Winter Birding Near San Miguel de Allende
Area Around Central Mexican City Offers Many Choices For Birders
Jan 26, 2009
Good birding can be found within the urban area of San Miguel, located in the central Mexican highlands at 6,300 feet. In addition, great birding also can be found near the towns of La Huerta, Atotonilco and Mineral de Pozos.
La Huerta
La Huerta is a small village about five miles below Presa Ignacio Allende, the large lake that lies to the west of San Miguel de Allende. To reach the birding areas along this riparian corridor, take the main highway out of San Miguel toward Celaya. Nine miles from San Miguel, turn right on the primary highway toward Guanajuato and Leon. Follow this highway for just over two miles, until you cross the dam for Presa Ignacio Allende. A sign for La Huerta is on the far (left) side of the dam, where you turn left onto a dirt road.
A half mile from this turnoff, the road passes through a long, third-of-a-mile, single-lane tunnel. Be careful not to enter the tunnel if you see lights from an oncoming car. The first two miles of this drive to La Huerta are along the outlet stream from the dam, with towering rock walls on the other side of the stream. La Huerta is located four miles from the turnoff, but continue through the village for another mile and a half, where the road approaches a rail crossing. Pull off and park to the right, before the rail crossing.
Good birding is available all around this area, including winter fruiting cactus, thistle fields and the riparian area across the fields to the right, which includes water and fruiting trees. Birds to look for in this area include Hooded and Scott's oriole, Lesser goldfinch, Golden-fronted woodpecker, Vermillion and Grey flycatcher, Great kiskadee, Indigo bunting and Curve-billed thrasher.
Rio Laja and Casa de Aves
Seven miles north of San Miguel, on the highway to Dolores Hildalgo, is a turnoff (left) to the historic town of Atotonilco, which is about one mile from the highway. Pass through the town and continue another three miles on a gravel road to the bridge over the Rio Laja. Park before you cross the bridge, and bird the riparian area along the river in both directions. Winter birds often seen here include Rufous-crowned sparrow, Blue grosbeak, Snowy egret, White-tailed kite, Black and white warbler. Vermillion flycatcher, Groove-billed ani and Great kiskadee.
After birding the river area, cross the bridge and follow the signs to the Casa de Aves, about a half mile further. The grounds of the hotel are immaculately groomed and include a small lake. This is a great place to have lunch and to bird. The hotel maintains a bird list with thirty species, and you are likely to see Golden-fronted woodpecker, Vermillion flycatcher, Great-tailed grackle and Wilson's warbler among many others.
Mineral de Pozos
About fifty miles northwest of San Miguel, the part-ghost town, part-thriving village of Mineral de Pozos lies at 7,250 feet. From San Miguel, take the highway toward Queretaro, then turn left on highway 1 toward Los Rodriguez and Doctor Mora. Pass through Los Rodriguez and turn onto the divided lane highway 57 north toward San Luis Potosi. About twelve miles after entering highway 57, look for a small sign "Pozos" on your right, just before a Pemex station. Take this gravel road five miles to Mineral de Pozos.
Stop and bird along the gravel road toward the summit, where you can find Greater roadrunner, Golden-fronted woodpecker, Blue-grey gnatcatcher and Canyon towhee. The road peaks at nearly 7,600 feet, passes through the abandoned ghost town area, then drops into the village. The area from the summit into the village will likely show Chipping sparrow, Say's phoebe, Great-tailed grackle, Cassin's kingbird, Golden-fronted woodpecker and Inca dove, among other species.
San Miguel Audubon Society
The only Audubon chapter in Mexico is found in San Miguel. Joining the group (300 pesos) or joining their monthly Sunday bird walks (100 pesos), is a great way to meet other birders and to be introduced to area birding, both within the city and in the surrounding area.
San Miguel de Allende is a well-known central Mexican tourist destination. Popular for its art and architecture, it is also worth exploring for resident and nearby birding.
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