trip it was! Over nine days, we accumulated an incredible 252 bird species, along with an amazing variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. In this special YouTube Live, we'll share some of our favorite photographs and stories from the adventure — the spectacular birds, memorable wildlife encounters, beautiful places we visited and those little unexpected moments that make a birding trip something you'll talk about for years. Which birds became our favorites? What sightings surprised us? Which places would we love to visit again? And, of course, were there any birds that made us work a little harder than expected? Ouch! We'll talk about all of it. Whether you've dreamed about birding Costa Rica, you're planning your own Costa Rica birding trip, or you simply enjoy seeing beautiful birds from around the world, come along for the adventure. Bring your questions and join the conversation LIVE! 🐦 In this program: • Birding Costa Rica • Highlights from 252 bird species • Our favorite Costa Rican birds • Incredible bird photography • Mammals, reptiles and amphibians • Beautiful Costa Rica birding locations • Stories from the road • Tips and observations for anyone considering a Costa Rica birding trip • Live Q&A with Mark, John, Mary and Ruth Subscribe to Mark's Backyard Birds for more birding adventures, backyard bird feeding advice, bird identification, bird behavior and the simple joy of discovering the birds around us. Let’s talk birds. I’m Mark McKellar — a wildlife biologist with 40+ years of bird study experience (and countless hours just staring out the window). I’m here to help you bring more birds — and more simple wonder right to your own backyard. Around here, we tackle real bird feeding problems together: • Ants and bees hogging your nectar feeders? • Squirrels turning acrobat? • Pesky birds eating you out of house and seed? • Seed sprouting under your feeders like a jungle? ... with a few trusted tips and the right gear (all hand-picked by my staff and me), feeding birds can be downright joyful. Subscribe for straight-talk guidance, fun bird facts, and a healthy dose of nature-nerd joy. #marksbackyardbirds, #birdseed, #birdfeeding Get my Young Birder's First Field Journal: https://tinyurl.com/mpbe5ey8 Get my Kids Activity Book: https://tinyurl.com/38brxvkv FOLLOW Facebook:   / backyardbirdcenter   Instagram:   / marksbackyardbirds   Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/ @MarksBackyardBirds LinkTr.ee : https://linktr.ee/marksbackyardbirds Do you want to be an Insider? https://shopbackyardbirdcenter.com/pa... Join our FREE Facebook Community Group:   / 1055480298992527   Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. Mark's Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/marksback... #OM1II #OMSYSTEM @omsystem.cameras OM-1 Mark II Camera: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1014959... Camera Lenses: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1014959... @TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=M... @vidIQ https://vidiq.com/markmckellar Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=9615a7 @lowes https://shoplowes.me/4pnJE4b #LowesPartner #AD SUPPORT Visit our website: http://marksbackyardbirds.com Shop our online store: http://shopbackyardbirdcenter.com MORE INFORMATION Contact: info@backyardbirdcenter.com Cover photo of a Bay-headed Tanager by Ruth Simmons 0:00 Setting the Stage for a Costa Rican Adventure 6:04 First Encounters on the Hotel Grounds 11:54 Lifers and Parrots in the Parking Lot 18:16 Searching for the Rare Ground Sparrow 22:57 Hummingbird Heaven at Miriam's Cafe 38:33 The Long Hike Down the Mountain 44:15 The Quest for the Most Beautiful Bird 53:17 Exploring the Rainforest and River Birds