A weblog about birding, birdwatching, wild birds, raptors, hawk watch, raptor migrations and bird conservation from a birder, nature photographer and naturalist who resides in Veracuz Mexico.




VERACRUZ RAPTOR MIGRATION 2006

I have picked three dates this year to observe raptor migrations here in Veracruz Mexico.
The dates are:

September 25-October 2 (**874,287)

October 3-10 (**1,570,119)

October 11-18 (**1,385,214)

(**The number of migrating raptors counted last year during these dates.)


I am trying something new this year. The focus of each tour is the MIGRATING RAPTORS. I am limiting the size of each group to six (6) birders.
We will do a 2.5 to 3 hours of general birding each morning.
Every afternoon will be dedicated to observation of the raptor migration.

The raptor migrations of Veracruz are unique in that the represent the most concentrated movements of migratory birds of prey to be found on the planet!
Each fall between 5-6.5 MILLION raptors are counted during the migration season.
If you have never seen it, you are missing one of natures greatest spectacles.

Most tours that come to Veracruz in the fall spend a good deal of time visiting other birding sites in Veracruz and the emphasis on raptors is only limited to two or three days at the most. It is easy to miss a "big day" or a heavy push of raptors if you are not focused on the hawkwatch.
In my tour this year we will spend the afternoons, in shaded areas, in chairs with plenty of cold drinks on hand.
Each day is a show. From the locations that I have selected you will have vantage points that few birders in the world have ever witnessed of this incredible migration.
This trip is not about "listing", it is good solid "hawwatch".
The amount of walking and light hiking is limited to the few hours of morning birding.
The rest of the day is to relax and enjoy the migration.

The cost of the 7 night-8 day trip is $1,400 US dollars (based on double occupancy)
add $200 US dollars if you are travelling alone and desire a single room.

This price includes meeting and returning you to the airport in Veracruz, ground transportation, lodging, meals and guide fees.
The trip is based in Paso de Ovejas Veracruz and is situated strategically in the center of the raptor migration flow.
Lodging:
The hotel is clean and has air conditioning. There is also a nice observation deck and swimming pool at the hotel. (in past years birders have enjoyed the hawk migrations from the comfort of the pool at the hotel!)
Food:
Doña Isabel is the cook for the group and she whips up some excellent mexican dishes (all spicy seasonings are on the side) Dinners include beer, red wine or margaritas. Good food is important to me and we make it a focus of the tour.

This is not a fancy luxury tour...I use the restaurant, hotel, taxis and people of the community to help make this tour work. This is community ecology based tourism in action.This is an opportunity to have some real FUN while seeing thousands and thousands of migrating raptors.
My name is David McCauley. I have lived in Veracruz for many years. I am a nature photographer. I am concerned about bird conservation and education projects here in Mexico.
Your participation in these tours will benefit these efforts of mine.
I hope that if you choose to participate in these groups that you will consider it a cultural exchange. Bring a good attitude and it will be reflected back to you many times.

This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge of birds of prey with others, or learn in an environment that is negative attitude free.

If you have more questions please send me an e-mail.:
hawkwatch@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you and will be most happy to help you with your trip preparations.
Good birding,

David McCauley


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