This Biosphere Reserve is just a couple of hours north of Tequis, but boasts a huge diversity of habitats and provides a pleasant change from the arid desert that most of Queretaro is made up of.
Camping on the Rio Escanela, I woke up at dawn and explored the campsite to find some of the best birding I've had yet in Mexico. Wintering Wood-Warblers were everywhere and included: Black-and White, Townsend's, Yellow-Rumped and some gorgeous Painted Redstarts.
Painted Redstart, Rio Escanela
White-eared Hummingbird, Rio Escanela
Some fruiting trees held a stunning variety of birds. Literally dripping with lifers..I struggled to record everything I saw. Firstly a few Tufted Titmice feeding up high with some Lesser Goldfinch. Ruby-crowned Kinglets and some Hutton's Vireos flicked through as well. Lower down some Audubon's Orioles and a female Black-headed Grosbeak. And flitting around the forest floor were Canyon Wrens, Lincoln Sparrows, House Wrens and undoubtedly others that I missed.
Hutton's Vireo, Rio Escanela
I had to tear myself away to head back to the tent and set up breakfast. Never mind, though, at least I could eat by the river as gorgeous American Dippers zipped past low over the water..
After breakfast we took a 'river walk' to Puenta de Dios, a spectacular natural bridge. The forest was quiet for short periods but would then erupt into life as we encountered mixed flocks.
Puenta de Dios, Sierra Gorda
One held Chestnut-sided Shrike Vireos, Melodious Blackbirds and a Crescent-chested Warbler together with the more common birds. Dippers were a constant presence on the river and there was also a pair of Black Phoebe.
What a superb place - one morning was truly too little.
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