Amar Aves Birdwatching Tulum

19/08/2024

🌿Birdscaping the Yucatan 🌿
Plants are the foundation of wildlife habitat.
Amar Aves promotes the creation of bird-friendly habitats which plant native trees! From the pioneer Trumpet Tree and vibrant Scarlet Bush to the majestic Breadnut and Coral Tree, these species offer food, shelter, and nesting sites for a variety of birds.
Discover how each tree supports bird species and helps supports healthy ecosystems. Read on to learn more about these specific native species or Join us on our birdwatching tours as we explore the Yucatan Peninsula's birds and unique botanical species.
If you want to see more birds, plant more trees. Happy birdwatching!

https://www.birdwatchingtulum.com/post/birdscaping-the-importance-of-planting-native-trees-in-the-yucatan-peninsula-to-attract-birds

30/07/2024

Here is another bird from my recent trip to France. I was thrilled to spot this delightful Long-tailed Tit. With its fluffy, white underparts and black, brown, and pinkish hues on the upper parts, it exhibits a delicate and endearing appearance.

The Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus) is a small and cute passerine bird known for its distinctive, elongated tail that constitutes over half its total length. Commonly found across a wide range in Europe and Asia. These sociable birds are often seen in groups, flitting energetically through woodlands, hedgerows, parks, gardens and farmland hedges. They build intricate, dome-shaped nests using moss, lichen, and spider silk, showcasing their remarkable nesting skills. Their diet mainly consists of insects and spiders, making them beneficial as natural pest controllers.

22/07/2024

During my recent family visit to the Vercors Massif in France, I had the great opportunity to witness the reintroduction efforts of the Bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). The last evidence of the presence of a bearded vulture in the Vercors dates back to 1879. At that time, it was demonized due to ignorance of its biology and the roles it plays in mountain ecosystems. In reality, the species completely disappeared from the entire Alpine arc by the hand of man at the end of the 19th century. Between 2010 and 2024, 21 birds were successfully introduced by the Vercors Nature reserve. This program began for the 25th anniversary of the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors Nature Reserve which successfully allowed the return of this species to the cliffs of the territory alongside the more common Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus – photo of them perched on rock).

The two juvenile bearded vultures I got to observe in the temporary niche, originally from the Guadalentin breeding center (Cazorla, Spain), were released on the Tussac site in the Vercors massif in June 2024. The reintroduction of the bearded vulture is one of the greatest successes of the preservation of species over the last century.

11/07/2024

Many times I get asked what makes Muyil and other ¨hot spots¨ exhibit great bird diversity and activity. There are different factors. Climatic factors such as the amount of sunlight and rainfall that the tropics receive, fuel plant growth therefore attracting more herbivores and more animal life in general (three-quarters of all animal species and 90% of terrestrial birds!). Diversity of habitat such as wetlands, forests, mountains, artificial environments (plantations, gardens, urban areas, etc.), and others, also mean more bird diversity. But more specifically speaking, the spots I end up choosing to stop, listen and look for birds have something known as “structural complexity”, which refers to the amount of weeds, woody debris on the ground (understory density), different size trees, standing dead trees (snags) and the possible presence of water or pond nearby in a particular area. These complexities give birds many options of where to perch, nest and find food safely. I recommend you try to identify a specific spot with structural complexity on your next outing and count how many species of birds you can hear or see there.

kaan

25/06/2024

Rose-throated Tanager – Piranga roseogularis - Piranga Yucateca 🇲🇽

Here is another Yucatan endemic from the Cardinalidae family. The Rose-throated Tanager is always a treat to find. The beautiful color combination of grey and pink on the male and and grey and yellow on the female, make this a very unique Piranga species. The Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve is a great place to search for this bird where it can be seen usually on forest edges.

Join us on our Birdwatching Muyil and Sian Ka´an Tour: [email protected]; [email protected].
Tel: +521 984 140 78 70

🔗https://mexicokantours.rezdy.com/277590/bird-watching-muyil-group?agentCode=REDESAMARAVES

01/05/2024

Out birding in the Tulum National Park accompanying maya. Always magical to see a Trogon. Its call fills us with mysticism.

Salida a pajarear en el Parque Nacional de Tulum acompañando . Siempre magico ver un Trogon. Su canto nos llena de misticismo.

23/04/2024

Having a great time on my birthday today birding around the area where I spent most of my childhood in the state of Veracruz. I had no idea this beautiful lagoon with great bird diversity was here! If you want to know a place really well, do it as a birder!

17/04/2024

Gray-throated Chat – Granatellus sallaei – Granatelo Yucateco

From the Cardinalidae family and the Granatellus Genus, the Gray-throated Chat is a handsome endemic of the Yucatan Peninsula, south to Belize and central Guatemala. It inhabits lowland dry and semi-humid forests and can be a bit of a challenge to see it well. I am pleased to share these two photos I managed to take while in Xocen during the last multi-day trip we did.

17/04/2024

Northern Potoo – Nyctibius jamaicensis – Pájaro Estaca Norteño

I was able to see and admire this incredible looking bird during our last multi-day trip. This bird was on my list of ¨Nemesis Birds¨ for a long time. I have on occasion heard its strange and a bit scary call at my home, but have never been able to see it. This is a nocturnal species that is very difficult to see during the day when they perch high in trees and adopt a posture to resemble part of a branch or trunk. There are more chances of seeing them at night as they are more active, hunting for insects from a perch. I was blown away by the size of their bright yellow eyes.

birds

30/03/2024

Yucatan Woodpecker – Melanerpes pygmaeus – Carpintero Yucateco

“Endemism” refers to a species that is uniquely found in one part of the world, and that part only.

The levels of endemism in the Mayan jungle are among the highest in the world. Within this territory, the Yucatan Peninsula is home to an astounding amount of endemic mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds including this beautiful Yucatan Woodpecker showing yellow around its bill. These endemic species are primarily xerophilic, or adapted to arid areas which in the Yucatan peninsula become more prevalent as you move from the South East to the North West.

For a chance to see some of these fascinating birds and other endemics, join us on one or more of our birdwatching tours.

06/03/2024

Least Flycatcher – Empidonax minimus

A great birder once told me that I had to learn at least three special characteristics for each bird species which I claimed to know or wanted to learn to identify; characteristics such as shape, distinctive field marks, voice, behavior, habitat and others. These characteristics can help us to identify a bird, but when there are many similar species as it is the case with some of the Flycatchers, we have to look with great detail at the different characteristics and compare them between similar species. I recently made a misidentification of this Least Flycatcher, I want to thank the person that pointed out the error which was a great reminder for me to always take a closer look before jumping to conclusions.

01/03/2024

"Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder" Dusky Hummingbird, a Mexico Endemic....described as "Rather drab" and “female-plumaged” on ebird but shines brilliant emerald green when the sunlight hits it right

This beautiful female dusky (male and female look the same except the male has more red on the bill) was captured by , who took a muti-day birding trip with us in Oaxaca. Rahuljit thank you for choosing Amar Aves and for sharing such beautiful memories with us.

Photo and caption by

26/02/2024

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest, most widespread bird of prey in the world. We are very fortunate to be able to witness this incredible raptor here in Sian Ka’an as it feeds on the hatchlings and juveniles that use the mangroves for breeding and nourishment. Where will we be seeing it next?

Photo:

21/02/2024

I became a birder while working as a kayaking guide in the Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve. Mesmerized by the incredible diversity of species one could see, each with remarkable adaptations to a life in the mangroves and other coastal ecosystems, I soon realized the more I learnt about these birds, the more birds and their ecosystems I wanted to explore. Using a kayak provides the perfect means to give you access to areas otherwise hard to reach to explore the world of the aquatic (and other) bird species in an efficient, non-disturbing manner, and come into close contact with the elements and experience birdwatching from a whole new perspective.

If you are interested in joining us for an incredible journey by kayak full of birdlife, don´t hesitate to contact us.

07/02/2024

Described as "uncommon yet striking" on EBird, the White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) certainly lives up to its reputation! Belonging to the Bucconidae family, encountering this charismatic bird for the first time on my regular birding route was an absolute joy!

31/01/2024

Engaging in birdwatching offers families a wonderful chance to bond with each other while connecting with diverse landscapes at the same time. We've had the pleasure of guiding numerous families on our tours, encompassing a diverse range of age groups, with parents involving their children in birdwatching, or vice versa, children getting their parents involved! The shared excitement of spotting a bird fosters communication and bonding among family members. This outdoor activity encourages teamwork, as family members work together to identify birds and share their findings. Moreover, birdwatching promotes mindfulness, allowing families to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings while enjoying the thrill of discovery. It's a wholesome and educational pastime that not only deepens the appreciation for nature but also creates lasting memories for all members involved. Contact us if you would like u to design a birdwatching tour especially for your family.

Participar en la observación de aves ofrece a las familias una maravillosa oportunidad de vincularse entre sí y al mismo tiempo conectarse con diversos paisajes. Hemos tenido el placer de guiar a numerosas familias en nuestros recorridos, abarcando una amplia gama de edades. ¡Qué alegría ver a los padres involucrando a sus hijos en el avistamiento de aves, o viceversa, muchas veces los niños involucran a sus padres! La emoción compartida de ver un pájaro fomenta la comunicación y los vínculos entre los miembros de la familia. También fomenta el trabajo en equipo, ya que los miembros de la familia trabajan juntos para identificar aves y compartir sus hallazgos. La observación de aves promueve una atención plena, lo que permite a las familias sumergirse en un entorno sereno mientras disfrutan de la emoción del descubrimiento. Es un pasatiempo saludable y educativo que no sólo profundiza el aprecio por la naturaleza sino que también crea recuerdos duraderos para todos los miembros involucrados.

22/01/2024

In the Yucatan Peninsula it is possible to find two of the three species in the Tityra Genus. The Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata) is common in woods and open country while the less common Black-crowned Tityra prefers more humid, tall forest canopy. Tityras have a unique pale gray color with black on the head, wings, and tail. Their vocalizations are very peculiar uttering froglike or pig like sounds, hence the name of the Masked Tityra in spanish of Little Pig Tityra (Titira Puerquito). They nest in tree holes, which, in the case of the masked tityra, may be usurped from a toucan or woodpecker by stuffing leaves into the hole until it is abandoned by the owner. The Masked Tityra is so unique that once someone told me the male has a monkey face… and he kind of does!

En la Península de Yucatán es posible encontrar dos de las tres especies del Género Tityra. La Titira Puerquito (Tityra semifasciata) es común en bosques y campo abierto, mientras que la Titira Pico Negro, algo menos común, prefiere selvas húmedas con árboles altos. Las titiras tienen un distintivo color gris pálido, negro en la cabeza, las alas y la cola. Sus vocalizaciones son muy peculiares emitiendo sonidos parecidos a los de una rana o un cerdo, de ahí el nombre de Titira Puerquito para la T.semifasciata. Anidan en los agujeros de los árboles, que, en el caso de la Titira Puerquito, pueden ser usurpados a un tucán o pájaro carpintero metiendo hojas en el agujero hasta que sea abandonado por el dueño. La Titira Puerquito es tan única que una vez alguien me dijo que el macho tiene cara de mono... ¡Y más o menos si parece!

09/01/2024

One reason that has a lot to do with my appreciation for birds is the fact that they help me understand some aspects of life and fascinating topics such as evolution, adaptation, migration, among other things. We know that birds and other forms of life, including humans, evolve by adapting to the conditions and niches available in our environment, adopting certain physical and behavioral characteristics. Some species become dominant species, due to their capacity to adapt and to other environmental factors such as the abundance of energy or available resources. Such is the case of humans on the planet. One bird species that has adapted to and benefited from human activity in Central America and lately much of North America, with an expansion of 5,530% in the last 100 years, is the Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). Despite often having a bad reputation, Man's relationship with these birds is so close that we should not miss the opportunity to observe them to learn more about them and us. They thrive amongst humans: they eat practically everything, they are attracted to most types of human development and are thoroughly urbanized, they congregate in groups and are noisy; they only need food and water to reproduce and apparently although they are polygamous both males and females are unfaithful to their partners and groups.

Una razón que tiene mucho que ver con mi apreciación por las aves es el hecho que me ayudan a comprender algunos aspectos sobre la vida y temas tan fascinantes como lo son la evolución, adaptación, migración, entre otras cosas. Algunas especies por su capacidad de adaptación y otros factores del entorno como la abundancia de energía o recursos disponibles se convierten en especies dominantes; tal es el caso de los humanos en el planeta. Una especie de ave que se ha adaptado y beneficiado de la actividad humana en América Central y partes de Norte América es el Zanate Mayor. Es tan estrecha la relación del hombre con estas aves que no deberíamos de perdernos la oportunidad de observarlas para aprender más sobre ellas y nosotros.

05/01/2024

The Caribbean Sea is of indisputable beauty, but its blue, crystalline waters are as beautiful as they are biologically poor. There are several factors that explain its biological poverty, among them, the fact that it is a warm and very deep sea. We can say that in the Caribbean there is diversity but not density of species. When birding in the Caribbean and the goal is to observe a great diversity of birds, it requires careful study, planning, and a bit of luck. And when enjoying a day at the beach, three of the most common species that I personally enjoy observing, are the Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), making me wish I could fly, the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentals), reminding me to enjoy the best of life and the Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), always a source of amusement.

El Mar Caribe es de una belleza indiscutible, pero sus aguas azules y cristalinas son tan bellas como lo son pobres biológicamente. Son varios los factores que explican su pobreza biológica, entre estos, el hecho que es un mar cálido y muy profundo. Podemos decir que en El Caribe hay más diversidad que densidad de especies. Si la finalidad es observar diversidad de aves habrá que estudiar, tener un plan y suerte. Y cuando la finalidad es disfrutar de un día de playa tres de las especies más comunes que disfruto mucho observar son la Fragata Tijereta (Fregata magnificens) que como se me antoja poder volar cada vez que las veo, el Pelícano Café (Pelecanus occidentals) que sabe g***r la vida y la Gaviota Reidora (Leucophaeus atricilla) que siempre es divertido verlas interactuar entre ellas.


Photo credit: Fregata magnificens&Lauging gull by Felix Uribe, Fregata magnificens & Pelecanus occidentals by Kurayba; Leucophaeus atricilla by Emoke Denes.

20/12/2023

12/12/2023

The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful coral reef, lush jungle, a culture that gave rise to one of the most impressive civilizations and much more ... to talk about its birds, is equally fascinating. With over 500 species of birds including 13 endemics, the Yucatan Peninsula offers an exquisite diversity of birds in its different ecosystems such as: coasts, mangrove swamps, wetlands and various types of jungle. Birds are present in all of our tours, serving as effective nature ambassadors that enhance our understanding of the environment, geography, and ecosystem health. Their significance goes beyond the natural realm, as birds have been used as symbols to express ideas and concepts in various cultures, often appearing in art, stories and legends. When you take an excursion with Mexico Kan Tours, be sure to ask your guide about the birds, or if you have further interest and passion for birds, we invite you to take an excursion with Amar Aves, the branch of Mexico Kan Tours specialized in birdwatching tours.

La Península de Yucatán es conocida por sus hermosas playas, coloridos arrecifes de coral, exuberante selva, una cultura que dio origen a una de las civilizaciones más impresionantes y mucho más… hablar de sus aves, es igualmente fascinante. Con más de 500 especies de aves incluyendo 13 endémicas, la Península de Yucatán ofrece una exquisita diversidad de aves en sus diferentes ecosistemas como: costas, manglares, humedales y diversos tipos de selva. Las aves están presentes en todos nuestros recorridos y nos sirven como eficaces embajadores de la naturaleza. Nos ayudan a comprender mejor el medio ambiente, la geografía y la salud de los ecosistemas. Su importancia va más allá del ámbito natural, ya que las aves han sido utilizadas como símbolos que expresan ideas y conceptos en diversas culturas, apareciendo en arte, cuentos y leyendas. Cuando tomes una excursión con Mexico Kan Tours, no dejes de preguntar a tu guía acerca de las aves; o si tu interés y pasión por las aves va más allá, te invitamos a tomar una excursión con Amar Aves, la rama de Mexico Kan Tours especializada en los tours de observación de aves.

12/12/2023

09/12/2023

Mangrove Warbler - Setophaga petechia bryanti

We were so happy to finally capture this characteristic subspecies of the Yellow warbler in the mangroves of Rio Lagartos. The Mangrove Warbler is a captivating bird that thrives in the unique coastal ecosystems of mangroves. It´s striking yellow plumage and red head sticks out against the greenery of mangrove trees. With an agile nature, the Mangrove Warbler expertly navigates through the tangled branches, making it a challenge for any photographer to capture. From April to July, “mangroves sing” when this bird is breeding.

Estábamos muy felices de finalmente capturar a esta peculiar subespecie de Chipe Amarillo en los manglares de Río Lagartos. El Chipe de Bryant o Chipe Manglero es un ave cautivadora de los ecosistemas costeros, especialmente de los manglares. Si logras observarla, su llamativo plumaje amarillo y cabeza roja resaltan contra el verdor de las hojas. Con una naturaleza ágil, este chipe navega expertamente a través de las ramas, lo que hace de esta especie un desafío para fotografiar. De abril a julio, cuando esta ave se reproduce, es maravilloso escuchar el “canto del manglar”.

Photo by Kim Nagy Mangrove

27/11/2023

Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)

As far as I know there is no official bird representing the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico; but if I had to choose one, I would choose the Turquoise-browed Motmot. Not only for its flamboyant bright turquoise color but mostly for its strong connection to cenotes (sink holes of the peninsula) and Mayan archaeological sites. It reproduces from March to August and nests by excavating its burrow in the cracks of walls. Particularly conspicuous in the summer months, this Motmot are much harder to find during the dry season as they locally migrate to more humid parts of the Yucatan. The Yucatec Maya people refer to this bird by its onomatopoeic name “Toh” mimicking the bird´s call, and features greatly in local legends and traditions. Its most striking feature is possibly its pendulum like tail with a long bare shaft. Interestingly, the shape of the tail is attained when feathers with weakly attached barbs are deliberately shed by juvenile Motmots just after birth.

Hasta donde yo sepa, no existe un ave oficial que represente al estado de Quintana Roo en México; pero si tuviera que elegir una, elegiría el Momoto Cejas Azules. No solo por su extravagante y brillante color turquesa, sino sobre todo por su fuerte conexión con los cenotes (pozos naturales de la península) y los sitios arqueológicos mayas. Se reproduce de marzo a agosto y anida excavando su madriguera en las grietas de las paredes. Particularmente visible en los meses de verano, los momotos son mucho más difíciles de encontrar durante la sequía, ya que migran localmente a partes más húmedas de Yucatán. Los mayas yucatecos se refieren a esta ave por su nombre onomatopéyico "Toh", que imita el llamado de esta ave, y ocupa un lugar destacado en las leyendas y tradiciones locales. Su característica más llamativa es probablemente su cola en forma de péndulo con cañon largo y desnudo. Curiosamente, la forma de la cola resulta cuando los momotos juveniles se desprenden deliberadamente de plumas con púas débilmente adheridas justo después del nacimiento.

Photo: Angelo Rodriguez Greco .regreco

31/07/2023

4 FACTS ABOUT COBÁ 📍🦜

The Cobá Ruins, located in the interior of the Quintana Roo state, west of Tulum, hold a rich historical significance as one of the largest settlements of the northern lowlands. Here are some facts about the Cobá Ruins:

1.Ancient City of Trade and Power: Cobá was once a thriving city and a powerful trading hub during the Classic Period of the Mayan civilization (300-800 AD). Its strategic location between the coastal region and inland areas allowed it to control trade routes and establish dominance over surrounding settlements.

2.Extensive Road Network: What sets Cobá apart from other Mayan sites is its extensive network of stone causeways known as sacbeob (plural for sacbe) or white roads. These raised roads radiate from the central core of the city and stretch for several miles, connecting various architectural complexes and providing evidence of the city's advanced urban planning.

3.Nohoch Mul Pyramid: The star attraction of Cobá is the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, also known as the Great Pyramid. Rising to a height of approximately 138 feet (42 meters), it is the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula.

4. Paradise for Birdwatchers: The dense foliage and varied habitats of Cobá provide a haven for a wide array of bird species.

29/07/2023

Can't stop birding. 🪹Watching a group of Collared Aracaris cross the road while having breakfast with friends after birding in Muyil. 🌿

27/07/2023

🌺Hooded Oriole - Icterus cucullatus
Bright orange oriole with color slightly more intense on the head. Distributed through the southwestern United States, most of Mexico, and south into Belize This species feeds on a broad range of items, including insects, fruit and nectar. They can be found in different types of habitat such as open woods, thickets, palms, and shade trees, including those in suburban yards.

🌺Calandria Dorso Negro Menor - Icterus cucullatus
Calandria de color naranja brillante con color ligeramente más intenso en la cabeza. Distribuido a través del suroeste de los Estados Unidos, la mayor parte de México y Belice. Esta especie tiene una diversa fuente de alimentos que incluye insectos, frutas y néctar.
Se pueden encontrar en diferentes tipos de hábitat, como selva, matorrales, palmeras y árboles de sombra, incluidos los de los patios suburbanos.

📸

24/07/2023

🌿5 CHARACTERISTICS OF MUYIL🌿

Step into the ancient world at Muyil Archaeological Site! Unearth the secrets of this remarkable Mayan civilization as we dive into some characteristics about Muyil.

1️. Location: It is located on the shores of the lake of the same name, near the Chunyaxché lagoon, 20 kilometers from Tulum, at the northern end of the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve.

2. It is a settlement that, due to its geographical location, maintained a long occupational continuity of more than 1800 years.

3. The first material evidence of the site corresponds to the period from the 3rd century before our era to the first years of our era when it maintained links with settlements in northern Belize and southern Quintana Roo.

4. Muyil was established as an important city between the 3rd and 6th centuries of our era, in which Petén-style buildings were built, typical of the time such as "El Castillo", the highest and most visible in the city.

5. It was between the 13th and 15th centuries of our era when most of the known buildings were built and the city became most important as it became part of the coastal trade networks of the peninsula, which connected with Cozumel, the coast and the islands of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.