Grand Panama: A Birding Adventure

April 21 – May 2, 2026

Panama is a small, beautiful country that plays an extraordinary role on the global conservation stage. The nation’s serpentine landmass connects North and South America, providing a tropical mixing ground for species from both continents. The result is a biological treasure trove, earning Panama a spot on the roster of Earth’s mega-diverse countries. With 1,002 bird species recorded, Panama’s bird list exceeds that of Canada and the United States combined. 

Join NRF on this 11-night adventure to immerse yourself in Panama’s “birdiest” habitats. We’ll explore the remote forests of eastern Panama, the lowlands of central Panama, and the foothills of western Panama. The abundance and variety of birds is staggering. Processions of toucans, parrots, antbirds, tanagers and other gaudy birds are a daily occurrence. Cameos from tree top wildlife are frequent. Monkeys (four species), sloths (two species), anteaters and porcupines are possibilities. Owls, potoos, kinkajous and olingos may be encountered during night outings.

This trip is in partnership with Craig Thompson/Firefly Conservation Company, LLC

Green Honeycreeper by Canopy Family

Lodging

Canopy Camp: Located 4 hours east of Panama City, the Canopy Camp has eight African Safari-style tents – the perfect accommodation for sleeping in the rainforest. Each tent is raised above the ground on a sturdy platform, and each has a private bathroom with a hot shower just a few steps away from the tent entrance. The tents are well-spaced. Lush tropical plants ensure privacy.

TARGET BIRDS: Harpy Eagle, Great Green Macaw, Red-throated Caracara, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird

Canopy Tower: Situated on a high hill in Soberania National Park, the Canopy Tower is a one-of-a-kind ecolodge. A former US Air Force radar tower, its rooms are precisely arranged on two floors with spectacular rainforest views out every window. Ships transiting the Panama Canal can be observed from roof. Each room has a private bathroom with a hot shower. Rooms have ceiling fans but do not have air conditioning.

TARGET BIRDS: Ocellated Antbird, Slaty-backed Forest Falcon, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Blue Cotinga

Canopy Lodge: The Canopy Lodge is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley near the charming town of El Valle de Anton, 2 hours west of Panama City.  Temperatures are cooler than in the tropical lowlands. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot showers, ceiling fans and views of beautiful gardens. The lovely Rio Guayabo meanders through the property.

TARGET BIRDS: Tody Motmot, Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo, Black-crowned Antpitta, White-tipped Sicklebill

Canopy Tower by Canopy Family

Activity Level: Moderately Strenuous

Participants should be prepared for early starts (breakfast times will vary between 5:00 and 7:00 AM) with full mornings of activity. Most days we will return to the lodge/camp for lunch and a mid-afternoon siesta. Full days in the field will include packed lunches. Late afternoon outings will entail leisurely road or trail birding. Participants need to be flexible enough to maneuver to the back of the vehicle on occasion. 

Hiking will be on quiet, paved roads or established forest trails. Due to local topography, some hikes will have short, moderately steep sections. The trails can be muddy if it rains. We will likely be on our feet for much of the morning, hiking for distances of 1 to 2 miles. A hike to a possible Harpy Eagle or Crested Eagle nest site could be longer (2 to 3 miles in heat and high humidity) and would likely also involve travel by boat (dugout canoes) and possibly horseback.

Staying at the Canopy Tower requires climbing several flights of steps multiple times each day.

All bird outings are optional, so participants may choose to stay at the lodge to relax.

Weather

Temperatures will range from high 80s to low 90s with high humidity. Our forays are designed to take advantage of pleasant morning and late afternoon temperatures while avoiding mid-day heat.

Three-toed Sloth by Canopy Family

Pricing and cancellation

The base cost is $3,990 per person. The price includes accommodations, meals, entrance fees, all activities, private vehicle transportation, non-alcoholic beverages with meals, a full time guide, and part of your trip cost goes to support the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.

A deposit of $500/person is required by participants to register and reserve a space on the tour. Reservations made less than 90 days prior to departure require full payment.

Space is limited to 10 people. To register, send a check for $500 to Firefly Conservation Company. Include name, mailing address and email.

Firefly Conservation Company, W6396 Riverview Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650

Cancellation Policy: More than 90 days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 90-0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Registration deadline is August 15, 2025

Final payment is due November 15, 2025

Red-lored Amazon by Tom Anderson

Banner photo by Richard Crook