Overnight Birding Excursion to Manantlán Biosphere Preserve
Posted by LisaFern on January 27, 2018, 5:59 pm
BIRDING ECO-TRIP TO MANANTLÁN BIOSPHERE RESERVE 3 AND 4 OF FEBRUARY 2018
This overnight trip is a rare opportunity to visit the Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, considered the third most important biosphere reserve in Mexico. Located southeast of Autlán de Navarro, in the Sierra del Madre Sur, Manantlán spans 139,577 hectares over the states of Jalisco, Comala and Minatitlán. We will visit the Las Joyas Field Station of the University of Guadalajara, a birding hotspot with over 365 species of birds, including 22 different hummingbirds. Also present are many endemic species of flora and fauna- the ancient relative of the corn we eat, Milpilla perene (Zea diploperennis) as well as the endemic magnolia tree, Magnolia iltisiana. Other residents include 110 species of mammals, 80 species of reptiles, and 23 species of amphibians, many of which are endemic to this region. The trip is led by accomplished, bilingual birder, Eduardo Díaz Gómez (Siux), Director of Ecology for the municipality of Autlán. All meals, overnight lodging, and transportation to and from La Manzanilla is included in the price of $980 pesos. This is a moderately strenuous trip up into the cooler cloud forest ecosystem, and includes some travel in the Reserve by pickup truck with seating in the back.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Saturday, 7:00 am Pick Up in La Manzanilla A van will pick you up, in the trunk you will find cookies, fruit and beverages.
9:00 am Arrive Autlán We will meet other people at the Universidad de Guadalajara.
9:30 am Departure to Las Joyas Field Station There will be several stops for birdwatching, and to eat a to-go box breakfast. Transportation is by pickup trucks
11:30 am Arrive Las Joyas Field Station Brief explanation of how the field station works Rooms will be assigned along with bedding (with extra blanket if needed).
12:30 pm Hiking on an interpretative trail Xilosuchitlán trail is a hike that requires some effort since is not a flat area
3:00 -4:00 pm Lunch Time Prepared by professional chefs using local, fresh ingredients
4:00 – 5:30 pm Break People could bird around the cabins, drink coffee, read, etc.
5:30 pm Hiking on an interpretative trail El Tlacuache is a beautiful trail along a well preserved Cloud Forest
8:00 pm Dinner time 3-course meal prepared with local, fresh ingredients
9:30 pm Night hike Search for owls
Sunday, 7:00 am Birdwatching Around the field station
8:00 am Breakfast Served in the Kitchen and prepared by professional cooks.
9:30 am Trip to El Almeal View point outside the Field Station, if not cloudy we can be able to see the ocean and Manzanillo.
11:30 am Return to Autlán Transportation is by pickup trucks
1:30 pm Arrive Autlán Meet the van that will take you back to La Manzanilla