Focus on: The Watering Hole

There's a reasonable little spot just east of Tequisquiapan which will from now on be referred to as 'The Watering Hole'.  I've previously called it the 'Bordo', but there are enough Bordos around to invite confusion, hence the name change.  Anyway, it's a small little pond/lake in a semi-desert area frequented regularly by thirsty horses, cattle and birds.  Unfortunately, it is liable to dry up at some points during the year (February/March time probably).  While it still holds water, though, it attracts some decent stuff.   Its easily accessible location makes it  a good option for a relaxing morning/evening stroll.

 Photo and map (GoogleMaps) of the Watering Hole

In the past, I've had a decent selection of birds here - waders (Long-billed Dowitchers, Least Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs), ducks (Mexican, Ruddy, Shoveler), egrets (great, snowy, cattle). 

Last night, I was straight away into good numbers of Egret.  Mostly Cattle (50+), but also Snowy (10) and Great (1).  They're attracted here not just by the water, but also by the cattle and horses.

A couple of Blue-winged Teals took off from under my feet in the shallows before settling down a bit further away.

They eventually settled down on a muddy spit, consorting with a single Black-necked Stilt and 5 Spotted Sandpipers                          

         

Blue-winged Teal and Black-necked Stilt

Continuing around the Watering Hole, I clocked on to a Greater Yellowlegs and 5 Killdeers.  Even better, a migrating flock of Cliff Swallows hawked briefly over the surface.  It's rare to see any hirundines other than Barn Swallows around Tequisquiapan.

The scrub around the Watering Hole is particularly good for many of typical Queretaro birds.  It's an easy place, for example, to see Cactus Wren, Canyon Towhee, Abeille's Oriole, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lark Sparrow (winter), Blue Grosbeak, Loggerhead Shrike and more.  Yesterday, I had a close encounter at sunset with Cactus Jack.

This noisy individual was part of a family group of 3 which seemed  oblivious to my presence.

Finally, the obligatory sunset shot of White-faced Ibis heading off to roost.  I'm not sure where these birds head to, but it must be a spectacular gathering.

What will turn up next at the Watering Hole?