Birds of Oaxaca: Recap

In March 2019, Maine Audubon, in association with Field Guides Birding Tours, made a trip to southwestern Mexico in search of rare endemic species in the Sierra Madre mountains. Based in the beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca, known for great birds, authentic food, and amazing human history, the group explored many habitats in the area, including the semi-arid deserts near Teotitlán and the pine forests of La Cumbre at altitudes of up to almost 10,000 feet.

Oaxaca is located at the crossroads of several major biogeographic regions of Mexico, resulting in a high concentration of endemic species. The group visited the high desert washes and grasslands at 4,000 feet elevation, the pre-Columbian Zapoteca ruins around Oaxaca of Monte Albán and Mitla, and up to the old growth forests in the surrounding mountains at 10,000 feet. More than 180 bird species were seen in six days, and in every shape, size, and color!

Doug Hitchcox, staff naturalist for Maine Audubon, will share stories and photos. The group also had a chance to learn about early indigenous people and their impressive engineering and architectural skills, watch local artisans weaving traditional wool rugs, and sample the world-famous cuisine. Where else can you watch Blue-throated Mountain-gems while enjoying a lunch of Aztec stew?

Join us on Thursday, October 17, at the Camden Library, 55 Main St., Camden, at 7 pm. We welcome a small donation to support our free public presentations.

Read on for a detailed trip report with the bird list and photographs.