Constitucion cont.

2. SWALLOWS

The current Queretaro state bird-list only has 3 swallows on it - Barn, Northern Rough-winged and Violet-green.  Over Presa de la Constitucion yesterday morning, however, were 4 different species, of which 3 are new to that list.  Barn Swallows are extremely common throughout Queretaro.  The others are obviously less easy to find!  

Cliff Swallows are a summer visitor and transient in Mexico.  I've seen a few individuals before, but hadn't realised they were new for the state, and hadn't previously managed any photos.  They are identified by their chunky shape and pale rump in comparison to Barn Swallows.

Cliff Swallow

Cliff Swallow

Bank Swallows should be familiar to European readers - they're known over the pond as Sand Martins.  They're transients through most of Mexico and can be recognised by the distinct band across the otherwise white underparts.

Bank Swallow

Finally Tree Swallow, which is a winter visitor in Mexico.  They are similar to Bank Swallows, but have a shorter tail, lack the distinct band across the chest, and have small white crescents on the side of the rump, as seen on this individual here.

Tree Swallow

2. DUCKS AND WADERS

There weren't huge numbers of Ducks here, but it is still early in the season, and more can be expected as winter hits.  There were still, however, some decent flocks.  The picture below, for example, shows a mixed flock containing Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, Blue-winged Teals and Green-winged Teals.  There were small numbers of Mexican Ducks present, as well as a scattering of American Coots.

Mixed Duck Flock, Presa de la Constitucion

 There were some great waders present, including this extremely elegant American Avocet and the mouse-like Least Sandpiper.

American Avocet

Least Sandpiper

Also present - Baird's Sandpiper (c. 200), Spotted Sandpiper (10), Pectoral Sandpiper (4), Western Sandpiper (50), Wilson's Phalarope (30), Killdeer (6), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Semipalmated Plover (1).  Not having made it around the whole reservoir, though, I undoubtedly missed a lot..