Bird watchers literally flock to the Mayan Riviera to get a glimpse of tropical birds in their natural habitat. The Sian Kaan Reserve, our next door neighbor, is where this dedicated group of birders go. The Sian Kaan is on many bucket lists, being a large protected reserve that has many activities that people can participate in. Top of the list is bird watching and orchid gardeners. The third group is the dedicated group of fly fisherman (fisherpersons) and finally snorkelers.
Bird Watchers unite in the Sian Kaan Biosphere
Where does one start when looking at the species of birds that are indigineous to this area and can be seen by the patient bird watcher and enthusiast. Me thinks, the best way to handle this is not to post the bird species in one post, but to explain why this area is so popular with Bird Watchers.
1. Indigenous species – Sian Kaan has over 360 bird species in one area. That is a gold mine for any bird watcher. This includes aquatic and terrestrial bird species as the Sian Kaan has fresh water areas and rivers, jungle, ocean and mangrove. The land is rich so the bird population has followed
2. Adventure – Bird watchers can swim, boat, kayak and walk through the Sian Kaan to try and find the birds. This adventure is part of being a bird watcher and the Sian Kaan does not lack in adventure. Guides are local, some are experts in the habitat of the indigenous species and they know where they live and when they are out so that bird watchers have a great opportunity to find the birds on their list.
3. Great guides – Really, the Sian Kaan has some of the best guides that have been trained by their grandfather, great grandfathers and family members. There is a population of 170 Mayans who live in the Sian Kaan and have for generations.Most guides can identify the birds by their call and find some of the hardest to identify species.
A small list of Indigenous birds in the Sian Kaan
this is a very small list of birds that bird watchers will see in the Sian Kaan Biospere, a very small list. Are they on your list of birds that you would like to see?
Ocelated Turkey, Yucatan Woodpecker, Yucatan Blue Jay, Yellow fronted parrot, Yucatan flycatcher.
Have a look at some of these great birds in their natural habitat.
Ocelated Turkey
Yellow Fronted Parrot
Yucatan Blue Jay
Yucatan Woodpecker
Yucatan Fly Catcher
Are you a bird watcher? Let us know if you have been to the Sian Kaan and what your experience was like. If the Sian Kaan for bird watching is on your bucket list let us know and we can steer you in the right direction! As sustainable tourism goes, bird watching is right up there with some of the best sustainable activities in Tulum!
