Desembocada Bird Watching Tour

This was the second trip my wife and I had gone birding with Cynthia, she is skilled at bird songs and knows the local area. It was a very productive day. We spotted 70 different bird species and double digit life list birds, but it is not only about the numbers. Cynthia brought her expertise and allowed us all to have some successful sightings. Overall it was a fun and we saw some of the most wonderful birds Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Thank you Cynthia and ecotours you made our vacation that much more fulfilling.

Had the privilege of doing a bird watching tour with Michael to La Desembocada and Ameca River. The group was a small one of only 4 people, made up of a mix of bird watching experience. Michael did a great job keeping everyone engaged, ensuring the newer birders were not discouraged, but also trying hard to find (and succeed!) some lifers for the more experienced in the group. The trip started at 7am from the offices and we were whisked about in a comfortable air conditioned van. After a quick coffee stop and fairly short drive we reached a dry river bed just outside La Desembocada. The early morning meant temperatures were mild and we took a short but very productive amble up the river and around and back to the van. This walk yielded over 30 species. After a short drive further into the forest, we stopped again for an even shorter walk. Good planning on part of Michael ensured that we did this walk later as the sun was up and it was getting warmer, but we were mostly in the shade. Although the second walk was very short, it took longer as there was more activity in both the undergrowth and canopy. By the time were got back to the van we had upped the list for the day to well over 50. We then drove to the mangroves around the mouth of the Ameca river. Here we were out in the open looking at shorebirds and various herons and egrets. With the diversity of habitat we got over 80 species of bird by the end of the day, including some most of the common specials of the area. Michael had us back at the office around 4pm. Overall a great day out and well worth doing both for those who enjoy a day out in nature with some interest in birds and for those with a much deeper knowledge and expectations of all things avian. Michael was an excellent guide, knowing not only the birds, but so much more about the fauna and flora of this part of Mexico, and was gracious enough to share a little of his personal experiences with us. Highly recommended!