Winter Birding Season In Mexico

It's not only human snowbirds that fly south to Mexico for the winter

. Species from all over North America head south beginning in the fall to escape the winter. There are many places to see birds in Mexico, both in the north and the south. While Oaxaca and Chiapas are known for their large and diverse bird populations, there are many places within a days drive of the U.S. border where you can see resident and migratory birds. December is a great time of the year to go birding. The weather is great and you will be awed at the incredible variety of birds you will encounter. Here are some of the top places to catch Mexico's migratory birds in December.

El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve

The El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve has the honor of being the largest wildlife refuge in all of Latin America. It covers over 55,555 square miles and is located at the center of the Baja Peninsula, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. In addition to being host to large migratory bird populations, the reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some of which is found no where else in the world. Visitors here can encounter Desert Bighorn Sheep, mule deer and Baja California Pronghorn, as well as ocean species such as sea turtles, Northern Elephant Seals and dolphins. During winter, you can also witness the migration of Gray Whales, who often come here to birth their young. There are many places near the park you can stay, as it is equally accessible from northern and southern Baja. The closest town to the reserve is the small town of Guerrero Negro on the central Pacific coast.

Alamos, Sonora

Alamo has a unique climate that attracts large bird populations, both migratory and permanent. Located on the southern limits of the Sonoran Desert and the northern reaches of the tropics, Alamos has a unique mix of Sinaloa thorn forest and dry tropical deciduous forest. Solipaso Tours offers tours throughout the year to Alamos to put visitors in close contact with the birds of Alamos. Participants will get the chance to explore the area surrounding Alamos, as well spend some time on the Sea of Cortes. Upcoming is their Thanksgiving Tour, which will go from November 23 to 29. The tour includes lodging at the El Pedregal Nature Lodge.

Guaymas San Carlos, Sonora

The Sea of Cortez is always teeming with healthy bird populations, especially during the migration season of December through March. There are two main places in San Carlos that are optimal for birding.

- San Pedro Nolasco Island: Located 45 minutes from San Carlos, this low-lying rocky island is known for large bird populations, including the brown bobo and the pelican. A large colony of sea lions also live on this uninhabited island. The crystal clear waters are great for diving, where you can see manta rays, colorful tropical fish and hammerhead sharks.

- Soldier's Estuary: This 778 hectare reserve contains swamps, sand dunes and scrub brush, and is an important hatchery for the sport fish, which are so sought after by fishermen in the Sea of Cortez. It is also an important refuge for migratory birds, who come here to feast on blue and brown shrimp, clams, oysters and crabs. Its large mangrove forest is a favorite nesting place for many species of birds. Over 115 species have been sighted here during the winter, in groups of up to 3,000.

Visit one or all of these amazing bird sanctuaries this season in Mexico. Grab a good guidebook, camera and start planning. You will need to get Mexican auto insurance to drive in to Mexico. You can grab a policy for the duration of your visit. Don't miss the opportunity to witness Mother Nature at her best and see the incredible flocks of migrating birds in their winter home. It's a road trip that will put you back in tune with nature as well as give you memories that will last a lifetime.

by: Jim Labelle

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