YUCATAN & COZUMELThe most interesting birds of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula amidst its attractive Mayan sites and only a short flight from the US.
$2750 (2009 fee). 10 days See a triplist for 2008 or 2007 or 2006.
Our tour begins on Cozumel Island, known to most for its sunny shores but to birders for its endemic thrasher, vireo, and the recently split Cozumel Emerald (as well as another split candidate, “Cozumel” Wren). Cozumel is a delightful, birdy place to initiate a visit to the archaeological riches and friendly people of the Yucatan. Then it’s on to the ruins of Coba, Chichen, and Uxmal. The great temples and stepped pyramids of these sites are reason enough to travel here, but for birders there is an added attraction: The surrounding semi-deciduous woodland, so typical of most of the Yucatan, shelters such characteristic birds as Turquoise-browed Motmot, Yucatan Jay, and Orange Oriole (as well as many of “our” birds—Neotropical migrants in their winter homes at this time of year). We’ll also hope to find some more difficult species by day—including Lesser Roadrunner, Ruddy Crake, and the beautiful Gray-throated Chat—and search for Yucatan Poorwill and Yucatan Nightjar at night. Leaving the major ruin sites, we’ll make a short drive to the west coast of the peninsula and stay in a new beachfront lodge. Based here, we’ll explore nearby habitats for the striking Black-throated Bobwhite and the endemic Mexican Sheartail and Yucatan Wren, then visit a rich coastal area where such prizes as American Pygmy Kingfisher and a huge flock of Caribbean Flamingos can be found. Our tour concludes in Merida, the handsome capital city of the Yucatan.
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