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Migration and More in Veracruz, Mexico
Posted Oct 13, 2026
by
Steve Howell
and
Roland Rumm
Steve Howell and Roland Rumm report from the recent migration-centered tour in Veracruz, Mexico, where the main draw is the spectacular ‘river of raptors,’ which can be viewed comfortably from the rooftop of an accommodating hotel, with cold drinks close at hand.
Here’s a typical view of one small (!) kettle, and on each visit we logged anywhere from 10,000 to 40,000 Broad-winged Hawks in a couple of hours!
Steve Howell
Smaller numbers of other species can be found among the dizzying numbers of Broad-wings—spot the Mississippi Kite in this group (near center)
Steve Howell
Mexican highland endemics included this molting immature Red Warbler…
participant Neil Davidson
And this handsome Collared Towhee.
participant Neil Davidson
While regional Northeast Mexico endemics included Blue-capped Motmot…
Steve Howell
… and the distinctive (not-yet-but way-overdue split) Bronze-winged Woodpecker.
Steve Howell
Mid-morning snack breaks were a great time to appreciate the many non-avian highlights, such as this Stoplight Catone…
Steve Howell
… this Golden-banded Dartwing,
Steve Howell
… and this burrow-digging Atlantic Ghost Crab
Steve Howell
One morning we enjoyed close-up views of the striking local race of Northern Bobwhite…
Steve Howell
While another morning we admired the (steadily vanishing) snows on Mexico’s highest peak, Mount Orizaba (here digi-scoped!) across slopes of Joshua tree desert. A tour of great contrasts!
Roland Rumm
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