Sierra de Bahoruco National Park and the Loma Charco Azul Biological Reserve in western Dominican Republic are home to more than 30 endemic bird species and provide critical habitat for dozens of migratory bird species. The protected area offers a gradient of habitat types including dry forest, transitional forest, and montane cloud forest.

Birders have the opportunity to see a variety of rare and magnificent endemic species like the Bay-breasted Cuckoo, Hispaniola Parrot, La Selle Thrush, Hispaniolan Crossbill, Least Paraque, and White-fronted Quail Dove.

The reserve is also strategically located for observing many neotropical migratory birds on their wintering grounds, such as Bicknell’s Thrush, Swainson’s Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

La Selle Thrush by Eladio Fernandez

Visitors are required to purchase their entrance ticket to the reserve at the Welcome and Interpretation Center in Puerto Escondido. Visitors are then encouraged to visit the “Sendero Bosque de Sueno” interpretive trail that includes interpretive signs and brochures, perfect for young and inexperienced birders.

Welcome and Interpretation Center, Bahoruco by Cezar Abril

Bahoruco and Loma Charco Azul are part of the larger Jaragua-Bahoruco biological corridor, which connects important protected areas in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic.