AREA DESCRIPTION
You will be birding cooler highlands at about 900m (2700 ft) from sea level.
Transported by car to the birding areas, stopping when needed . Birding in the best areas like Cerro Gaital, La Mesa - to mention a few -  is done by walking through hilly terrains and trails narrow in places,  muddy in others and along roads with grassland on both sides looking for species related to that habitat and for raptors as well.. Be prepared for scattered showers along the day.  Also with time permitting we visit El Chiru, Juan Hombron, Chame.

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WEATHER
The climate in the El Valle region is considerably cooler than that of the Central Panama/Canal Zone. Mornings and evenings are cooler while midday temperatures usually do not exceed the low 80s. Clouds and overcast skies frequently prevail in higher areas, leading to damp conditions.
ACCOMODATIONS
You will find many comfortable and elegant B&B´s and Hotels to choose from. For reservations or for reference contact us.
EATING FACILITIES
Many good local restaurants in the area offering Panamanian and international ditches.  
CLOTHING
Besides the light clothing usually recommended, be prepared for chilled nights and mornings at least one warm sweater or jacket plus the cotton shirts or t-shirts - earth colors preferable- long (preferable) and short pants, poncho, hiking shoes, hat, insect repellent and sun block. Dress as for tropical hot humid weather and be ready for rain any time.
GEAR  Go Back
Binoculars, scope (optional), field guide, notebook and camera (optional ).
GUIDE BOOK RECOMMENDED
These two books are an example of hard work put into, and for the benefit, of conserving Panama’s birds: 
“The Birds of Panama, a field guide by George R Angehr and Robert Dean Can be describe as the “bible” forPanama and some Costa Rica birds. First published 2010. This excellent field guide is highly recommended as your primary reference book on the birds.
“An Illustrated Field Guide to the Birds of Panama” by Ernesto Ponce and Giselle Muschett, 2006, 1st Edition. It can be described as “a descriptive fieldwork tool” for fast information .
BIRDS TO LOOK FOR
This is a listing of the birds we have seen on different tours along El Valle and surrounding areas , and some additions from friends, guess and people who have collaborated sharing with us their sightings. The list is continuously on the move. Feel free to send your findings and comments toinfo@birdingbyboattour.com

                                        
Among the specialties found in El Valle and Cerro El Gaital:

Slaty Antwren
Black-headed Antthrush
Common Bush-Tanager
Black-faced Grosbeak
Green Hermit
Violet-headed Hummingbird
White-tailed Emerald
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant
White-ruffed Manakin
Blue-and-white Swallow
White-throated Thrush
Silver-throated Tanager
Black-and-yellow Tanager
Orange-bellied Trogon
Yellow-eared Toucanet
Plain Antvireo
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch
Red-legged Honeycreepers 
Thick-billed Euphonias 
Clay-colored Robins 
Black-chested Jays 
Rufous Motmot 
Blue-grays Tanager
Flame-rumped Tanager
Crimson-backed Tanager
White-lined Tanager
Palm Tanager, and the odd olive and black 
Dusky-faced Tanager
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager 
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
Green Hermit, 
Green Thorntail, 
White-vented Plumeleteer,
Snowy-bellied hummingbird
Violet-headed hummingbird
Purple-crowned Fairy
Violet-crowned Woodnymph,
Garden Emerald
Stripe-throated Hermit.
Rufous-crested Coquette 
Emeral Tanager
Bay-headed Tanager
Golden-hooded Tanager
Flame-rumped Tanager
Tawny-crested Tanager
Silver-throated Tanager
Barred Hawk
Bat Falcon 
Lineated Woodpecker
Keel-billed Toucan
Orange-bellied Trogon
Spotted Woodcreeper
Paltry Tyrannulet
Tawny-capped Euphonia
Scarlet-thighed Dacnis

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