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RMBO Conservation Birding Tours presents
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Travel and go birding in Mexico with expert local guides and biologists!
Stay as special guests inside two of Mexico’s premier biosphere reserves!
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Join Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Manantlán Institute of Ecology and
Biodiversity Conservation in Jalisco, Mexico and discover the extraordinary
abundance and diversity of endemic and migrant birds in this globally-important
biodiversity hotspot! Over 520 bird species can be found in southern Jalisco
and adjacent Colima -- including the majority of wintering migrants from western
North America, and an astonishing 91 endemic and near-endemic species! All
this in an area less than 1/8 the size of Colorado!
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RMBO Conservation Birding Tours combine experiential scientific education with world
class bird-watching to showcase the biodiversity of continentally-important bird
areas and support local conservation programs. These tours are geared for resource
managers, academics, and serious nature enthusiasts who enjoy getting off the beaten
path, becoming better informed about biodiversity conservation, experiencing local
culture, and seeing lots of amazing birds! Trips are led by regional and international
bird conservation experts with local knowledge and access to pristine natural areas.
Best of all, 100% of proceeds support bird local conservation programs!
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On this trip to Jalisco and Colima, we’ll discover the ornithological connection
between the Rocky Mountains and western Mexico and learn about the conservation
status of birds and biodiversity in this region from local experts. We’ll stay as
special guests at research stations in the core zones of two of Mexico’s most important
Protected Natural Areas for endemic and migratory birds: The Sierra de Manantlán
and the Chamela-Cuitzmala biosphere reserves, for a truly one-of-a-kind educational
birding experience! These core protected zones are closed to the public and provide
exceptional opportunities for viewing rare and hard-to-find species. Literally,
step out your door into some of Mexico’s richest and most pristine ecosystems!
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We’ll visit all the major life zones in this diverse region, from sea level to mountain
tops, including mangroves, rocky coasts, thorn forest, tropical deciduous forest,
tropical semi-evergreen forest, oak and pine-oak forests, cloud forests, wetlands,
and so much more! We’ll visit bird banding stations where you’ll get a chance to
study some of Mexico’s avifauna up-close and personal. We’ll learn first-hand, from
regional and international experts about the ecology, management, and conservation
of migrant and endemic birds and their habitats in this region.
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Some of the unique birds we will seek out on this trip include Long-tailed Wood-Partridge,
Singing Quail, Crested Guan, Lilac-crowned and Yellow-headed Parrot, Military Macaw,
Mexican Parrotlet, Balsas Screech-Owl, Colima Pygmy-Owl, Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird,
Mexican Woodnymph, Bumblebee Hummingbird, Amethyst-throated Hummingbird, Mountain
Trogon, Flammulated Flycatcher, Slaty, Dwarf, and Golden vireos, Chestnut-sided
Shrike-Vireo, Aztec Thrush, Red-breasted Chat, Red Warblers, Orange-breasted and
Blue buntings, and many, many more!
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Cost for this 7-night, all-inclusive trip is $2000 per person (excl. airfare
to Guadalajara, Jalisco, and alcoholic beverages, if desired). The trip is limited
to 8 participants, and will include at least two bilingual guides at all times.
Trip leaders include Arvind Panjabi, Siux Diaz, Eduardo Santana Castellon, and Sarahy
Contreras. To reserve a spot on this trip, or for more information, please contact:
Arvind Panjabi
RMBO Conservation Birding Tours
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
PO Box 1232
Brighton, CO 80601-1232
Phone: 970-482-1707 ext. 20
E-mail: arvind.panjabi@rmbo.org
A $500 deposit is required to reserve a spot on this trip. Full payment is required
at least 30 days in advance of departure (Feb. 14, 2009). 50% refund given for cancellations
made before this date.
100% of proceeds support bird conservation in West Mexico!
Read a trip overview
View the tentative itinerary for
this trip
View the bird list for southern Jalisco
and Colima
Find out what you should bring
Trip Overview
We’ll begin our trip in the highlands where we’ll stay at the University of Guadalajara’s
Las Joyas Research Station, located in the core zone of the Sierra de Manantlan
Biosphere Reserve. Many birds that are rare and difficult to see in other places,
such as Crested Guan, Long-tailed Wood-Partridge, and Singing Quail, can often be
seen here. Other unique birds in this reserve that we can see include Bumblebee
Hummingbird, Slaty and Dwarf Vireo, Chestnut-sided Shrike Vireo, Aztec Thrush, Mountain
Trogon, Russet, Ruddy-capped and Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush, and Crescent-chested,
Olive, Red-faced, and Red Warbler, to name a few. We will also see many wintering
North American migrants. In the evenings, after an expertly prepared meal of authentic
local cuisine, we’ll enjoy presentations from regional experts about their current
research, management, and conservation efforts to protect and preserve habitat for
birds in this region.
After visiting the highlands, we’ll travel to the coast where we’ll visit lagoons,
mangroves, and tropical deciduous forests containing some of the greatest diversity
of endemic species anywhere in Mexico! We’ll stay at the National University of
Mexico’s Chamela Biological Station, in the heart of western Mexico’s tropical deciduous
forest, where we’ll look for Lilac-crowned and Yellow-headed Parrot, Citreoline
Trogon, Flammulated Flycatcher, White-bellied Wren, Red-breasted Chat, Orange-breasted
Bunting, Blue Bunting, and many other endemic, migrant and resident birds that share
this unique habitat.
What you should bring
Temperatures will range from cool in the highlands to hot in the lowlands, so be
prepared for a varied climate. Lightweight long pants and sleeves recommended, for
maximum sun and insect protection. Also bring: a hat, sunscreen, bug dope, water
bottle, flashlight, and any other personal items.
Accommodations range from rustic (but clean and comfortable) to modern, often with
shared bathrooms. Bedding provided. Food is typical authentic Mexican fare – please
advise us of any special dietary needs so we can make necessary arrangements in
advance.
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For More Information:
arvind.panjabi@rmbo.org
230 Cherry Street
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 482-1707 ext. 20
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