The Mirador del Norte Park is located in Santo Domingo along the northern banks of the Río Isabela. The park is part of the greenbelt for the city, and as such serves as “the lungs” for the metropolitan area, and as a nearby escape for city dwellers. Birdwatchers have discovered the park and frequent it primarily to scan the large water bodies for over-wintering waterfowl. A number of vagrant ducks have shown up here, so they should be looked for especially. But the vast size of the park and the adjoining woodlands also makes it an attractive trap for migratory landbirds; thus it can be productive in other habitats and at other times of year as well, especially in the early fall. There are six entrances to the Mirador del Norte Park which give access to different habitats and different visitor services, but most parts of the park are also interconnected by trails.

There are six entrances to the Mirador del Norte Park, with each one allowing access to different habitats. Each of these can be accessed by vehicle, but most are also interconnected by trails. Entrance #4 is the most productive in terms of waterfowl as it leads to the artificially created Yaguaza Lake, where Pied-billed Grebes and a variety of ducks, herons and egrets are commonly seen. A walking trail, which begins on the right behind the building where rowboats may be rented, follows the shoreline and veers left along the far side of the lake. This trail can be followed until it returns to the start of the trail, or you can traverse a continuation of the trail that runs through the woods, along a water channel, and through a marshy area to the Río Isabela. This then connects to a trail which begins at Gate #2. Walking birdwatchers should be prepared for a variety of conditions, as parts of the trails are paved while other parts can be muddy. When crowds are minimal, especially early in the day, the wooded areas and grassy play fields should also be searched for a variety of other landbirds.

Target Species

American Wigeon, Blue- winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, White- cheeked Pintail, Ring- necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Great Egret, Purple Gallinule, Gray Kingbird, Caribbean Martin, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Parula

To reach the park from the center of Santo Domingo, drive north on Av. Maximo Gomez for several kilometers. This may take 30 min. Look for the huge new Metro station on your left just before crossing the large bridge over the Isabela River. After the bridge, turn left. The park entrances are on the left. Entrance #1 accesses primarily sports fields; #2 gains entry to a children’s games area, scenic overviews, and wooded areas; #3 overlooks the Yaguaza Lake; #4 provides access to the lake and a number of connecting trails; #5 is primarily the administrative center of the park, but also contains children’s areas and monuments; and #6 allows visits to a historic site, fruit trees and overlooks.

Address: The administration of the park is located at entrance #5 of the Av. Parque Mirador del Norte
Telephone: (809) 623-5706, 930-4961, 328-0112, or 443-5867
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.parquemiradordelnorte.com (in Spanish)