YUCATAN April 2011 - Dzibilcatlan Ruins

A brief stop at these interesting ruins just north of Merida brought some interesting birds. A puddle of water near the entrance had attracted quite a cast. This crop (Clay-coloured Robin, Orchard Oriole, Indigo Bunting) only shows the half of it. Also drinking away was a Squirrel Cuckoo, an Altamira Oriole, numerous Groove-billed Anis and some Grackles.

Also close to the entrance, I had my first of many encounters with the wonderful Yucatan Jay. This endemic can be found in noisy groups thrashing through the under-storey.

Into the ruins themselves, and I easily found Couch's Kingbird, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Masked Tityra, Yellow Warbler, Grey Catbird, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Ovenbird, Roadside Hawk and Aztec Parakeets. It was an afternoon visit, and so bird life was quiet away from the puddle.

A dip in the refreshing Cenote here is well worth it for tired birders!