Post by Julia L.

Visiting Costa Rica’s Remarkable Agami Heron Rookery One of the highlights of NatureArt Lab’s Costa Rica Nature Tour was visiting an extraordinary Agami Heron rookery—one of only a handful of known breeding sites in Costa Rica. Located at Katera de Guatuso, this special wetland is an inspiring conservation success story. Although local people had known the herons visited the area for many years, the breeding colony was only recognised in April 2025 when the property became available for sale. Local conservationist Odir Rojas, whose grandfather owned neighbouring land, purchased the site to protect this unique habitat. His vision is to establish a nature reserve that supports conservation, education and sustainable ecotourism, with visitor income helping to safeguard the colony into the future. The Agami Heron is listed as Near Threatened because of ongoing habitat loss and degradation. It depends on secluded wetlands and undisturbed breeding sites from April to October, making places like Katera de Guatuso critically important for the species’ survival. During our visit, we observed the colony from a respectful distance. Pairs of herons were scattered through the flooded trees, some displaying to one another while others collected branches for their nests. The rookery was filled with soft calls and the occasional snap of nesting material breaking from nearby branches. Although the heat of the early afternoon meant activity was relatively quiet, Odir described the colony’s fascinating daily routine. Before dawn, the herons fly to the nearby wetlands of Caño Negro to forage before returning to the rookery to care for their young. Visiting this remarkable site was a privilege and a reminder that conserving biodiversity often begins with passionate local people. Katera de Guatuso is not only protecting one of Costa Rica’s rarest breeding colonies but is also creating opportunities for research, education and nature-based tourism that will help secure its future. Photography by Alan Landford, NatureArt Lab