The Top Sites for Birding in the Yucatan
Did you know that birding is actually one of the famous activity in Yucatan that made travelers and bird lovers go bird watching. You don’t need to be an expert to have enjoyment from bird watching – no matter what your age is you will surely enjoy this activity.
No matter whether you are going to rest in your hammock with a fantastic book and binoculars or join one of several tours of which take you to spots where numerous birds nest, spending time to go birding can be an experience of a lifetime.
Bird Watching In Yucatan
With regards to Bird watching, Yucatan is unquestionably a destination to be. Hundreds of bird species come to the jungles and wetlands during the migration periods. The most famous bird reserve, Sian Ka’an, is documented to host an incredible number of migratory birds alone.
Even so, it is not merely the migrating birds that constitute the diversity. You will discover over 546 bird species who occupy the zones in the Yucatan all year long, eleven of which are endemic (living only in Yucatan and no place else on earth). Many of these unique local species also bring the name of the region: the Yucatan wren, the Bright Red Yucatan parrot and the Yucatan night-jar.
Yucatan Birding Sites
When it comes to birding, Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve, Celestun, Rio Lagartos and Isla Contoy comprises the top bird watching destinations.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Located a few miles south of Tulum Mexico, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve is found 40 miles south of Playa Del Carmen. You will find a lot of small hotels within the shoreline, therefore hotels are simple to find throughout the year.
This massive reserve covers over 1.3 million acres of land, mangroves, cenotes, wetlands and tropical forests. It was built to give protection to not merely the native bird species, and also about 1200 various other animal species including mammals, reptiles and insects.
There are actually about 360 bird species that dwell in in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and then for nature lovers there are certainly non-profit community birding tours. The groups may be big or small, with the smallest group being established when at least 2 people desire to take the tour. In the area, vultures, ibises, orioles and herons are several of the birds which can be found easily.
Celestun
You can find Celestun approximately 45 minutes drive from Merida. It’s a small fishing village, however you will find several basic hotels to stay. Furthermore, Eco Paraiso Xixim, an attractive 280-room Eco-resort is simply 6 miles north of Celestun.
Among the bird species that may be found in this location is the pink flamingo, and they are found in great numbers in the month of March to August. Some other birds, including snowy egrets and herons can also be seen, particularly when you take a tour with among the fishing boats.
The Rio Lagartos Biosphere reserve
Five miles north of Valladolid, plus an hour away from Chichen Itza and on the Yucatan’s northern Caribbean coast you can find the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Here you will discover pink flamingos in large colony – roughly 40,000 flamingos call this their haven. Together with the flamingos that dwell in the areas around Celestun, the reserve is home to around 90% of the world’s population of pink flamingos while in the winter time.
Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is a national park and is located north of Isla Mujeres. It’s a bird sanctuary and among the best birding destinations in Yucatan. There’s a limit on the number of visitors which are allowed to visit Isla Contoy each day, therefore if you’re thinking about going to this place, be sure you join an organized trip where all preparations are developed for you.
The avian species you can see on Isla Contoy are generally marine birds, including the the frigate, double-crested cormorant, and brown pelican. You could also find birds which are nesting on this tropical isle.
Linda Patterson is a birding enthusiast from the USA. She has advised birders from all over the world showing the most amazing birds watching spots. The original article can be found at The Best Spots for Birding in the Yucatan
