August 19-22, 2013
What a pleasure to spend a few days during the hot summer months in the highlands of the Sierra Madre of Mexico where it is
cool and green and the birding is fantastic! As usual, this year’s trip got us great looks at Thick-billed Parrots which are nearly guaranteed in this area, and better than normal views of the super endemic Eared Quetzal! This year’s short trip into the sierra was made even more special due to the copious amounts of water that have fallen in Chihuahua which filled all of the ponds and made all of the rivers and streams flow! We also had a very interesting group that included an expert on the recovery plan being considered for the Thick-billed Parrots, the author of the soon-to-be-released guide to the reptiles of Sonora, Mexico, and the author of the guide to the birds of Mexico and Northern Central America, Steve N.G. Howell. What an opportunity for all of us to have such knowledge and experience in Mexico piled into one van.
Some of the birding highlights beyond parrots and quetzals included Mississippi Kites flying overhead in St. David, Arizona both on our way south and then again heading back to Tucson. On our first morning at the Rio Casas Grandes, we had very nice looks at a Yellow-billed Cuckoo that Susan called in, and a nice look at a juvenile Wood Duck sitting on a small island in the middle of the river. A big highlight
was getting looks at all of the possible corvid species on the trip, including a small flock of Pinyon Jays that finally came into playback in the Sierra Catalina. Pinyon Jay is a very difficult bird to see on the Mexican mainland, and this was very close to the southern known limit of its range. At the cliff dwellings of Cuarenta Casas, we were treated to an afternoon of Montezuma Quail herding that eventually gave us all at least fly away looks at this secretive bird. We had both native habitat and urban looks at Burrowing Owls, first along the roadside in Mexico and finally at the Safelite Auto Glass warehouse back in Tucson! There were also a couple of surprise owl encounters…the first afternoon at Laguna Fierro we disturbed a Barn Owl and the following day got looks at a very cooperative Mountain Pygmy Owl in the Sierra Catalina. Around the Madera reserve we had good looks at Tufted, Buff-breasted and the ever exciting Pine Flycatcher! Though warbler numbers were a bit low we did get fine looks at Red-faced, Hermit and Olive Warblers in the mountains. Overall, a great showing of species for a quick trip into the highlands.
Logistically speaking the trip went very smoothly, including two ridiculously easy crossings of the border which tends to be the
rule in Naco. The length of the line to get back in to the US amounted to our vehicle! During the entire trip we were treated to fantastic and shockingly green scenery and water everywhere! It was obvious that Chihuahua was having an excellent monsoon season. Although the accommodations are simple in the sierra, the hospitality runs large and we were treated well by everyone that we came in contact with. It is a true pleasure to travel in the highlands of Mexico in the summer months! Thanks to everyone on the trip for making it a very memorable one!
All told the group tallied 132 species and traveled 865 miles
We found these Burrowing Owls at a Prairie Dog colony
A Mountain Pygmy Owl came in for good looks
A cooperative Pine Flycatcher