NATURE PROJECTS
BABY TURTLES
We have established one of the most successful hatcheries in the country. To date, 80,000 babies have been released into the Pacific Ocean! July through January is our turtle season for the Olive Ridley species. We have already collected more than 36 turtle nests this year. The program coordinator works diligently to coordinate volunteers for evening rescue patrols and educating the public during turtle releases. Overall, we have an 91% hatch rate of success.
Early morning and late evening patrols are scheduled to seek active nests, retrieve the eggs, and deliver them to our secure, safe hatchery on the resort’s property. This gives the babies a much higher chance of survival. The founders of Tambor Bay Turtles were featured in The Costa Rica News this past year. We encourage Adopt-a-Nest and/or active participation to conserve this amazing species. Environmental education is also provided to local schools and resort guests.
BIRDING
Abundant freshwater rivers make our area an attractive oasis for the congregation of birds, especially during the dry season (January through April) when birds congregate at the nearby Panica River and the evergreen forest.
Our Tambor Bay has a variety of well-marked and maintained trail systems allowing access to a variety of habitats. Bamboo railings and benches are placed at resting areas where one can enjoy the natural beauty and wealth of species.
A private trail directly behind the resort on our property, available for guests only, features a figure eight pattern. The mix of mangrove and forest along with proximity to a small lagoon often holds boat-filled heron, bare-throated tiger heron, green heron, and anhinga. It is also home to a cluster of spectacled caimans. Guests often see black-headed trogon, turquoise browed motmot, streak headed woodcreeper, mangrove vireo, long-tailed manakin – and more! Orioles, summer, and blue gray tanagers, and hoffman’s woodpecker dwell at the resort’s fruit feeder.
With close to 300 different bird species recorded on and around the Tambor Tropical property, guests do not need to be an aficionado to appreciate the variety. The area has fostered a vibrant birding culture and is co-founder of Nicoya Peninsula Birdwatching and Tambor Bay Birding supporting the Christmas Bird Count and the Tambor Bay Valentine Count (for the love of birds)! It is not uncommon to record a species list of over 100 birds in a single morning on the area’s main trail system behind our property through diverse habitats of mangroves, lagoons, and a tropical forest.
NOTE: Since 2013, we have organized multi-day birding tours where all in-country expenses are included with locally based world class guiding service complete with trips to additional birding locations in the country. We partner with Rainforest Publications™, a local company that has developed a series of field guides with artistically accurate renditions of country-specific birds and wildlife. The guides will be located in our resort’s art gallery and office.
Birding packages are planned on an annual basis. We’re happy to share upcoming dates if you would like to join us on a birding adventure. Please contact the resort directly for details and registration.