Riachuelos - Raptors

Last weekend was spent doing a bit of coastal birding in North Veracruz. We were based at the small village of Riachuelos, which is on the other side of the river from Tecolutla, a popular Mexican holiday resort.

I only had time for a few mornings birding, but that was enough for me to catch up with some interesting species. It's always nice to get away from the hot desert of Tequisquiapan and this weekend, the humid lush scenery of Veracruz state provided pleasant relief.

There were many raptors hunting the coastal plains. Amongst the very common Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures were a few much rarer birds - Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures. These birds are restricted to the East coast and the Yucatan in Mexico. I got great views..

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Riachuelos

Roadside Hawks are everywhere down by the coast. Any car journey will yield a few of these aptly named characters.

Roadside Hawk, Riachuelos

Close to the river at Tecolutla, there were a number of Ospreys. These magnificent birds could be wintering here, or early returning migrants. They hunt by hovering above the river and then plunging in to catch fish.

Ospreys, Tecolutla

I also caught up with American Kestrels, Common Black Hawks, a Grey Hawk, a male Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, and perhaps best of all, a superb adult Laughing Falcon near the El Tajin ruins.