Newsletter

Chapala Birders Newsletter, July 2, 2024 Sightings last Month There were 116 species reported for the lake area in June. The complete list is shown at the end of this newsletter. Uncommon observations in June: Various people, including the morning kayakers, have been seeing several Brown Pelicans on the islands in front of San Antonio Tlayacapan. Tom Bravo observed Hook-billed Kite passing over our Hawk Watch Site at the top of Mexcala Mountain. Carl and Kate Anderson photographed a Pine Flycatcher on the Chupinaya Trail above Las Trojes. New Bird Bird Book Planned Lake Chapala Birders has formed an editing team to create a new Field Guide to the "Birds of Central Jalisco, Guadalajara & Lake Chapala". It will be different from other bird books for the area, having three times as many species (350 species instead of 120) and having the descriptions in both Spanish and English (instead of just in Spanish.) It will be published next February with a price of $400 pesos. Featured Bird: Brown-throated Wren This photo shows the buff supercilium, cinnamon throat and barred flanks of a Brown-throated Wren. The Brown-throated Wren is a year-round resident found in higher altitude pine-oak woods in Mexico and southern Arizona. It is characterized by the presence of a buff colored supercilium, a cinnamon throat and barred flanks. We see this wren regularly when we visit Concepcion de Buenos Aires on the south side of the lake where it is 1,500 feet higher than Lake Chapala. Other House Wren sub-species are migratory in North America and non-migratory in South America. Like all wrens it is shy, eats insects of all types and builds an untidy nest typically in a cavity. Upcoming Bird Walks and Trips Our bird-walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. We always have knowledgeable birders on hand to identify the species. Note that we will try to limit most car trips to three vehicles and 14 people because larger convoys are hard to manage when trying to stop on country roads to look at the birds. If you are being given a ride, we suggest you make a contribution to your driver for gas and tolls (perhaps $150 pesos for a half day outing, $300 pesos for a day trip). On Thursday July 11, we will meet at 8.00 am at the trail head to hike a mile up the Allen Lloyd Trail which has lots of underbrush in which birds love to hide. Expect to see Blue Mockingbird and hear the Happy Wren. At about 10.00 we will head to Cafe Negro restaurant for breakfast and complete the bird list. How to get to the trail head: Drive up the Libramiento a half mile (1km) from the traffic light at Walmart, then turn left (carefully) as you would for the new hospital (Ribera Medical Center), double back and drive up the left side of the hospital, keep going uphill another half mile, and park on the only street to your left. On Monday July 22, we will meet at 8.00 am at the Sculpture (at the only traffic light in La Floresta, south-east corner, opposite Restaurant Pranzo) leaving immediately for the Mezcala Mountain (40 minutes drive). We will park and then walk the one-mile (1.5 km) trail at the top. After a snack break at 11.00 we will return to Ajijic for 12.30. Other pick-up points can be arranged between Ajijic and Mezcala. If you plan on going, you must email John at chapalabirders@yahoo.com at least 2 days ahead indicating if you can bring a vehicle and can take passengers, or you would like to be a passenger. High-clearance, all wheel drive vehicles with off-road tires are recommended for the ascent. Bird Walk & Trip Reports On June 14 we met at La Cristina on the west side of Ajijic with ten birders. Our list included Cliff Swallow collecting mud for nest building, Rusty-crowned Ground Sparrow, Forster's Tern, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Black-necked Stilt and Tricolored Heron out of a total of 38 species. On Jule 24 we had four people out to drive round the Rosa Amarilla Loop on the plateau on the south side of the lake. We observed 48 species including Stripe-headed Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Chihuahuan Meadowlark, Boteri's Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat, Wood Stork and American Kestrel. Monthly Sightings List Here are the 116 species observed around Lake Chapala in June: Ani, groove-billed Avocet, American (Sa) Becard, rose-throated (Rp) Bittern, least Blackbird, red-winged Bobwhite, northern Bushtit Caracara, crested Chat, yellow-breasted Coot, American Cormorant, neotropic Cowbird, bronzed Cuckoo, squirrel Dove, Eurasian collared Dove, Inca Dove, mourning Dove, white-tipped Dove, white-winged Duck, black-bellied whistling (Sa) Duck, fulvous whistling (Ch) Duck, Mexican Duck, ruddy Egret, great Egret, snowy Egret, western cattle Elaenia, greenish Euphonia, elegant Finch, house Flycatcher, brown-crested (Tr) Flycatcher, dusky-capped Flycatcher, gray silky (Sa) Flycatcher, Nutting's Flycatcher, pine (Tr) Flycatcher, social Gallinule, common Goldfinch, lesser Grackle, great-tailed Grosbeak, black-headed Grosbeak, blue Gull, laughing Gull, ring-billed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, red-tailed Hawk, white-tailed Heron, black-crowned night Heron, great blue Heron, green Heron, tri-colored Hummingbird, berylline Hummingbird, broad-billed Hummingbird, violet-crowned Hummingbird, white-eared Ibis, white-faced Jacana, northern Killdeer Kingbird, Cassin's Kingbird, thick-billed Kingbird, tropical Kiskadee, great Kite, hook-billed (Mz) Kite, white-tailed (Ps) Meadowlark, Chihuahuan Mockingbird, blue Mockingbird, northern Motmot, russet-crowned Nightjar, buff-collared (Av) Oriole, black-backed Oriole, black-vented Oriole, streak-backed Owl, ferruginous pygmy (Sa) Parakeet, monk parrow, rusty-crowned ground Pelican, American white Pelican, brown (Sa) Pewee, greater Pewee, western wood Pigeon, rock (Dove/Feral) Raven, common Robin, American (Cv) Robin, rufous-backed Seedeater, cinnamon-rumped Shrike, loggerhead Solitaire, brown-backed (Cv) Sparrow, Botteri's (Ra) Sparrow, house Sparrow, rusty-crowned ground (Rp) Sparrow, stripe-headed Stilt, black-necked Stork, wood (Ra) Swallow, barn Swallow, cliff (Ra) Swallow, northern rough-winged Tanager, flame-colored (Cv) Tanager, hepatic Tern, Caspian Tern, Forster's Thrasher, curve-billed Thrush, orange-billed nightingale Towhee, canyon Towhee, spotted (Cv) Tyrannulet, northern beardless Vireo, golden Vulture, black Vulture, turkey Warbler, rufous-capped Warbler, yellow Woodpecker, golden-fronted Woodpecker, ladder-backed Wren, Bewick's Wren, canyon Wren, happy Wren, house Wren, Sinaloa Wren, spotted Yellowthroat, common Yellowthroat, gray-crowned (Sa) Sighting Location codes:  Ac - Ajijic: La Cristina & El Bajio At - Trails above Ajijic Av - Ajijic village Ca - Lake Cajititlan & marsh Ch - Chapala Ct - Caracol Trail & Int'l School Cs - Chapala Haciendas & Las Brisas Cv - Cerro Viejo Dm - Dike: Jamay to Malteraña Dp - Dike: Maltaraña to La Palma Hv - Hidden Valley oak forest Ja - Jamay La - La Cañada & Hidden Valley Jo - Jocotepec Ld - Lerma & Duero rivers Mz - Mezcala Oc - Ocotlan Pe - Petatan area Ps - Pumping Station & Santa Cruz Pt - San Pedro Tesistan Pz - San Pedro Itzican/Poncitlan Ra - Rosa Amarilla loop Rc - Santa Rosa & Carnero dam Rp - Riberas del Pilar & canyon Sa - San Antonio & Allen Lloyd Trail Sc - San Juan Cosala Sn - San Nicholas & Golf Club Tz - Tizapan canyon Te - San Juan Tecomatlan Tr - Las Trojes & Chupinaya Tu - Tuxcueca & San Luis Soyatlan Xt - Ixtlahuacan & Las Campanillas What is the "Lake Chapala Area"? We define it as the whole area of the lake plus all land within 15km (or 7 miles) from the edge of the lake. Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. Illustrated color folders showing our common birds are available for $200 pesos at Diane Pearl's Gallery, 11 am to 4 pm, Santa Margarita #23, at the east end of Riberas del Pilar. Also available from John Keeling on bird walks. We like to hear of bird sightings at: chapalabirders@yahoo.com. Check our website: ChapalaBirders.org There you will find our newsletters, illustrations of our birds and advice on buying binoculars, books and birding apps.

Newsletter

Chapala Birders Newsletter, June 2, 2024 Sightings last Month There were 124 species reported for the lake area in May. The complete list is shown at the end of this newsletter. Uncommon observations in May: Nicola Cendron observed Sanderling, Stilt Sandpiper and Semipalmated Plover at Chapala. Tom Bravo reported Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher in Ajijic. Featured Bird: Rock Pigeon This photo shows the original colors of this species, which is found in the wild nesting on cliffs in the middle east. It has been used in battle to carry messages back to base, as it has excellent 'homing' abilities when trained, and also senses magnetic fields. The Rock Pigeon has been domesticated by pigeon fanciers for more than 5,000 years. Over this period various color variations have emerged. It can now be found on every continent. It likes human developments, and is often seen in public plazas, and on churches. It breeds at any time of the year, up to 6 times per year. Pairs are monogamous and mate for life. Incubation of the eggs requires 18 days, Fledging of the young occurs in another 30 days. Adult pigeons produce "crop milk" which is a liquid fed to the young chicks (squabs) for the first few days of life. Adults forage on the ground for seeds and grain. They are flexible, eating human food if available. Adults and young are common prey of hawks, owls and raccoons. Upcoming Bird Walks and Trips Our bird-walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. We always have knowledgeable birders on hand to identify the species. Note that we will try to limit most car trips to three vehicles and 14 people because larger convoys are hard to manage when trying to stop on country roads to look at the birds. If you are being given a ride, we suggest you make a contribution to your driver for gas and tolls (perhaps $150 pesos for a half day outing, $300 pesos for a day trip). On Friday June 14, we will meet at 8.00 a.m. at La Cristina on the west side of Ajijic. We will see some shore birds and birds in the tall trees along the street. At about 10.00 am we will head to Fonda Doña Lola restaurant for breakfast and complete the bird list. How to Get There: Drive about 2 mi (4km) west from Colon, look for signs for Hacienda La Cristina (near a bus stop and signs for Las Palmas), turn down to the lake, and park close to the lake. On Monday June 24, we will meet at 8.00 am at the "Sculpture" (at the only traffic light in La Floresta, (south-east corner), leaving immediately for the Rosa Amarilla Loop (60 minutes drive). Expect to see a variety of grassland birds and possibly a White-tailed Hawk. Bring refreshments for the morning and sandwiches for the 12.30 lunch stop. We will be back about 3.30 pm. You must reserve - email John at chapalabirders@yahoo.com at least 2 days ahead indicating if you can bring a vehicle and can take others, or you would like to be a passenger. Bird Walk & Trip Reports On May 6, we had five birders out at Puerta Nueva where we observed 40 species including Loggerhead Shrike, Black-vented Oriole, Streak-backed Oriole, Blue Mockingbird, Russet-crowned Motmot and a Social Flycatcher actively building a nest. On May 24, we went to the Sierra de Tapalpa with a group of seven birders. Our list included Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush, Elegant Euphonia, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Bluebird, Gray-silky Flycatcher and Acorn Woodpecker. Monthly Sightings List Here are the 124 species observed around Lake Chapala in May: Ani, groove-billed Avocet, American Blackbird, yellow-headed Bunting, indigo Bunting, varied Bushtit Caracara, crested Chat, yellow-breasted Coot, American Cormorant, neotropic Cowbird, bronzed Cowbird, brown-headed Cuckoo, squirrel Dove, common ground Dove, Eurasian collared Dove, Inca Dove, mourning Dove, white-tipped Dove, white-winged Dowitcher, long-billed Duck, black-bellied whistling Duck, Mexican Duck, ruddy Egret, great Egret, snowy Egret, western cattle Elaenia, greenish Finch, house Flycatcher, brown-crested Flycatcher, dusky Flycatcher, dusky-capped Flycatcher, Nutting's Flycatcher, social Flycatcher, sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, vermilion Gallinule, common Goldfinch, lesser Grackle, great-tailed Grebe, pied-billed Grosbeak, black-headed Grosbeak, blue Gull, laughing Gull, ring-billed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, red-tailed Heron, black-crowned night Heron, great blue Heron, little blue Heron, tri-colored Hummingbird, berylline Hummingbird, broad-billed Hummingbird, violet-crowned Ibis, white-faced Jacana, northern Killdeer Kingbird, Cassin's Kingbird, thick-billed Kingbird, tropical Kingbird, western Kiskadee, great Kite, white-tailed Mockingbird, blue Mockingbird, northern Motmot, russet-crowned Nightjar, buff-collared Oriole, black-backed Oriole, black-vented Oriole, streak-backed Owl, ferruginous pygmy Owl, great horned Parakeet, monk Parrot, lilac-crowned Pelican, American white Pelican, brown Pewee, greater Pewee, western wood Pigeon, rock (Dove/Feral) Pipit, American Plover, semipalmated Robin, rufous-backed Sanderling Sandpiper, least Sandpiper, spotted Sandpiper, stilt Seedeater, cinnamon-rumped Shoveler, northern Shrike, loggerhead Sparrow, house Sparrow, lark Sparrow, rufous-crowned Sparrow, rusty-crowned ground Sparrow, savannah Sparrow, stripe-headed Stilt, black-necked Swallow, barn Swallow, cliff Swallow, northern rough-winged Tanager, western Teal, blue-winged Tern, Caspian Tern, Forster's Thrasher, curve-billed Thrush, hermit Thrush, orange-billed nightingale Towhee, canyon Tyrannulet, northern beardless Vireo, golden Vireo, warbling Vulture, black Vulture, turkey Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, rufous-capped Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, yellow Warbler, yellow-rumped Wigeon, American Woodpecker, golden-fronted Wren, Bewick's Wren, cactus Wren, canyon Wren, happy Wren, marsh Wren, Sinaloa Yellowthroat, common Sighting Location codes:  Ac - Ajijic: La Cristina & El Bajio At - Trails above Ajijic Av - Ajijic village Ca - Lake Cajititlan & marsh Ch - Chapala Ct - Caracol Trail & Int'l School Cs - Chapala Haciendas & Las Brisas Cv - Cerro Viejo Dm - Dike: Jamay to Malteraña Dp - Dike: Maltaraña to La Palma Hv - Hidden Valley oak forest Ja - Jamay La - La Cañada & Hidden Valley Jo - Jocotepec Ld - Lerma & Duero rivers Mz - Mezcala Oc - Ocotlan Pe - Petatan area Ps - Pumping Station & Santa Cruz Pt - San Pedro Tesistan Pz - San Pedro Itzican/Poncitlan Ra - Rosa Amarilla loop Rc - Santa Rosa & Carnero dam Rp - Riberas del Pilar & canyon Sa - San Antonio & Allen Lloyd Trail Sc - San Juan Cosala Sn - San Nicholas & Golf Club Tz - Tizapan canyon Te - San Juan Tecomatlan Tr - Potrerillos & Las Trojes & Chupinaya Tu - Tuxcueca & San Luis Soyatlan Xt - Ixtlahuacan & Las Campanillas What is the "Lake Chapala Area"? We define it as the whole area of the lake plus all land within 15km (or 7 miles) from the edge of the lake. Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. Illustrated color folders showing our common birds are available for $200 pesos at Diane Pearl's Gallery, 11 am to 4 pm, Santa Margarita #23, at the east end of Riberas del Pilar. Also available from John Keeling on bird walks. We like to hear of bird sightings at: chapalabirders@yahoo.com. Check our website: ChapalaBirders.org There you will find our newsletters, illustrations of our birds and advice on buying binoculars, books and birding apps.