Tomorrow, October 10, the world comes together to celebrate birds. Here's how you can join the excitement, contribute to conservation, and discover the extraordinary birdlife of Costa Rica.
Imagine stepping into the rainforest just after sunrise. The air is cool, the forest is awakening, and somewhere above you, a bird calls from the canopy. A flash of brilliant color catches your eye. Then another. Suddenly, an ordinary morning becomes something extraordinary.
At Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs, moments like these are part of the magic of being immersed in nature.
And tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, 2026, they take on an even greater meaning.
It's October Big Day, a worldwide celebration that invites people everywhere to observe birds, record their sightings, and contribute to our understanding of the natural world.
The best part? You don't need to be an expert, own expensive equipment, or spend an entire day birdwatching.
You simply need curiosity, a little time, and a willingness to look up.
October Big Day is a global birdwatching event organized through eBird, a participatory science initiative developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
For 24 hours, bird enthusiasts, researchers, conservationists, families, and first-time birdwatchers record the species they observe and share their findings through eBird.
Together, these observations create a remarkable snapshot of birdlife across the planet.
October is particularly meaningful because it coincides with important seasonal movements for many migratory birds.
Some species travel thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds, crossing countries, mountains, oceans, and forests.
Costa Rica plays an important role in these journeys, providing habitats where migratory birds can feed, rest, or spend part of the year.
October Big Day celebrates these extraordinary travelers alongside the resident birds that make Costa Rica one of the world's most exciting birdwatching destinations.
Every bird sighting tells a story.
When thousands of people record their observations on the same day, scientists gain valuable information about where birds are being observed, which species are present, and how patterns may change over time.
These records contribute to research on migration, bird populations, habitat use, and conservation priorities.
But October Big Day offers something equally meaningful for participants.
It transforms birdwatching from a personal pastime into a shared global experience.
Someone observing birds in Costa Rica becomes part of the same effort as someone watching from a garden in Canada, a forest in Colombia, or a park in Europe.
One day. Thousands of observers. One shared commitment to birds.
And every accurately reported observation contributes.
At Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs, the rainforest is more than a beautiful backdrop. It is a living ecosystem filled with remarkable biodiversity.
Our 94-hectare rainforest reserve offers opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of tropical nature, from colorful birds moving through the canopy to the distinctive calls that fill the forest.
Located in the Chachagua region near La Fortuna, the hotel provides an immersive setting for discovering Costa Rica's birdlife.
Here, birdwatching doesn't necessarily require an elaborate expedition.
Sometimes, the most memorable encounter happens during a quiet morning walk, while enjoying the forest surroundings, or simply by stopping to listen.
October Big Day gives guests another reason to appreciate these moments and recognize the importance of protecting the habitats that make them possible.
Absolutely not!
You can decide to participate right now and still make a meaningful contribution tomorrow.
In fact, even ten or fifteen minutes of focused birdwatching can become a valuable observation session.
You don't need to identify dozens of species. You don't need to compete with experienced birders. And you don't need to travel somewhere special.
You can participate from your hotel, garden, neighborhood, or favorite nature trail.
If you're staying at Chachagua, tomorrow is a wonderful opportunity to spend a little extra time observing the rainforest.
The important thing is to record what you can confidently identify and submit your observations.
Getting started is surprisingly simple.
Step 1: Download the free eBird Mobile app.
On your smartphone, open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Search for eBird by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and install the free application.
You can also download it directly:
Step 2: Create your free account.
Open the app and follow the instructions to create a Cornell Lab account or sign in with an existing one.
Choose your preferred language and measurement settings.
Step 3: Prepare your bird list.
Before heading into the rainforest, download the appropriate regional bird pack for Costa Rica.
This allows you to access relevant species lists even when internet reception is limited.
Step 4: Start birdwatching tomorrow.
Open eBird, start a checklist, and record the birds you see or hear.
Include the species you can identify and the number of individuals observed.
The app can also track your birdwatching time and distance.
Step 5: Submit your observations.
When you're finished, review your checklist, confirm the location and observation details, and submit it.
No internet connection? Save your checklist and submit it when you're back online.
That's it! You've contributed to a global birdwatching effort.
For additional guidance, visit the official eBird Mobile instructions.
Don't worry. Learning is part of the adventure.
The free Merlin Bird ID app, also developed by the Cornell Lab, can help you identify birds using photographs, descriptions, and sounds.
It's a wonderful companion for beginners.
Remember to verify identifications before submitting them to eBird. Accurate observations are more valuable than long lists of uncertain sightings.
And if you identify only three species tomorrow, those three species still matter.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of October Big Day is the way it changes how we experience nature.
We become more attentive.
We notice movements we might otherwise overlook. We recognize familiar calls. We discover that even a short walk can reveal extraordinary biodiversity.
For families, it's an opportunity to explore together. For travelers, it adds purpose to a Costa Rica adventure. For experienced birders, it's another chance to contribute meaningful observations.
And for everyone, it's a reminder that conservation begins with awareness.
At Chachagua, we believe some of the most memorable travel experiences happen when we slow down and connect with the natural world.
Tomorrow offers the perfect invitation.
This October 10, wherever you find yourself, take a moment to look toward the trees.
Listen for birdsong. Watch for movement in the branches. Record what you discover.
Whether you're exploring the rainforest at Chachagua or observing birds closer to home, you can become part of something much bigger.
The birds are already out there. Tomorrow, let's make every sighting count.
Happy October Big Day from Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs!