San Blas

We spent the first 4 hours of daylight on the San Blas River cruising along a wide channel through the mangroves and what a relaxing time we had to endure! 

Sunrise and the start of our day

The main prize was the Rufous-necked Wood-Rail we had crawling around the mangrove branches before wandering around on the muddy floor. Couldn't get a photo of it but was just happy to get decent views. It was unfortunate that it decided to get in touch with its inner Usain Bolt, as every time it came to the clearing in front of us it would run extremely fast across the clearing.! 

Crane Hawk

Great Egret

Green Heron

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

But we enjoyed multiple fine views of many common (ish) species and thoroughly enjoyed the close views of Common Black Hawk, Western Osprey, Snail Kite, Crane Hawk, Green and Belted Kingfishers, Limpkin, American Gallinule, Mangrove Warbler, and all the expected ibis, egrets and herons.

Green Kingfisher

Snail Kite

Western Osprey

White Ibis

 It's always a great experience doing these boat trips and adds an extra dimension to any tour. Fantastic!

Once we reached a wide lagoon our first Bare-throated Tiger-Heron showed and there was a Swainson’s Hawk flying over, Great Blue Herons, Wood Storks, lots of Black-bellied and a few Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, Northern Pintail etc. 

Wood Stork

Great Blue Heron

We tried to sail out to some rocks in the Pacific Ocean but the waves were too high so had to do with a Reddish Egret dashing around the shallows in typical fashion.

Magnificent Frigatebird

Reddish Egret

 After lunch and a siesta we drove to some quiet back roads and immediately found a group of Rufous-bellied Chachalacas, and a short while later a flock of Mexican Parrotlets feeding in a fruiting tree. Result!  

Spot the Mexican Parrotlet

Painted Bunting

Rufous-bellied Chachalaca

A pair of White-fronted Parrots flew over and some Painted Buntings showed nicely to end a fine day. Again..!