Great-tailed Grackles In Zitacuaro

Great-tailed Grackle, zitacuaro, michoacan, mexico, 6

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

Wilson’s Warbler at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

photograph of a Wilson's Warbler along the hiking trail at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano, Zitácuaro, Mexico.

Wilson's Warbler in a tree at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano, in Zitacuaro, Mexico

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

Slate-throated Redstart At Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

Slate-throated Redstart at hotel rancho san cayetano, zitacuaro, mexico, 7

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

Lincolns Sparrow at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

Lincoln's sparrow at zitacuaro, michoacan, mexico, 8

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

Berylline Hummingbird at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

Berylline Hummingbird sitting on a tree at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico

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

Nashville Warbler at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

photograph of a Nashville Warbler along the hiking trail at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano, Zitácuaro, Mexico.

mexNashville Warbler sitting in a tree, Zitacuaro, Mexico

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

Long-eared Owl at Tommy Thompson Park

photograph of a long-eared owl at Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto, Ontario.

long-eared owl, tommy thompson park, toronto 1

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

Vermilion Flycatchers At Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

Vermilion Flycatcher, male, zitacuaro, michoacan, mexico 2

Bob and I arrived at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico, late in the afternoon after having landed in Mexico City that morning, so it wasn’t until the next day that we set out for a walk to explore the extensive landscaped grounds surrounding the well-kept resort.  That is when we came upon a Vermilion Flycatcher that was frequenting a bench in one spacious area of open lawn. Read more

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