El Cielo Birding and Butterfly Festival, February 2008A scant 5 hours or so south of Brownsville, Texas lies the "tip of the Neotropical avifaunal iceberg". Here in the Sierra Madre mountains of Tamiliapas, Mexico is found the northernmost cloudforest habitat in the Americas. Here the icy tentacles of winter never reach, and the trees are festooned with bromeliads. Here the birdlife has a distinctly tropical flavor, and numerous species widespread in the tropics find their nothernmost outposts. Each year for the past four or five, an easy, turn-key tour organized out of McAllen, Texas has been held to promote birding and butterflying tourism in the area. Billed as the "2008 El Cielo Bird and Butterfly Festival", 48 participants boarded two busses at the Texas border for a long weekend of field trips. Headquaters were at the Hotel Mante, in Mante, Tamiliapas, Mexico. Field trips were centered around the premier nature destination in these parts, the "El Cielo biosphere reserve". This gallery summarizes some of the birds, butterflies and other activities the visitors experienced. Additional details, along with a complete bird and butterfly list of species encountered can be found on the festival's website. Just search for "El Cielo Nature festival".
The event participants were divided into two groups; one seeking out birds and butterflies, and one focused solely on birds.
Included here also a a few shots from a couple of South Texas stops made enroute to the festival.
The vast majority of these shots are decidedly marginal in quality, but will serve to illustrate what species can be found, and hopefully bring back some pleasant memories for the participants!http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-1/267030345_uUkxB-Ti.jpghttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/gallery/4534393_nVdVD/2008-03-19T05:42:04ZCopyright 2009, the copyright holder of each photograph. Some portions copyright SmugMug. All rights reserved.SmugMugView of pond and picnic area trails, Kelberg park, Kingsville, Texas. For birders wishing to overnight before the McAllen/Brownsville area, Kingsville is a good place. Kleberg park offers ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />View of pond and picnic area trails, Kelberg park, Kingsville, Texas. For birders wishing to overnight before the McAllen/Brownsville area, Kingsville is a good place. Kleberg park offers ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267030345_uUkxB" title="View of pond and picnic area trails, Kelberg park, Kingsville, Texas. For birders wishing to overnight before the McAllen/Brownsville area, Kingsville is a good place. Kleberg park offers ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-1/267030345_uUkxB-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="View of pond and picnic area trails, Kelberg park, Kingsville, Texas. For birders wishing to overnight before the McAllen/Brownsville area, Kingsville is a good place. Kleberg park offers ..." title="View of pond and picnic area trails, Kelberg park, Kingsville, Texas. For birders wishing to overnight before the McAllen/Brownsville area, Kingsville is a good place. Kleberg park offers ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:25Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-1/267030345_uUkxB-Th.jpg2008-02-27 08:34:36Pier and walkway, Kleberg park, Kingsville. Opposite shore has a loop trail that can be productive early in the morning. This large pond can add to one's Valley list with ducks, grebes and ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Pier and walkway, Kleberg park, Kingsville. Opposite shore has a loop trail that can be productive early in the morning. This large pond can add to one's Valley list with ducks, grebes and ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267030280_zXQd3" title="Pier and walkway, Kleberg park, Kingsville. Opposite shore has a loop trail that can be productive early in the morning. This large pond can add to one's Valley list with ducks, grebes and ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-2/267030280_zXQd3-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Pier and walkway, Kleberg park, Kingsville. Opposite shore has a loop trail that can be productive early in the morning. This large pond can add to one's Valley list with ducks, grebes and ..." title="Pier and walkway, Kleberg park, Kingsville. Opposite shore has a loop trail that can be productive early in the morning. This large pond can add to one's Valley list with ducks, grebes and ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:45:50Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-2/267030280_zXQd3-Th.jpg2008-02-26 20:15:55Green Jay, Kleberg park, Kingsville. The loop road allows close approach to a number of nice habitat where photos can be taken from inside a vehicle.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Green Jay, Kleberg park, Kingsville. The loop road allows close approach to a number of nice habitat where photos can be taken from inside a vehicle.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267029811_wLyU9" title="Green Jay, Kleberg park, Kingsville. The loop road allows close approach to a number of nice habitat where photos can be taken from inside a vehicle."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-3/267029811_wLyU9-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Green Jay, Kleberg park, Kingsville. The loop road allows close approach to a number of nice habitat where photos can be taken from inside a vehicle." title="Green Jay, Kleberg park, Kingsville. The loop road allows close approach to a number of nice habitat where photos can be taken from inside a vehicle." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:48:32Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-3/267029811_wLyU9-Th.jpg2008-02-26 20:48:03Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Kleberg Park, Kingsville.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Kleberg Park, Kingsville.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267030686_7BVBC" title="Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Kleberg Park, Kingsville."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-4/267030686_7BVBC-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Kleberg Park, Kingsville." title="Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Kleberg Park, Kingsville." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:46:55Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-4/267030686_7BVBC-Th.jpg2008-02-26 20:48:46The visitor's center at Bentsen includes a great butterfly garden, gift shop and simple eatery inside. A large parking lot is across the street.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />The visitor's center at Bentsen includes a great butterfly garden, gift shop and simple eatery inside. A large parking lot is across the street.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267031330_gNECL" title="The visitor's center at Bentsen includes a great butterfly garden, gift shop and simple eatery inside. A large parking lot is across the street."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-5/267031330_gNECL-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The visitor's center at Bentsen includes a great butterfly garden, gift shop and simple eatery inside. A large parking lot is across the street." title="The visitor's center at Bentsen includes a great butterfly garden, gift shop and simple eatery inside. A large parking lot is across the street." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:48:48Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-5/267031330_gNECL-Th.jpg2008-02-27 14:14:02Black-crested Titmouse, Bentsen State Park.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Black-crested Titmouse, Bentsen State Park.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267030936_jh9ko" title="Black-crested Titmouse, Bentsen State Park."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-6/267030936_jh9ko-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Black-crested Titmouse, Bentsen State Park." title="Black-crested Titmouse, Bentsen State Park." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:46:48Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-6/267030936_jh9ko-Th.jpg2008-02-27 00:45:44Vehicles are no longer allowed inside Bentsen State Park, transportation instead being provided by the open-air trailers shown above. They leave from the visitor's center at frequent interv ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Vehicles are no longer allowed inside Bentsen State Park, transportation instead being provided by the open-air trailers shown above. They leave from the visitor's center at frequent interv ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267032869_eYgw8" title="Vehicles are no longer allowed inside Bentsen State Park, transportation instead being provided by the open-air trailers shown above. They leave from the visitor's center at frequent interv ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-7/267032869_eYgw8-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Vehicles are no longer allowed inside Bentsen State Park, transportation instead being provided by the open-air trailers shown above. They leave from the visitor's center at frequent interv ..." title="Vehicles are no longer allowed inside Bentsen State Park, transportation instead being provided by the open-air trailers shown above. They leave from the visitor's center at frequent interv ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:46:42Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-7/267032869_eYgw8-Th.jpg2008-02-27 01:53:46White-tipped Dove, Photo Blind, Bentsen State Park. A very nice photo blind is located near the large resaca at Bentsen. White-tipped doves are notoriously difficult to spot, much less pho ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />White-tipped Dove, Photo Blind, Bentsen State Park. A very nice photo blind is located near the large resaca at Bentsen. White-tipped doves are notoriously difficult to spot, much less pho ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267031546_WwkPo" title="White-tipped Dove, Photo Blind, Bentsen State Park. A very nice photo blind is located near the large resaca at Bentsen. White-tipped doves are notoriously difficult to spot, much less pho ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-8/267031546_WwkPo-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="White-tipped Dove, Photo Blind, Bentsen State Park. A very nice photo blind is located near the large resaca at Bentsen. White-tipped doves are notoriously difficult to spot, much less pho ..." title="White-tipped Dove, Photo Blind, Bentsen State Park. A very nice photo blind is located near the large resaca at Bentsen. White-tipped doves are notoriously difficult to spot, much less pho ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:12Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-8/267031546_WwkPo-Th.jpg2008-02-27 01:05:01Yellow-rumped Warber, Audubon's form, Bentsen State Park, nonbreeding plumage. In winter these birds show up sporadically in the east, and can usually be distinguished from the Myrtle form ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Yellow-rumped Warber, Audubon's form, Bentsen State Park, nonbreeding plumage. In winter these birds show up sporadically in the east, and can usually be distinguished from the Myrtle form ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267031839_GF6Mf" title="Yellow-rumped Warber, Audubon's form, Bentsen State Park, nonbreeding plumage. In winter these birds show up sporadically in the east, and can usually be distinguished from the Myrtle form ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-10/267031839_GF6Mf-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Yellow-rumped Warber, Audubon's form, Bentsen State Park, nonbreeding plumage. In winter these birds show up sporadically in the east, and can usually be distinguished from the Myrtle form ..." title="Yellow-rumped Warber, Audubon's form, Bentsen State Park, nonbreeding plumage. In winter these birds show up sporadically in the east, and can usually be distinguished from the Myrtle form ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:24Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-10/267031839_GF6Mf-Th.jpg2008-02-27 01:13:18Harris' Hawk, Bentsen State Park.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Harris' Hawk, Bentsen State Park.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267032642_DRQub" title="Harris' Hawk, Bentsen State Park."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-12/267032642_DRQub-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Harris' Hawk, Bentsen State Park." title="Harris' Hawk, Bentsen State Park." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:46:46Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-12/267032642_DRQub-Th.jpg2008-02-27 02:49:22Anzadulas Park, just south of McAllen. This is a small county park, one of the previously lesser known birding stops in the Valley, but increasingly popular, and currently viewed as a premi ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Anzadulas Park, just south of McAllen. This is a small county park, one of the previously lesser known birding stops in the Valley, but increasingly popular, and currently viewed as a premi ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267034012_ve5eV" title="Anzadulas Park, just south of McAllen. This is a small county park, one of the previously lesser known birding stops in the Valley, but increasingly popular, and currently viewed as a premi ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-13/267034012_ve5eV-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Anzadulas Park, just south of McAllen. This is a small county park, one of the previously lesser known birding stops in the Valley, but increasingly popular, and currently viewed as a premi ..." title="Anzadulas Park, just south of McAllen. This is a small county park, one of the previously lesser known birding stops in the Valley, but increasingly popular, and currently viewed as a premi ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:42:11Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-13/267034012_ve5eV-Th.jpg2008-02-27 15:28:25Long-billed Curlew, Anazadulas Park, just south of McAllen.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Long-billed Curlew, Anazadulas Park, just south of McAllen.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267032457_SiDMa" title="Long-billed Curlew, Anazadulas Park, just south of McAllen."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-11/267032457_SiDMa-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Long-billed Curlew, Anazadulas Park, just south of McAllen." title="Long-billed Curlew, Anazadulas Park, just south of McAllen." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:48:39Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-11/267032457_SiDMa-Th.jpg2008-02-27 04:01:46Los Trunchoes city park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico. This cool, well maintained park nestled against the mountains contains large trees bordering a riparian habitat and is a magnet for bird ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Los Trunchoes city park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico. This cool, well maintained park nestled against the mountains contains large trees bordering a riparian habitat and is a magnet for bird ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267034778_7ELc5" title="Los Trunchoes city park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico. This cool, well maintained park nestled against the mountains contains large trees bordering a riparian habitat and is a magnet for bird ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-14/267034778_7ELc5-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Los Trunchoes city park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico. This cool, well maintained park nestled against the mountains contains large trees bordering a riparian habitat and is a magnet for bird ..." title="Los Trunchoes city park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico. This cool, well maintained park nestled against the mountains contains large trees bordering a riparian habitat and is a magnet for bird ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:42:57Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-14/267034778_7ELc5-Th.jpg2008-02-28 13:15:45A group of the participants enjoying a lunch break at Los Trunchoes park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />A group of the participants enjoying a lunch break at Los Trunchoes park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267034755_Y6xLk" title="A group of the participants enjoying a lunch break at Los Trunchoes park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-15/267034755_Y6xLk-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="A group of the participants enjoying a lunch break at Los Trunchoes park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico." title="A group of the participants enjoying a lunch break at Los Trunchoes park, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:43:23Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-15/267034755_Y6xLk-Th.jpg2008-02-28 13:39:57View of riparian corridor, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />View of riparian corridor, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267036150_H6Bte" title="View of riparian corridor, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-16/267036150_H6Bte-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="View of riparian corridor, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico." title="View of riparian corridor, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City, Tam. Mexico." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:42:10Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-16/267036150_H6Bte-Th.jpg2008-02-28 13:16:33Malachite Butterfly- I remember this name because it was one of the trip's most stunning!<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Malachite Butterfly- I remember this name because it was one of the trip's most stunning!</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267035890_88Rtu" title="Malachite Butterfly- I remember this name because it was one of the trip's most stunning!"><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-17/267035890_88Rtu-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Malachite Butterfly- I remember this name because it was one of the trip's most stunning!" title="Malachite Butterfly- I remember this name because it was one of the trip's most stunning!" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:37:54Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-17/267035890_88Rtu-Th.jpg2008-02-28 01:37:46Blue Bunting, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Very rare visitor to the Lower Rio Grande Valley.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Blue Bunting, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Very rare visitor to the Lower Rio Grande Valley.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267035023_nn9tU" title="Blue Bunting, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Very rare visitor to the Lower Rio Grande Valley."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-18/267035023_nn9tU-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Blue Bunting, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Very rare visitor to the Lower Rio Grande Valley." title="Blue Bunting, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Very rare visitor to the Lower Rio Grande Valley." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:43:31Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-18/267035023_nn9tU-Th.jpg2008-02-28 02:39:23Hepatic Tanager, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Fairly common resident also of mountain environs in the Western USA.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Hepatic Tanager, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Fairly common resident also of mountain environs in the Western USA.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267794937_7hSMQ" title="Hepatic Tanager, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Fairly common resident also of mountain environs in the Western USA."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-19/267794937_7hSMQ-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Hepatic Tanager, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Fairly common resident also of mountain environs in the Western USA." title="Hepatic Tanager, Los Trunchoes, Victoria City. Fairly common resident also of mountain environs in the Western USA." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-23T11:56:33Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-19/267794937_7hSMQ-Th.jpgJust shy of Mante stands the most excellent "La Morita" plant nursery and refreshment stand, featuring a world-class sort of fresh mango smoothie, and mango pie, the latter somewhat reminesc ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Just shy of Mante stands the most excellent "La Morita" plant nursery and refreshment stand, featuring a world-class sort of fresh mango smoothie, and mango pie, the latter somewhat reminesc ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267038098_fbne4" title="Just shy of Mante stands the most excellent "La Morita" plant nursery and refreshment stand, featuring a world-class sort of fresh mango smoothie, and mango pie, the latter somewhat reminesc ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-21/267038098_fbne4-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Just shy of Mante stands the most excellent "La Morita" plant nursery and refreshment stand, featuring a world-class sort of fresh mango smoothie, and mango pie, the latter somewhat reminesc ..." title="Just shy of Mante stands the most excellent "La Morita" plant nursery and refreshment stand, featuring a world-class sort of fresh mango smoothie, and mango pie, the latter somewhat reminesc ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:42:20Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-21/267038098_fbne4-Th-1.jpg2008-02-28 17:13:47Headquaters for the event, where meals and some of the programs were held, the Hotel Mante in Mante city, Tamiliapas, Mexico. A/C'd with large, comfortable rooms, the facility could use a f ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Headquaters for the event, where meals and some of the programs were held, the Hotel Mante in Mante city, Tamiliapas, Mexico. A/C'd with large, comfortable rooms, the facility could use a f ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267037478_FNw5h" title="Headquaters for the event, where meals and some of the programs were held, the Hotel Mante in Mante city, Tamiliapas, Mexico. A/C'd with large, comfortable rooms, the facility could use a f ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-22/267037478_FNw5h-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Headquaters for the event, where meals and some of the programs were held, the Hotel Mante in Mante city, Tamiliapas, Mexico. A/C'd with large, comfortable rooms, the facility could use a f ..." title="Headquaters for the event, where meals and some of the programs were held, the Hotel Mante in Mante city, Tamiliapas, Mexico. A/C'd with large, comfortable rooms, the facility could use a f ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:38:54Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-22/267037478_FNw5h-Th-1.jpg2008-02-29 17:52:52The first night, at dinner, we were introduced to several of the principals responsible for organizing the festival, and a local city councilman was on hand to welcome us to the area.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />The first night, at dinner, we were introduced to several of the principals responsible for organizing the festival, and a local city councilman was on hand to welcome us to the area.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267037811_iaq7R" title="The first night, at dinner, we were introduced to several of the principals responsible for organizing the festival, and a local city councilman was on hand to welcome us to the area."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-23/267037811_iaq7R-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The first night, at dinner, we were introduced to several of the principals responsible for organizing the festival, and a local city councilman was on hand to welcome us to the area." title="The first night, at dinner, we were introduced to several of the principals responsible for organizing the festival, and a local city councilman was on hand to welcome us to the area." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:31Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-23/267037811_iaq7R-Th-1.jpg2008-02-28 19:08:59Also during the first night's banquet, participants were treated to a variety of local dance routines, including this one where the gentleman attempted to wrangle the heart of a pretty senor ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Also during the first night's banquet, participants were treated to a variety of local dance routines, including this one where the gentleman attempted to wrangle the heart of a pretty senor ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267038761_Nce47" title="Also during the first night's banquet, participants were treated to a variety of local dance routines, including this one where the gentleman attempted to wrangle the heart of a pretty senor ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-25/267038761_Nce47-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Also during the first night's banquet, participants were treated to a variety of local dance routines, including this one where the gentleman attempted to wrangle the heart of a pretty senor ..." title="Also during the first night's banquet, participants were treated to a variety of local dance routines, including this one where the gentleman attempted to wrangle the heart of a pretty senor ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:53Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-25/267038761_Nce47-Th-1.jpg2008-02-28 19:36:07Another stylized dance routine presented by a local company.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another stylized dance routine presented by a local company.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267038782_oW997" title="Another stylized dance routine presented by a local company."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-24/267038782_oW997-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another stylized dance routine presented by a local company." title="Another stylized dance routine presented by a local company." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:41:39Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-24/267038782_oW997-Th.jpg2008-02-28 19:22:49The entertainment finale was accompanied by fine, colorful costumes and a fitting, intricate dance number.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />The entertainment finale was accompanied by fine, colorful costumes and a fitting, intricate dance number.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267039583_x36eL" title="The entertainment finale was accompanied by fine, colorful costumes and a fitting, intricate dance number."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-26/267039583_x36eL-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The entertainment finale was accompanied by fine, colorful costumes and a fitting, intricate dance number." title="The entertainment finale was accompanied by fine, colorful costumes and a fitting, intricate dance number." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:50Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-26/267039583_x36eL-Th.jpg2008-02-28 19:41:32Entrance to "La Florida", a well shaded, local park and like Los Trunchoes in Victoria city, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, abutting a nice, clear stream. The group arrived ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Entrance to "La Florida", a well shaded, local park and like Los Trunchoes in Victoria city, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, abutting a nice, clear stream. The group arrived ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267039965_fzwMv" title="Entrance to "La Florida", a well shaded, local park and like Los Trunchoes in Victoria city, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, abutting a nice, clear stream. The group arrived ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-27/267039965_fzwMv-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Entrance to "La Florida", a well shaded, local park and like Los Trunchoes in Victoria city, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, abutting a nice, clear stream. The group arrived ..." title="Entrance to "La Florida", a well shaded, local park and like Los Trunchoes in Victoria city, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, abutting a nice, clear stream. The group arrived ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:26Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-27/267039965_fzwMv-Th.jpg2008-02-29 08:52:49"El Facilities" at La Florida, part of the experience, most would say. Colorful touch, don't you think?!<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />"El Facilities" at La Florida, part of the experience, most would say. Colorful touch, don't you think?!</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267041015_jx9oX" title=""El Facilities" at La Florida, part of the experience, most would say. Colorful touch, don't you think?!"><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-28/267041015_jx9oX-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt=""El Facilities" at La Florida, part of the experience, most would say. Colorful touch, don't you think?!" title=""El Facilities" at La Florida, part of the experience, most would say. Colorful touch, don't you think?!" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:51Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-28/267041015_jx9oX-Th-1.jpg2008-02-29 07:45:36View of a calm backwater sandbar along the stream at La Florida. At the far right in the back a perched Amazon Kingfisher provided excellent views for the excited birders.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />View of a calm backwater sandbar along the stream at La Florida. At the far right in the back a perched Amazon Kingfisher provided excellent views for the excited birders.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267041335_4DVov" title="View of a calm backwater sandbar along the stream at La Florida. At the far right in the back a perched Amazon Kingfisher provided excellent views for the excited birders."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-29/267041335_4DVov-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="View of a calm backwater sandbar along the stream at La Florida. At the far right in the back a perched Amazon Kingfisher provided excellent views for the excited birders." title="View of a calm backwater sandbar along the stream at La Florida. At the far right in the back a perched Amazon Kingfisher provided excellent views for the excited birders." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:14Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-29/267041335_4DVov-Th.jpg2008-02-29 10:43:49Rope bridges are popular in this area; here is one that crossed the stream to the far shore. La Florida.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Rope bridges are popular in this area; here is one that crossed the stream to the far shore. La Florida.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267041910_qZLzK" title="Rope bridges are popular in this area; here is one that crossed the stream to the far shore. La Florida."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-30/267041910_qZLzK-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Rope bridges are popular in this area; here is one that crossed the stream to the far shore. La Florida." title="Rope bridges are popular in this area; here is one that crossed the stream to the far shore. La Florida." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:49Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-30/267041910_qZLzK-Th.jpg2008-02-29 11:00:25Picnic and shelter area, La Florida.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Picnic and shelter area, La Florida.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267042669_5jHzk" title="Picnic and shelter area, La Florida."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-31/267042669_5jHzk-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Picnic and shelter area, La Florida." title="Picnic and shelter area, La Florida." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:01Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-31/267042669_5jHzk-Th.jpg2008-02-29 10:45:47Another view of the rope bridge, which if memory serves me, during our visit was out of commission.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another view of the rope bridge, which if memory serves me, during our visit was out of commission.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267043124_eJ3yt" title="Another view of the rope bridge, which if memory serves me, during our visit was out of commission."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-32/267043124_eJ3yt-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another view of the rope bridge, which if memory serves me, during our visit was out of commission." title="Another view of the rope bridge, which if memory serves me, during our visit was out of commission." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:38:47Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-32/267043124_eJ3yt-Th-1.jpg2008-02-29 11:02:15One of El Cielo's most-wanted occupants, the stunning Blue-crowned Motmot. We were fortunate to find this bird perched fairly in the open, soaking up a few morning rays.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />One of El Cielo's most-wanted occupants, the stunning Blue-crowned Motmot. We were fortunate to find this bird perched fairly in the open, soaking up a few morning rays.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267042969_uYwcd" title="One of El Cielo's most-wanted occupants, the stunning Blue-crowned Motmot. We were fortunate to find this bird perched fairly in the open, soaking up a few morning rays."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-33/267042969_uYwcd-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="One of El Cielo's most-wanted occupants, the stunning Blue-crowned Motmot. We were fortunate to find this bird perched fairly in the open, soaking up a few morning rays." title="One of El Cielo's most-wanted occupants, the stunning Blue-crowned Motmot. We were fortunate to find this bird perched fairly in the open, soaking up a few morning rays." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:37:17Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-33/267042969_uYwcd-Th.jpg2008-02-28 19:47:13I think this butterfly is called a "Guatemalan Cracker"- it is my understanding that males make a cracking noise at times. To me, shaped a little like a Stealth Fighter jet!<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />I think this butterfly is called a "Guatemalan Cracker"- it is my understanding that males make a cracking noise at times. To me, shaped a little like a Stealth Fighter jet!</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267043714_hDsdC" title="I think this butterfly is called a "Guatemalan Cracker"- it is my understanding that males make a cracking noise at times. To me, shaped a little like a Stealth Fighter jet!"><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-34/267043714_hDsdC-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="I think this butterfly is called a "Guatemalan Cracker"- it is my understanding that males make a cracking noise at times. To me, shaped a little like a Stealth Fighter jet!" title="I think this butterfly is called a "Guatemalan Cracker"- it is my understanding that males make a cracking noise at times. To me, shaped a little like a Stealth Fighter jet!" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:55Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-34/267043714_hDsdC-Th-1.jpg2008-02-28 23:12:19"What ARE those people looking at???" Butterfliers at La Florida. This hedgerow of flowering orchid bush, I think it was referred to, was one of the most active sections of the park as the ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />"What ARE those people looking at???" Butterfliers at La Florida. This hedgerow of flowering orchid bush, I think it was referred to, was one of the most active sections of the park as the ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267045780_UkmRa" title=""What ARE those people looking at???" Butterfliers at La Florida. This hedgerow of flowering orchid bush, I think it was referred to, was one of the most active sections of the park as the ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-35/267045780_UkmRa-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt=""What ARE those people looking at???" Butterfliers at La Florida. This hedgerow of flowering orchid bush, I think it was referred to, was one of the most active sections of the park as the ..." title=""What ARE those people looking at???" Butterfliers at La Florida. This hedgerow of flowering orchid bush, I think it was referred to, was one of the most active sections of the park as the ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:39:34Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-35/267045780_UkmRa-Th.jpg2008-02-29 09:44:43Another view of the La Florida stream.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another view of the La Florida stream.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267044928_TUGVC" title="Another view of the La Florida stream."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-36/267044928_TUGVC-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another view of the La Florida stream." title="Another view of the La Florida stream." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:37:40Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-36/267044928_TUGVC-Th-1.jpg2008-02-29 09:08:43What would birding in the tropics be without parrots? These White-fronted Parrots were easy both here and further up the mountain. Other species possible include Red-crowned and Red-lored, ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />What would birding in the tropics be without parrots? These White-fronted Parrots were easy both here and further up the mountain. Other species possible include Red-crowned and Red-lored, ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267045202_TqqRh" title="What would birding in the tropics be without parrots? These White-fronted Parrots were easy both here and further up the mountain. Other species possible include Red-crowned and Red-lored, ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-37/267045202_TqqRh-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="What would birding in the tropics be without parrots? These White-fronted Parrots were easy both here and further up the mountain. Other species possible include Red-crowned and Red-lored, ..." title="What would birding in the tropics be without parrots? These White-fronted Parrots were easy both here and further up the mountain. Other species possible include Red-crowned and Red-lored, ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:37:46Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-37/267045202_TqqRh-Th.jpg2008-02-28 19:38:58Red-billed Pigeons, a hard won prize in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, present at only a few spots there. These birds were easy and obvious in several places, including here and in Ma ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Red-billed Pigeons, a hard won prize in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, present at only a few spots there. These birds were easy and obvious in several places, including here and in Ma ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267045494_gkr4Q" title="Red-billed Pigeons, a hard won prize in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, present at only a few spots there. These birds were easy and obvious in several places, including here and in Ma ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-38/267045494_gkr4Q-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Red-billed Pigeons, a hard won prize in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, present at only a few spots there. These birds were easy and obvious in several places, including here and in Ma ..." title="Red-billed Pigeons, a hard won prize in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, present at only a few spots there. These birds were easy and obvious in several places, including here and in Ma ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:37:44Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-38/267045494_gkr4Q-Th.jpg2008-02-28 21:16:58"Punk-rock-do" star of the woodpecker world, a Linneated Woodpecker was actively foraging around the La Florida trails and park. Suspected on at least one encounter in the Lower Rio Grande ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />"Punk-rock-do" star of the woodpecker world, a Linneated Woodpecker was actively foraging around the La Florida trails and park. Suspected on at least one encounter in the Lower Rio Grande ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267045797_coGfs" title=""Punk-rock-do" star of the woodpecker world, a Linneated Woodpecker was actively foraging around the La Florida trails and park. Suspected on at least one encounter in the Lower Rio Grande ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-39/267045797_coGfs-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt=""Punk-rock-do" star of the woodpecker world, a Linneated Woodpecker was actively foraging around the La Florida trails and park. Suspected on at least one encounter in the Lower Rio Grande ..." title=""Punk-rock-do" star of the woodpecker world, a Linneated Woodpecker was actively foraging around the La Florida trails and park. Suspected on at least one encounter in the Lower Rio Grande ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:57Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-39/267045797_coGfs-Th.jpg2008-02-28 21:38:55Linneated Woodpecker, La Florida.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Linneated Woodpecker, La Florida.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267046166_QegNc" title="Linneated Woodpecker, La Florida."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-40/267046166_QegNc-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Linneated Woodpecker, La Florida." title="Linneated Woodpecker, La Florida." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:41:51Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-40/267046166_QegNc-Th.jpg2008-02-28 21:39:31Flaming red crests with little black on the interior of the face, along with a huge honker of a bill, mark the presence of Pale-billed Woodpecker. Here the female peeks from the nest hole. ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Flaming red crests with little black on the interior of the face, along with a huge honker of a bill, mark the presence of Pale-billed Woodpecker. Here the female peeks from the nest hole. ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267046397_vMtnt" title="Flaming red crests with little black on the interior of the face, along with a huge honker of a bill, mark the presence of Pale-billed Woodpecker. Here the female peeks from the nest hole. ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-41/267046397_vMtnt-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Flaming red crests with little black on the interior of the face, along with a huge honker of a bill, mark the presence of Pale-billed Woodpecker. Here the female peeks from the nest hole. ..." title="Flaming red crests with little black on the interior of the face, along with a huge honker of a bill, mark the presence of Pale-billed Woodpecker. Here the female peeks from the nest hole. ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:36:25Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-41/267046397_vMtnt-Th.jpg2008-02-28 21:41:28Black-headed Saltator, a kind of tropical Grosbeak. One of the region's star birds, they are fairly easy at most locations in and around El Cielo proper. La Florida. No USA records that I ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Black-headed Saltator, a kind of tropical Grosbeak. One of the region's star birds, they are fairly easy at most locations in and around El Cielo proper. La Florida. No USA records that I ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267046573_qRfdS" title="Black-headed Saltator, a kind of tropical Grosbeak. One of the region's star birds, they are fairly easy at most locations in and around El Cielo proper. La Florida. No USA records that I ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-42/267046573_qRfdS-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Black-headed Saltator, a kind of tropical Grosbeak. One of the region's star birds, they are fairly easy at most locations in and around El Cielo proper. La Florida. No USA records that I ..." title="Black-headed Saltator, a kind of tropical Grosbeak. One of the region's star birds, they are fairly easy at most locations in and around El Cielo proper. La Florida. No USA records that I ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:37:44Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-42/267046573_qRfdS-Th.jpg2008-02-28 19:42:49Our group got fair looks at Elegant Trogon, although this pic is certainly nothing to write home about! We heard quite a few calling at several of the stops, including further up the mountai ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Our group got fair looks at Elegant Trogon, although this pic is certainly nothing to write home about! We heard quite a few calling at several of the stops, including further up the mountai ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267046876_rd5Ra" title="Our group got fair looks at Elegant Trogon, although this pic is certainly nothing to write home about! We heard quite a few calling at several of the stops, including further up the mountai ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-43/267046876_rd5Ra-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Our group got fair looks at Elegant Trogon, although this pic is certainly nothing to write home about! We heard quite a few calling at several of the stops, including further up the mountai ..." title="Our group got fair looks at Elegant Trogon, although this pic is certainly nothing to write home about! We heard quite a few calling at several of the stops, including further up the mountai ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:25Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-43/267046876_rd5Ra-Th.jpg2008-02-28 20:07:54Rose-throated Becard, La Florida. This bird is quite a find in Arizona, and at times shows up in the Lower Rio Grande valley, Texas. Here it was quite easy.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Rose-throated Becard, La Florida. This bird is quite a find in Arizona, and at times shows up in the Lower Rio Grande valley, Texas. Here it was quite easy.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267026444_kJoyo" title="Rose-throated Becard, La Florida. This bird is quite a find in Arizona, and at times shows up in the Lower Rio Grande valley, Texas. Here it was quite easy."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-46/267026444_kJoyo-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Rose-throated Becard, La Florida. This bird is quite a find in Arizona, and at times shows up in the Lower Rio Grande valley, Texas. Here it was quite easy." title="Rose-throated Becard, La Florida. This bird is quite a find in Arizona, and at times shows up in the Lower Rio Grande valley, Texas. Here it was quite easy." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:44:44Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-46/267026444_kJoyo-Th.jpg2008-02-28 20:51:24Rose-throated Becard, female, quite different looking than the dapper male. La Florida.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Rose-throated Becard, female, quite different looking than the dapper male. La Florida.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267046918_UXUGE" title="Rose-throated Becard, female, quite different looking than the dapper male. La Florida."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-44/267046918_UXUGE-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Rose-throated Becard, female, quite different looking than the dapper male. La Florida." title="Rose-throated Becard, female, quite different looking than the dapper male. La Florida." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:33:21Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-44/267046918_UXUGE-Th.jpg2008-02-28 20:14:19Butterfly, La Florida<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Butterfly, La Florida</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267026400_pFDoF" title="Butterfly, La Florida"><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-47/267026400_pFDoF-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Butterfly, La Florida" title="Butterfly, La Florida" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:44:24Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-47/267026400_pFDoF-Th.jpg2008-02-28 21:25:20Very interesting butterfly, La Florida. At first glance it took a minute to figure out which end was leading, and which was following!<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Very interesting butterfly, La Florida. At first glance it took a minute to figure out which end was leading, and which was following!</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267027151_jcSrN" title="Very interesting butterfly, La Florida. At first glance it took a minute to figure out which end was leading, and which was following!"><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-48/267027151_jcSrN-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Very interesting butterfly, La Florida. At first glance it took a minute to figure out which end was leading, and which was following!" title="Very interesting butterfly, La Florida. At first glance it took a minute to figure out which end was leading, and which was following!" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:00Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-48/267027151_jcSrN-Th.jpg2008-02-28 21:29:50Another one of the many interesting leps to be found in this area- La Florida.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another one of the many interesting leps to be found in this area- La Florida.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267027839_7tKZP" title="Another one of the many interesting leps to be found in this area- La Florida."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-49/267027839_7tKZP-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another one of the many interesting leps to be found in this area- La Florida." title="Another one of the many interesting leps to be found in this area- La Florida." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:53Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-49/267027839_7tKZP-Th.jpg2008-02-28 21:49:06Raptors were not particularly numerous during most of our days afield, but at times one would soar into view, and a few, like this bird, was the subject of some debate. The controversy revo ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Raptors were not particularly numerous during most of our days afield, but at times one would soar into view, and a few, like this bird, was the subject of some debate. The controversy revo ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267026554_7Q6ke" title="Raptors were not particularly numerous during most of our days afield, but at times one would soar into view, and a few, like this bird, was the subject of some debate. The controversy revo ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-50/267026554_7Q6ke-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Raptors were not particularly numerous during most of our days afield, but at times one would soar into view, and a few, like this bird, was the subject of some debate. The controversy revo ..." title="Raptors were not particularly numerous during most of our days afield, but at times one would soar into view, and a few, like this bird, was the subject of some debate. The controversy revo ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:44:42Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-50/267026554_7Q6ke-Th.jpg2008-02-28 22:06:17Same bird as in previous photo, Common vs. Great Black Hawk.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Same bird as in previous photo, Common vs. Great Black Hawk.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267026629_QuzH5" title="Same bird as in previous photo, Common vs. Great Black Hawk."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-51/267026629_QuzH5-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Same bird as in previous photo, Common vs. Great Black Hawk." title="Same bird as in previous photo, Common vs. Great Black Hawk." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:48:32Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-51/267026629_QuzH5-Th.jpg2008-02-28 22:06:20Masked Tityra. These birds are widely distributed in the American Tropics, and really like to hang out near the tops of bare trees. One USA record, I believe, for the Lower Rio Grande Vall ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Masked Tityra. These birds are widely distributed in the American Tropics, and really like to hang out near the tops of bare trees. One USA record, I believe, for the Lower Rio Grande Vall ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267027649_GVxTT" title="Masked Tityra. These birds are widely distributed in the American Tropics, and really like to hang out near the tops of bare trees. One USA record, I believe, for the Lower Rio Grande Vall ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-54/267027649_GVxTT-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Masked Tityra. These birds are widely distributed in the American Tropics, and really like to hang out near the tops of bare trees. One USA record, I believe, for the Lower Rio Grande Vall ..." title="Masked Tityra. These birds are widely distributed in the American Tropics, and really like to hang out near the tops of bare trees. One USA record, I believe, for the Lower Rio Grande Vall ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:43Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-54/267027649_GVxTT-Th.jpg2008-02-28 22:31:24Masked Tityra, male, La Florida. These birds really liked the wide variety of fruiting trees in and around La Florida. Note it appears as if the berry is being picked, then tossed before c ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Masked Tityra, male, La Florida. These birds really liked the wide variety of fruiting trees in and around La Florida. Note it appears as if the berry is being picked, then tossed before c ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267027431_46mUN" title="Masked Tityra, male, La Florida. These birds really liked the wide variety of fruiting trees in and around La Florida. Note it appears as if the berry is being picked, then tossed before c ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-53/267027431_46mUN-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Masked Tityra, male, La Florida. These birds really liked the wide variety of fruiting trees in and around La Florida. Note it appears as if the berry is being picked, then tossed before c ..." title="Masked Tityra, male, La Florida. These birds really liked the wide variety of fruiting trees in and around La Florida. Note it appears as if the berry is being picked, then tossed before c ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:48:18Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-53/267027431_46mUN-Th.jpg2008-02-28 22:30:38Masked Tityra, female, La Florida<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Masked Tityra, female, La Florida</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267027208_8pY9U" title="Masked Tityra, female, La Florida"><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-52/267027208_8pY9U-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Masked Tityra, female, La Florida" title="Masked Tityra, female, La Florida" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:50Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-52/267027208_8pY9U-Th.jpg2008-02-28 20:47:02Not much to look at, but the butterfliers on our bus were really beside themselves when they ran up on it, so I snapped a shot!<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Not much to look at, but the butterfliers on our bus were really beside themselves when they ran up on it, so I snapped a shot!</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267027848_wJVEb" title="Not much to look at, but the butterfliers on our bus were really beside themselves when they ran up on it, so I snapped a shot!"><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-55/267027848_wJVEb-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Not much to look at, but the butterfliers on our bus were really beside themselves when they ran up on it, so I snapped a shot!" title="Not much to look at, but the butterfliers on our bus were really beside themselves when they ran up on it, so I snapped a shot!" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:45:21Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-55/267027848_wJVEb-Th.jpg2008-02-28 23:28:35Bat Falcon, entrance road to Gomez Farias. No USA records that I am aware of, but a pair of these dashing raptors have taken up residence right by the road that leads to Gomez Farias, and a ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Bat Falcon, entrance road to Gomez Farias. No USA records that I am aware of, but a pair of these dashing raptors have taken up residence right by the road that leads to Gomez Farias, and a ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267027760_cDawE" title="Bat Falcon, entrance road to Gomez Farias. No USA records that I am aware of, but a pair of these dashing raptors have taken up residence right by the road that leads to Gomez Farias, and a ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-56/267027760_cDawE-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Bat Falcon, entrance road to Gomez Farias. No USA records that I am aware of, but a pair of these dashing raptors have taken up residence right by the road that leads to Gomez Farias, and a ..." title="Bat Falcon, entrance road to Gomez Farias. No USA records that I am aware of, but a pair of these dashing raptors have taken up residence right by the road that leads to Gomez Farias, and a ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:48:32Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-56/267027760_cDawE-Th.jpg2008-02-28 23:58:56After our morning visit to La Florida, the bus rejoined the main road up into the mountains, stoppng in Gomez Farias for lunch at one of the town's few establishments for overnight accomodat ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />After our morning visit to La Florida, the bus rejoined the main road up into the mountains, stoppng in Gomez Farias for lunch at one of the town's few establishments for overnight accomodat ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267048091_yKEPS" title="After our morning visit to La Florida, the bus rejoined the main road up into the mountains, stoppng in Gomez Farias for lunch at one of the town's few establishments for overnight accomodat ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-57/267048091_yKEPS-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="After our morning visit to La Florida, the bus rejoined the main road up into the mountains, stoppng in Gomez Farias for lunch at one of the town's few establishments for overnight accomodat ..." title="After our morning visit to La Florida, the bus rejoined the main road up into the mountains, stoppng in Gomez Farias for lunch at one of the town's few establishments for overnight accomodat ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:08Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-57/267048091_yKEPS-Th.jpg2008-02-29 12:40:06Welcoming entrance banner, Hostel Casa de Piedra, Gomez Farias, Tam., Mexico.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Welcoming entrance banner, Hostel Casa de Piedra, Gomez Farias, Tam., Mexico.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267048212_S2btr" title="Welcoming entrance banner, Hostel Casa de Piedra, Gomez Farias, Tam., Mexico."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-58/267048212_S2btr-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Welcoming entrance banner, Hostel Casa de Piedra, Gomez Farias, Tam., Mexico." title="Welcoming entrance banner, Hostel Casa de Piedra, Gomez Farias, Tam., Mexico." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:33:55Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-58/267048212_S2btr-Th-1.jpg2008-02-29 12:41:15Some participants relaxing prior to lunch, Casa de Piedra.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Some participants relaxing prior to lunch, Casa de Piedra.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267049075_x45vk" title="Some participants relaxing prior to lunch, Casa de Piedra."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-59/267049075_x45vk-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Some participants relaxing prior to lunch, Casa de Piedra." title="Some participants relaxing prior to lunch, Casa de Piedra." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:31:34Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-59/267049075_x45vk-Th.jpg2008-02-29 12:48:42After lunch at the Casa de Piedra, we started back toward the La Florida park, headed for another stop along that river called Bocatama. On the way out of Gomez, we passed a new, modern hot ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />After lunch at the Casa de Piedra, we started back toward the La Florida park, headed for another stop along that river called Bocatama. On the way out of Gomez, we passed a new, modern hot ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267049774_vCfHi" title="After lunch at the Casa de Piedra, we started back toward the La Florida park, headed for another stop along that river called Bocatama. On the way out of Gomez, we passed a new, modern hot ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-60/267049774_vCfHi-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="After lunch at the Casa de Piedra, we started back toward the La Florida park, headed for another stop along that river called Bocatama. On the way out of Gomez, we passed a new, modern hot ..." title="After lunch at the Casa de Piedra, we started back toward the La Florida park, headed for another stop along that river called Bocatama. On the way out of Gomez, we passed a new, modern hot ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:32:31Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-60/267049774_vCfHi-Th.jpg2008-02-29 13:05:35Bocatama is mainly an eatery located along the same river or stream, the Frio I think it's named, that borders La Florida. Bocatama is about a mile or so further down the side road from La ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Bocatama is mainly an eatery located along the same river or stream, the Frio I think it's named, that borders La Florida. Bocatama is about a mile or so further down the side road from La ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267050465_4CyQj" title="Bocatama is mainly an eatery located along the same river or stream, the Frio I think it's named, that borders La Florida. Bocatama is about a mile or so further down the side road from La ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-61/267050465_4CyQj-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Bocatama is mainly an eatery located along the same river or stream, the Frio I think it's named, that borders La Florida. Bocatama is about a mile or so further down the side road from La ..." title="Bocatama is mainly an eatery located along the same river or stream, the Frio I think it's named, that borders La Florida. Bocatama is about a mile or so further down the side road from La ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:49Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-61/267050465_4CyQj-Th.jpg2008-02-29 15:41:24View of Rio Frio from the Bocatama boat launch.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />View of Rio Frio from the Bocatama boat launch.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267051169_kQ3Au" title="View of Rio Frio from the Bocatama boat launch."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-62/267051169_kQ3Au-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="View of Rio Frio from the Bocatama boat launch." title="View of Rio Frio from the Bocatama boat launch." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:53Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-62/267051169_kQ3Au-Th.jpg2008-02-29 01:50:46Although Sungrebe can sometimes be found cruising the wide bends of the river around Bocatama, Boat-billed Herons roost during the day in the dense tangles of vines and bushes bordering the ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Although Sungrebe can sometimes be found cruising the wide bends of the river around Bocatama, Boat-billed Herons roost during the day in the dense tangles of vines and bushes bordering the ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267051771_Mxa9U" title="Although Sungrebe can sometimes be found cruising the wide bends of the river around Bocatama, Boat-billed Herons roost during the day in the dense tangles of vines and bushes bordering the ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-63/267051771_Mxa9U-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Although Sungrebe can sometimes be found cruising the wide bends of the river around Bocatama, Boat-billed Herons roost during the day in the dense tangles of vines and bushes bordering the ..." title="Although Sungrebe can sometimes be found cruising the wide bends of the river around Bocatama, Boat-billed Herons roost during the day in the dense tangles of vines and bushes bordering the ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:45Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-63/267051771_Mxa9U-Th.jpg2008-02-29 13:35:41Another view of the river cruise boat and launch site, Bocatama.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another view of the river cruise boat and launch site, Bocatama.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267052546_JPeHC" title="Another view of the river cruise boat and launch site, Bocatama."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-64/267052546_JPeHC-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another view of the river cruise boat and launch site, Bocatama." title="Another view of the river cruise boat and launch site, Bocatama." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:32:50Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-64/267052546_JPeHC-Th-1.jpg2008-02-29 13:36:27Our bunch hoped the vessel was NOT aptly named! We were told, however, that recently during a severe storm "EL Titanic" did indeed sink to the bottom, complete with it's newly acquired out ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Our bunch hoped the vessel was NOT aptly named! We were told, however, that recently during a severe storm "EL Titanic" did indeed sink to the bottom, complete with it's newly acquired out ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267052893_arMjj" title="Our bunch hoped the vessel was NOT aptly named! We were told, however, that recently during a severe storm "EL Titanic" did indeed sink to the bottom, complete with it's newly acquired out ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-65/267052893_arMjj-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Our bunch hoped the vessel was NOT aptly named! We were told, however, that recently during a severe storm "EL Titanic" did indeed sink to the bottom, complete with it's newly acquired out ..." title="Our bunch hoped the vessel was NOT aptly named! We were told, however, that recently during a severe storm "EL Titanic" did indeed sink to the bottom, complete with it's newly acquired out ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:08Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-65/267052893_arMjj-Th.jpg2008-02-29 13:38:32... and they're off! Derek Mucshalek, birder and butterflyer extraordinaire, at the helm.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />... and they're off! Derek Mucshalek, birder and butterflyer extraordinaire, at the helm.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267054003_vvtit" title="... and they're off! Derek Mucshalek, birder and butterflyer extraordinaire, at the helm."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-66/267054003_vvtit-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="... and they're off! Derek Mucshalek, birder and butterflyer extraordinaire, at the helm." title="... and they're off! Derek Mucshalek, birder and butterflyer extraordinaire, at the helm." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:30:58Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-66/267054003_vvtit-Th.jpg2008-02-29 14:50:47A small section of turbulent water along the Frio, Bocatama boat ride.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />A small section of turbulent water along the Frio, Bocatama boat ride.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267054864_KHsAy" title="A small section of turbulent water along the Frio, Bocatama boat ride."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-67/267054864_KHsAy-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="A small section of turbulent water along the Frio, Bocatama boat ride." title="A small section of turbulent water along the Frio, Bocatama boat ride." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:30:39Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-67/267054864_KHsAy-Th.jpg2008-02-29 13:48:10Slowly cruising the water in a boat affords great views of other species as well. Social Flycatcher, one of half a dozen or so "Kisskadee look alikes" that populate tropical climes. Only o ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Slowly cruising the water in a boat affords great views of other species as well. Social Flycatcher, one of half a dozen or so "Kisskadee look alikes" that populate tropical climes. Only o ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267054351_AuiCF" title="Slowly cruising the water in a boat affords great views of other species as well. Social Flycatcher, one of half a dozen or so "Kisskadee look alikes" that populate tropical climes. Only o ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-68/267054351_AuiCF-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Slowly cruising the water in a boat affords great views of other species as well. Social Flycatcher, one of half a dozen or so "Kisskadee look alikes" that populate tropical climes. Only o ..." title="Slowly cruising the water in a boat affords great views of other species as well. Social Flycatcher, one of half a dozen or so "Kisskadee look alikes" that populate tropical climes. Only o ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:34:26Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-68/267054351_AuiCF-Th.jpg2008-02-29 02:11:28And there he (or is it she?) is! Despite many birder trained eyes squinting into the riverside undergrowth, it was our local boat driver who actually found the bird. Fairly cooperative onc ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />And there he (or is it she?) is! Despite many birder trained eyes squinting into the riverside undergrowth, it was our local boat driver who actually found the bird. Fairly cooperative onc ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267055295_9zKG9" title="And there he (or is it she?) is! Despite many birder trained eyes squinting into the riverside undergrowth, it was our local boat driver who actually found the bird. Fairly cooperative onc ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-69/267055295_9zKG9-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="And there he (or is it she?) is! Despite many birder trained eyes squinting into the riverside undergrowth, it was our local boat driver who actually found the bird. Fairly cooperative onc ..." title="And there he (or is it she?) is! Despite many birder trained eyes squinting into the riverside undergrowth, it was our local boat driver who actually found the bird. Fairly cooperative onc ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:33:25Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-69/267055295_9zKG9-Th.jpg2008-02-29 02:21:27Boat-billed Heron, Rio Frio, Bocatama.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Boat-billed Heron, Rio Frio, Bocatama.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267056224_ZVEMv" title="Boat-billed Heron, Rio Frio, Bocatama."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-70/267056224_ZVEMv-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Boat-billed Heron, Rio Frio, Bocatama." title="Boat-billed Heron, Rio Frio, Bocatama." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:31:15Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-70/267056224_ZVEMv-Th-1.jpg2008-02-29 02:22:29A face only a mother could love, Boat-billed Heron, Bocatama. Another star attraction, no USA records. Note the large eyes- these birds are nocturnal and hide among the dense foliage along ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />A face only a mother could love, Boat-billed Heron, Bocatama. Another star attraction, no USA records. Note the large eyes- these birds are nocturnal and hide among the dense foliage along ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267029257_PmBdm" title="A face only a mother could love, Boat-billed Heron, Bocatama. Another star attraction, no USA records. Note the large eyes- these birds are nocturnal and hide among the dense foliage along ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-71/267029257_PmBdm-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="A face only a mother could love, Boat-billed Heron, Bocatama. Another star attraction, no USA records. Note the large eyes- these birds are nocturnal and hide among the dense foliage along ..." title="A face only a mother could love, Boat-billed Heron, Bocatama. Another star attraction, no USA records. Note the large eyes- these birds are nocturnal and hide among the dense foliage along ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:47:59Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-71/267029257_PmBdm-Th.jpg2008-02-29 02:22:55Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama. No USA records, this is one of the celebrity birds to be found in the El Cielo area. Beautiful, soft pastel plumage colors allow the bird to virtually disapp ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama. No USA records, this is one of the celebrity birds to be found in the El Cielo area. Beautiful, soft pastel plumage colors allow the bird to virtually disapp ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267028688_dsCdD" title="Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama. No USA records, this is one of the celebrity birds to be found in the El Cielo area. Beautiful, soft pastel plumage colors allow the bird to virtually disapp ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-72/267028688_dsCdD-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama. No USA records, this is one of the celebrity birds to be found in the El Cielo area. Beautiful, soft pastel plumage colors allow the bird to virtually disapp ..." title="Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama. No USA records, this is one of the celebrity birds to be found in the El Cielo area. Beautiful, soft pastel plumage colors allow the bird to virtually disapp ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:45:00Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-72/267028688_dsCdD-Th.jpg2008-02-29 03:17:51Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267029011_AK9ET" title="Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-73/267029011_AK9ET-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama." title="Blue-crowned Motmot, Bocatama." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:46:54Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/Ed-Cielo-73/267029011_AK9ET-Th.jpg2008-02-29 03:17:55The day after the La Florida/Bocatama visits, our group once again made the 45 minute drive from the Hotel Mante, this time back directly to Gomez Farias. We left well before dawn to reach t ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />The day after the La Florida/Bocatama visits, our group once again made the 45 minute drive from the Hotel Mante, this time back directly to Gomez Farias. We left well before dawn to reach t ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267056252_fJkCo" title="The day after the La Florida/Bocatama visits, our group once again made the 45 minute drive from the Hotel Mante, this time back directly to Gomez Farias. We left well before dawn to reach t ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-74/267056252_fJkCo-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The day after the La Florida/Bocatama visits, our group once again made the 45 minute drive from the Hotel Mante, this time back directly to Gomez Farias. We left well before dawn to reach t ..." title="The day after the La Florida/Bocatama visits, our group once again made the 45 minute drive from the Hotel Mante, this time back directly to Gomez Farias. We left well before dawn to reach t ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:33:16Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-74/267056252_fJkCo-Th.jpg2008-03-01 07:28:24The experienced tour leaders directed the drivers to stop at a number of likely looking birding spots, and participants would walk a few 100's of yards or so, looking for area specialties.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />The experienced tour leaders directed the drivers to stop at a number of likely looking birding spots, and participants would walk a few 100's of yards or so, looking for area specialties.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267057571_S2Xxo" title="The experienced tour leaders directed the drivers to stop at a number of likely looking birding spots, and participants would walk a few 100's of yards or so, looking for area specialties."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-76/267057571_S2Xxo-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The experienced tour leaders directed the drivers to stop at a number of likely looking birding spots, and participants would walk a few 100's of yards or so, looking for area specialties." title="The experienced tour leaders directed the drivers to stop at a number of likely looking birding spots, and participants would walk a few 100's of yards or so, looking for area specialties." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:29:47Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-76/267057571_S2Xxo-Th.jpg2008-03-01 08:04:23Birders could either walk or sit, whatever their preference along the way. Due to the open cabin arrangement, it was often possible to locate species without leaving the truck, species like ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Birders could either walk or sit, whatever their preference along the way. Due to the open cabin arrangement, it was often possible to locate species without leaving the truck, species like ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267058867_hxHe4" title="Birders could either walk or sit, whatever their preference along the way. Due to the open cabin arrangement, it was often possible to locate species without leaving the truck, species like ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-77/267058867_hxHe4-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Birders could either walk or sit, whatever their preference along the way. Due to the open cabin arrangement, it was often possible to locate species without leaving the truck, species like ..." title="Birders could either walk or sit, whatever their preference along the way. Due to the open cabin arrangement, it was often possible to locate species without leaving the truck, species like ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:29:37Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-77/267058867_hxHe4-Th.jpg2008-03-01 10:03:12... Tropical Parula, a close cousin to the N. Parula which is widespread in eastern USA woodland habitats. Note the very dark face, and lack of a red/black breast band. This bird can be fo ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />... Tropical Parula, a close cousin to the N. Parula which is widespread in eastern USA woodland habitats. Note the very dark face, and lack of a red/black breast band. This bird can be fo ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267057658_J8v7c" title="... Tropical Parula, a close cousin to the N. Parula which is widespread in eastern USA woodland habitats. Note the very dark face, and lack of a red/black breast band. This bird can be fo ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-78/267057658_J8v7c-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="... Tropical Parula, a close cousin to the N. Parula which is widespread in eastern USA woodland habitats. Note the very dark face, and lack of a red/black breast band. This bird can be fo ..." title="... Tropical Parula, a close cousin to the N. Parula which is widespread in eastern USA woodland habitats. Note the very dark face, and lack of a red/black breast band. This bird can be fo ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:30:44Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-78/267057658_J8v7c-Th.jpg2008-02-29 20:24:50White-fronted Parrots, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />White-fronted Parrots, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo Biosphere Reserve.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267057805_TBchf" title="White-fronted Parrots, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo Biosphere Reserve."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-79/267057805_TBchf-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="White-fronted Parrots, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo Biosphere Reserve." title="White-fronted Parrots, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo Biosphere Reserve." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:28:27Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-79/267057805_TBchf-Th.jpg2008-02-29 20:46:47Hooded Grosbeak, a very range restricted, NE Mexican endemic. If you need this bird, El Cielo is one of the best locales to find it.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Hooded Grosbeak, a very range restricted, NE Mexican endemic. If you need this bird, El Cielo is one of the best locales to find it.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267057867_gtJjZ" title="Hooded Grosbeak, a very range restricted, NE Mexican endemic. If you need this bird, El Cielo is one of the best locales to find it."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-80/267057867_gtJjZ-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Hooded Grosbeak, a very range restricted, NE Mexican endemic. If you need this bird, El Cielo is one of the best locales to find it." title="Hooded Grosbeak, a very range restricted, NE Mexican endemic. If you need this bird, El Cielo is one of the best locales to find it." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:31:32Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-80/267057867_gtJjZ-Th.jpg2008-02-29 20:52:22Another range restricted NE Mexican endemic, and high on any birder's "must have" list, Crimson-collared Grosbeak. This is the female, every bit as handsome as the male, only shining yellow ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another range restricted NE Mexican endemic, and high on any birder's "must have" list, Crimson-collared Grosbeak. This is the female, every bit as handsome as the male, only shining yellow ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267057956_dce9h" title="Another range restricted NE Mexican endemic, and high on any birder's "must have" list, Crimson-collared Grosbeak. This is the female, every bit as handsome as the male, only shining yellow ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-81/267057956_dce9h-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another range restricted NE Mexican endemic, and high on any birder's "must have" list, Crimson-collared Grosbeak. This is the female, every bit as handsome as the male, only shining yellow ..." title="Another range restricted NE Mexican endemic, and high on any birder's "must have" list, Crimson-collared Grosbeak. This is the female, every bit as handsome as the male, only shining yellow ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:30:08Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-81/267057956_dce9h-Th.jpg2008-02-29 21:18:41There were so many great sightings, it would be hard to pick a "best bird", but the Tamaulipas Pygmy-owl would be at, or near, the top of such a compilation. This bird, split from Ferrugino ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />There were so many great sightings, it would be hard to pick a "best bird", but the Tamaulipas Pygmy-owl would be at, or near, the top of such a compilation. This bird, split from Ferrugino ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267058116_9dLZJ" title="There were so many great sightings, it would be hard to pick a "best bird", but the Tamaulipas Pygmy-owl would be at, or near, the top of such a compilation. This bird, split from Ferrugino ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-82/267058116_9dLZJ-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="There were so many great sightings, it would be hard to pick a "best bird", but the Tamaulipas Pygmy-owl would be at, or near, the top of such a compilation. This bird, split from Ferrugino ..." title="There were so many great sightings, it would be hard to pick a "best bird", but the Tamaulipas Pygmy-owl would be at, or near, the top of such a compilation. This bird, split from Ferrugino ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:29:12Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-82/267058116_9dLZJ-Th.jpg2008-02-29 21:41:28Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267058240_r5rcS" title="Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-83/267058240_r5rcS-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." title="Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:31:43Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-83/267058240_r5rcS-Th.jpg2008-02-29 21:51:27Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267058525_KzwvT" title="Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-84/267058525_KzwvT-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." title="Tam. Pygmy-owl, Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:28:51Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-84/267058525_KzwvT-Th.jpg2008-02-29 22:01:30Tam. Pygmy-owl, calling in response to our guides imitations. Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Tam. Pygmy-owl, calling in response to our guides imitations. Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267058788_Ek6M8" title="Tam. Pygmy-owl, calling in response to our guides imitations. Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-85/267058788_Ek6M8-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Tam. Pygmy-owl, calling in response to our guides imitations. Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." title="Tam. Pygmy-owl, calling in response to our guides imitations. Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:30:13Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-85/267058788_Ek6M8-Th.jpg2008-02-29 22:01:40Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Related to the Vireos, various forms of "Peppers" are spread throughout the American tropics, and Rufous-browed is widely distributed. They can be secretive, bu ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Related to the Vireos, various forms of "Peppers" are spread throughout the American tropics, and Rufous-browed is widely distributed. They can be secretive, bu ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267059210_g6bDN" title="Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Related to the Vireos, various forms of "Peppers" are spread throughout the American tropics, and Rufous-browed is widely distributed. They can be secretive, bu ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-86/267059210_g6bDN-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Related to the Vireos, various forms of "Peppers" are spread throughout the American tropics, and Rufous-browed is widely distributed. They can be secretive, bu ..." title="Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Related to the Vireos, various forms of "Peppers" are spread throughout the American tropics, and Rufous-browed is widely distributed. They can be secretive, bu ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:27:29Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-86/267059210_g6bDN-Th.jpg2008-02-29 22:36:14At the terminus of the mountain road out of Gomez Farias, scattered homes, a school, a restrauant and a couple of very basic overnight accomodations comprise the sleepy village of Alta Cima. ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />At the terminus of the mountain road out of Gomez Farias, scattered homes, a school, a restrauant and a couple of very basic overnight accomodations comprise the sleepy village of Alta Cima. ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267060024_ueuMz" title="At the terminus of the mountain road out of Gomez Farias, scattered homes, a school, a restrauant and a couple of very basic overnight accomodations comprise the sleepy village of Alta Cima. ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-87/267060024_ueuMz-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="At the terminus of the mountain road out of Gomez Farias, scattered homes, a school, a restrauant and a couple of very basic overnight accomodations comprise the sleepy village of Alta Cima. ..." title="At the terminus of the mountain road out of Gomez Farias, scattered homes, a school, a restrauant and a couple of very basic overnight accomodations comprise the sleepy village of Alta Cima. ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:24:30Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-87/267060024_ueuMz-Th.jpg2008-03-01 11:44:45Across the street from La Fey is a "new" hotel, as shown in the shot above. I dont think the rooms are shown- the structures in the photo are not part of the establishment. It looked to be ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Across the street from La Fey is a "new" hotel, as shown in the shot above. I dont think the rooms are shown- the structures in the photo are not part of the establishment. It looked to be ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267060218_RoyNc" title="Across the street from La Fey is a "new" hotel, as shown in the shot above. I dont think the rooms are shown- the structures in the photo are not part of the establishment. It looked to be ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-88/267060218_RoyNc-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Across the street from La Fey is a "new" hotel, as shown in the shot above. I dont think the rooms are shown- the structures in the photo are not part of the establishment. It looked to be ..." title="Across the street from La Fey is a "new" hotel, as shown in the shot above. I dont think the rooms are shown- the structures in the photo are not part of the establishment. It looked to be ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:27:36Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-88/267060218_RoyNc-Th.jpg2008-03-01 11:47:01This is the traditional place to bed down in Alta Cima, "Los Pinos", but it is very basic. I am not sure the place has electricity or indoor plumbing, but it might! The grounds are very ni ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />This is the traditional place to bed down in Alta Cima, "Los Pinos", but it is very basic. I am not sure the place has electricity or indoor plumbing, but it might! The grounds are very ni ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267061040_x28Um" title="This is the traditional place to bed down in Alta Cima, "Los Pinos", but it is very basic. I am not sure the place has electricity or indoor plumbing, but it might! The grounds are very ni ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-89/267061040_x28Um-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="This is the traditional place to bed down in Alta Cima, "Los Pinos", but it is very basic. I am not sure the place has electricity or indoor plumbing, but it might! The grounds are very ni ..." title="This is the traditional place to bed down in Alta Cima, "Los Pinos", but it is very basic. I am not sure the place has electricity or indoor plumbing, but it might! The grounds are very ni ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:27:38Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-89/267061040_x28Um-Th.jpg2008-03-01 13:23:16Self-portrait, La Fey, Alta Cima.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Self-portrait, La Fey, Alta Cima.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267061348_Dv3hA" title="Self-portrait, La Fey, Alta Cima."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-90/267061348_Dv3hA-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Self-portrait, La Fey, Alta Cima." title="Self-portrait, La Fey, Alta Cima." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:24:53Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-90/267061348_Dv3hA-Th-1.jpg2008-03-01 14:24:34The chap with the camera is me, and the gentleman in front is Derek Mucshalek, who I originally met in my hometown birding grounds, the Upper Texas Coast, specifically around High Island, mo ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />The chap with the camera is me, and the gentleman in front is Derek Mucshalek, who I originally met in my hometown birding grounds, the Upper Texas Coast, specifically around High Island, mo ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267061775_fMv65" title="The chap with the camera is me, and the gentleman in front is Derek Mucshalek, who I originally met in my hometown birding grounds, the Upper Texas Coast, specifically around High Island, mo ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-91/267061775_fMv65-Th-1.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The chap with the camera is me, and the gentleman in front is Derek Mucshalek, who I originally met in my hometown birding grounds, the Upper Texas Coast, specifically around High Island, mo ..." title="The chap with the camera is me, and the gentleman in front is Derek Mucshalek, who I originally met in my hometown birding grounds, the Upper Texas Coast, specifically around High Island, mo ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:26:05Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-91/267061775_fMv65-Th-1.jpg2008-03-01 14:24:53Surely in the top 4 or 5 "best birds" of the trip, the stunning, and again highly range restricted, Blue Mockingbird. These birds are notoriously difficult to get decent looks at, and will ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Surely in the top 4 or 5 "best birds" of the trip, the stunning, and again highly range restricted, Blue Mockingbird. These birds are notoriously difficult to get decent looks at, and will ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267062571_9mJNj" title="Surely in the top 4 or 5 "best birds" of the trip, the stunning, and again highly range restricted, Blue Mockingbird. These birds are notoriously difficult to get decent looks at, and will ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-92/267062571_9mJNj-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Surely in the top 4 or 5 "best birds" of the trip, the stunning, and again highly range restricted, Blue Mockingbird. These birds are notoriously difficult to get decent looks at, and will ..." title="Surely in the top 4 or 5 "best birds" of the trip, the stunning, and again highly range restricted, Blue Mockingbird. These birds are notoriously difficult to get decent looks at, and will ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:29:25Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-92/267062571_9mJNj-Th.jpg2008-03-01 00:24:43Blue Mockingbird, La Fey restrauant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Cielo.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Blue Mockingbird, La Fey restrauant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Cielo.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267062935_zs8ZD" title="Blue Mockingbird, La Fey restrauant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Cielo."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-93/267062935_zs8ZD-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Blue Mockingbird, La Fey restrauant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Cielo." title="Blue Mockingbird, La Fey restrauant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Cielo." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:27:26Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-93/267062935_zs8ZD-Th.jpg2008-03-01 00:24:23Black-headed Saltator, La Fey resturant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Ceilo. These birds, as mentioned earlier, are rather common here, and widespread in many other locales in the American Tropi ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Black-headed Saltator, La Fey resturant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Ceilo. These birds, as mentioned earlier, are rather common here, and widespread in many other locales in the American Tropi ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267063305_ctxdc" title="Black-headed Saltator, La Fey resturant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Ceilo. These birds, as mentioned earlier, are rather common here, and widespread in many other locales in the American Tropi ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-95/267063305_ctxdc-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Black-headed Saltator, La Fey resturant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Ceilo. These birds, as mentioned earlier, are rather common here, and widespread in many other locales in the American Tropi ..." title="Black-headed Saltator, La Fey resturant courtyard, Alta Cima, El Ceilo. These birds, as mentioned earlier, are rather common here, and widespread in many other locales in the American Tropi ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:27:37Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-95/267063305_ctxdc-Th.jpg2008-03-01 00:21:39Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey, Alta Cima. This bird has been expanding it's range Northward in recent years, and has become increasingly common in and around Alta Cima. Certainly this shot ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey, Alta Cima. This bird has been expanding it's range Northward in recent years, and has become increasingly common in and around Alta Cima. Certainly this shot ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267063864_yod7i" title="Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey, Alta Cima. This bird has been expanding it's range Northward in recent years, and has become increasingly common in and around Alta Cima. Certainly this shot ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-96/267063864_yod7i-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey, Alta Cima. This bird has been expanding it's range Northward in recent years, and has become increasingly common in and around Alta Cima. Certainly this shot ..." title="Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey, Alta Cima. This bird has been expanding it's range Northward in recent years, and has become increasingly common in and around Alta Cima. Certainly this shot ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:24:10Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-96/267063864_yod7i-Th.jpg2008-03-01 00:39:42Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey courtyard. Again nice views of a bird that can be difficult to study at close range.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey courtyard. Again nice views of a bird that can be difficult to study at close range.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267064167_mv8Dp" title="Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey courtyard. Again nice views of a bird that can be difficult to study at close range."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-97/267064167_mv8Dp-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey courtyard. Again nice views of a bird that can be difficult to study at close range." title="Yellow-winged Tanager, La Fey courtyard. Again nice views of a bird that can be difficult to study at close range." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:26:55Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-97/267064167_mv8Dp-Th.jpg2008-03-01 00:39:44Further on down the road past La Fey, there is a large field with what is termed by birders who visit this area the "Oriole tree"; five or six species simultaneously, feeding on nectar or b ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Further on down the road past La Fey, there is a large field with what is termed by birders who visit this area the "Oriole tree"; five or six species simultaneously, feeding on nectar or b ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267064522_6v6WD" title="Further on down the road past La Fey, there is a large field with what is termed by birders who visit this area the "Oriole tree"; five or six species simultaneously, feeding on nectar or b ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-98/267064522_6v6WD-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Further on down the road past La Fey, there is a large field with what is termed by birders who visit this area the "Oriole tree"; five or six species simultaneously, feeding on nectar or b ..." title="Further on down the road past La Fey, there is a large field with what is termed by birders who visit this area the "Oriole tree"; five or six species simultaneously, feeding on nectar or b ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:25:43Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-98/267064522_6v6WD-Th.jpg2008-03-01 00:57:31This, I believe, is a Green-eyed White. La Fey, Alta Cima.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />This, I believe, is a Green-eyed White. La Fey, Alta Cima.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267062956_HQP24" title="This, I believe, is a Green-eyed White. La Fey, Alta Cima."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-94/267062956_HQP24-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="This, I believe, is a Green-eyed White. La Fey, Alta Cima." title="This, I believe, is a Green-eyed White. La Fey, Alta Cima." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:25:43Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-94/267062956_HQP24-Th.jpg2008-03-01 00:13:36A gorgeous male Flame-colored Tanager, a chase bird in Arizona or Big Ben perhaps, but we had them at several locations, including Los Trunchoes. This bird was found across the road from th ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />A gorgeous male Flame-colored Tanager, a chase bird in Arizona or Big Ben perhaps, but we had them at several locations, including Los Trunchoes. This bird was found across the road from th ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267064878_5dxXo" title="A gorgeous male Flame-colored Tanager, a chase bird in Arizona or Big Ben perhaps, but we had them at several locations, including Los Trunchoes. This bird was found across the road from th ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-99/267064878_5dxXo-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="A gorgeous male Flame-colored Tanager, a chase bird in Arizona or Big Ben perhaps, but we had them at several locations, including Los Trunchoes. This bird was found across the road from th ..." title="A gorgeous male Flame-colored Tanager, a chase bird in Arizona or Big Ben perhaps, but we had them at several locations, including Los Trunchoes. This bird was found across the road from th ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:28:33Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-99/267064878_5dxXo-Th.jpg2008-03-01 01:11:18Flame-colored Tanager, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Note the large white spots on the wings- the female is a dull yellowish-green, much like the Western Tanager, which we also found at El Cielo. T ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Flame-colored Tanager, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Note the large white spots on the wings- the female is a dull yellowish-green, much like the Western Tanager, which we also found at El Cielo. T ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267065329_RUXaZ" title="Flame-colored Tanager, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Note the large white spots on the wings- the female is a dull yellowish-green, much like the Western Tanager, which we also found at El Cielo. T ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-100/267065329_RUXaZ-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Flame-colored Tanager, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Note the large white spots on the wings- the female is a dull yellowish-green, much like the Western Tanager, which we also found at El Cielo. T ..." title="Flame-colored Tanager, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Note the large white spots on the wings- the female is a dull yellowish-green, much like the Western Tanager, which we also found at El Cielo. T ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:24:45Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-100/267065329_RUXaZ-Th.jpg2008-03-01 01:20:45Pair of Social Flycatchers, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Not long after this picture was taken, one of the group spotted a really curious, bright lime to grass green bird, apparently missing a tail ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Pair of Social Flycatchers, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Not long after this picture was taken, one of the group spotted a really curious, bright lime to grass green bird, apparently missing a tail ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267065210_VVhVR" title="Pair of Social Flycatchers, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Not long after this picture was taken, one of the group spotted a really curious, bright lime to grass green bird, apparently missing a tail ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-101/267065210_VVhVR-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Pair of Social Flycatchers, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Not long after this picture was taken, one of the group spotted a really curious, bright lime to grass green bird, apparently missing a tail ..." title="Pair of Social Flycatchers, Alta Cima, El Cielo. Not long after this picture was taken, one of the group spotted a really curious, bright lime to grass green bird, apparently missing a tail ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:24:45Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-101/267065210_VVhVR-Th.jpg2008-03-01 01:36:23Another puzzling dark raptor, this bird was spotted on the way down from Alta Cima the afternoon of our visit, and was tagged as a Great Black Hawk; lucky for me it sure looks a lot like th ...<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another puzzling dark raptor, this bird was spotted on the way down from Alta Cima the afternoon of our visit, and was tagged as a Great Black Hawk; lucky for me it sure looks a lot like th ...</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267065319_BJgTP" title="Another puzzling dark raptor, this bird was spotted on the way down from Alta Cima the afternoon of our visit, and was tagged as a Great Black Hawk; lucky for me it sure looks a lot like th ..."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-102/267065319_BJgTP-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another puzzling dark raptor, this bird was spotted on the way down from Alta Cima the afternoon of our visit, and was tagged as a Great Black Hawk; lucky for me it sure looks a lot like th ..." title="Another puzzling dark raptor, this bird was spotted on the way down from Alta Cima the afternoon of our visit, and was tagged as a Great Black Hawk; lucky for me it sure looks a lot like th ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:24:04Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-102/267065319_BJgTP-Th.jpg2008-03-01 02:46:40Great Black Hawk, juv., Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Great Black Hawk, juv., Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267065396_jLekf" title="Great Black Hawk, juv., Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-103/267065396_jLekf-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Great Black Hawk, juv., Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." title="Great Black Hawk, juv., Road to Alta Cima, El Cielo." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:27:30Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-103/267065396_jLekf-Th.jpg2008-03-01 02:46:42Another attractive butterfly.<p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com">mtns2molhilz</a><br />Another attractive butterfly.</p><p><a href="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/4534393_nVdVD#267065900_yvAWH" title="Another attractive butterfly."><img src="http://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-104/267065900_yvAWH-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Another attractive butterfly." title="Another attractive butterfly." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-01-11T03:27:22Zmtns2molhilzhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.comhttp://mtns2molhilz.smugmug.com/Nature/El-Cielo-Birding-and-Butterfly/El-Cielo-104/267065900_yvAWH-Th.jpg2008-03-01 03:17:07