I’m sure you aren’t tired of seeing all the gorgeous birds from Mexico yet! During my last few days in Puerto Vallarta, I used eBird to help me identify hotspots in the area I was staying. It really paid off!! I took a taxi just a few kilometres from our hotel to a deserted beach studded by small restaurants where I enjoyed a cold beer after all the sightings.
The beach walk turned out to be one of the best birding spots and I knew I must have done something right because while I was admiring the San Blas jays and the white ibis in the trees, a van pulled up and a swarm of birders got out; it was a birding tour group. When in doubt, use eBird I guess!
There were a few wonderful surprises including the Groove-billed Ani, the San Blas Jay, and a pair of Painted Buntings which are stunning. But the bird that stole my heart while I was there was a tiny little Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. This one was only about 5 and a half inches tall.
All in all, I was very happy with all the birds I had a chance to meet. I can’t wait to explore even more tropical locals for new encounters.