The parcel that today is known locally as ‘Casa’ or Casa del Caballo Blanco was formerly a small ranch with cleared and cultivated fields, and area planted in plantains and apple bananas, and remnant buildings, among them two structures housing pig-sties, and a small reservoir. In fall of 2004, following the preparation of a substantial Environmental Checklist, and required review, the structures and grounds of the ranch began a transformation.

This transformation involved the goal-oriented rebuilding/rehabilitation of the former ranch structures to accommodate the goals of the Casa Avian Support Alliance; and to restore, to the degree possible, the natural habitat of the northern portion of the 23 acres. Recognizing the stress imposed on the avian population by the degradation of the forest habitat, CASA staff sought guidance from Birds Without Borders/Aves Sin Fronteras for information pertaining to plant species recognized as attractive to, and necessary for support of, the local resident and migratory bird population.

The primary aspect of the habitat restoration was to re-forest the northern section of the property, approximately 15 acres, that had previously been cleared, cultivated, and periodically mowed. Areas of the grounds that provided appropriate habitat (soil, insulation and irrigation) for the reforestation of indigenous plant species (identified in the Birds Without Borders/Aves Sin Fronteras Land Management Plan) were identified and the habitat restoration program was initiated under the direction of Mr. Enrique Rivas.

The planting of seedlings began in mid 2005, under the direction of Mr. Enrique Rivas, with the assistance of Mr. Domingo Mesh. Approximately 500 holes for seedlings were dug, and 35 Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), 35 Madre de Cacao (Gliricidia sepium), 10 May Flower (Abebuiarosea), and 100 Cedars (Cederela odorata) were planted by Mr. Rivas and Mr. Mesh. At that time it was anticipated that additional Mahogany, Cedar and Madre de Cacao, in addition to Bayleaf (Sabal mauritiformis), Red Gumbolimbo (Bursera simaruba), Trumpet Tree (Cecropia peltata), and Coco Plum (Chrysobalanus icaco) would be planted.

As the Cedar and Mahogany mature they offer shelter, and the latter five types of trees, Bayleaf, Madre de Cacao, Red Gumbolimbo, Trumpet Tree, and Coco Plum, will provide food for the foraging avian population. Elsewhere on the property numerous fruit trees including Avocado, Cashew, citrus varieties, Custard Apple, Guava, Mango, Sour Sap, Tamarind, Golden Plum, Coco Plum, Apple Bananas, Plantains, and Passion Fruit have been planted.

The projected growth plan suggests a period of 25 years before some trees will reach maturity; the grafted fruit trees will take 3 to 5 years. By mid-term maturity the grounds will provide a natural laboratory for the observation and study of the avian wildlife that the planting is anticipated to attract. Thus the project sponsors have endeavored not to further degrade the existing environmental condition, but rather to create a demonstration project that focuses on reuse and rehabilitation of existing developed lands.

In January of 2006 CASA biologists Ms. Wendy Dexter and Mr. Jeff Alvarez, identified 8 observation points that provide a consistent location from which both plant life and wildlife can be monitored during the progress of the habitat restoration. During the first half of 2007, CASA’s In-country Director, Baldemir ‘Ricky’ Manzanero undertook development of a trail system that links the observation points and provides a naturalist’s interpretive trail network. With the assistance of Mr. Ronnell Manzanero and Mr. Domingo Mesh, a hand cut 920-yard trail was developed that forms a loop within the habitat restoration area, linking a sequence of the observation points established by the biologists. Smaller, feeder trails link the remaining observation points and signage that identifies many of the trees, shrubs and plants were prepared and installed in the latter part of 2007.

In the months to come Mr. Manzanero anticipates completion and improvement of the entire trail, placement of additional signage, development of new watering stations, the construction and the placement of nesting boxes for bats and owls. The cover of a tri-fold brochure that interpets the trail for visitors is shown below.

Avi-fauna sighted and recorded by Mr. Manzanero during the first quarter numbered 33 species in January and February and 25 in March. A monthly list of the avi-fauna observed at CASA, by common name, can be accessed by selecting the link below. An exciting observation made during an early morning walk along the trail in late March 2007, was a nest, containing two eggs, of a Common Pauraque. While this may not be the first occurrence of wildlife to nest in the habitat restoration area, it is the first to be observed, and a direct demonstration that the habitat is presently viable for selected species of avi-fauna.

Would you like to participate in the Habitat Restoration or some other aspect of the CASA Initiative?  Please contact us at info@casaavian.org
We would be pleased to speak with you and to learn about your interests.

2008, 2009, and 2010 Bird Sightings

Each month Baldemir (Ricky) Manzanero  prepares a list of the avian wildlife observed on the grounds of Casa del Caballo Blanco and in the habitat restoration area, - click here to review the complete month-by-month list for 2008, 2009 and  for the first five months (January - May) of 2010.  

To view 2008 scroll to the bottom of the spreadsheet and select the tab labeled "Bird List 2008," the compilations for 2009, and the first five months of 2010 can be accessed in a similar manner.

Volunteer and Tour with the Casa Avian Support Alliance