Winter Getaway to enjoy the Spectacular Birds of

PUERTO VALLARTA, SAN BLAS & TEPIC, JALISCO/NAYARIT, MEXICO:

Birding Paradise of Bahia Banderas and verdant Cabo Corrientes as the

region appears at the tail end of the wet season, near Boca Tomatlan, Jalisco.

©Greg R. Homel/Natural Encounters Birding & Wildlife Photography Tours

   birdingadventures@mac.com

 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PART 1: THE SPECTACULAR BIRDS OF PUERTO VALLARTA, BANDERAS BAY, CABO CORRIENTES, THE SIERRA MADRE OCCIDENTAL & ISLAS MARIETTAS MARINE RESERVE, JALISCO & NAYARIT, MEXICO— 5 DAY SAMPLER OF THE LOCAL HOTSPOTS

 

PART 2: BIRDING SAN BLAS, INCLUDING BAHIA MATANCHEN, RIO SAN CRISTOBOL, LA TOVERA SPRINGS, CAMINO COCODRILO & RESERVA BIOSFERA SIERRA DE SAN JUAN, NAYARIT, MEXICO

 

PART 3: RAIL PARADISE AT PARQUE ECOLOGICO, TEPIC, NAYARIT— A FRIENDLY, BIRD-RICH SURPRISE BIRDING DESTINATION IN THE HEART OF THE TEPIC VALLEY

 

DATES: 2018 Dates to be announced

 

 

a BIRDING & photographically oriented EXCURSION for AVID BIRDERS AND BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS interested in the MYRIAD COLORFUL birds of this spectacularLY BEAUTIFUL, FRIENDLY region OF WEST MEXICO.

Preceding, Greg Homel will pass on hard-won “secrets” to successfully finding and photographing regional birds at some of his favorite birding hotspots! For instance, learn how to see and photograph the telltale but seldom-seen “star-throat” of a Plain-capped Starthroat, seen here in mid-flight at Rancho

Bahia de Banderas & Los Arcos Marine Reserve (forested islands in mid-section of the photograph) with Puerto Vallarta resort hotels in the distance, as seen through verdant tropical broadleaf forest that still extends to the shoreline in places along Carretera (Hwy.) 200, the main and only highway linking Puerto Vallarta and El Tuito, Cabo Corrientes.

©Greg R. Homel/NATURAL ELEMENTS PRODUCTIONS

   birdingadventures@mac.com

PROFESSIONAL LEADERS: GREG R. HOMEL & ALEX MARTINEZ

SYNOPSIS: During part one of this scenic, action-packed itinerary, we embark on an exciting, whirlwind sampler of the remarkably diverse birdlife found within a 100-kilometer radius of beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

Greg R. Homel and Alex Martinez (behind the scenes) will utilize their combined 40+ years’ experience to bring you face-to-face with many of this remarkably bird-rich region’s most highly sought bird specialties—as you travel from Sea level to 2700m (8858’) in search of a treasure trove of avian delights!

EMPHASIS: Close viewing and, if you wish, photography of the endemic, indigenous and migratory specialties of the region, at the following top birding hotspots:

  1. Private Rancho Primavera, Selva El Tuito:       Home to Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Citreoline Trogon (endemic), Russet-crowned Motmot (near endemic), Black-vented Oriole (near endemic), Black-throated Magpie- and San Blas jays, (both endemic), Yellow-winged Cacique (endemic), migratory Sinaloa Martins (rare endemic, regular here in early March); Violet-crowned, Broad-billed and Cinnamon hummingbirds, in addition to Plain-capped Starthroat.
  1. Santuario de las Guacamayas (The Military Macaw Sanctuary), nestled in the middle-elevation tropical broadleaf forest and encinal (pine-oak woodland) of Cabo Corrientes; Jardin Botanica Vallarta (Vallarta Botanic Garden); Camino Paraiso & Camino Provincia: Military Macaw, endemic Lilac-crowned Parrot, nocturnal Eared Poorwill (endemic), endemic White-striped Woodcreeper; Gray-collared Becard (rare), endemic Spotted Wren, Rufous-capped Warbler, endemic Golden Vireo and mixed-species warbler, vireo and woodcreeper flocks…in the extensive forests here.
  1. Sinaloan Thorn Forest at Mayto (Maito), Costa Allegre: Flurries of neon-colored Orange-breasted Buntings, Rose-breasted Chat, & sometimes Flammulated Flycatcher & Black-capped Gnatcatcher (all four endemic); in addition to constellations of dry forest specialties, within an extensive carpet of deciduous dry tropical forest, backed by unspoiled tropical Pacific beaches & designated sea turtle nesting grounds.
  1. High-altitude coniferous forest birding and raptor-watching at Cerro La Bufa, above the mountain hamlet of San Sebastián del Oeste, in the mighty Sierra Madre Occidental (Mexico’s largest mountain range):       Endemic Long-tailed Wood Partridge, Zone-tailed & Short-tailed hawks; White-striped Woodcreeper, the Dickayae race of Audubon’s Oriole (Dickey’s Oriole), stunning Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo (endemic); Red (endemic, though rare here) & Golden-browed warblers; migratory warbler & vireo flocks; montane hummingbirds (including Magnificent, White-eared, and possibly Sparkling-tailed and endemic Bumblebee varieties; the latter nests in the area but during the wet season—July-December—when there are more flowers); in addition to mixed-species flocks of neotropical migrants winging their way to northern breeding grounds in the US and Canada, and even an isolated population of Singing quail, etc.
  1. Islas Marietas Seabird Sanctuary within Bahia de Banderas: Nesting colonies of Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican, Blue-footed and Brown boobies on the “mini-Galapagos,” amid the world’s largest bay. Also the southernmost outpost for Brandt’s Cormorant; Heermann’s and Laughing gulls; Royal & Elegant terns; Brown Noddy (in season), and Gray-breasted Martin, etc. Occasionally, we see Red-billed Tropicbird here, as well.
  1. Laguna del Quelele, Nueva Vallarta: Tide and time dependent. Here we will pursue Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Boat-billed Heron, Limpkin and migratory shorebirds in a little-known mangrove ecosystem hidden within the growing Nuevo Vallarta region.

Your first glimpse of the large, ENDEMIC Black-throated Magpie-Jay and its elongate, flexible tail will not soon be forgotten!

©Greg R. Homel/NATURAL ELEMENTS PRODUCTIONS

   birdingadventures@mac.com

 

PART I: PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO

*We recommend you arrive one day in advance of the excursion in order to facilitate an early start on the first day of the pre-extension and to get a good rest in advance of this exciting offering. We can assist with lodging and reservation suggestions. Please RSVP.

DAY 1 (3 JANUARY 2018):

 

WELCOME TO PUERTO VALLARTA! OVERLAND TRANSFER FROM PVR OR YOUR HOTEL ROOM TO BIRD-RICH RANCHO PRIMAVERA, NESTLED ON A TRANQUIL PLATEAU WITHIN THE MIDDLE-ELEVATIONAL HIGHLANDS OF CABO CORRIENTES, NEAR THE COLLOQUIAL TOWN OF EL TUITO:

INCLUDING OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT RANCHO PRIMAVERA FOR 3 NIGHTS INCLUDED:

DAILY SCHEDULE:

  1. Daily, we’ll partake in a sumptuous ranch-style breakfast at 0630-11:30, followed by a morning bird-walk with Greg R. Homel to observe the myriad colorful birds frequenting several feeders put out for their benefit by our hostesses, Pat Morrow and Bonnie Jauregui.
  1. 1230-1330 (approx.). Snacks and refreshments available in the main ranch house from 1030-1200. Enjoy a hearty ranch-style lunch served in the                   main ranch house restaurant or at one of the lovely restaurants in the                    nearby town of El Tuito, followed by a 2-hour (approx.) siesta.
  1. 1500-1830: Afternoon exploration of Rancho Primavera’s impressive trail system, which accesses all habitats on the property and a constellation of exciting West Mexican birds.
  1. 1900 (approx.). A delicious home-cooked dinner is served in Rancho Primavera’s main ranch house restaurant. Optional nocturnal birding for Mottled Owl. Good night.

OVERVIEW: Rancho Primavera (A Private Rancho & Wildlife Sanctuary):

Located near the serene mountain hamlet of El Tuito, Cabo Corrientes (Currents Cape), Rancho Primavera, with its intact habitats and inspiring vistas, is emerging as one of the premiere birding destination near Puerto Vallarta. Here visiting birders will discover an outstanding array of regional birds—epitomized by the colorful but skulky Rosy Thrush-Tanager—which is perhaps most easily encountered here than anywhere else in Mexico. Due to the foresight and hospitality of owner/managers Pat Morrow and Bonnie Jauregui, birders have the fortuitous option to lodge right where the birds are (here)—instead of in a hotel miles from nature or any birding action—so we will stay on site and radiate out from the ranch during our three night stay here!

With its comfortable lodging facilities, close proximity to Puerto Vallarta, regularly stocked bird feeders, sumptuous food service, and the fact that Primavera functions as a de-facto (and actual) wildlife sanctuary, make it a can’t miss destination on any birder’s places to visit on a trip to West Mexico!

 

“The rancho’s ever-growing bird list reads like a who’s who of Jalisco’s impressive lineup of colorful and endemic dream birds!”  Greg R. Homel, author of A Quick Reference Guide to the Common and Notable Neotropical Birds of Puerto Vallarta.

The presence of spectacular birds such as the aforementioned Rosy Thrush-Tanager, in addition to Russet-crowned Motmot (endemic), Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (endemic), Citreoline Trogon (endemic), Flammulated Flycatcher (seasonal endemic), Gray-collared Becard, Sinaloa Martin (seasonal endemic), San Blas and Black-throated Magpie-jays (endemic), Black-capped Vireo and a lineup of more common and widespread regional specialties–including Military Macaws and Lilac-crowned Parrots (endemic)—is beginning to attract local and international birders from far and wide to Pat and Bonnie’s amazing rancho!

You’ll be among the lucky few who know from personal experience , why the rancho’s guests regularly return to this Jalisco birding hotspot!

A Photographic Sampler of select Rancho Primavera’s birds we should easily encounter during our stay here:

 

DAY 2 (4 JANUARY 2018): FULL DAY OF EXCITING BIRDING AT RANCHO PRIMAVERA, SELVA EL TUITO, CABO CORRIENTES:

DAILY SCHEDULE:

  1. 0630-0730: A hearty breakfast is served in the main ranch house’s patio restaurant.
  2. 0730-1100: Departure by foot to search for the rancho’s famous Rosy Thrush-Tanagers, in addition to likely sightings of West Mexican Chachalaca (endemic), Gray Hawk; Ferruginous and Colima (endemic) pygmy-owls; Orange-fronted Parakeet, Russet-crowned Motmot (endemic); Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (endemic); Elegant and Citreoline (endemic) trogons; Thick-billed and Tropical kingbirds; Blue Mockingbird (endemic); Rufous-backed Robin (endemic); Happy and Sinaloa (both endemic) wrens; Black-vented and Streak-backed orioles; San Blas (endemic) and Black-throated Magpie- (endemic) jays; Grayish Saltator, Stripe-headed Sparrow, Yellow Grosbeak and Yellow-winged Cacique (endemic), etc.

 

 

            We’ll also encounter migratory hummingbirds, flycatchers, warblers,              swallows, vireos, grosbeaks, buntings, orioles, etc. Military Macaws and                       endemic Lilac-crowned Parrots may be seen flying high overhead during                      our outing.

 

  1. 1230-1330 (approx.). Snacks and refreshments available in the main ranch house from 1030-1200. Enjoy a hearty ranch-style lunch served in the main ranch house restaurant or at one of the lovely restaurants in the nearby town of El Tuito, followed by a 2-hour (approx.) siesta.

 

  1. 1500-1800 (approx.): Transfer by foot or via mini-van (for those that don’t want to walk) for the 1-kilometer transfer to a comfortable overview (seats available) of a secluded ranch pond to wait for the afternoon arrival of endemic, migratory Sinaloa Martins (March only; their wintering grounds are still unknown). Other species to watch for at this pond include Least Grebe; Black-bellied Whistling-Duck; Wood Stork; Roseate Spoonbill; various herons and egrets; Ringed and Green kingfishers and a constellation of migratory and resident neotropical land birds.

 

  1. 1900 (approx.): Dinner is served in the main ranch house followed by possible optional nocturnal spotlight safari to look for Common Pauraques and other nocturnal animals, by minivan. Good night.

 

 

DAY 3 (5 JANUARY 2018): NEW FOR 2016! A.M. VISIT TO SANTUARIO   LAS GUACAMAYAS (MILITARY MACAW SANCTUARY) FOLLOWED                BY LUNCH AT JARDIN BOTANICO VALLARTA (VALLARTA BOTANIC                GARDEN); CAP OFF THE DAY WITH A YELAPA TAPA RAPTOR                             WATCH, CABO CORRIENTES, IN THE LATE AFTERNOON.

 

DAILY SCHEDULE:

 

  1. 0530-0630: A hearty breakfast is served in the main ranch house’s patio restaurant in advance of our visit to Santuario las Guacamayas (Military Macaw Sanctuary), which is a 30 minute scenic drive from the rancho.
  2. 0630-1100: Natural Encounters Birding and Wildlife Photography Tours affords you special access to the private Sanctuario las Guacamayas (Military Macaw Sanctuary), where, in an effort to help boost the local population of the majestic though threatened Military Macaw, owners Jorge Novoa and Francisco Espina, have placed several, specially designed nesting boxes in natural, old-growth conifers. With the aid of a spacious viewing platform, we will see, hear and be able to photograph these wilderness icons at remarkably close range. The Sanctuary also abounds with birds of the Encinal (pine-oak) ecosystem, especially wintering warblers, vireos, tanagers, trogons and hummingbirds, etc.

 

  1. 1200-1500: Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Restaurante Hacienda de Oro, Vallarta Botanic Garden. Very nice, clean restrooms on site, as well, in addition to both nectar and fruit-bearing feeders that attract ENDEMIC West Mexican Chachalaca; Plain-capped Starthroat, Broad-billed, Violet-crowned and Ruby-throated hummingbirds; White-throated Thrush; Green Jay; and ENDEMIC Yellow-winged Cacique, etc. Closeup viewing and photographic opportunities abound here.

 

  1. 1500-1830: Roughly 1 1/2-hour overland transit to Yelapa Tapa, our impressive raptor-watching vantage point overlooking Cabo Corrientes’ verdant tropical broadleaf-and-palm-forested slopes contrasting with the blue tropical Pacific and small coastal pueblo of Yelapa, which we’ll see far below us. Timings are approximate.

 

  1. 1930-2030: Enjoy a ranch-style Mexican dinner before turning in for the night.

 

 

 

 

PLACE SLIDE SHOW: “A Photographic Sampler of VALLARTA BOTANIC GARDEN birds”

List of Soaring Neotropical Raptors increasingly reported from Yelapa Tapa and nearby environs, Cabo Corrientes:

  1. Solitary Eagle (has been reported)
  2. Ornate Hawk-Eagle (a newly discovered locale for this bird; fairly regular here, but erratic…though they may soar at eye-level to directly overhead, sometimes at point blank range from this newly discovered and amazing raptor viewpoint)
  3. Black Hawk-Eagle (recently discovered here by Greg Homel and very few others; a small population a couple hundred kilometers to the north on the slopes of the Sierra San Juan Biosphere Reserve, near San Blas)
  4. Double-toothed Kite (same circumstances as Ornate Hawk-Eagle treatment)
  5. Hook-billed Kite (same as above)
  6. Short-tailed Hawk (frequent and fairly common, often coming within good photographic range)
  7. Zone-tailed Hawk (frequent and often puts on beautiful aerial displays for good photography at Yelapa Tapa)
  8. Gray Hawk (the most commonly seen and photographed raptor in the region)
  9. Bat Falcon (often seen harassing Military Macaws here and may be photographable)
  10. Collared Forest-Falcon (commonly heard but difficult to see because it doesn’t soar; mostly heard; may respond to playback).

 

Examples of some exciting encinal species we may encounter at the Santuario Las Guacamayas (Military Macaw Sanctuary) include Short-tailed and Zone-tailed hawks; Colima Pygmy-Owl (endemic); Berylline and White-eared hummingbirds; Elegant Trogon; Gray-crowned (endemic), Lineated and Arizona woodpeckers; Military Macaw; Lilac-crowned Parrot (endemic); White-striped Woodcreeper (endemic); Cordilleran Flycatcher; Gray-collared Becard; Golden Vireo (endemic); Trans Volcanic Jay (rare endemic); Bushtit (Black-eared form); Spotted Wren (endemic); Brown-backed Solitaire; Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush; Crescent-chested and Rufous-capped warblers; Slate-throated Redstart; Hepatic and Flame-colored tanagers; Black-vented Oriole, Elegant Euphonia (occasional at mistletoe clumps) and Black-headed Siskin (endemic).

Of course a constellation of migratory hummingbirds and passerines will be present, and there is an outside chance to sight one of the rarer neotropical raptors we have been looking for today, as well.

Some of the same species can be seen at Vallarta Botanic Garden, as well, where a new record for Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle was recorded in 2015!

PLACE IMAGES OF SLIDESHOW HERE” “YELAPA TAPA NEOTROPICAL RAPTOR

Photographic Sampler”

 

 

 

 

  1. DAYS 4-5 (6-7 JANUARY 2018): MAYTO (MAITO) THORN FOREST BIRDING, COSTA ALLEGRE; OVERLAND SCENIC TRANSFER TO SAN SEBASTIAN DEL OESTE, SIERRA MADRE OCCIDENTAL ON JANUARY 8:

 

DAILY SCHEDULE:

 

 

  1. 0514-0530: Continental Breakfast, juice, coffee and pan dulce (sweet bread) is available in the patio restaurant at Rancho Primavera’s main ranch house in advance of our scenic departure for Mayto (1 hour).

 

  1. Note: We’ll bring boxed breakfasts with us to have a more substantive meal and allow for better birding at the beach upon arrival in the Mayto area.

 

  1. 0530 (approx.): Departure by mini-van for the 1-hour drive to Mayto, arriving at a mangrove-estuary near a scenic beach of the little-known Costa Allegre. The whole region is carpeted by extensive Sinaloan Thorn Left to right, ENDEMICS Red-breasted Chat & Flammulated Flycatcher, White-throated Magpie-Jay, ENDEMIC Black-capped Gnatcatcher (in alternate plumage, held March-September).

Forests (reputed to be the most bird-rich—and threatened—habitat on the                    West Coast of Mexico), where we’ll enjoy a morning of birding                           interface of sea, sand and tropical dry forest.

  1. 0630-1030 (approx.): Following arrival at the Mayto area, we’ll have our boxed breakfast then begin our exploration of the birdlife inhabiting the dry tropical forests flanking the beaches of Mayto.

 

  1. 1030-1100 (approx.): Refreshments are available at one of two small hotels in the area, before our return drive to Rancho Primavera where we’ll pick up our luggage in preparation for our overland transfer, with lunch, to San Sebastian Del Oeste, via Puerto Vallarta.

 

    1. 1130-1400 (approx.): Overland return transfer by mini-van to Rancho Primavera, El Tuito (see #6), then onward to the beautiful Vallarta Botanic Garden for a sumptuous lunch at the very fine Hacienda de Oro Restaurant, before switching gears and continuing on to our beautiful hotel in the lofty highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental, at San Sebastian del Oeste.
      1. 1430: We bid a fond farewell and descend from our lofty “home” at Rancho Primavera as we begin yet another diverse leg of our birding adventure.
      1. 1630-1830 (approx.): Scenic overland transfer between Rancho Primavera and San Sebastian del Oeste in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Dinner will be at a local restaurant in this historic former silver mining town nestled below the towering 2700m (8800’) peak of La Bufa, Sierra Madre Occidental. We will explore this peak and it’s wonderful Sierra Madrean birds tomorrow, rest assured!

 

      1. Optional owling excursion after dinner for those die-hards who just can’t stand to rest. Great chances for rufous-morph (and gray-morph, of course) Whiskered Screech-Owls, in particular! Good Night.

 

 

Overview: The southwestern lowlands of Cabo Corrientes constitutes a rich, largely intact block of forest types, including extensive Sinaloan Thorn Forest, from Sea Level to around 500m, grading to Encinal (pine-oak associations), and finally coniferous forests above 1500m. We’ll explore the birds of this lowest-elevational, and hottest, habitat found amid Cabo Corrientes. Examples of the exciting species we may encounter include Thicket Tinamou (heard far more often than seen); West Mexican Chachalaca (endemic); Elegant Quail (endemic); Gray, Zone-tailed and Roadside hawks; Red-billed Pigeon and White-tipped Dove; Squirrel and Lesser Ground- cuckoos; Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl; Golden-crowned Emerald (endemic), Broad-billed and Violet-crowned hummingbirds; Citreoline Trogon (endemic); Russet-crowned Motmot (endemic); Golden-cheeked (endemic), Lineated and Pale-billed woodpeckers; Collared Forest-Falcon and Laughing Falcon; Orange-fronted Parakeet, Lilac-crowned (endemic) parrot; Ivory-billed Woodcreeper; Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Bright-rumped Attila, and Nutting’s Flycatcher; Black-capped Vireo (wintering migrant); White-throated Magpie-Jay; Sinaloa (endemic) and Happy (endemic) wrens; Rufous-backed Robin; Blue Mockingbird (endemic); Red-breasted Chat (endemic); Rosy Thrush-Tanager; White-collared (Cinnamon-rumped) Seedeater; Yellow Grosbeak, Blue and Varied buntings; Streak-backed Oriole; and Scrub (Goldman’s) Euphonia, etc. Additionally, flurries of migratory land birds—particularly hummingbirds, flycatchers, warblers, tanagers, vireos, orioles and seed-eating finches should be abundant in the area.

 

 

 

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT THE VERY FINE AND COMFORTABLE HOTEL LA MANSION REAL, SAN SEBASTIAN DEL OESTE, SIERRA MADRE OCCIDENTAL:

 

      1. DAYS 5-6 (8-9 JANUARY 2018): BIRDING CERRO LA BUFA & SAN SEBASTIAN DEL OESTE, SIERRA MADRE OCCIDENTAL:

 

 

DAILY SCHEDULE:

 

      1. 0600-0645: Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, fresh juice, hot coffee or tea at a local restaurant in advance of our overland transfer to then exploration of the majestic coniferous forests cloaking the Madrean highlands above San Sebastian del Oeste.

 

      1. 0645-1100 (approx.): Exploration by vehicle and on foot of the stratified birdlife found at different elevational levels as we make our ascent from San Sebastian del Oeste (1400m/4600’) to Cerro La Bufa (2700m/8000’).

 

      1. Examples of the exciting highland species we may encounter during our ascent, by elevation and vegetative association, include:

 

Crested Guan (possible); Long-tailed Wood-Partridge (endemic); Singing Quail; Band-tailed Pigeon; Colima Pygmy-Owl (endemic); Chestnut-collared and Great Swallow-tailed (endemic) swifts; White-eared, Sparkling-tailed (rare), Bumblebee (endemic), Calliope and Broad-tailed hummingbirds; Eared Quetzal (rare) and Mountain Trogon (near endemic); Acorn, Gray-crowned (endemic), Lineated and Smoky-brown woodpeckers; Scaled Antpitta (rare);Tufted, Cordilleran, Pine (endemic) and Dusky-

 

capped flycatchers; Golden Vireo (endemic); Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo (endemic); Bushtit (black-eared form); House (Brown-throated form) and Spotted (endemic) wrens; Brown-backed Solitaire, White-throated Robin, Orange-billed and Russet (endemic) nightingale-thrushes; Blue Mockingbird (endemic); Gray Silky-flycatcher; Crescent-chested, Colima (migratory, rare), Rufous-capped,

Red-faced, and Red (endemic, rare) warblers; Painted and Slate-throated redstarts; Green-striped (endemic) and Rufous-capped (endemic) brush-finches; Spotted Towhee; Hepatic, Red-headed (endemic) and Flame-colored tanagers; Black-vented and Audubon’s (Dickey’s) orioles; Goldman’s and Elegant euphonies, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

      1. HIGEST CONIFEROUS FORESTS AND MOUNTAIN PEAKS:

 

Montezuma Quail; Solitary Eagle (rare); Zone-tailed Hawk; Northern (Mountain) Pygmy-Owl; Green Violet-ear and Magnificent Hummingbird; Northern Flicker;

Transvolcanic Jay (endemic); Sinaloa Martin (endemic); Olive and Grace’s warblers; Cinnamon-bellied Flower-Piercer; Collared Towhee (endemic); Yellow-eyed Junco; Black-capped Siskin (endemic) and Hooded Grosbeak (possible), etc.

 

      1. Additionally, flurries of migratory land birds—particularly hummingbirds, flycatchers, thrushes, warblers, tanagers, vireos, orioles and seed-eating finches should be abundant in the area at all altitudes.

 

      1. 1200-1300 (approx.): Picnic & refreshments atop Cerro La Bufa, as we search for soaring raptors, including Zone-tailed and Red-tailed hawks, and possibly Solitary Eagle.

 

      1. 1400-1530 (approx.): Late lunch at a nice Italian Restaurant (or Mexican restaurant if the Italian Restaurant is not open) in San Sebastian del Oeste.

 

      1. 1530-1800: We’ll leisurely work our way back to Puerto Vallarta, birding occasionally at roadside, until reaching our hotel, Holiday Inn Express, in Puerto Vallarta, by day’s end.

 

      1. Dinner at Ocho Tostadas Mexican Seafood Restaurant soon after check in at Holiday Inn Express. Good night.

 

 

      1. DAY 7: (10 JANUARY 2018): TODAY WE’LL TAKE AN EASY, ENJOYABLE OUTING TO VISIT THE FLURRIES OF SEABIRDS RESIDING ON THE ISLAS MARIETAS SEABIRD SANCTUARY, SURROUNDED BY THE SHIMMERING BLUE WATERS OF BAHIA BANDERAS, THE WORLD’S LARGEST BAY:

 

 

DAILY SCHEDULE:

 

      1. 0630: Depart Holiday Inn Express, Puerto Vallarta, for the approximately 45-minute to 1-hour scenic drive to the muelle (wharf) at Punta Mita, located in the state of Nayarit.

 

 

 

 

      1. 0730: Restroom comfort stop on site (sorry, there are no restrooms on the boat) in Punta Mita, where we’ll board our comfortable, canopied, seagoing boat for the approximately 20-minute crossing to what has been aptly described as Bahia Banderas’ “mini Galapagos.” The Islas Marietas Marine Sanctuary plays host to huge colonies of Blue-footed and Brown boobies; Magnificent Frigatebird (males can be seen with their bright red, basketball-sized gular pouches inflated in full display here); and smaller numbers of nesting Brown Noddy (present in the summer months, possibly beginning in late April), Elegant Tern (in their beautiful “roseate” nuptial plumage by March), in addition to visitors like the Bridled Tern

(possibly nests here but absent in the winger), Laughing and Heerman’s

gulls (both often abundant), which breed elsewhere in the eastern tropical    Pacific and Gulf of California, respectively.

 

      1. Additionally, migratory shorebirds, cormorants (Brandt’s Cormorant), herons and egrets, and even Turkey and Black vultures, plus the occasional Zone-tailed Hawk and even Black Storm-Petrel may be seen.

 

      1. The surrounding waters are home to a good population of Humpback Whales and up to 13 additional species of Cetaceans, as well as Olive Ridley and Green Sea turtles, etc.

 

      1. 0745-1000 (approx.): In depth exploration by covered panga of the islands

making up this amazing marine paradise, for close-up viewing and photography, returning to Punta Mita by approximately 1000-1030.

 

 

 

 

      1. 11:00-1300: Refreshments, followed by a fresh seafood lunch on the beach at Punta de Mita.

 

OVERVIEW: The Islas Marietas Seabird Sanctuary consists of two main islands, less than 1 kilometer across each, and numerous smaller rocky islets, all inhabited by flurries of seabirds. Close-approach to the colonies by boat (close enough for great views and phenomenal photographic opportunities with a telephoto lens and binoculars) is readily possible, particularly in the early morning hours, before winds churn the placid seas and cause chop (hence our morning departure). Be aware that in order to protect the vulnerable nesting colonies of these important pelagic birds from disturbance and inadvertent introduction of alien plants and animals, we are not permitted to set foot on the islands. This is not at all necessary to fully enjoy this excursion!

 

 

1300-1600: Siesta at our hotel.

 

1600-1900: Birding for Neotropical Migrants at Rio Pitillal, at Fluvial Vallarta.

 

 

OVERVIEW OF RIO PITILLAL:   Pitillal is a beautiful, safe and inviting birder’s haven in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

Here the pleasing combination of large fig trees lining quiet avenues and ornamenting surrounding fields, lush willow-riparian woodland bordering the variably watered Rio Pitillal, and scattered grassy fields in various stages of successional growth (as they are regularly, if unnecessarily, cut back by the city), attracts birds, especially migratory birds, in droves.

On any morning, a procession of joggers, dog walkers and jovial families may be seen enjoying the earthy pleasures of this needed open space; and

slowly but surely birders are discovering these pleasures, too.

This site, aside from being by far the best location to see endemic Mexican Parrotlets (autumn to early spring), Elegant Quail, and White-collared Seedeaters, while also supporting a constellation of common lowland and garden-dwelling birds and Neotropical Migrants.

 

 

PART II: SAN BLAS, RIVIERA NAYARIT

 

DAY 8 (11 JANUARY 2018): CONTINUING ON TO SAN BLAS….

After completing the Puerto Vallarta leg of our exciting excursion, we’ll enjoy a leisurely celebratory lunch on the beach at either Punta Mita or Boca Tomatoes

before driving (approximately 2.5-3-hours) to San Blas, arriving at our lovely hotel in the late afternoon.

Enjoy 5-days of birding, crocodile-watching, beach combing and bird photography at the exciting West Mexican birding and surfing mecca of San Blas, Riviera Nayarit.

DAYS 9-13 (12-16 JANUARY 2018): EXPLORING SAN BLAS’—BEACHES, BARRIER ISLANDS, MANGROVES, THORN FORESTS, TROPICAL DECIDUOUS FORESTS, PINE-OAK & FLOWERING FORESTS—FROM SEA LEVEL TO 7,000’

TYPICALLY, OUR DAYS WILL FOLLOW THIS SCHEDULE:

 

      1. 0615: Coffee, juice and sweet bread available in the hotel lobby. We’ll bring a more complete boxed breakfast with us on our A.M. boating excursions along the Rio San Cristobal, Rio La Tovera (including La Tovera Springs) and Laguna de Zoquipan.

 

      1. 0630-1200: At San Blas we will enjoy an excellent watercraft-borne birding excursions—through the bird-and-crocodile-rich mangrove forest surrounding San Blas. Excellent birding throughout. Snacks and refreshments available throughout.

 

NOTE: There are no restrooms on the pangas used to explore the Rio San Cristobal and La Tovera areas, but there are restrooms at the ecotourism cooperative’s launching point and at La Tovera Springs, the turnaround point of one of our waterborne journeys.

 

      1. 1200-1330: Lunch at either a beachside restaurant, local restaurant, or at the Hotel Garza Canela.

 

      1. 1330-1530: Enjoy your siesta!

 

      1. 1530-1800 (approx.): Afternoon birding or boating in the vicinity of San Blas.

 

      1. 1800-2000 (approx.): One nocturnal boating excursion will be offered; we will return thereafter, to either our hotel or a restaurant in town for a later dinner.

 

Highlights of our San Blas visit include the following prominent birding and wildlife-viewing destinations, time and bird reports dependent:

 

 

      1. At least two (one morning & one afternoon) boating excursions to explore the inspiring labyrinth of channels accessing unspoiled mangrove swamps at La Tovera Spring & Rio San Cristobal, to look for Boat-billed Herons, Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, Northern Potoos, and large American Crocodiles!
      2. Visit Laguna de Zoquipan, site of an impressive Wood Stork colony (tide dependent and seasonal).
      3. At least one nocturnal boating excursion to view Northern Potoo, Common Pauraque and Mottled Owl, and American Crocodiles, etc.
      4. Mirador Del Aguila Military Macaws & Raptor Overlook.
      5. Mantachen Bay shore birding and Rufous-necked Wood-Rails.
      6. Shrimp Pond Road to search for Ridgeway’s & Aztec Rails, and a wide range of shorebirds, long-legged wading birds (including Roseate Spoonbill, White Ibis, Wood Stork, and Limpkin), waterfowl (including Black-bellied Whistling-Duck & Muscovy), gulls, terns and Black Skimmer, etc.
      7. Fort Bastilio Historic Ruins overlooking this historic city.
      8. San Blas Sewage Ponds (don’t knock it until you try it! There’s very good birding here!), which is good for Northern Jacana, Purple Gallinule and many others, etc.
      9. Crocodile Farm Road provides easy access to freshwater marshes and tropical forest, home to a wide variety of birds ranging from Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, to Northern Jacana, Common Black-Hawk and ENDEMIC Rufous-bellied Chachalaca, etc.
      10. Towering Reserva Biosfera Sierra de San Juan is a majestic and expansive forested massif, disjunct from the Sierra Madre Occidental, that rises from sea level to over 7,000’ at Cerro Alto. The reserve is home to the gamut of highland birds, from Crested Guans to, Tufted Flycatchers, Crescent-chested Warblers, Flame-colored and Hepatic tanagers, and a constellation of colorful hummingbirds, of which the ENDEMIC Mexican Woodnymph is the most coveted. When flower banks are present from October-January, we have a good chance of seeing this limited range specialty bird.

 

      1. Ample snacks and refreshments accompany us on all venues, of course!

 

Note: During the days ahead, we have the fortuitous opportunity to take diurnal and nocturnal, watercraft-borne birding forays to the La Tovera and Rio San Cristobal mangrove channels to get up-close and personal with mature American Crocodiles, Boat-billed and Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, Northern Potoos (usually easily seen and photographed here after dark), up to three

species of kingfishers, a wide variety of raptors, both Ridgeway’s and Aztec rails, in additIon to the spectrum of long-legged wading birds, waterfowl and marine birds, among many other tantalizing (see following listing) possibilities.

 

Some beautiful endemic specialties of the Sinaloan Thorn and tropical deciduous forests surrounding San Blas:

 

      1. Rufous-bellied Chachalaca: We’ll have good opportunities to see & photograph this NW Mexican endemic around La Tovera Springs and on Crocodile Farm Road.
      2. Elegant Quail: (fair opportunities).
      3. Citreoline Trogon: (very good chances if we visit La Bajada,       which is just inland from San Blas).
      4. Black-throated Magpie-Jay:
      5. Purplish-backed Jay: A small population occurs on Peso Island, which is easily accessible via a two to three minute water taxi ride from San Blas.
      6. Fan-tailed Warbler: Skulker of the tropical deciduous forest understory.
      7. Red-breasted Chat: Another skulker of the Sinaloan Thorn Forest.
      8. Yellow-winged Cacique: Abundant throughout the San Blas lowlands, where they build hanging pendular nests hung from palms, Gumbo Limbo and Ceiba trees.
      9. Sinaloa Crow: Abundant, not shy at all and frequently seen around the Mantanchen Bay region and San Blas proper

 

 

Some Neotropical and peripheral US species that can be expected

at San Blas:

 

      1. Bare-throated Tiger-Heron (very good chances).
      2. Neotropic Cormorant (very good chances).
      3. Muscovy (fair chances).
      4. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (very good chances).
      5. Boat-billed Heron (quite good chances, and often in full-nuptial plumage).
      6. Collared Forest-Falcon (a possibility).
      7. Rufous-necked Wood-Rail (I know of some very reliable spots where you might, with luck, get phenomenal and exciting photos of this wonderful, new US peripheral bird).
      8. Wood Stork (very good chances, and they nest here).

 

 

 

We’ll experience montane raptor, warbler, tanager and hummingbird discovery in the in the Reserva Biosfera Sierra de San Juan, less than an hour’s drive from San Blas!

 

PART III: PARQUE ECOLOGICO,

TEPIC, NAYARIT

DAYS 14-15 (17-18 JANUARY 2018): PARQUE ECOLOGICO—UNEXPECTED BIRDING OASIS IN THE HEART OF NAYARIT’S CAPITAL CITY OF TEPIC

 

Note: On the evening of 16 January, we’ll bid a fond farewell to our by now much loved seaside pueblo of San Blas to enjoy a leisurely and scenic 2-hour drive to checkin to our next hotel—BEST WESTERN NE KIE, TEPIC—located just a few blocks from wonderful Parque Ecologico, in the heart in the heart of the State of Nayarit’s Capitol City. En route, we’ll make an exciting stop to watch for raptors and flocks of Military Macaws at aptly named Mirador del Aguila (Eagle Viewpoint), located on the old route to Tepic.

DAY 14 (17 JANUARY 2018): ENJOY A FULL-DAY OF BIRDING AT PARQUE ECOLOGICO—UNEXPECTED BIRDING OASIS IN THE HEART OF NAYARIT’S CAPITAL CITY OF TEPIC

OVERVIEW: Parque Ecologico is a friendly and safe, family oriented park set in the middle of the elevated, largely citified, Tepic Valley. It affords urban, middle-class residents the opportunity to picnic, rent paddle boats, jog, take a lover’s stroll, go fishing or walk their dogs in a beautifully scenic (surrounding mountain views are stunning) open space, punctuated by an expansive, largely undisturbed, cattail-lined lake.

During the past few years, exploratory birders, including your guide Greg Homel, have discovered the park’s hidden ornithological treasures—especially it’s hitherto unknown population of spectacular Spotted Rails! In short, it’s an aquatic birding aficionado’s paradise!

Nearly 200 species have been recorded here. Some exciting birds to watch for during our full-day at Parque Ecologico,include: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, “Mexican Duck,” Least Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Least Bittern, White-faced Ibis, Aztec Rail, Spotted Rail, Sora, Purple Gallinule, Common Gallinule, Limpkin, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Rufous-backed Robin, White-collared (Cinnamon-rumped) Seedeater, Summer Tanager, Orchard Oriole, Streak-backed Oriole, Scrub and Euphonias.

 

DAY 15 (18 JANUARY 2018): MORNING BIRDING AT PARQUE ECOLOGIC (time allowing) FOLLOWED BY AN EARLY LUNCH AND TRANSFER BACK TO PUERTO VALLARTA (3 HOURS) IN TIME TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHTS.

 

*NOTE:   Please book your outbound flights to depart PVR in the late afternoon.

End of Services.

BON VOYAGE AND THANK YOU FOR ADVENTURE TRAVELING WITH NATURAL ENCOUNTERS BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS &

BIRDING IN MEXICO!

ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORTATION & MEALS: All-inclusive, with good, comfortable accommodation at high-standard hotels and private lodges, replete with fresh, sumptuous regional meals throughout the extension. Transportation is by modern, comfortable mini-van(s) with window-seats for all, fully air-conditioned. A high standard, convertible-canopied boat with a clean, quiet four-stroke motor or motors is used for our visit to the Islas Marietas Marine Reserve; an open-air, motorized panga (four stroke) piloted by a seasoned, birding-oriented guide, part of a local ecotourism cooperative, is used for our river-borne excursions in the San Blas area.

PACE AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

      1. The pace will be ambitious, but not rushed. We will be out early each morning (usually before 7:00A.M. [just before dawn]; sometimes even earlier depending on travel time between the hotel and our main destination), when bird activity and vocalization is at its zenith. We usually return to the hotel for lunch followed by a mid-day siesta, before hitting the birding trail again in the mid-afternoon until dusk.
      2. Since birding and bird photography are the priorities on this excursion, if the birding is exceptionally productive at any one location, we may remain in the field longer (sometimes much longer, without a siesta) than expected, so participants should be prepared for this with good spirit, a flexible attitude and a cheerful yen for adventure!       We’ll always be prepared with extra refreshments, snacks and water, as well.
      3. Select nocturnal excursions will be offered to see owls, nightjars and potoos.
      4. You should be in fairly good physical condition, and able to walk at least a few kilometers (cumulatively) per day over sometimes rough, uneven, mountainous, rocky, sandy or muddy terrain. Bring good, high top walking shoes or soft hiking boots (that have been “worked in”; preferably not new), to avoid blisters and twisted ankles.
      5. Some rural roadways will be rough in places, but we’ve discovered that “bad roads and good birding go together!” Most Mexican highways are now modern, with occasional potholes (in some of the least expected places) and frequent topes (speed bumps, more kindly referred to as “Sleeping Policemen”) in the smaller and even larger towns and cities; sometimes in the middle of nowhere, and even on supposed “freeways,” as is the case in parts of Puerto Vallarta and Conchas Chinas.
      6. Water, refreshments and snacks will always be available while in the field, but you will need to carry water on your person while walking.
      1. Biting insects are a possibility anytime (but less so in March, during the dry season), so it’s recommended to carry an insect repellent containing DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), such as Off! or Deep Woods Off! (the latter highly recommended). In the experience of your guides, only repellents containing DEET work, and regular use will make your outdoor experiences much more comfortable, particularly at dusk and dawn in humid environments and around mangrove ecosystems such as Laguna Del Quelele.       These repellents are available in our region of travel, though it’s always best to bring your own in advance of your arrival to Puerto Vallarta and to carry it with you throughout the extension. Your guides will have some extra repellent, but not enough to provide for the entire group. It is your responsibility to be prepared and on time!
      2. You will be required to carry all your personal equipment in a light backpack or on your person and to provide for reasonable protection of your valuables. We cannot be held responsible for thefts of valuables or injuries to your person.

PRICE: TO BE ANNOUNCED

HOW TO BOOK: Book in advance through NATURAL ENCOUNTERS BIRDING & WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS: http://www.naturalencountersbirdingtours.com/

Contact:

Greg R. Homel: birdingadventures@mac.com/ cellular: 1-661-231-5161 (US); (52) 322-180-2192 (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico).

Alex Martinez: birdinginmexico@gmail.com/ cellular: (52) 322-130-3028 (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

LITERATURE: Greg R. Homel has made available two field guides to the region, following:

      1. A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF PUERTO VALLARTA, 120 NEOTROPICAL SPECIALTIES.

Price: $20.00 usd or $240.00 Mexican Pesos

Availability: now

Purchase through: Natural Encounters Birding Tours or Quick Reference Publishing, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

      1. A HOMEL FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF PUETO VALLARTA, CABO CORRIENTES AND BAHIA BANDERAS.

DESCRIPTION:

PRICE: TO BE ANNOUNCED

AVAILABILITY: 2018

PURCHASE THROUGH: Natural Encounters Birding Tours

ALL-INCLUSIVE FROM PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO

PLEASE SEE PRICING AND OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS, ABOVE:

AIR LOGISTICS: You will fly into and out of Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Jalisco from your local gateway and be met and whisked away to high adventure after you clear immigration and customs at PVR (Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport).

Your professional guide, Greg R. Homel, is a professional Ornithologist, award-winning international nature photojournalist, author and lecturer, who is intimately familiar with birds of the entire region—including the nocturnal ones—so we all have very good chances of success with seeing and likely photographing most of the target birds (we’ll be very busy, indeed), in addition to many other exciting Mexican, migratory and peripheral (north of the US/Mexican Borderland Region) species….

Alex Martinez, our Mexican co-leader, may be assisting during at least the Puerto Vallarta part of the excursion and will be an asset toward your successes.

Thanks for your interest in Mexico’s spectacular birds and Natural Encounters Birding Tours and Wildlife Photography Tours!

I will do my best to make this excursion and the prospects of encountering multitudes of wonderful Mexican and Middle-American specialties in the heart of their ranges, an inspiring, enjoyable and tangible reality!

I’m looking forward with zeal and enthusiasm to the pleasure of meeting and birding with you daily in this wonderfully bird-rich corner of friendly Mexico!

Sincerest Regards and Happy Birding,

GREG R HOMEL