Welcome to My Garden in Costa Rica
¡Bienvenido a mi jardín en Costa Rica!
Photos and Letter by Patricia Nethercote

Patricia Nethercote is waiting for your hummingbirds! She writes to us from her home in Costa Rica, a busy winter habitat for hummingbirds. Where is Costa Rica? What will hummers find when they arrive?

Dear Journey North,
The migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is well underway. If things go according to the similar schedule of the past few years, hummingbird males, females, and "juvies" will arrive in our garden by the end of October. I am eager to see them!

Where Am I?
We are located in  Guayabo de Bagaces, Guanacaste. Latitude 10.748°N, 10°44'54"N. Longitude: 85.153°W, 85°9'10"W. We are in the foothills of the Miravalles Volcano in the northwest area of Costa Rica, which shares a border with Nicaragua.

No Feeders Necessary
We do not provide feeders for hummingbirds. Our gardens offer a plentiful variety of plants, generously provided by Mother Nature. The hummingbirds usually arrive here at one of the wettest times of the year in Costa Rica, but weather is warm. The blossoms are filled with nectar to keep hummingbirds full and healthy.

Lots of Local Company
Our local inhabitants include Howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, snakes, and many insects. These critters do not seem to mind sharing with the migrants from the north.

Thanks, northerners, for feeding the hummingbirds and sending them safely southward.

Patricia Nethercote