Birding in Puerto Vallarta

The day started early today. We all boarded a van at 7AM on a private bird watching tour with Alejandro Martinez. With a bit of luck, we were hoping to see Elegant Trogans, Military Macaws, Squirrel Cuckoos, Golden-cheeked Woodpeckers and a host of other birds. We headed south of Puerto Vallarta into the cool refreshing air of the mountains. We stopped and hiked to spot seed-eaters, tityras, woodpeckers, flycatchers, vultures, warblers, etc. etc. At one point, the Squirrel Cuckoo made an appearance by flying a few feet from us with its brilliant rufous color and a long tail.

We had lunch in the middle of the forest surrounded by nothing but greenery and the freshest air I have inhaled in years. We walked some more and then headed to the botanical gardens where we had closeup views of Cinnamon Hummingbirds and a female Golden-cheeked Woodpecker.

Most folks who go to Puerto Vallarta are interested in booze-cruise activities. Instead, if you are into nature, birds and wildlife, I highly recommend connecting with Alejandro Martinez at this website.

After returning mid-afternoon, we relaxed. Mosquitoes were out in force while birding and we each have dozens of bites to show for it. The mosquito bites will disappear in a few days; the memories will last a lifetime!

I ran on the treadmill for 7km (just longer than 30 minutes) late this afternoon. We laughed a lot at our last day at dinner today before retiring to bed!