Bridled Sparrow, a handsome endemic of the semi-desert plateaus of southern Mexico. Photo: Rich Hoyer
The city of Oaxaca lies in an arid valley ringed by mountains in south-central Mexico. The site has been occupied for centuries, as evidenced by the old architecture and nearby pre-Columbian ruins, but the city remains rather small and retains a vibrant atmosphere. And although Oaxacan handicrafts offered in the colorful markets have lured travelers from all over the world, the visitors have not changed the town’s unique flavor. When Oaxaca celebrates the holidays, it is perhaps the most Mexican of all cities. The area has also acquired a reputation among birdwatchers, for in the immediate surroundings of the city one can find a variety of habitats, from desert and oak thorn-scrub to pine and cloud forest. Birds of at least three distinct faunal regions occur here, among them many of Mexico’s most notable endemic species. This trip departs somewhat from the normal pattern of our tours: mornings and many afternoons will be spent birdwatching, but some afternoons will be devoted to looking around Oaxaca City, exploring the marketplaces, visiting museums, or simply relaxing. The trip is designed for the person wanting to take a Christmas vacation, experience the holidays in the surroundings of a different culture, and see a number of Mexico’s rare endemic birds.
Day 1: The tour begins at 6:00 pm in Oaxaca City. Our comfortable hotel is perched on a hillside with a splendid view of Oaxaca City. A good restaurant, shuttle service to downtown, and a pool round out the important amenities. Night in Oaxaca City.
Days 2-10: Our explorations will begin the morning of day 2. Each of our forays afield will concentrate on a particular habitat, with ample time to observe the common birds and seek out the rare or more retiring ones. Visiting thorn-scrub and arid oak forest north and southeast of town, we expect to see Dusky Hummingbird, Gray-breasted Woodpecker, Boucard’s Wren, Rufous-capped Warbler, White-throated Towhee, Bridled Sparrow, and perhaps the very local Oaxaca Sparrow. Exploring the higher elevations on Cerro San Felipe north of town, with stops in pine-oak, fir, and cloud forests, we’ll look for Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo, Mountain Trogon, Tufted Flycatcher, Gray-barred Wren, Gray Silky-flycatcher, Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, Collared Towhee, and Rufous-capped Brush-Finch. Warbler flocks should include migrant species from the north mingling with the local Crescent-chested and Red Warblers and Slate-throated Redstart. And of course we’ll search for Dwarf Jay, the specialty of Cerro San Felipe.
“The Oaxaca at Christmastime trip was excellent - well set up, with a good schedule, nice people and, a super leader both in terms of birding skills and personality. The sightseeing was interesting and the food simply great.”
Dutton and Caroline Foster, St. Paul, MN
During our stay, we’ll make a four-day, three-night side trip to Tuxtepec in the Gulf of Mexico lowlands. The distance to Tuxtepec is only 130 miles, but because of the winding mountain road and several birding stops along the way, we’ll reach our hotel in the late afternoon. The forest above Valle Nacional is rich in birds, virtually none of which can be found in the Oaxaca Valley. Here we may see White Hawk, Montezuma Oropendola, Slate-colored Solitaire, Azure-hooded and Unicolored Jays, Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, and many others characteristic of this more humid forest. Nearer Tuxtepec, we’ll look for Band-backed and Sumichrast’s Wrens, Yellow-tailed and Black-cowled Orioles, Keel-billed Toucan, Rufous-breasted Spinetail, and many other tropical specialties more typical of the lower elevations.
With the exception of our travel days to Tuxtepec, most afternoon birding forays are optional, and participants are free to honor the Mexican tradition of the early afternoon siesta, examine local handicrafts in the open-air markets, look at the city’s old buildings, visit the nearby ruins, or simply walk around town absorbing the festive spirit of the season.
Day 11: The tour concludes this morning in Oaxaca City.
Updated: 12 January 2009
Prices
- 2012 Tour Price : $2,950*
- Single Occupancy Supplement : $470
- 2013 tour price not yet available : *
Notes
This tour is limited to eight participants with one leader, 14 with two leaders.
* Tour invoices paid by check carry a modest discount. Details here.