A bit about Noel Ureña

Noel’s life long and abiding love of all things avian have naturally led him to a career as one of Costa Rica’s best birding guides. He has been delighting guests with his enthusiasm for birds since 2000. He is one of the countries top authorities on birds, bird identification and locales in Costa Rica.

If you have specific target birds the chances are very good that he will know where to find them. His early interests resulted in a degree in ecotourism and environmental management which aided him in starting Tropical Feathers in 2004.

Noel has also managed the Fila Costera bird count area since 2003, producing some of the largest results of any bird count area in Costa Rica. His ability to identify and respond to individual and often very quiet bird calls out of the cacophony of calls in the forest is uncanny. What puts paid to his skills is his ability to then actually find where that specific bird is.

Noel’s bird photographs grace not only the Tropical Feathers website, but publications and websites all over the country. He has a genuine feel for the art of bird photography and knows what photographers need to get that special shot. He is continually delighted at being in the field and always has a knowing sense of expectation of what’s around the next corner.

About Carlos Ureña

Carlos Ureña was born as a birder in Tropical Feathers. Since the year 2004 Carlos has been right next to Noel Ureña, his brother, in the field, guiding and driving for birding tours. La Fila Costera Bird Count has also been an important part of Carlos training ground, hands on helping in the organization and management of such an important event.

Carlos loves birding by sounds which really enhances his skills for finding the birds. His enthusiasm in the field is a plus for any tour, he is always willing to walk the extra mile and bird long hours with his guests. Birding is his passion!

Additionally Carlos is part of our reservation department staff and is directly involved in the development and planning of birding tours.

Carlos was also part of the expedition that relocated the Ocellated Crake in Costa Rica in December 2012. There had been no records of the species since 1967. Currently, his audio recordings and Noel’s photographs and video have provided important information for the ornithological world and the documentation has been filed in the National Museum of Costa Rica.

About Jorge Soto

Jorge Soto grew up in Bijagua de Upala, a little town nestled on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano in the Guanacaste Province and one of the best birding destinations in the Costa Rica. An authentic nature explorer, Jorge walked in the forest and looked at animals since early age. After graduating in tourism he discovered his passion for birds and since 2002 birding became part of his regular life style.

Jorge has worked at Heliconias Lodge in Bijagua de Upala, one of the best birding areas in Costa Rica and finest birding trails. His vast knowledge of the birds and wildlife in general, makes any tour with Jorge a great experience.

About Erick Guzmán

Erick Guzmán is a young nature and birding guide from the lowlands of Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. Born and raised while surrounded by wildlife and magnificent habitats, this young naturalist learned from his father the passion for exploring the country’s rich biodiversity.

Erick’s internship at the National Institute of Biodiversity and his work with the Organization for Tropical Studies, at La Selva Field Station, gave him the opportunity to interact with scientists and students and enrich his knowledge of Costa Rica’s avian life and nature in general.

His passion for nature, wildlife and love for the avian world led him to explore Europe, North America, Central and South America.

About Beatriz Ureña

Beatriz Ureña, Noel’s and Carlos’s sister, has been with Tropical Feathers since its foundation. Started and trained in our offices, her attention to detail and experience in tour preparation, bookings and operational support while on tour is exceptional. She will be the person helping you on the other side of our website’s contact form.