The World Through Our Lens
The Great-tailed Grackles that Bob and I saw in Mexico were certainly impressive when it comes to grackles. On our first morning in Zitacuaro, as we made our way to the patio for breakfast, we did not recognize the ear-piercing call of a number of these birds as they stood sentinel on the hotel’s rooftop. Read more
Last spring, at home in Ontario, Bob and I had fervently hoped to see a Wilson’s Warbler as they migrated through our region to their breeding grounds in northern Canada. It was a total surprise to spot one in Mexico on our very first day on the ground there, and it was no further than a short walk from our hotel room at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano. Read more
Bob and I traveled to Zitacuaro in the State of Michoacan, Mexico, for the purpose of seeing the Monarch Butterflies that had completed their winter migration. It was an added bonus to come across a good selection of interesting birds such as this Slate-throated Redstart, and we didn’t even have to leave the property of Hotel Rancho San Cayetano. Read more
Our first morning on Inishmore Island, Bob and I set off on foot to explore the hills and wildflowers surrounding Kilmurvey House, our bed and breakfast accommodations, and made first for the historic fort, Dun Aonghasa. What a pleasant surprise to find a good variety of wildflowers growing amongst the karst limestone, many of them in bloom such as this Bloody Cranesbill Geranium (Geranium sanguineum). Read more
On a brilliantly sunny and relatively warm March day, Bob and I visited the Leslie Street Spit for some much-needed fresh air and exercise. It was at the Unwin Avenue bridge here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada that we spotted the elusive Tundra Swan. Read more
Before we even arrived at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico, we knew it was going to be someplace special. Not only was the location centrally-located in relation to three nearby monarch butterfly preserves, but it also turned out to be a haven for interesting birds given the lush grounds and proximity to a sheltered river valley. To our surprise, one day at lunch, a brave Lincolns Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) fluttered to the ground next to our sunlit table and cast a curious glance our way. Read more
During the course of our stay at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico, Bob and I observed several different species of hummingbirds, but it always seemed that they were either far away or prone to disappear as soon as we got near. On our hike down to the river adjacent to the hotel, we came across this Berylline Hummingbird basking in the morning sun. Read more
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What a pleasure to find a Nashville Warbler lingering in the wooded valley next to our accommodations, Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico. Our morning walk into the depths of the shady glen was completed more out of curiosity than anything else. It served as a bit of exercise after a hearty breakfast and pleased our senses with the sights and sounds of tropical plants and surroundings. The presence of dozens of songbirds was an unexpected bonus. Read more
Owing to family demands this winter, Bob and I have had no opportunity to do birdwatching, much less skiing or hiking. One past Sunday was our first day of liberty, and we seized the moment by going to one of our favorite spots for birdwatching… Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto. We were not disappointed and came up with a lifer, a gorgeous Long-Eared Owl. Read more