While our mountain retreat offers a breathtaking view of Costa Rica’s highlands, a completely different world exists beyond the horizon: the vast expanse of the ocean. Today, we shift our focus from the vibrant creatures of the rainforest to a majestic seabird, the Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis).

Aprovecha al máximo tu estancia: continúa con Senderos de Caminata en Costa Rica.

These incredible birds won’t grace the skies above our mountain lodge, but for those venturing to Costa Rica’s coastal regions, particularly in late summer, observing the Cory’s Shearwater can be a truly rewarding experience.

Masters of the Open Sea

The Cory’s Shearwater is a large seabird, belonging to the petrel family (Procellariidae). With a wingspan reaching up to 2 meters, they glide effortlessly over the waves, propelled by their powerful wings that carry them in long, graceful arcs. Their plumage is a beautiful contrast of dark grayish-brown on top and white underneath, making them appear almost like shadows against the sky-blue ocean.

Una Vida en Movimiento

Unlike the resident birds that inhabit our mountain retreat, the Cory’s Shearwater is a true wanderer. They breed in colonies on rocky islands of the eastern Atlantic, but their migratory spirit takes them on incredible journeys across the vastness of the ocean. In late summer (July-August), Cory’s Shearwaters can be seen skimming the waters off the eastern coast of North America, including Costa Rica.

Expert Hunters and Ocean Navigators

These birds are perfectly adapted to life at sea. Their streamlined bodies and powerful wings allow them to glide effortlessly over long distances, with little need to flap. Their keen eyesight helps them spot prey such as fish, squid, and crustaceans on the surface, while a hooked beak and specialized salt glands make them skilled hunters and survivors in the harsh ocean environment.

A Glimpse into a Different World

While spotting a Cory’s Shearwater may not be on the itinerary for everyone visiting our mountain retreat, for those venturing to the coasts, particularly on the Pacific side, keeping an eye out for these magnificent birds can be a magical experience. They are a fleeting reminder of the ocean’s vastness and the incredible diversity of life that exists beyond our mountainous paradise.

Hear the Call of Nature

For those lucky enough to see a Cory’s Shearwater, listen closely to their vocalizations. They are known for their loud, piercing calls, often heard echoing across the waves, adding another layer to the awe-inspiring experience of encountering these remarkable ocean wanderers.

So, the next time you find yourself on the coast of Costa Rica, keep your eyes peeled for the Cory’s Shearwater. It may be just a glimpse, but it’s a window into a fascinating world that exists far beyond the lush rainforests and towering mountains of our retreat.

Para obtener más información, consulte nuestra guía completa sobre las aves de Costa Rica.