| Bird watching: A passion for nature |
 The
Bay of Banderas is without doubt one of the most beautiful and large bays of the
world*. Thanks to its privileged geographical location, in contains a great variety
of natural habitats that offer space to a surprising diversity of plant and animal
species. This biodiversity enables us to enjoy the
most exciting shows exhibited by nature when we participate in eco-tourist activities,
one outstanding example of which is bird watching. This
activity that combines strictly recreational aspects with scientific ones has
enjoyed a noticeable increase in participants over the last few decades, especially
in northern Europe, Canada and the United States. In the U.S., it has become the
recreational activity with the greatest increase in followers over the last few
years. People who dedicate themselves to this activity
are generally characterized for having an average-to-high cultural profile and
devoting most of their free time to their passion for birds - anything from a
week-end afternoon not far from their homes to trips to the other side of the
world where they have the opportunity to observe unique specimens.  Apart
from increasing our knowledge and new experiences with wildlife, bird watching
represents a true pastime that also helps us relax our body and our minds as we
immerse ourselves in a paradise of peace and clean air.
Like
on any outing where we try to come into contact with animals in the wild, one
needs a good dose of patience on a bird watching expedition although the more
experience we acquire, the less time we spend "searching". Once
we have located the bird with the help of binoculars or a telescope, we proceed
by means of the observation of certain specific characteristics, for example:
the color patterns of the plumage, the color and shape of the beak, feet or other
parts of the body, leading to the identification of the species, for which we
use illustrated field guides. The name of the species we observed is noted in
a booklet, which will help us keep a record of the species observed during each
expedition. Bird watching is not limited to the identification
of species, it also involves the observation of each bird's behavior, the type
of nest it builds, the habitat in which it lives, basically all that is involved
in witnessing a moment in the private life of the birds.  According
to Professor Fabio Cupul who has conducted different studies of the birds in the
Bay of Banderas, this bay is the temporary and permanent home of some 366 species
and 10 sub-species of birds of which 173 reside here all year round, 148 just
spend winter here and 20 others visit throughout the year. Twenty-three use the
bay during their migratory travels and 12 have combinations of visiting, migrating
and resident populations.
Of all those species of birds,
some represent real trophies for bird watchers. Among them are the Blue-footed
Booby, a native to the Marieta Islands that is listed among the endangered species
and another spectacular bird, the Military Macaw, that besides being an endangered
species is also in danger of extinction. There is no doubt that the possibility
of seeing a beautiful Black-throated Magpie Jay is an enticing invitation to bird
watchers to travel just for the opportunity to meet it "in person". These
magnificent birds of the Bay of Banderas -among many others- invite us to get
up early, pick up a pair of binoculars and go out to engage in the fascinating
activity that is bird watching. For information regarding
the bird watching expeditions in the diverse environments of the Bay of Banderas,
please call Open Air Expeditions at 222-3310. * The Bay
of Banderas belongs to the very exclusive "Most Beautiful Bays of the World"
Club. Hasta la próxima, Isabel
Cárdenas Oteiza
AMTAVE
Pacific Zone Vice-President
openair@pvnet.com.mx
Cielo
Abierto Expeditions | 
Current
Weather Report
