MEXICO 2008: Tufted Jay Preserve.

Our first full day in the preserve began with a walk around the clearing near the cabins. Plenty of action here with large flocks of Chiping Sparrows and little "teams" of Yellow-eyed (Mexican) Juncos on the open grounds.

Rufous-capped Brushfinch.

A leaking water pipe was attracting plenty of birds aparts from the juncos and sparrows. We watched Russet Nightingale-Thrushes, Rufous-capped Brushfinches and Spotted Towhees (above) at close quarters with fleeting glimpses of Blue Mockingbird too.

Loads of White-eared Hummers (below) around as well as a single Ruby-throated Hummingbird. A stroll through the pine-oak borders just before breakfast produced a nice mixed flock of understory birds including Golden-browed Warblers, Painted and Slate-throated Redstarts, Pine Flycatcher and best of all a Colima Warbler (not that it was a tick for me or anthing like that!).