There’s a very active and experienced group of birders at Lake Chapala hosted by John and Rosemary Keeling.
Each month at least some of the group heads out to one of several favorite locations to seek the current selection of available birds. Here’s the schedule for October:
Monday, October 19 the group meets at 8 a.m. at Donas Donuts to carpool to Tapalpa. It’s a 90-minute drive to the edge of the plateau where they will bird from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They’ll then head into Tapalpa for lunch. Those attending can expect to see higher altitude birds such as Painted Redstart, Slate-throated Redstart, and Acorn Woodpecker. Those wishing to attend must email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. indicating if they can take a vehicle or if they need a ride so the planners can arrange the carpooling.
The final outing for the month will be on Wednesday, October 28, when the group meets at 8 a.m. at Donas Donuts to car pool to Agua Escondida and the Cajititlan Marsh. This is a 30-minute drive. They expect to see Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Northern Jacana, Black-necked Stilt and American Avocet. At about 10:15 a.m. they will head back to Chapala to have breakfast at Las Delicias. Those who plan to go must email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for carpool planning.
The group logged 99 species off birds during September at lakeside and on their excursions in the area.