2.5 hours
Coordinated with guide
May–June only (active nesting cavity)
2–6 guests
Easy · stationary photo blind
The experience
A strictly seasonal photo spot: during May and June a Central American Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium griseiceps) pair nests in a monitored cavity near Boca Tapada. Edward positions guests at a discreet distance so the adults' feeding trips are undisturbed while allowing clean flight and perch shots. The tour operates ONLY while the nest is active — outside that window the tour is not available. Ethical protocols: no playback, no baiting, brief visits, and a hard cap on group size.
Target species
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium brasilianum
Central American Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium griseiceps
Vermiculated Screech-Owl
Megascops guatemalae
Mottled Owl
Ciccaba virgata
Spectacled Owl (occasional)
Pulsatrix perspicillata
Crested Owl (occasional)
Lophostrix cristata
Edward's field tips
Do not use a white flashlight beam directly on the owl for more than a few seconds. Sensitivity to light stress varies by species — trust the guide on when to stop.
Plan around early starts
Where to stay in Boca Tapada
Sessions start early — staying in the zone is strongly recommended. Transport is coordinated by VIVO inside the booking flow.
Other Boca Tapada sessions
Hummingbird Garden & Feeders
Six hummingbird species at close range, sugar feeders and native flowering plants.
Hummingbird Multi-Flash Workshop
Professional multi-flash setup for wing-frozen hummingbird portraits — a fully configured session.
King Vulture Photography Hide
Purpose-built ground hide with baited perch. Costa Rica's most reliable King Vulture site.