Volunteer Counters
You can help monitor at one of the world's most prolific raptor migration sites, where more than two million birds of prey are observed each migration season!
Volunteer Counters
You can help monitor at one of the world's most prolific raptor migration sites, where more than two million birds of prey are observed each migration season!
The current fall 2022 count is running from August 15th through November. We encourage anyone with birding experience to become a volunteer counter.
If you are interested in participating, explore the rest of this page for more details about our HawkCount. For more information, custom schedules, or to join our team of counters, reach out to us via email at info@adoptabosque.org or send us a direct message through social media (@AdoptaBosque).
Why is Bocas del Toro great for monitoring raptor migration?
Birds of prey generally avoid flying over large bodies of water like the Caribbean Sea. However, the Talamanca mountain range in the west of Panama also creates an obstacle inland, keeping birds from dispersing throughout the country.
These factors combine to create massive concentrations of raptors – these groups sometimes contain more than 10,000 individuals!
What do the counters do?
Counters work in teams to note the thousands of birds flying overhead each day.
Individuals may be asked to:
- identify the presence of non-dominant species in large groups
- count specific species in mixed flocks
- detect recent arrivals flying past the site
Massive groups may require experienced judgement to keep track of numbers (for example, the percentage of each species or the ability to count by hundreds.
Counting sites
There are several counting sites in Bocas del Toro:
- Bocas Ridge Hotel & Residences
- Valle de agua (pictured)
- Gavilán Hill
The hotel is most accessible and may be used as a base of operations (see Pricing, below). Valle de Agua is the next most accessible, easily accessed by car (it can be commuted to from the hotel), but it does not have potable water or electricity. Gavilán Hill is the most difficult; counters have to hike in.
Pricing
In addition to the incredible opportunity to be part of this important count, your will love your stay at the Bocas Ridge Hotel and Residences with your contribution. Your contribution includes room and board (3 meals) in shared accommodations. If you prefer your own room, it is possible with an additional contribution.
| Duration | Shared room | Single room (add to the previous column) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $400/week | + $210/week |
| 2 – 3 weeks | $350/week | + $180/week |
| 4 – 5 weeks | $300/week | + $150/week |
| 6 weeks or more | $250/week | + $130/week |
*One week is considered 7 days (i.e., Monday - Sunday) in the field in Bocas del Toro. Time dedicated to traveling to/from Bocas del Toro is not included in this duration; plan accordingly.
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