Palo Verde National Park

 A bird watcher’s paradise and one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets. Palo Verde National Park is part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, that contains much of the area of the valley of the Tempisque River. Parajos Island, which is located in the middle of the Tempisque River, is usually a great place to spot birds. This island is the largest nesting site for the black-crowned night-herons in Costa Rica. A major feature of the park is the density and variety of bird species, a major factor in the creation of the reserve, due in part to its diverse ecology, with 15 different topographical zones from evergreen forests to mangrove swamps. Birds spotted regularly in the park include great curassows, scarlet macaws, white ibis, roseate spoonbills, anhingas, jabirus, and wood storks among many others. The area supports more than 50,000 water fowl and forest bird species.  Camping facilities are available.