VERACRUZ 2014: Day 2 – Along the Water

Day 2 / Oct 3: La Mancha; Rio La Antigua

Our early start today allowed us to witness a lovely sunrise over the coast at La Mancha. The first rays of light silhouetted flights of passerines and other migrants rising out of their overnight roosts in search of food. Flocks of Dickcissels flew overhead, as other local birds appeared, including a pair of Common Black Hawks, Lineated Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, and many others. Walking inland along tree-lined tracks we found a pair of Rose-throated Becards, and a Black-headed Trogon. We were captivated by a fantastic show of migrating dragonflies and butterflies throughout the morning.

Vermilion Flycatcher

We returned to Cardel for lunch and some rooftop hawk watching. The flight was a little slow so we left early for our afternoon visit to La Antigua, only 10 minutes away.

Situated on the La Antigua River, this small town of the same name dates from 1523, when spanish explorer Hernan Cortes established it as his home base to launch his bold conquest of what is now known as Mexico. We visited the famed 16th-century church and the remains of Cortes’ home, now covered in giant fig trees, before heading towards the river and a splendid boat ride.

Yellow-crowned NIght-Heron

We motored slowly down the river, watching all the while for kingfishers, herons, egrets and Neotropical Cormorants, some still in breeding plumage.

Western Sandpiper

At the mouth of the river, hundreds of Brown Pelican and terns – mostly Gull-billed – were resting, along with multitudes of shorebirds, including Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, and this lovely Western Sandpiper.

Collared Plover

We anchored on a sandy shoreline and disembarked to walk the beach a bit, observing scores of resting Black-bellied Plovers and a pair of striking Collared Plovers. On our way back to the dock, we passed the local waders again – ones with wings, and some with fishing poles – all benefiting from the river’s bounty. An excellent seafood dinner at the dockside Las Delicias restaurant rounded out a wonderful day.

– Robert Straub