Golden Eagle in Tequisquiapan, Queretaro

While climbing the Cerro Grande on Sunday with Valentina, Ernesto, and Russ and Carol from Texas, we encountered some great wildlife, with the undoubted highlight being views of a distant Golden Eagle from the top. 

Adult Golden Eagle

These majestic birds are rare across much of the range, and the same is the case in Queretaro.  We were all very lucky to witness one within walking distance of Tequisquiapan.

It soared into view whilst we were watching Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures and Ravens.  

Red-tailed Hawk

The birding is always good up the Cerro Grande - the habitats change with the altitude, bringing different bird species from down lower in Tequis.  Birds such as this Spotted Towhee illustrate this.   

Spotted Towhee

 We didn't explore the woods at the top (too tired after the hike up!), but a bit of pishing brought this Hermit Warbler close (note unstreaked flank), as well as some Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Orange-crowned Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Hermit Warbler

 The Hummingbirds are different up at the Cerro as well.  Down in Tequisquiapan, we only see Violet-crowned and Broad-billed, whereas up here I've seen Lucifer, White-eared and Magnificent.  On Sunday, the migrant Rufous Hummingbird was added to that list (after much book consultation).

Other interesting birds that we saw were Scott's Oriole, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, White-throated Swift, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher and Ladderback Woodpecker.