FundaBuho Newsletter: 15 years of learning and gratitude
We celebrate fifteen years of observation, education and community work around nocturnal raptors.
This year marks 15 years since we began supporting owl species in western Alajuela, specifically within the garden of our family project, Hotel Robledal.
What started as a simple curiosity—understanding why certain owl species
were using human-made structures for nesting—has evolved through
constant field observation, data analysis, and collaboration with
governmental and private institutions, birdwatching enthusiasts,
visitors from around the world, and especially the international
scientific community specialized in raptors. Today, this effort has
taken shape as FundaBúho.
At FundaBúho, we have conducted empirical research based on daily, long-term observation of our garden. This work has generated practical results aimed at promoting better garden design and management in urban and industrial development areas surrounding Hotel Robledal.
Over the years, we have learned that even the smallest green patch within urban or industrial landscapes is vital for wildlife, as it allows species to move through urban micro-corridors.
Why owls?
Owls belong to a specialized group of birds known as raptors. As nocturnal hunters, they prey on rodents, insects, and other small animals, playing a crucial role in natural population control and preventing certain species from becoming pests.
However, owl populations are affected by several human-related factors, including poor tree maintenance planning, property clearing that can lead to fires, and the indiscriminate use of pesticides or rodent traps.
Environmental education and community engagement
In 2026, we look forward to welcoming companies and schools to the Hotel Robledal garden, where we will share practical knowledge on garden design and proper maintenance to support owl conservation.
We close this year with meaningful achievements:
- The opening of a birdwatching platform, donated by a local company, which will serve as a space for environmental education and awareness programs.
- Coordination and participation in the International Raptor Conference of the Raptor Research Foundation.
- The presentation of FundaBúho to the Alajuela Municipal Council, leading to a motion within the environmental department to designate Alajuela as an Owl-Friendly City.
- A presentation on the history and importance of the Garcimuñoz Biological Corridor at the Universidad Técnica Nacional.
- The coordination of the Christmas Bird Count along the Turrúcares route, for the fifth consecutive year within the Garcimuñoz Biological Corridor.
We close this year with deep gratitude and many lessons learned, hopeful that in the years to come we will gradually engage more members of our communities to learn together about owl conservation and biodiversity protection.