When the Lake Chapala Birders recently compiled the members’ statistics from their February bird watching expeditions, the tally revealed that the group had collectively spotted and recorded 153 species.
The normal range for the Mexican Parrotlet is near the Pacific coast, but Don Bell reported four flying along the shoreline in West Ajijic. Birders are now
wondering if they have escaped from their lakeside home. There could be a small feral colony of earlier escapees now breeding here. Members of the group have seen them in the wild in the 1,000-foot-deep canyons near Guadalajara.
When local birders hiked at Las Trojes, they saw the red-faced warblers in the same area that they had been seen during two previous winters. The painted restart which has been previously recorded above Las Trojes during the spring and fall migrations was also seen on that excursion.
John and Rosemary Keeling, hosts of the Chapala birders, spotted both American Bittern and Least Bittern at the marsh at Lake Cajititlan. The reed beds there are now extensive and are providing good nesting for marsh birds.
For more information about Lake Chapala Birders and their frequent birding walks, contact John and Rosemary Keeling by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.