Strange Birds in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a vacation wonderland that will fulfill the wish list of nearly every visitor who comes to town. Whether your interests run to a day at the beach or deep sea fishing or fine dining, you'll find it right outside your villa Puerto Vallarta. And if birding is your game, you'll be happy to learn that the local wildlife has plenty to inspire the voyeur in you.
Those new to the birding game may need a hand getting started. For instance, there are a few basic tools that most birders rely on, including a good pair of field glasses (a binocular) - birds are skittish fellows and they don't always invite close company. It could be that the host at your villa Puerto Vallarta keeps a pair in the house. Use a field notebook to keep a record of the birds you encounter so you can compare notes with other birders; this task suggests you're going to want a pencil, as well.
Which birds are which?
Birders lament that it can be a bit hard to find a great field guide to the huge variety of birds you can expect to see in Mexico. Birds of Mexico and Central America, published in 2006, is one option; you might want to take a copy with you. Certain types of birds are likely to cross your path, depending on your location (beside the bay, high in the mountains, in the jungle); take good notes and a few photos to create a good profile.
- Describe the general size and shape of your bird. Look at the head, the beak, the body, the wings (this is much easier when you see the bird in flight). Birders place a great emphasis on bird silhouettes, and it helps to know the parts of a bird - sure, you can identify its wings, but can you point to its primaries and secondaries?
- Take a good look at the arrangement of color on your bird, both on top and underneath. Start with general and simple things (is it mostly light or dark?), then move on to particulars. Look for patterns and patches of bright color, especially around the head and throat.
- Watch the bird for a while (assuming it will let you) and take notes about its behavior. Does it hang out with its peeps (sorry) or is it a loner? How does it move on the ground? Which part of the tree does it prefer, high or low?