01_06 to 11_2016 Mexico!! Part I

Like last year, Dave and I hopped a plane and flew to Puerto Vallarta. our destination was the Barcelos, a resort in the pueblo Mismaloyo about 20 miles south of PV.  After another semester of intense work, I was ready for some R&R. And after last year, we were more prepared for chasing birds. We'd bought some guides, studied destinations, and were ready to go!

This bird is a Green Jay. They are spectacular, and pretty secretive for Jays. We'd seen them last year after a long hike. This year they showed up for us at the Botanic Garden. The Gardens were our first destination after we arrived.

Another bird we saw a lot of, but it didn't diminish its appeal, was the Yellow-Winged Cacique.  These birds are absolutely comical with a crazy head dress (though this one doesn't have his crazy hair on).

White Throated Robin. In the United States, we have the "American Robin". There are many Robins in MX and we were treated to several. 

Another pretty Yellow-Winged Cacique

A San Blas Jay. What a beautiful bird - and a Jay that was more mellow than others. Gorgeous!

Another Green Jay. I doubt these birds ever get old.

Here is a terrific photo of a Green Jay's face. The blue around his face is actually lovely skin. Beautiful birds.

A big surprise as we were walking around (and being consumed by noseeums unbeknownst to us) was this Ferrigunous Pygmy Owl. This little owl is 5.5-6" tall! Tiny! A super treat to see him fly up and land right in front of me.

Another photo of the F.P Owl.

A Golden-Cheeked Woodpecker. These birds were pretty much everywhere we went, but that didn't take away from how stunning they are.  Check out his guy's tongue in the hummingbird feeder.

Here is a gorgeous bird - the Streaked Back Oriole. They look to be on fire when one sees them.

Another bird we did not anticipate seeing, but were lucky to get to see - a Squirrel Cuckoo. What an elegant and beautiful bird. The long tail was like a flowing streamer.

A great photo of a San Blas Jay showing his goods! Look at that beautiful head dress!

Here is a photo of our resort. Really lovely. Unlike last year, this year was marked with several rogue waves that wiped out the restaurant (bottom left) several days in a row. I think more time was spent cleaning it up, than there was using it for dining purposes. 

Tropical Kingbird. 

Social Flycatcher.

Stripe-Headed Sparrow

A bird I always thought as mythical - One I'd never see...a Groove Billed Ani! They are so sweet looking and remind me of Gabbie as a baby with his tiny bill. <3 p="">

Another fun bird. We saw these at the hotel, but saw them much better at Rancho Primavera - A Yellow Grosbeak. Gorgeous!

Cinnamon Hummingbird. A beautiful little bird that makes a Broad Tailed Hummingbird seem quiet! These guys are noisy - one usually hears them before you see them!

Waiting for the local bus to get to Rancho Primavera. This awesome place is on the outskirts of Tuito. I want to retire here as this is where Lilac Crowns are in the wild. Dave says he'll leave me so I suppose I can't retire here.

Another stop we made on the trip was to take a cab to "Eden" (yes, there is a pueblo named Eden...and it really is lovely!).  We drove up and walked back down. Saw many excellent birds on that trip.

I have to confess that I brought a lot of clothes on the trip, but clearly I wore only two items the entire time. :)

To be continued....