Chapala Birders remind the community that Saturday, May 14 is Global Big Day, when everyone is encouraged to get outside and count as many bird species as they can find. The sightings recorded should be entered in the eBird database.
Experienced birders will be aware that a “Big Day” typically involves a team of birders in one car hitting as many bird hot-spots as possible in a 24-hour period. You do not have to form a team, but it’s an idea, say Chapala Birders.
April sightings
Chapala Birders report 160 sightings of species in April, including two new ones to the Lake Chapala list.
Raul Padilla, a visiting birder from Pachuca, observed a Mexican Whip-poor-will while camping out on the ridge of Chupinaya, 2,000 feet above Ajijic. He says the birds were calling all night. Meanwhile, Nicola Cendron from Mexico City observed a Bald Eagle flying over the El Volantin dam. This eagle has been seen further north in the neighboring states of Nayarit and Zacatecas, but not this far south before. These eagles breed primarily in Canada and winter in the United States.
Other interesting sightings in April were:
- Greenish Elaenias on the trails above Ajijic.
- An estimated 3,000 American white pelicans at Petatan.
- Some 65,000 yellow-headed blackbirds at evening assembly at the malecon at San Antonio Tlayacapan.
- A Black-tailed Gnatcatcher above San Pedro Itzican.
- Squirrel Cuckoos and Rufous-Crowned Motmots calling from the hills
- Wilson’s Phalaropes passing through on migration.
- A group of migrating Dickcissels at Lake Cajititlan.
Upcoming trips, walks
Chapala Birders walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars and show up. Knowledgeable birders are always on hand to identify the species. If you are being given a ride, make a contribution to gas and tolls (perhaps 50-100 pesos for a half day outing, 100-200 for a day trip).
Birders will meet Friday, May 27, 8 a.m. in Riberas del Pilar to follow the shoreline observing marsh, lake and scrub birds. At about 10 a.m. they will head to Mom’s restaurant for breakfast.
To get there take the Carretera to Riberas. Half way along, turn down to the lake at the 7-11 store and park close to the lake.
If you have reports of interesting bird sightings near Lake Chapala, or need information about birding at the lake, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 376-766-1801.