Birding the Constitution

Although the Sun was scorching, the birding at Presa de la Constitucion in San Juan today had a wintery feel.  Most migrants have past now, and the birds knocking around this neck of the woods are likely to set up shop for the winter.  American Pipits are one such species.  Today, they were forming large flocks with Horned Larks

Horned Lark

Wintering raptors were also obvious - including American Kestrels, Turkey Vultures, a Red-tailed Hawk, and a real bonus - this juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk.

Red-shouldered Hawk

On the water, the American White Pelican flock has built up to 34.

American White Pelican

There are also huge numbers of Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, and smaller numbers of Neotropic Cormorant, Black-crowned Night Heron and White-faced Ibis.

Great Egret

Gulls in Queretaro are always a surprise.  I found 3 Ring-billed Gulls today and a juvenile Laughing Gull.

Ring-billed Gull

 Wintering waders included Long-billed Dowitchers, Least Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpipers, Western Sandpipers, American Avocets, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs and this Wilson's Snipe.

Wilson's Snipe

Duck numbers weren't that impressive, but I did find Lesser Scaup here for the first time, as well as American Wigeons, Blue-winged Teals, Green-winged Teals, Mexican Ducks, Northern Pintails and Northern Shovelers.