Mexico

he spring season's observers continued to document low numbers of frugivores such as Cedar Waxwings and American Robins, which were essentially absent across large areas from Nuevo Leon through Oaxaca, where by contrast many thousands had been seen in recent winter/spring seasons.This was particularly interesting in light of the harsh winter weather experienced in the United States and Canada in 2003-2004, felt in Mexico as a series of cool fronts (nortes) that brought heavy, frequent rains to some areas, especially along the Atlantic slope.We received fewer reports from northern Mexico than usual this season, though there were several interesting migrants in the migrant trap of Bosque Venustiano Carranza in Torre6n, Coahuila.(Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas birders: please send us your sightings from northern Mexico!)On the other hand, we had reports from a larger number of states in central and southern Mexico than we have had in the past, thanks in part to some new contributors.We are pleased to include several reports of interest from the winter season, received too late for inclusion in that season's summary.NORTHERN MEXICO Through the period, Thicket Tinamous were heard for the first time in several locations in N.L., from the Monterrey-Rayones Hwy to Parque Estanzuela (fide AGS, m.ob.).Up to 400 Snow Geese (including 15 blue morphs) were noted 27 Dec 2003 on a drive through cen.Tamps., along with 7 Sandhill Cranes (PAil et al.).A Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ruddy Ducks, and 3 Lesser Scaup at Laguna de Chiricahueto, Sin. 15 May were late (MG, MAGB, HGdS, AP).A Muscovy Duck was seen w. of Tampico, Tamps.27 Dec 2003 (PAH et al.).An active Ornate Hawk-Eagle nest was found near Alta Cimas, Tamps. in Apr by members of the local birding club (fide AGS).A pair of Yellow-breasted Crakes with 2 chicks was seen in a canal in Laguna de Chiricahueto 30 Apr and 11 May (MAGB).Three pairs of Sungrebes (at the nest) were seen along the Rio Frio near G6mez Fargas, Tamps. in the 3rd week of Apr (AGS et al.).Five Double-striped Thick-knees were seen in the flat country below G6mez Farias in Apr (MLPR), with 2 there in late May 0CA).A small resident population of Mountain Plovers has been found in Valle de la Soledad, San Rafael, N.L. (fide AGS), which is also a very important wintering area (i.e., 500 were found there in Dec by personnel from Pronatura Noreste, Universidad Aut6noma de Nuevo Le6n and Mused de las Aves de Mexico, fide AGS).Two Caspian Terns were seen at a small reservoir near Chthuahua, Chih. in the first week of Apr (MBPsfide Bill Howe).A Groove-billed Ani was on the edge of Ejido Monterreycillo, close to Rio Nazas, Dgo. 3 Mar (ph.EH); this constitutes by far the most inland record for this species in the subregion.Eight Eurasian Collared-Doves were counted between km markers 36 and 37 21 Mar (VV-B).A Palm Warbler was seen at China, N.L. 14 May; it stayed for two weeks (AGS et al.).Two Song Sparrows were in habitat fringing the Laguna de Chiricahueto mudflats 15 May (AP, HGdS, MG).An imm.male Bullock's Oriole at Imala 15 May was rather late (HGdS, MG, AP).

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