American Pygmy Kingfisher inhabits forested streams near Palenque. Photo: Chris Wood
Birdwatchers who love Mexico return time and again to Palenque. Indeed, many first become acquainted with tropical birds at this wonderful site. The small town and spectacular Maya ruins of Palenque lie in the Gulf of Mexico lowlands, at the foot of the Yucatán Peninsula and just inland from the vast Usumacinta marshes. Here, North American warblers, vireos and other migrants share the forest with toucans, parrots, trogons, motmots, antbirds and a host of other Neotropical residents. We’ll become familiar with the regularly occurring species and search for local rarities, as well as have ample time to enjoy the famous ruins and relax in the sun. Our week at Palenque is an excellent tour for those who wish a pleasant introduction to tropical birding, a shorter Mexican experience, or a trip with the comfort and convenience of a single locality.
Day 1: The trip begins at 6 p.m. in Villahermosa. Night in Villahermosa.
Days 2-6: This morning we’ll make the two hour drive to Palenque, our home for the next six days.
During these days we’ll schedule several trips at different hours to the forest surrounding the ruins, where we’ll enjoy the dawn chorus, the last flurry of activity before the night’s quiet descent and everything in between. On our way from the hotel to the ruins, we can expect to see Keel-billed Toucan, Violaceous Trogon, Masked Tityra, Crimson-collared Tanager, Black-headed Saltator and numerous other colorful and vocally exciting species. The ruins and surrounding open space create excellent “edge” habitat, and the tops of several structures are ideal vantage points for observation. Here, we might spot a Squirrel Cuckoo hopping among the branches of a Gumbo Limbo tree, marvel at the persistent singing of a Bright-rumped Attila or enjoy the comical expression of a Barred Antshrike. As the raptors soar out of the forest on the first thermals of the morning, we’ll look for the breathtaking White Hawk, the dainty Bat Falcon, Black Hawk- Eagle, Double-toothed Kite and if we’re lucky a King Vulture.
“This was my first tour with WINGS and my first experience of tropical birding. Both exceeded my expectations. We had outstanding leaders and an unusually compatible group. At first I was overwhelmed by the number of unfamiliar birds and the greater Mexican experience of the other participants. Steve Howell is a wonderfully patient leader, however, and by the end of the week I was recognizing most of the common birds and even a call or two.”
Clyde Smith, Raleigh, NC
In the nearby savanna, we’ll search for Aplomado Falcon, Fork-tailed Flycatcher and Double-striped Thick-knee, a shorebird that appears to have been designed by a committee. In the Usumacinta marshes, ducks, kingfishers and herons already familiar to us are joined by Pinnated Bittern and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, and with luck we may see a Jabiru or Black-collared Hawk.
Previous Palenque weeks have recorded over 200 species of birds and for many birdwatchers have kindled an overwhelming urge to explore further afield in the tropics.
Our Palenque lodge, just a short distance from the ruins, is wonderfully comfortable with an inviting pool and a fine restaurant (the local fish, soups and fresh fruits are especially delicious).
Day 7: After a final morning at Palenque, we’ll drive to Villahermosa. Night in Villahermosa.
Day 8: The tour concludes this morning in Villahermosa.
Updated: 14 April 2006
Prices
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Notes
This tour is limited to seven participants with one leader; 12 participants with two leaders.