Mexico: Oaxaca Christmas Birds and Culture: Dec 20—29, 2009

Orange-breasted Bunting — Photo: Brian Gibbons

Explore an attractive Mexican valley renowned for its splendid scenery, colorful festivities, imposing colonial architecture and pre-Columbian ruins, vibrant indigenous culture, and world-class cuisine. Oaxaca's avifauna is a fascinating mix of northern migrants, tropical residents, and numerous local specialties found nowhere else.

This multifaceted tour appeals not only to birders wishing to sample the tropical avifauna for the first time and veterans seeking the rare endemics, but also to those who enjoy the charm of an old colonial city, pre-Columbian ruins, and the colorful costumes and crafts of the local Indians.

In the small geographic area covered during our tour, it is possible to record as many as 27 birds found only in Mexico. Many species of more widespread Neotropical birds, plus wintering birds from temperate North America, are also found here.

The Oaxaca Valley (5,000 ft. elevation) is something to behold. Cactus-covered foothills and rugged mountains rise dramatically from the expansive arid floor, combining to create a beautiful landscape with panoramic vistas from every hilltop. We will spend several days birding this environment and the grounds of exquisite pre-Columbian ruins of Monte Albán, Yagul, and Mitla. Within the confines of the valley and surrounding areas are at least 13 birds endemic to Mexico, including Dusky and Beautiful hummingbirds; Gray-breasted Woodpecker; Blue Mockingbird; Boucard's Wren; Ocellated Thrasher; White-throated Towhee; Bridled and Oaxaca sparrows; and Golden, Slaty, and Dwarf vireos.

Red Warbler— Photo: Brian Gibbons

The enchanting cloud forest near Cerro San Felipe supports additional endemic species such as Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Gray-barred Wren, Russet Nightingale-Thrush, Collared Towhee, the tiny Bumblebee Hummingbird, Dwarf Jay, and the Red Warbler.

We will have ample opportunity to sample Oaxaca's many cultural and culinary attractions, including shopping for arts and crafts in indigenous villages, and touring pre-Columbian ruins and ornate churches.

Comfortable accommodations; excellent food; varied birding with many local specialties; numerous cultural attractions; moderate temperatures.