North American Birdfair
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The North American Bird Fair is held annually in a different country within Central America, the Caribbean, or North America. The 2026 event will be hosted in Costa Rica.

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North American Birdfair

What is the North American Birdfair?

The North American Bird Fair convenes birdwatchers from North and Central America, attracting participants globally.

This event includes a commercial exhibition with booths where attendees can engage with businesses, civil organizations, and government entities. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase equipment, books, art, photography, souvenirs, and crafts related to birds. The Bird Fair serves as an excellent platform for tour operators and entrepreneurs to explore diverse offerings in the birdwatching market.

Inspired by the South American Bird Fair, the idea of creating a comparable event in South America was conceived, leveraging logistical support and 13 years of expertise. The official languages for the event are Spanish and English.

Upon our return to Costa Rica, my wife Verónica Espinosa and I identified considerable untapped potential within the tourism sector. This presents numerous opportunities for tour operators, specialized hotels, guides, and businesses at large. Our objective is to attract international visitors to participate in the fair in Costa Rica 2026 and experience the myriad of wonders our country has to offer.

Led by Freddy Madrigal, the North American Bird Fair's international committee has founded the FUNEDIPRODE COSTA RICA Foundation. This foundation aims to fund education, dissemination, and protection of Costa Rica's endemic species.

Established in January 2024 (TOMO 2024, ASIENTO 1630, Legal ID 3-006-894821), is dedicated to the preservation of Costa Rica's threatened and endemic species through educational initiatives. The organization's projects aim to inform students, educators, and community leaders about conservation efforts. Additionally, they intend to establish new conservation areas by acquiring important habitats. The Foundation will be recognized for its educational, welfare, species protection, community development efforts, and its integrity and professionalism.

This name links the Nearctic (North America) and Neotropical (Mexico, Central, and South America) regions, both of which are rich in nature and birds. The "1st North American Bird Fair Costa Rica" will be held from June 5-8, 2026, at Ara Ambigua Hotel in Sarapiquí. It will include booths, presentations, workshops, food stalls, and exhibitions.

The Great Green Macaw, chosen as our emblem and logo due to its endangered status, will be a key focus at the North American Birdfair Costa Rica 2026. The Sarapiquí region's role in its recovery will be highlighted in conferences and workshops.

The Great Green Macaw, chosen as our emblem and logo due to its endangered status, will be a key focus at the North American Birdfair Costa Rica 2026. The Sarapiquí region's role in its recovery will be highlighted in conferences and workshops.

Why is it held in the Sarapiquí region?

  • Sarapiquí is known for its ornithological significance in Costa Rica and worldwide, housing about 5% of the planet's bird species.
  • In Sarapiquí, various organizations have undertaken extensive studies that have had substantial environmental impact globally. These efforts have also motivated a new generation of young individuals who now excel as naturalist guides specializing in ornithology and photography, both domestically and internationally.
  • The diverse opportunities for bird watching at various altitudinal levels and ecological niches within the Sarapiquí region and its surrounding areas significantly contribute to the success and appeal of our fair. Participants will have the chance to explore these locations during the event through daily excursions, as well as pre-tours and post-tours that we offer. Additional information will be available on our website www.norteamericanbirdfair.com by the end of January 2025.
  • Sarapiquí's attractions that appeal to bird watchers globally will be featured.

The fair will take place in Costa Rica for the first two years. The location for the 2nd North American Bird Fair will be chosen and announced at the 1st Bird Fair in Sarapiquí in 2026, for the event in 2027.

A formal invitation will be distributed throughout Costa Rica. Interested entities are invited to meet with the International Committee to demonstrate their capability to host the 2nd North American Bird Fair in 2027.

Starting with the third edition, the North American Bird Fair will be held annually in various countries in Central and North America. Bird watchers can connect, share experiences, exchange knowledge, learn about birds and conservation, and explore research findings. Participants will also observe diverse birds during excursions to natural sites in the host country.

The events feature workshops, keynote lectures, symposia, and forums. Attendees can explore topics like birds, science, conservation, literature, photography, sounds, guiding, ecotourism, and bird fairs globally.

The bird-watching excursions will be conducted daily at select prime locations. Small groups have been arranged to ensure optimal observation and photography opportunities. Additionally, pre- and post-tours, ranging from 3 to 5 days, will be available for further exploration, organized by local companies.

We believe this event will benefit your business. For exhibitor or sponsor costs, please contact us.

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