Panama Kicks Off ‘Global Big Day’ From Volcán Barú
Panama joined the Global Big Day from Volcán Barú, highlighting the country’s growing role in one of the world’s most popular birdwatching events. The nationwide effort arrives after several strong performances in recent years and places Panama once again on the international birding map. In 2025, Panama set a new national record by registering 771 bird species. That milestone underscored the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and the appeal of its forests, mountains, coasts, and wetlands for birdwatchers and conservation advocates. Volcán Barú is one of Panama’s best-known natural landmarks and a major draw for ecotourism. Its elevation and surrounding habitats make it an important site for observing a wide range of bird species, including those associated with highland ecosystems.
Starting the Global Big Day from this location connects the event to Panama’s broader environmental identity. The country’s varied geography supports birdlife across multiple regions, helping explain why Panama continues to post impressive species counts during the annual global tally. Panama has built a strong reputation among birdwatchers because of its position as a natural bridge between North and South America. That geographic advantage makes the country an important stopover and habitat corridor for many species. The Global Big Day has become a way to showcase that richness while also encouraging local participation in bird observation and conservation.
For Panama, the event is not only about competition, but also about reinforcing the value of protecting the habitats that sustain this biodiversity. The country’s participation in the Global Big Day from Volcán Barú reflects both national pride and environmental significance. Strong bird counts can support ecotourism, raise awareness of conservation needs, and draw attention to Panama’s role as a biodiversity hotspot. With its record-setting performance in 2025, Panama enters this year’s Global Big Day with momentum and an established place among the region’s standout birding destinations.
