A Glimpse of Mexico: Veracruz

Steve Howell reports from the recent migration-centered tour in Veracruz, Mexico, where on our first day we hit a flight of almost 250,000 hawks! Photos can’t really convey such a jaw-dropping spectacle, but here’s a tiny snapshot (dark Broad-winged Hawk near center).

Nearby coastal birding featured Black-necked Stilts in the surf. 

Plus stunning Purple Gallinules feeding on purple flowers.

Not hawks this time, but Anhingas, also migrating south in kettles.

As well as many migrant warblers, resident species such as this stunning Red Warbler were also popular. 

Regional endemics included the very localized Veracruz Wren, here contemplating a new way to travel?

and the handsome Blue-capped Motmot—here freshly molted, so that the tail rackets are not yet developed. 

A delightful group of ‘sunlit silkies’ (aka Gray Silky-flycatchers) were a highlight one morning.

Mid-morning snack breaks...

Were a great time to appreciate the many non-avian highlights, such as these Anna’s Eighty-eights and a Pointed Leafwing.

Or this formidable-looking, six-inch-long (!) Callipogon beetle!

And lizards such as this Blackbelly Racerunner.