bird watching
The Quetzal’s Place in Central American History
February 3, 2012
The tropical highlands of Central America are home to one of the natural world’s most remarkable and elusive species of bird: the quetzal. Well-known to the ancient Aztecs and Maya who inhabited southern Mexico, its fame has declined with the march of history, but this plucky and beautifully-plumed specimen still makes its home throughout much of Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Guatemala. The encroaching presence of man and the constant threat of predation has made it a master of concealment despite its colorful feathers, and anyone with an aim to glimpse this rare and resplendent avian will have their work cut out for them :if, that is, they don’t know where to look.
Origin of the Name
There are six species of quetzal, the largest and most popular of which is the resplendent quetzal, which grows to a size of about 30 centimeters. The word “quetzal” in the Nahuatl tongue :that spoken by the Aztecs :means “to stand up,” a reference to the bird’s long and attractive tail feathers which can be used for mating display. Though the quetzal is not classified as endangered, conservationists have become concerned about the health of the quetzal’s wild population, as low birth rates and human development threaten to degrade its ecological standing into critical territory.
Immortalized by Ancients
The beauty and distinctiveness of the quetzal is thought to have inspired at least two ancient civilizations to partially deify it. The Maya and their northern neighbors & successors, the Aztecs, shared a god whom the Maya believed to be the creator of the fifth and current world-realm. Called Kukulkan in the Maya tongue, the Aztecs referred to him as Quetzalcoatl :the “coatl’ suffix meaning “snake.” He became the god responsible for many important and impressive accomplishments, including the creation of humanity and the invention of maize.
Treetop Treasury
Not only is the Quetzal the national bird of Guatemala, but the country’s currency has shared its name since 1925, when President Jose Maria Orellana instituted the quetzal as a replacement for the peso. Both coin and bill forms of the quetzal exist, and it is divided into 100 centavos, or “lenes” as they are popularly known. The bills themselves do not carry the image of the quetzal, but rather famous leaders and historical scenes important to Guatemalan national identity.
Searching for a Sighting
Those who merely wish to glimpse this remarkable specimen of tropical fauna must arm themselves with patience, as the quetzal has survived this long only by becoming extremely adept at hiding. It’s bright green plumage would be a disadvantage anywhere but the lush, verdant jungle habitat it calls home. The high temperatures of the Northern Yucatan restrict the quetzl’s nesting grounds to the cooler forests of southern Central and northern South America. Instead of spending days on end crouched behind ferns and jungle foliage, hoping to catch a fleeting glimpse of this adept and nimble bird, consider hiring a bird-watching guide to get the upper hand on the elusive quetzal and increase your chances of making a successful sighting. Contact a local bird-watching agency when planning your trip; they’ll be able to offer advice regarding the best time of year and most favorable locations. However, if your aim is merely to hear the song of this sought-after species, you needn’t make such elaborate preparations; a visit to any of several ancient sites, such as the Kukulkan pyramid at Chichn Itz, or the plaza at Tikal, will suffice. Simply clap your hands, and you’ll be rewarded with the resounding call of the quetzal echoing across the ancient stones.
Linda Patterson is a birding enthusiast from the USA. The Mexican Yucatan Peninsula offers amazing birding opportunities. Check these birding tours for more information on this great destination.
Hike the Yucatan Jungles
January 9, 2012
For most of us, a real natural environment apart from human influence isn’t something we can find next door. The more our cities and suburbs expand, the more difficult it is to escape humanity’s zone of activity. Even seasoned travelers are hard-pressed to escape the endless tourist circuit of cities, resort-lined beaches, and mountaintop spas that pamper plenty, but don’t put a premium on the ability to really interface with nature outside of our methods of building right over it. Luckily, even for those who aren’t experienced jungle-trekkers, there are some areas of unblemished nature still within reach; and what’s more, they can be explored without harming these precious environments in the process. Central America’s Yucatan peninsula contains over 100,000 acres of the planet’s lushest, thickest, most isolated tropical rainforest. A series of hiking trails, graded over several levels of difficulty, wind through the heart of the jungle. With trails designed specifically for the novice explorer, virtually anyone in good health can walk in awe through a ceaseless panorama of pristine natural ecology at work.
Trails Tailored for All Trekkers
Prior to your journey into the Yucatan rainforest, have a glance at the map of available trails, as each is graded so you can assess the difficulty level and length of the hike. All trails, even the easiest, take you deep into the jungle’s dense habitat, rubbing shoulders with animals and plants who rarely if ever have a glimpse of the human race. Less experienced jungle trekkers will want to stick with the lower-difficulty paths like the Rota por Chichen Itza trail, which provides a low-impact trip through the misty jungle and a chance to observe the wide variety of wildlife which inhabits it.
Totaling about four miles in length, the Roten por Chichen Itza trail is on the easier side of the difficulty gradient, but it’s accessibility certainly doesn’t translate into a lack of natural beauty. You can complete the circular trail in about two and a half hours, and at the terminus of your trek you’ll find yourself right back at your initial starting point, making the logistics of getting to and from the area a snap. You’re certain to encounter an impressive range of species even on this short hike, including huge monarch butterflies and inquisitive spider monkeys. Watch out for the latter, by the way, as their curiosity regarding shiny objects often leads them to snatch any keys, watches, or other bobbles and trinkets you might leave inadvertently exposed. And of course the jungles are teeming with a splendid variety of tropical birds, plumed in bright colors and each with their own distinct call. You might even learn to tell a few of them apart just by the sound!
Hike to Enrich Body, Soul, and Planet
One of the best parts of participating in a jungle hike is that your footprint remains low throughout your trek. Instead of opting for an automobile-driven trail, you’ll be able to experience nature in the raw, using all five senses, while being as sure as possible that your presence brings no deleterious effects.
The Xel-Ha Eco Park (pronounced “shell-ha”) is a lighter destination for those seeking more of a theme park experience. Xel-Ha is situated on the coast amidst verdant jungle scenery, with white beaches lapped by sparkling sapphire ocean waves. The jungle itself surrounds the ancient ruins at Xel-Ha, and the park area is an opportune spot for hiking, beachcombing, or watersports, including swimming with dolphins. Much like Rota por Chichen Itza, the area is full of incredible wildlife such as eagle-hawks, iguanas, and other startlingly-colored specimens of the bird and lizard families.
Whichever path you choose to follow, the signature aspect of jungle treks is your constant communion with the natural world, the unshielded and uninterrupted ability to sample the jungle through physical contact. When running your hard over a fern, or your fingertips on the rough bark of a towering tree, smelling the fecund tropical heat rising from the forest floor, you’ll feel alive in ways that may surprise and shock you. The ancient Maya and other pre-Columbian civilizations that dwelt in these forests maintained a powerful and spiritual connection to the natural world, and after even the shortest sojourn into the Yucatan jungle, you too will understand what they, surrounded by it, held in such continual awe.
Find out more on the Yucatan Peninsula Ecology here: Yucatan Birding. Discover more travel ideas on the adventure travel vacation.
Preserve Your Bird Watching Experience With Bird Watching Journals
December 26, 2011
Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. But with time, your bird watching experiences can fade. Keeping a bird watching journal for your trips and sightings is actually the best way you can prevent this.
Bird Watching Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent bird watching experience. Determine what things sticks out in your mind. Next, try to remember the first time you ever went bird watching. You undoubtedly remember a few things about the geography, the people you went with, every bird you saw, and so on. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a bird watching journal, then this wouldn’t have happened.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Anne Frank’s Diary, is of course, the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. Your bird watching experiences should be more lighthearted but even so, if you keep a journal, then you will remember them as the years pass by.
In a good bird watching journal, a number of characteristics are combined. You don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things which is why making sure it is compact is the first step. It should also have a case to protect it from rain, spills, and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. The following should be included in the cues
Who are the people you went birding with,
The place where you stayed and if you enjoyed it,
Who you met and contact information for them,
The geographic and weather conditions, and
What are the birds you sighted and added to your life list.
You should be able to get the following from your journal at the end of the trip.
Contact information for other bird watchers and people you met,
Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you travel to the location a second time.
Memories to reflect upon years later, and
Something that you can pass on to your children and grandchildren.
If you want to get the most out of your bird watching journal, then you should write in it during and immediately after birding. In every sighting, new experiences are brought even if you’re just sitting in your backyard.
Bird watching is a great way to commune with nature. That’s why you should try and preserve the experience.
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Keeping Tab Of Your Birds
December 10, 2011
Birdwatchers are advised to have a list of the birds that they have seen and observed. The count is made on a journal or a diary of some kind.
Life List
A life list is a record of the species of birds you’ve sighted over time. The sightings are listed in a journal or diary. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. The birder may keep one master list or several lists according to classifications, or whichever he prefers.
Experienced birders prefer several lists which offer several conveniences. If you are a birder and want several lists, how would you go about it? Here are a few ideas.
House Lists. The home list is where you record your bird sightings from your home area.
Yearly Lists. Here you list all the birds you have seen within a given year.
State Lists. A record of birds sighted within a state.
Trip Lists. You may keep a list of birds you have sighted during you travels.
Must-see Lists. This lists the birds that you have not yet seen and would want very much to see. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.
Computer Life Lists.
This refers to a computer life list program or one you access in the internet. The programs are mostly in checklist forms but the presentations may vary. You enter information and the program spits out your list.
The thing with computer programs is that it has many disadvantages. It will be inconvenient to carry even a portable computer in your bird watching forays because you will be travelling light, so you cannot make any entries on the spot. Computer programs also have limited capabilities; for example, you may want a specimen drawing of your sightings. For most birders, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.
For some people, bird watching is enjoyable as any preoccupation. People who are just starting to appreciate the joy of bird watching do not give much thought about making a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is you will regret the decision if you later decide to do so. All those sightings will be gone with time.
So it is a good idea for the beginner to make a life list right from the start so there will be no missing pages in their bird watching experience.
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The Necessary Things About A Monocular Device
November 15, 2011
A lot of online markets today are selling a monocular. This particular instrument is like a refracting telescope which is basically used to magnify images. The process is the same as in normal telescope which magnifies a distant image with the use of a light that is allowed to pass through a prism or a series of lenses.
Telescopes work in such a way that they use a light that is allowed to go through a series of lenses or a prism. The one that utilizes a prism is often a light weight telescope in which its volume is just one half the volume of binoculars. This makes the instrument more handy given that they have the same optical properties with the binoculars.
The primary difference between this telescope and the binoculars is that this one produces a two dimensional figure while binoculars can go up to producing three. The long optical path for this device can be folded making it look a bit shorter than the original size. This is the reason why some people would prefer buying this.
The mono-visually impaired people can still use this. In fact this telescope is useful for them since they are able to see a clearer distant image. This becomes especially essential in the field of marine applications and even military, hunting, and natural history operations.
A bright image with high resolution can be seen only when a bigger device is used. This is usually mounted to a tripod. If you just want to view an image, the smaller telescopes may suffice.
The field in view is largely increased when both eyes are separately used. The depth perception however, when the eyes is used this way is limited. Seeing two objects at the same time can happen when you position on opposite sides the head of the animal.
In the internet, you can browse for several cues and techniques. The most familiar is called motion parallax which can give the information about depth once the velocity and direction are given. If you are able to practice this, the relative direction, including the distance of your subject can be known.
Monocular instruments are often sold online and in local market departments. The primary thing you need to know is make sure you have an idea of what you are supposed to buy. Know the needed properties and specs of the device before opting to buying it. Browse the net for possible cues on how you can well used it. The main secret is to read a lot about this telescope so that you will not find it difficult once you use it. The importance of this device lies beyond just seeing the image. It goes far beyond calculating the distance of the view and knowing its relative direction. It takes focus to do this because this whole thing is not very easy as it seems to be. The applications are very helpful especially when you are connected to a military work or when you do hunting.
Check out our site for complete details about the many benefits of using a monocular, now. You can also get the latest spotting scope at a great price in our virtual superstore.
Watching Birds Through A Bird Box Camera
November 6, 2011
These Bird Box cameras are used to look at birds in the wilds of your garden. By incorporating state of the art miniature technology to embed a tiny camera in a Bird Box or Animal Nest Box you can study wildlife uninhibited. This means that birds, parents and chicks, may be viewed without disrupting them.
For anyone who is passionate about attracting birds and wildlife to their garden they can now go that extra step and set themselves up as a budding David Attenborough with a camera bird box.
Nature watching is now a popular pastime in the UK thanks to programs including Springwatch and Autumwatch which document the lifecycle and events in the lives of birds and animals.
Available in black and white or color, these nest box cameras can also have infrared technology fitted for 24 hours viewing. The camera can be connected to your computer or television by wire or wireless for your viewing pleasure.
Although color models cost more than black and white ones do, they tend to give you better photographs. Although there are two options (cameras that are wireless and those that require a wire) generally the signal is stronger with the wired version.
It is simple to set up a wired camera but they have the drawback of limitations on where they can be placed. Putting a hole in the wall of your house for the cable that leads to the TV may be required.
Most companies supply cameras that fit into any bird boxes, whether it is the small 25mm entrance hole version for a Blue Tit or for Robins and Wrens, an open fronted design or even for a hedgehog house.
Setting up a nest box camera during the winter months gives you time to make adjustments so it fits in as a natural part of the nest and greatly increases your odds of having occupants in Spring. Some birds will use them to roost and as shelter if they in place during Winter and will then use them for nesting in spring.
Be sure to set the birds nest box in a still area of the garden. They can be placed almost anywhere, but it is best if you try to place it where it will not be in the sun all day and has some shelter from bad weather.
Elizabeth O Simpson is a keen recreational ornitholigist and talks about making use of bird cameras to seize a much closer look at your quarry. More information can be found at CloseWatch
A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
November 5, 2011
Veiled by the jungles and grasslands of South Africa are as many as 850 different species of birds. Far from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s great cities, the abundant birdlife make up a beautiful palette of colours and sounds that annually delight bird lovers from all around the world. While South Africa’s economic makeup is making the nation more attractive to international companies, one of the country’s strongest industries is still tourism. While there are many channels of South African tourism, bird watching has quickly become one of the biggest tourist attractions.
In the Drakensberg region alone, a bird watcher can site nearly 300 species of birds, some of which are endangered species. One such bird is the Bearded Vulture, also known as the Lammergeier. These incredible predatory birds have been spotted flying as high as an altitude of 24,000 feet. Their wing span is nearly ten feet wide, and the speed at which these giant birds move make them a breath-taking sight to take in. They are most famous for not only their size but their methods of obtaining sustenance. After flying to insurmountable heights, the Bearded Vulture purposefully drops the bones of his prey so that the impact of hitting the ground breaks the bones, exposing the marrow that makes up about ninety percent of their diets; this vulture has therefore also earned the nickname “bone-breaker”.
Bird watchers will be happy in the KwaZulu-Natal province which is home to almost 350 species of birds. The Tembe Elephant Park is an excellent choice to see not only elephants but a plethora of migratory birds such as the Steppe Eagle. This fascinating bird makes the long journey each winter from countries such as Romania and Russia all the way down the continent of Africa just to take pleasure in the tropical climate of southern Africa. The Steppe Eagle’s consists mostly of dead animals but also includes hares, rodents and small birds. Bird enthusiasts who visit the Tempe Elephant Park are also sure to see the attractive Lemon-breasted Canary as well as the African Marsh-harrier near the park’s wetlands.
The Wakkerstroom Birding Site in the Mpumalanga province is teeming with both endangered and endemic birdlife. Positioned just between Mozambique and Swaziland, this park is home to the Yellow-breasted Pipit, which is native to South Africa. The lifestyle of this highly-favoured creature has remained obscure because of how difficult sightings can be. Bird watchers often have to spend an entire day hiding out in the cold, wet grassland to get a glimpse of the Yellow-breasted Pipit. Because the vast majority of this area is privately owned, it’s vital for bird watchers to arrange for guides to go with them on their expeditions into the Wakkerstroom. The guides are fortunately quite affordable and have received the essential consent to take bird watchers onto the grounds.
The biggest free-flight aviary in the entire world, Birds of Eden, is in the Western Cape of South Africa and should therefore be made a priority for any bird lover visiting the nation. Situated on the lavish Garden Route, this aviary serves as a dwelling for the nation’s national bird, the Blue Crane. This endangered bird is the only crane known to man without a hint of red on his feathers. Red is normally used by creatures to scare off their enemies, so this crane’s methods are unique. When threatened, the Blue Crane ruffles up the feathers of his blue and grey head and begins taunting and dancing towards his enemy to protect himself. It’s quite a sight to behold!
When planning a bird watching trip to South Africa, be sure to pack plainly-coloured clothing that will help you blend in with the backgrounds of the bush. Steer clear of bulky clothing that will be noisy as you move through the savannahs. Protect yourself from insects by wearing boots and leech socks, and whatever you do, don’t forget your binoculars and camera. Remember that the best time in South Africa for bird watching are the warm months which extend from September to March. Don’t hesitate to take a guide with you on your journey to make your time more worthwhile.
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Sian Ka’an: Birding in Mexico
November 1, 2011
Sian Ka’an is one of the most wished for destinations when it comes to birding and it is one of the best bird watching sites among birding communities. This place is a picturesque protected area which sits on the Riviera Maya close to Tulum Mexico has plenty to offer like the ancient Mayan ruins, rich flora and fauna and a lot more.
Sian Ka’an means “Where the sky is born”, and its name was given by the ancient Maya. This area of the Yucatan Peninsula features mainly flat landscape having limestone bedrock and hardly any real elevation.
One can hardly find any surface rivers in this location but the sandy soild as well as the limestone bedrock make it possible for the rainfall to filter through and be contained under the ground. This underground aquifer expands not only beneath the Sian Ka’an grounds, however below the entire peninsula.
When it is rainy season such as from May to October, this nature reserve gets to be flooded with water turning wetland areas into small lakes which contain natural rich soil.
The Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve and the habitats found here are protected by the Mexican government; this reserve consists of lowland forests, lagoons, hummocks, mangroves as well as barrier reef These various habitats are home to more than 350 species of aquatic as well as terrestrial birds and are paradise for the bird watching lover.
Don’t miss the experience, go and grab your birding equipment. The carefully guided birding tour to Sian Ka’an will provide you the opportunity to witness with your own eyes most of the rarest avian species, plus some birds which you cannot see somewhere else anywhere! A total list of all birds endemic to the Yucatan peninsula could be seen here: Birding Sian Ka’an
A few of the rare birds which you can see in Sian Ka’an are the Yucatan Woodpecker, the Yellow fronted parrot. More than 40 of the bird species you are able to see in Yucatan are endemic and vacationers from around the globe come here to view them.
In the event that you’re a bird watching fanatic and would really like to go to the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, then book your trip ahead of time. Due to the fact that this place is a protected reserve, tourists are only allowed to visit if they are in an organized tour, where the guides will do anything possible in order to safeguard the natural habitat and to make sure that the plants and creatures species don’t suffer from the presence of people.
Birds dwell in every single are of the nature reserve but one very interesting place to visit is the lagoon of San Miguel with its “Bird Island”. This is an awesome spot where by countless tropical birds get to roost and also raise their young. In this nature reserve, you can find Herons, White Ibis, Frigates, Pelicans and many other species in significant numbers.
A few of the birds in Sian Ka’an nature reserve are harder to see compared to others; if you’re looking for an uncommon bird, you can inform your guide that you want to see this certain bird specie, and they’ll do their very best to get you to a location where you are almost certainly to see it.
Bird watching is one recreational activity that is interesting and relaxing. When you desire to see countless species of birds as you can, in that case head to Sian Ka’an – we are confident that you’ll leave satisfied and also eager for your next visit to this gorgeous and also charming place!
Birders will enjoy the Travel Articles at the 2Adventuretravel.com travel community. Wanna go birding in Sian Ka’an yourself? Check out the Yucatan Birding Tour.
Bird Watching Basics
September 29, 2011
Birding which is more popularly known as bird watching has always been a favorite outdoor activity. Bird watching is really a misnomer inasmuch as it not just about watching birds but also involves the auditory senses. Together with gardening, birding is the most popular outdoor recreation in the United States. For many people bird watching is an opportunity to feel close to nature. They also enjoy the relaxation and peacefulness by watching birds. Given the chance, they are willing to take a long trip to have a look at a seldom seen bird. These birders are known as twitchers. Twitching is widely practiced in Britain and mainland Europe. Many birders are initiated into the activity from watching and then attracting birds outside their homes. Bird feeding can benefit birds and also provide great bird watching. You can attract a variety of interesting birds to your yard by selecting and offering the right kinds of food. The bird watcher can have his choice of bird foods ᾢ seeds, nectar and suet. Early morning is the best time for bird watching since many birds are then searching most actively for food.
As the birder regularly offers food, birds will keep coming back and he will soon recognize some regular customers. Once a person is hooked into bird watching, he will need binoculars, a notebook and field guides.
The bird book will identify the different birds and their characteristics. A field guide shows birds of just one country, or one region of a country, or one habitat.
Binoculars are described by two numbers: 8×32 for example. In the numbers 8×32, 8 indicates the binoculars’ magnification power. The second is the size in millimeters of the objective lens that can be found at the end of the binoculars. Usually 7 or 8 power will satisfy the requirement of a bird watcher.
The next step is to broaden your birding experience beyond your own backyard. Bird sanctuaries and national or state parks are excellent places to spend time bird watching. Birders everywhere always see to it that birds are kept out of harm’s way.
And don’t forget to join a local birding club. Birding groups are into activities like promoting field trips, organizing forums and information sharing, and environmental protection projects. Also visit your local library and check out books on birds and ornithology.
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The Ideal Sites for Birding in the Yucatan
September 11, 2011
Did you know that birding is actually one of the famous activity in Yucatan that made travelers and bird lovers go bird watching. You don’t need to be an expert to have enjoyment from bird watching – no matter what your age is you will surely enjoy this activity.
No matter whether you are going to rest in your hammock with a fantastic book and binoculars or join one of several tours of which take you to spots where numerous birds nest, spending time to go birding can be an experience of a lifetime.
Bird Watching In Yucatan
In terms of Birding, Yucatan is without a doubt a destination to be. Countless of species of birds come to the wetlands and jungles during the migration periods. The number one bird reserve, Sian Ka’an, is noted to host countless migratory birds alone.
Having said that, it is not solely the migrating birds that comprise the whole diversity. There are actually over 546 species of birds who dwell in the areas in the Yucatan year round, eleven of which are native to the island (living only in Yucatan and no place else in the world). Most of these unique local species also carry the name of the region: the Yucatan wren, the Bright Red Yucatan parrot and the Yucatan night-jar.
Yucatan Birding Sites
When it comes to birding, Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve, Celestun, Rio Lagartos and Isla Contoy comprises the top bird watching destinations.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Located a few miles south of Tulum Mexico, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve is found 40 miles south of Playa Del Carmen. You will find a lot of small hotels within the shoreline, therefore hotels are simple to find throughout the year.
This mentioned reserve covers over 1.3 million acres of land, mangrove swamps, tropical forests, wetlands, lagoons and cenotes. It was created to provide protection to not only the native bird species, but also more than 1200 several other animal species like reptiles, insects and mammals.
You will find more than 360 bird species which live in in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, as well as for nature lovers there are actually non-profit community birding tours. The groups could be big or small, with the smallest group to be created when at least a couple wish to take the tour. Ibises, vultures, herons as well as orioles are some of the birds which are easily found in the area.
Celestun
Celestun is simply 45 minutes drive away from Merida. It’s a small fishing village, nevertheless one can find some basic hotels where you can stay. On top of that, Eco Paraiso Xixim, a good looking 280-room Eco-resort is only six miles north of Celestun.
One of several bird species that could be encountered in this place is the pink flamingo, they are in great numbers from March to August. Many other birds, just like snowy egrets and herons can also be seen, specially when you take a tour with one of the fishing boats.
The Rio Lagartos Biosphere reserve
Five miles north of Valladolid, plus an hour away from Chichen Itza and on the Yucatan’s northern Caribbean coast you can find the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Here you will discover pink flamingos in large colony – roughly 40,000 flamingos call this their haven. Together with the flamingos that dwell in the areas around Celestun, the reserve is home to around 90% of the world’s population of pink flamingos while in the winter time.
Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is actually a national park which sits north of Isla Mujeres . It happens to be a bird sanctuary and one of several major sites for birding in Yucatan. There is certainly a limit on the number of visitors which are permitted to visit Isla Contoy in one day, hence if you’re eager about travelling to this place, always make sure you join an organized trip where all preparations are made for you.
The avian species you can see on Isla Contoy are generally marine birds, including the the frigate, double-crested cormorant, and brown pelican. You could also find birds which are nesting on this tropical isle.
Linda Patterson is a birding enthusiast from the USA. She has advised birders from all over the world showing the most amazing birds watching spots. The original article can be found at The Best Spots for Birding in the Yucatan