José Pérez, known as “Cope,” is a passionate naturalist and photographer based in La Unión de Guápiles, located in the Limón Province of Costa Rica. He has transformed his private residence into a vibrant wildlife sanctuary, attracting a lot of bird species including hummingbirds, toucans, Tanagers and even Kingfishers. . His backyard features a natural pond, fruit and hummingbird feeders, and a specially designed blind that allows visitors to observe and photograph wildlife without disturbing them.
Cope’s property, often referred to as “Donde Cope”, has become a popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers seeking close encounters with Costa Rica’s rich avian biodiversity. Visitors have reported sightings of rare species such as the White-tipped Sicklebill and American Pygmy Kingfisher, often in their natural roosting spots. Cope is known for his deep knowledge of local wildlife and his commitment to conservation
Birding at Cope’s feeders
Being so close to some of the most colorful birds of Costa Rica makes a visit to Cope overwhelming. Expect to see many beautiful birds only a few meters away. Common birds at Copes at the fruit feeders include Orange-chinned Parakeets, Scarlet-rumped Tanagers, Blue-gray Tanager, Palm Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Monetzuma Oropendola and Clay-colored Thrush. With some luck Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Collared Aracari, and even Yellow-throated Toucans can show up. At the sugarfeeders White-necked Jacobins can be seen, bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Long-billed Hermit, Green-breasted Mango, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and ocasionally Stripe-throated Hermit and Scaly-breasted Hummingbird. Besides that the pond with shallow water also has Russet-naped Woodrail, sometimes Green Heron and on occasions even American Pygmy Kingfisher or Green Kingfisher.
During he whole year birds can be seen at Cope’s feeders. The bird activity at the fruit feeder is especially good during the months of October, November, December, January and February. The hummingbird activity is pretty much constant during the whole year.
Owling with Cope
During a visit to Cope you will also have the opportunity to visit a nearby piece of rainforest. Cope has spent a lot of time searching for dayroosts of owls and during a tour with him you will have a good chance of seeing the spectacular Spectacled Owl. Crested Owls are harder to find since they tend to look for dark and hidden places to roost Cope is a great naturalist and in his company you will have a good chance of finding one. And if you are really lucky Cope might even show you a Great Potoo !
Herping with Cope
Besides a bird specialist Cope has also good knowledge about the local amfbians and reptiles. His tiny garden is always full of Strawberry Poisson Dart Frogs and there is always a pair of the rare Casqued Iguana around. But Cope often also knows nearby locations for Red-eyed Leaf-frogs, the unique Glass Frogs, Green Iguanas and Emerald Basilisks.
please let us know if you want more information on Cope’s place orif you need help visiting his place
