Strickland's Woodpecker

On a school trip to Nevado de Toluca, I managed to get half an hour birding in the evening around the campsite.  It did not disappoint, as I managed to catch up with a central Mexican endemic, the Strickland's Woodpecker.

Strickland's Woodpecker

Also in the pine-forest were Mexican Chickadees, Olive Warblers, Red Warbler, Brown-throated (House) Wren, Bluebirds (sp), Yellow-eyed Juncos and Striped Sparrows.  

Striped Sparrows

Red Warbler

Higher up on the slopes of the volcano were many Northern Ravens, more Striped Sparrows and Yellow-eyed Juncos, 1 American Kestrel and a Peregrine.  

Monarchs - Valle de Bravo

Great trip over the long weekend to see the Monarchs wintering in central Mexico.  We saw them at the Piedra Herrada reserve near Valle de Bravo, about a 3-hour drive from Tequisquiapan.  Recommend getting there first thing in the morning to enjoy this spectacle undisturbed.  We arrived at the reserve about 8.30, and were the first tourists.

You have to see it to believe it, really.

Great cast of birds in the woods as well, including White-eared Hummingbird, Green Violet-ear, Clay-colored Robin, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Mexican Jay, Red Warbler, Golden-browed Warbler, Crescent-chested Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Townsend's Warbler and Pine Siskin.


In Valle de Bravo itself, some nice birds at La Pena.  A flock of White-throated Swifts, Vaux's Swifts and Chestnut-collared Swifts and also Black Vulture and Cliff Swallow up there.