Mexico – Colima and Jalisco

Mexico is noted for its spectacular and varied avifauna and its remarkable diversity of habitats. Nowhere is this variety better represented than in the tiny state of Colima and surrounding areas of Jalisco. We'll travel from pristine Pacific beaches to deliciously cool montane forests on the Volcanes del Colima, whose majestic twin peaks dominate the region. Some 400 species occur in this small area, including more than 40 of Mexico's 100 or so endemics - ranging from the flashy Red-breasted Chat to the enigmatic Balsas Screech-Owl. The short distances involved translate into a delightfully unhurried itinerary, making this trip a splendid opportunity to become familiar with a fascinating region.

Monday 10 February to Sunday 23 February 2003
Monday 9 February to Sunday 22 February 2004

with Steve Howell as leader.

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Day 1: The trip begins in London with a flight to Mexico City, where we'll spend the night.

Day 2: We'll catch a mid-day flight to Manzanillo in Mexico, from where we'll drive to Barra de Navidad, for a three-night stay.

Days 3-4: We'll spend two days exploring the coastal lowlands within easy reach of our hotel. Habitats range from mangrove to thorn forest, and some of the birds we should see are Lilac-crowned Parrot, White-throated Magpie-Jay, San Blas Jay, Orange-breasted Bunting, Ruddy-breasted Seedeater, Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, and with luck perhaps the elusive Flammulated Flycatcher or the lovely Rosy Thrush-Tanager. Nights in Barra de Navidad.

Day 5: After a morning looking along the coast for any birds we may have missed in the past two days, we'll drive inland to Ciudad Guzmán, a town at about 5000 feet at the extreme southwest corner of the Mexican central plateau. This will be our base for four nights, from which we'll explore the volcanoes. Night in Ciudad Guzmán.

Days 6-8: We'll have three days to explore the twin massifs of the Volcán de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) and the Volcán de Nieve (Volcano of Snow) and the surrounding plains. The former peak, still steaming, rises to 12,500 feet, the latter to over 14,000 feet. Fuego's coastal-facing slopes intercept moisture-laden winds and support lush forests whose valleys echo with the rollicking choruses of Long-tailed Wood-Partridge and cascading melodies of Brown-backed Solitaire. Numerous mixed-species feeding flocks often hold such gems as Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo, Gray-collared Becard, Red Warbler, and Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer. In addition there are several skulkers, such as Russet Nightingale-Thrush, Golden-browed Warbler, and Collared Towhee, as well as more than 15 species of hummingbirds and such rarities as Aztec Thrush and Great Swallow-tailed Swift. On the interior-facing slopes of the Volcán de Nieve a drier, more open pine-oak forest hosts a rather different avifauna, including Spotted Wren, Olive Warbler, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, and Black-headed Siskin. The surrounding plains are home to White-tailed Hawk and Crested Caracara, and a string of nearby lakes adds diversity in the form of migrant waterfowl and waders. Nights in Ciudad Guzmán.

Day 9: After a final morning birdwatching on the slopes of the volcanoes we'll drive to Ciudad Colima, capital of the state of Colima. The thorn forest near town is home to several interesting species, and we'll stay out after dark in search of Balsas Screech-Owl and Buff-collared Nightjar. Night in Ciudad Colima.

Day 10: We'll spend today on the hillsides above Ciudad Colima where birds we'll be seeking include Lesser Roadrunner, Slaty and Black-capped Vireos, and Fan-tailed Warbler. Night in Ciudad Colima.

Day 11: After a morning around Ciudad Colima we'll depart for Manzanillo, a colourful town and Mexico's most important Pacific Coast port. We'll arrive at our hotel in mid-afternoon where the beach or pool may prove irresistible. Night in Manzanillo.

Day 12: Depending on weather (unlikely to be other than warm and sunny) we'll take a boat ride out onto the bay to visit an islet that supports perhaps the largest Red-billed Tropicbird colony in the world - a truly spectacular sight! We'll also see Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Booby and other tropical seabirds, and there's always the chance that a Humpback Whale or sea turtle will swim by the boat. Night in Manzanillo.

Day 13: After a final morning around Manzanillo we'll catch a mid-day flight to Los Angeles, where we'll connect with an overnight flight to London where the tour concludes on Day 14.

Cost £2720

Single Room Supplement £210

Maximum group size: 12 participants and 2 leaders.

The ground arrangements for this tour are organised by our American associates Wings.

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