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SPRING BIRDING 2005
April 9th thru April 14, 2005
A Trip to Rancho Esmeralda
Imagine the perfect birding resort to learn southwestern birds. It would be in a natural setting with high quality riparian and upland habitat, far from roads and other human disturbance, with well trained horses to explore thousands of acres, a friendly staff, great food, a pool and spa to relax in after a hard day of birding, and the chance to see Elegant Trogons everyday. This describes Rancho Esmeralda, a jewel of a ecotourism resort, newly established outside of Nogales, Mexico, and available for group excursions throughout the year. It is located on an operating family ranch so has the feel of a home-visit rather than a hotel. Accommodations are in a new luxury “bunkhouse” and meals are taken below outside on a scenic veranda. An Elf Owl pair nests in a nearby tree, and at sunset, while sipping homemade margaritas, one can watch hundreds of Turkey Vultures and a few Zone-tail Hawks circle overhead as they head for a night roost just across a field.
I was fortunate to visit in April when Elegant Trogons began courtship calling. New migrant bird species showed up everyday, some making a brief stop on their journey north, and others to establish local nesting territories. Rising the first day before sunrise, I heard a chorus of Cassin’s Kingbirds interspersed with calls of Elf Owls. I then wandered up the canyon just outside the bunkhouse, accompanied by the call of Canyon Wrens. Within 30 minutes, I encountered my life Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet as well as a host of other species. I easily had time to study each yet made it back for a hearty, multi-course breakfast. Each morning after breakfast I had the choice of hiking or riding. Just 10 minutes up a riparian corridor from the bunkhouse, I was able to find and study courting Elegant Trogons every day of my visit. Numerous Vermilion Flycatchers brightened the air everywhere I went on the ranch as males kited in their courtship displays. Each walk or ride offered a new treat as my bird list grew.
I highly recommend a visit to Rancho Esmeralda any season of the year. The privacy, peace and pristine condition of the habitat make it truly a birder’s delight! To see southwestern bird species for the first time or to study these species rarely encountered farther north, this resort offers birding groups a unique and delightful opportunity.
Susan Patla - June 03, 2005
Click to view - Susan 's Bird list
For Information, Rates and Reservations
Email us -
info@ranchoesmeraldanogales.com
or call (520) 548-7278 -- (520)296-7622 (fax)
Rancho Esmeralda featured in Tucson Lifestyles, February 2004!