Best Spots for Birding This Winter In and Around Mérida
Birdwatching is enjoyed by millions of people across the world, and there are few places better to engage in this relaxing activity than the Yucatán Peninsula.
The region is home to an extremely wide variety of birds endemic to the region, as well as migratory species.
But in all honestly, one of the major factors that get in the way of enjoying this activity tends to be the Peninsula’s heat and humidity, which make spending prolonged periods of time outside (and without a cold drink in hand) rather punishing.
Fortunately, usually starting in late November, temperatures tend to decrease significantly, making birding expeditions all the more enjoyable.
This said, it is still a good idea to apply plenty of sunblock and get out nice and early to avoid the warmest periods of the day and enjoy the wee hours of the morning when wildlife springs to life.
But even if you are not feeling like making your way deep into the countryside there are still plenty of fantastic areas to catch a glimpse of some of Yucatán’s most beautiful species.
Mérida’s Acuaparque
Link to Mérida’s Acuaparque on Google Maps
This manmade lake in the far west of town is perhaps the best place in the entire city to view aquatic birds. Because the park is open 24 hours a day you can show up as early as you like and enjoy that magical early morning light.
The Acuaparque has good facilities, including bathrooms, and employs park rangers. However, going very late at night is probably not a good idea and would make spotting birds difficult.
Dzibilchaltún
Link to Dzibilchaltún on Google Maps
Fifteen minutes north of Mérida is the archaeological site of Dzibilchaltún. Aside from its fascinating Mayan monuments, the site and surrounding town are teeming with wildlife. This is in part thanks to several cenotes in the area, which attract a large number of animals, including birds.
As the archaeological park does not open until 8 a.m., it is a good idea to explore the surrounding countryside before making your way in. There are plenty of interesting abandoned haciendas with nooks and crannies perfect for smaller birds, so make sure to keep an eye out.
Progreso
Link to Progreso on Google Maps
Anyone interested in catching a glimpse of flamingos knows that Celestun and Rio Lagartos are among the best places in the world to do so. But with a little luck, you are likely to spot these majestic pink birds a little closer to home.
Flamingos can be spotted in Progreso along several locations, sometimes even including the highway. But to maximize your chances, look out for one of the many lookouts or miradores in the area.
But even if you don’t get to see any flamingos, the trip will still surely be worth it as egrets, hummingbirds, cormorants, pelicans, and dozens of other species can reliably be seen in the area — especially early in the morning.
Parque Eco-arqueológico del Poniente
Mérida’s Parque Eco-arqueológico del Poniente is one of the city’s largest parks and, like Dzibilchaltún, is also home to ancient Mayan structures.
Link to Parque Eco-arqueologico del Poniente on Google Maps.
The park features several paths, some of which are fairly narrow and perfect for birders looking to catch a glimpse of a mot-mot or flycatcher. Because the area surrounding the park has long been used as a quarry it often floods when it rains, which in turn attracts all sorts of species that would otherwise not be seen in this part of town.
Parque de la Ibérica
Link to Parque de la Ibérica on Google Maps
Despite being located near downtown, this large park full of vegetation is usually fairly quiet and great for urban birding. Because its gates don’t open until 8 a.m. this should give visitors plenty of time to take a leisurely walk from Mérida’s downtown, all the while keeping your eyes open for feathered friends.
Do you have any favorite spots in and around town for birding that we missed? Let us know at carlosrosado@roofcatmedia.com.
Check out some of our past features on birding and wildlife in the Yucatán here.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
