The coastal wetlands of Santa Ana de Los Santos, on the Panamanian Pacific coast, form a mosaic of salt flats, permanent water bodies, and mangrove fragments that have experienced increasing fragmentation due to agricultural and urban expansion. This study assessed the relationship between landscape structure and diversity, as well as the temporal turnover of avifauna, by integrating drone flights, image analysis, and standardized bird counts conducted between April and June 2025. A total of 44 species and 1,163 individuals were recorded, with Anatidae and Scolopacidae dominating (>60%), particularly the Black-headed Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and the Black-headed Duck (Calidris spp.). Species richness and diversity increased toward June (Shannon H? = 2.28), coinciding with the onset of the rainy season and the emergence of temporary habitats, while the similarity between months was low (Jaccard = 0.23–0.37), indicating a marked temporal turnover. Spatial analysis using photogrammetry and GIS revealed connectivity loss and critically fragmented areas. These findings underscore the importance of conserving the water regime and restoring functional corridors to support both resident and migratory species. Integrating community-based bird monitoring with high-resolution remote sensing is recommended as a practical tool for the management and restoration of coastal wetlands in Panama.
