General
Statement
This
gulf coast area, is the northern most extension of the Tropical Rain
Forest, and the only place on the gulf coast of Mexico where the mountains
descend and terminate in the sea. Here, North American migrant warblers,
vireos and other migrants share the forests with toucans, parrots, trogons,
motmots, antbirds and a host of other Neotropical Residents
A week in
the Tuxtlas Region is an excellent introduction to tropical birding,
enhanced by the enchanting experiences available through our side
excursions in this, the “Tierra de Los Brujos” (Land of the wizards)!
Description: The General Area
(by William J. Schaldach Jr.)
The Tuxtla
Mountains of Southern Veracruz, Mexico.
These mountains, unique in Mexico in having no connection to the interior
Sierra Madre Oriental, are all volcanic in origin. The geologists tell us
that this uplifting occurred from about 2 million to about ½ million years
ago. The only recent volcanic activity occurred in 1793 when Volcán San
Martín erupted various times, covering its slopes with volcanic ash and
destroying the vegetation on its flanks. The forest regenerated itself in
the following 200 years and is still present from the crater (at 1665
meters), down some 300 meters .
The original human inhabitants of the Tuxtla Region were the enigmatic
Olmec Indians who may have settled here as long ago as 6000 B.C. The Olmecs
developed their typical cone-shaped earth tombs here by copying the steeply
conical shapes of the myriad volcanic cinder cores in this region. Later,
the Olmecs occupied other areas to the northwest and to the southeast of
the Tuxtla Mountains, but wherever they settled (mostly along the rivers of
the flat coastal lowlands), they took their idea of the conical earth tomb
with them, as at Tres Zapotes Veracruz and La Venta, Tabasco. Again, much
later, the Nahua speaking Indians who settled here, applied the name
Tuxtlán, meaning place of the pocket – gophers, because they found numerous
carved representations, in basalt and other volcanic rock, of the
subterranean mammals carved by the Olmecs. All these Indian tribes
disturbed the land and forest very little, clearing only small areas for
their milpas (cornfields), and for planting squash, beans, tomatoes and
chiles.
After the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards this process of clearing out
land speeded up, and by the 1950’s only 65 – 67 % of the original forest
cover remained (rain forest, cloud forest, semi deciduous and pine – oak
forest). In 3 decades (1970 - 1990), the total rain forest cover remaining
in the region is estimated at about 7% of the forest that remained in 1967,
the year the Federal Government gave the rain forest area reserve (1688
acres) to the National Antonomous University. Now, in November 1999,
clandestine woodcutters and squatters have invaded even this area, and the
forest has been reduced by almost ½, with only an estimated 400 hectares
remaining. The constant pressure of too much new human population continues
not only in Mexico, but also in all the world’s Tropical Rain areas.
But, the situation here in the Tuxtlas is not all as black as it seems. In
November of 1998, President Zedillo signed a decree, which made the whole
central ‘heartland’ area of this region a National Park prohibiting all
tree cutting and lumbering activities. This will help slow the destruction
considerably, and is a very welcome and positive help. However, in the long
run, only natural causes can regenerate the forest.
First among these causes is the simple fact that the volcanic soils of the
region are fertile and rich in minerals that mature tree seed, disseminated
by birds and mammals (especially bats). These seeds grow into trees at
astonishingly fast rates! Some of the large second – growth forest trees
which grew on old abandoned fields and pastures when I first arrived in the
Tuxtlas in 1962 are now giants of 20 to 25 meters in height! These fields
and pastures were abandoned due to one vital factor: lack of surface water,
i.e. no springs, brooks or creeks flow in the dry season, in these areas
now, due to the loss of forest cover to hold the water and allow it to
trickle down to the aquifers. In the rainy season there is more than enough
rain to support vegetative growth. Remember, that we call this forest “Rain
Forest”. It is EXACTLY that, as are regions in the “heartland”, i.e., the
mountains receive 3 to 4 meters of annual rainfall per year with the first
inland chain of mountains (where the Biological Station is located)
receiving an average of 5 meters per year!
But, the Tuxtla Region does not consist of only forest. We have several
large marshlands and Lake Catemaco (the 4th largest natural lake
in Mexico), supports large breeding colonies of herons and other
waterbirds, including, cormorants, migrant waterfowl, snail kites,
wintering ospreys and ring – billed quills, rails, coots and many other
species. The rivers of our gulf coast, with the almost 1000 kilometers of
coastal beaches, dunes, and headlands also host thousands of migrant sea
birds, shores birds, and at least 40 – 50 wintering Peregrine Falcons. Fields
and pastures (usually grown up with shrubs and small trees) are bisected by
roads lined with fence posts which grew into trees, thus providing
corridors for birds (including many wintering migrants), to pass along and
feed in. These open areas are home to many small passerines, including
wrens, gnatcatchers, vireos, warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, seed – eating
finches, orioles, and even Lesser Goldfinches. The Lesser Goldfinch winters
here in numbers from Sept to April, although not recorded by Howell and
Webb, 1995: p.760 (map), because they only began wintering here in the
early 1990’s, after their observations in the region were concluded.
This region boasts the highest bird diversity in Mexico in terms of
comparable areas. In this small region of about 5000 square kilometers, we
have recorded (to date) 568 species or 56.7% of all bird species known in
Mexico, including oceanic pelagic birds!
We have
prepared a Birders Checklist of the birds of the Tuxtla Region, with
William J. Schaldach Jr. having over 30 years of observations in this area.
This checklist forms part of the information packet sent to our clients.
OUR TOUR
Day 1
After our guides have rounded up all our guests from their hotels and in
some cases from the airport, we will proceed about noonish en route
to our destination in the Catemaco area of the Tuxtlas. On the way, we will
be stopping for an early afternoon meal at the Restaurant Playa Azul . For
this reason, we recommend that you breakfast lightly, as we will be
feasting on some of the finest gulf coast cuisine in the area! Vegetarian
fare will also be offered, as will be the case in all of our restaurants.
The restaurant is set in about 70 meters from the coast amongst numerous
sand dune formations. Here, we will be birding Mexican Sheartail and Rufous
naped Wren (Mexican endemics), as well as Mangrove Swallow, Fork – Tailed
Flycatcher, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier (Sept. - April), and in
migration periods (Sept. Oct., April - May) it is possible to see large
flocks of raptors, herons, anhingas, gulls, terns (and grackles) flying
just off the beach!
We will reach our destination at the Hotel La Finca in Catemaco around 5
P.M., check in, relax and then we will have our welcome party and
orientation session around 7 P.M.
Day
2: La Jungla
Perturbed rain forest, i.e. forest which was cut selectively in the past
for Mahogany and other tropical hard woods, but which is still mature
forest with many species of fruit – bearing trees and some under story
trees and shrubs; is located on the west shore of Lake Catemaco and is only
a 10 minute drive from our hotel. The area is mostly on level ground and is
easy walking on designated trails. This forest is an “island patch” of
about 150 acres. Since we calculate that only about 7% of the lowland
primary rain forest remains in the Tuxtla region, this forest patch shows
us which primary forest birds are still present in these island patches. The
forest is beautiful, and our hosts, Sr. Antonio Molero and his wife Odette
are intelligent, lively people, who have done a remarkable job of
conserving this forest. Odette is an excellent cook, and we shall have an
excellent midday meal with them (including vegetarian fare). We arrive here
at 6:15 a.m., with coffee, tea, fresh bread, fruits and milk awaiting us,
so we can breakfast while awaiting good light, about 7 a.m. Among many
other species of birds here, we will search for Keel – Billed Toucan, Collared
Forest – Falcon, Gray – Headed Kite, Red Crowned and Red Throated Ant –
Tanagers, Blue – Black Grosbeak, Black –Headed Saltator, and Montezuma
Oropendola. The forest is the winter home also of many North American
migrants from September to May – vireos, American warblers, tanagers,
grosbeaks and orioles.
|
|
William J. Schaldach with Sr.
Antonio Molero & wife Odette
in La Jungla Nature Reserve
Day 3: Laguna de Sontecomapan
Upearly to
pack transport with our guests luggage.
We
drive down to the town of Sontecomapan about 20 minutes after awakening at
5:45 a.m. Here breakfast awaits us at Doña Lidia’s restaurant. At 7:00 a.m.
we board our launch (es) to go out through this mangrove – lined estuary
and to head for our first river. Ten
rivers and creeks drain into the lagoon from the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas and
we shall explore four of them today. The first is only 10 minutes away from
the dock and we ascend this (the Rio Chuniapan) first. Proceeding upstream,
we pass first through the mangrove forest, then the swamp forest, passing
into a huge marshland. Birds are numerous here, and, among many other
species, the possibility of seeing choice Neotropical species is high. These
include: Pinnated Bittern (from March to October) Bare – Throated Tiger –
Heron, Agami Heron, Gray – Headed Snail, Double – Toothed and Hook – Billed
Kites, Ornate Hawk – Eagle, Gray – Necked Wood – Rail, King and Spotted
Rails, Ruddy and Yellow – Breasted Crake, White – Fronted, Yellow Cheeked
and Yellow – Headed Parrots, Amazon and Pygmy Kingfisher, Barred Ant –
Shrike and yellow – Tailed Oriole. The Rio Chiniapan is the best birding
river in our region, and we shall return to it again for those who wish.
We then proceed for a brief run into the Rio Coxcoapan (the largest river
that drains into the Lagoon)After, we go to a creek in the northeast
corner. This is one of the best rivers to spot a Sungrebe, as well as many
other species. Then we launch on down the Lagoon to La Barra, a fishing
village on the beach at the mouth of the lagoon where it joins the Gulf of
Mexico.
Here we can look for many shore and sea birds while we wait for Juan
Cruz to prepare our midday feast. At. 3 P.M. we shall re-embark in
our launch (es) to go up the Rio de la Palma for more birding. We will be
looking for a Sungrebe (which we may have encountered earlier, as well as
Collared Forest – Falcon, Great Black and Common Black Hawk, perhaps even a
Black – Collared Hawk, and if luck is with us, Mangrove Vireo and Mangrove
Warbler (April - August) Green Parakeet, Yellow – Billed Cacique and Yellow
– Tailed Oriole. We arrive at Sontecomapan at 5:00 P.M. and board our
private rural transport pick-up (s) to drive northwest’ 1 hour to the gulf
coast at Montepio, where we register at the Hotel Posada San José for 3
nights. We have dinner at Polo’s Restaurant 50 meters from the
hotel.
Day 4: The Biological Station
Up at 6:00 A.M. Coffee, tea, juice, fresh sweet rolls and bread, and fruit,
at the hotel. A 15 minute drive takes us to the Biological Station of the
National University of Mexico (U.N.A.M) where we begin our serious birding.
This Reserve was given to the University by the Federal Government of
Mexico, and consisted of 1650 acres of primary rain forest, of which about
880 acres are still in heavy forest. It is one of the most easily
accessible areas of Rain Forest still extant in southern Mexico.
The list of good birds which have been seen at the station as late as
August/99 is now well over 200 species, including northern migrants which
winter here, resident birds, about 15 species of northern migrants which
are only transient through our area Sept-Nov. and Mar. – May; and about 10
species which are summer residents only, withdrawing to the southeast from
August to October and returning in late February or March. The main
interest in this locality is of course, the resident Rain Forest species
which can still be seen here. For this reason we will spend 3 mornings here
in an effort to see as many Neotropical species as we can. Remember that
the northern most limit of true Neotropical rain forest is here in the
Tuxtla Region. The area around Montepio is also very interesting. Two
rivers which drain Volcan San Martin join together here to flow a short
distance to the ocean: the Rio de la Máquina, and the Rio Frio. The small
marsh at the junctions of the two rivers is attractive to shore birds and
waders, and the long beach holds numbers of shorebirds in migration periods
of which, a few species remain for the winter. The Montepio Valley had an
interesting history in the last century. Members of a French family
immigrated to Mexico in the 1850’s through the port of Veracruz, sailed
down to the coast, and selected this valley for their sugar cane processing
plant. They imported the latest sugar processing technology of their time,
and, for about 10 years chopped up the whole valley, planted sugar cane and
made sugar. They prospered especially after the French invaded Mexico, but
when Benito Juarez succeeded in winning back Mexico for the Mexicans, they
lost the property, and, in 1869, were deported. In the hundred years since
(1870 - 1970), the forest regenerated until the early 1970’s when it
once again degenerated in the great cattle rush of that time. The sugar
cane processing plant was located on the west bank of the deeper river,
thus the name, Rio de la Maquina (River of the Machine). One large store
house, built in 1857, remains to this day to mark the incredible (howbeit
historical) saga.
At the Biological Station we will be looking for many species, among the
highlights of which are: Hook – Billed Kite, Double – Toothed Kite, Gray –
Headed Kite, Plumbeous Kite (April - Aug), Bicolored Hawk (April to Sept),
White Hawk, Black Hawk – Eagle, Ornate Hawk – Eagle, Barred Forest Falcon,
Scaled Pigeon (March - Sept), Gray – Headed Dove, Ruddy Quail Dove, Mealy
Parrot, Brown – Hooded Parrot, Pheasant Cuckoo, Long – Tailed Hermit, Long
– Tailed Saberwing, Violet Saberwing and White – Necked Jacobin (March -
Oct).
Fork – Tailed Emerald, Long Billed Star – Throat, Slaty – Tailed Trogon,
Collared Trogon, Pygmy Kingfisher, Keel – Billed Toucan, Collared Aracari,
Smoky – Brown Woodpecker, Chestnut – Colored Woodpecker, Olivaceous
Woodcreeper, Wedge – Billed Woodcreeper, Barred Woodcreeper, Buff –
Throated Foliage – Gleaner, Plain Xenops, Mexican Antthrush, many
Flycatchers, Lovely Costing, Red – Capped Manikin, Crimson – Collared Tanager,
Grey – Headed Tanager, Green Shrike Vireo, and Black – Faced Grosbeak!
If the trip to visit Isla Terrón is possible today, after our lunch/dinner
at 2:30 P.M., we will board our launch (es) to run along the coast, passing
numerous basalt cliffs and headlands where Peregrine Falcons winter (Sept –
early May) to arrive at Cape Roca Partida (Split Rock). Just offshore from
the cape (about 1 Km.) is the rocky island we are seeking, in shallow
water, surrounded by a coral reef. Here, on the rocks and low shrubs, five
species of sea birds rest: Brown Pelicans, Frigate Birds, Laughing Gulls,
Royal Sandwich and Least Terns. During peak migration periods, flocks of
herons, anhingas, Franklins and Bonapartes Gulls, terns and passerines
(including enormous flights of Great – Tailed Grackles) pass over and
around us (a glorious spectacle!).
The best times are the months of September and April. The species which
nest here do so from March to May, but the frigate birds and Brown Pelicans
nest again from September to November in most years.
Day 5
Up at 6:00 a.m. After a light breakfast at the hotel, we drive 15 minutes
to the Biological Station and bird until noon. We then return to Montepio
for a leisurely lunch/dinner at Doña Reinas Restaurant. Now we have a free
afternoon to swim, take a siesta, or just plain relax. The fanatic birders
among us may go with a bird guide to explore on a road up the northeast
flank of Volcan San Martín to see more forest birds. Then there will be
happy hour at the hotel, and dinner at 7:00 P.M. at Doña Reinas
Restaurant.
Day 6
Up at 6:00 A.M. Coffee, rolls etc. at the hotel. We then drive back to the
Biological Station for the morning’s birding. This time we will have packed
our bags and checked out of the hotel as we will be returning to Catemaco
in the afternoon. We will bird at the Station until 11:30 A.M., then drive
a short distance to Playa Escondida for our lunch/dinner. Playa Escondida
is a unique location!
Playa
Escondita from atop the Peninsula
It is a little rustic hotel on a peninsula high over the gulf (about 350
ft) within a Rain Forest patch. The view eastward along the coast is
spectacular! Many forest birds are still present here, but the primary
focus of attention here is a band of about 20 howler monkeys which can
often be seen. A few birds of interest here include: Sooty Tern (Nov -
April), Pheasant Cuckoo (March - October), Keel – Billed Toucan, Collared
Aracari, Black – Headed and Violaceous Trogon, Lineated and Pale – Billed
Woodpecker, forest flycatchers, wrens, and tanagers.
After our lunch at 2:00 P.M. we drive back to Dos Amates, to a village full
of open and semi – open country birds, for the afternoons birding activity,
including a visit to a small water fall which has a mineral water spring at
its base. We then return to our hotel in Catemaco at 5:30 P.M. We will have
a good dinner in Catemaco at a unique chalet – like restaurant on the water
– front called the “Siete Brujas” (Seven Witches), so named by the owner
for his wife and six daughters! Then we return to the hotel for our
workshop and bed.
Day 7
Today we have two alternatives for birding to choose from. One is a return
trip to the Rio Chuniapan on the Laguna de Sontecomapan to spend the whole
morning on that river in an effort to see more swamp and open country birds
such as: Lesser Yellow – Headed Vulture (March to November), Black – Bellied
Whistling Duck, Muscovy Duck, Limpkin, Common Moorhen, Purple Gallinule,
Sungrebe, Gray Necked Wood – Rail, Violaceous and Black – Headed Trogon,
Pygmy Kingfisher, Barred Ant – Shrike, and Yellow – Tailed Oriole. We will
chug up the river as far as possible and then drift down with the current,
watching and listening for good birds. At noon we will return to
Sontecomapan for a good lunch/dinner at Doña Lidia’s Restaurant and return
to our hotel for a free afternoon, which will also include a trip to Catemaco
for shopping and sightseeing.
This is highly recommended for those who are tired and don’t feel like
walking too much. The other trip, for more active people (especially
dedicated birders), is a visit to another large forest patch near Vista
Hermosa. This is a large, contiguous expanse of Rain Forest in the hills
near the northern end of Lake Catemaco.
This is a large piece of remnant Rain Forest of more than 2200 acres which
contains most of the primary Rain Forest birds. But the hills are steep,
the forest canopy is high and thick, making the birds harder to see well.
We bird along the road at several selected sites. All in all, this trip is
a real challenge to the dedicated birder. This is the only site where the
Tuxtla endemic dove the Purplish – Backed Quail – Dove
might possibly be seen.
Other specialty birds which might be seen here are: Spotted Wood – Quail,
Gray – Headed Kite, Hook – Billed Kite, Double – Toothed Kite, Plumbeous
Kite – (April - August), Bicolored Hawk, Black Hawk – Eagle, Scaled
Pigeon (March - Sept), Short – Billed Pigeon, Brown – Hooded Parrot, Mealy
Parrot, Collared Trogon, Chestnut – Colored Woodpecker; Barred, Wedge –
Billed and Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Spectacled Foliage – Gleaner, Buff Throated
Foliage – Gleaner, Plain Xenops, Mexican Antthrush, many forest
flycatchers, and Lovely Cotinga. Only This trip is not recommended for
older or walking – impaired people! We return to the hotel at 1:00 P.M. for
lunch/Dinner and have a free afternoon. This is our last night, with a
farewell party. Bed when you feel like it.
Day 8
Up at 8:00 A.M. (or earlier for dedicated birders). Breakfast until 9:30
A.M., when we board our transport for the return to Veracruz City.
We will stop at the restaurant El Trapiche,located outside of Santigo
Tuxtla , lunch at this resteraunt which boasts some of the
finest cuisine on the gulf. Veracruz City mid-afternoon, where the tour is
concluded.
Additional
Information
Our leader, William J. Schaldach Jr., has
lived and studied (in addition to research in other areas of the Americas)
in the Tuxtlas Region for some thirty years, residing on the shores of
beautiful Lake Catemaco in a separate residence in the Hotel Casa Playa
Azul compound in the Municipality of Catemaco
Workshop sessions will be held every night of the tour and will include
short lectures by William J. Schaldach, Jr. on aspects of field
identification, nesting seasons, and the dynamics of species population, as
well as the ecology of the Tuxtla Region.
Since we do not want to waste time in the routine discussions of who saw
what and where, we expect every guest to maintain His / Her own daily list
during the days birding. Enter on your list only the birds which you
actually saw and identified (including birds that were identified for you
by a bird guide). Our guides will maintain their own lists, so that on your
last night, you can receive copies of their lists.
Thus, we can avoid the time – wasting procedure (common to most bird tours)
of checking everybody’s lists by the guides. This will free us for more
discussion of birding topics during dinner and will give us more time after
dinner to go out and look for night birds and for the informal lectures by
WJS, Jr. Bed time will be about 10:30 P.M
Additional General Notes of the Trips
Themselves
Ground Tour Operations will be conducted by
Qualified Bird Guides, Directed by daughter V. Josefina Schaldach M. with
her prestigous Operadora Turistica "La Cotinga"in there home town
of CATEMACO,Veracruz,Mexico.
Unlike many other tours, this tour is designed specifically and exclusively
by William J. Schaldach who is also a mammalogist as well as apprised of
the flora of the area. He will be sharing insights and unique observations
of the flora and fauna of the Tuxtla Region as wellas historical and
ecological information! Group sizes for the tours is ostensibly designed
for 8 – 10 people per tour, minimum group size of the preplanned tours is 6,
max. 26. Remember that reservations are taken on a first come, first served
basis and are limited in number. Come with us and take advantage of this
unique opportunity to share in the vast accumulated knowledge of our
leader, William J. Schaldach, Jr., whose scientific expertise spans over 50
years!
Ground
tour operations will be directed by WJS, JR.’s daughter, Joselina Schaldach
M., with her prestigious Operadora Turistica “La Cotinga” in their home
town of Catemaco, Veracruz.
Scientific
Publications:
1) Schaldach, Jr., W. J. and C. McClaughlin, 1960. A new
genus of glassophagine bat from Colima, Mexico. Proc. Los Angeles County
Museum, April.
2) Schaldach, Jr., W. J. 1960.
XenomysNelsoni Merrian, sus relaciones y hábitos. (a wood rat), life
history data. Revista Sociedad Mexicana de Historia Natural, Tomo XXI,
Numero 2 – December.
3) Phillips, A.R. and W. J. Schaldach, Jr. 1960.
New records of raptors from Jalisco, Mexico.
Condor, 62: 295.
4) Schaldach, Jr., W. J. 1960.
Occurrence of the Slaty and Dwarf Vireos in Jalisco, Mexico.
5) Schaldach, Jr., W. J. and A. R. Phillips 1961.
The Eared Poorwill
Auk, 73:567 – 572 (publication)
6) Schaldach, Jr., W. J. 1963.
The Avifauna of Colima and Adjacent Jalisco, Mexico.
Proc., Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (Los Angeles)
No. 1 pp. 1 – 100.
7) Heist, T. and W. J. Schaldach, Jr. 1965.
On the Terminal Caudal Vertebra of Nyeteris.
(a bat from the old world tropics)
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Publication.
8) Schaldach, Jr., W.J. 1966.
New forms of mammals from Southern Oaxaca, Mexico,
with notes on some mammals of the coast range.
Säugetierkundlichemittetlungen.
Heft 4: pp. 286 – 297 (Munich, Germany)
9) Schaldach, Jr., W.J. 1968.
Notas Sobre Algunos Mamíferos del Sureste de Mexico.
Anales Del Instituto de Biologia.
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico.
All
below published in : “Historia Natural de Los Tuxtlas”
Inst. Biol., UNAM 1997.
10) Schaldach,
Jr., W.J. 1997.
Buteo Swainsonii – Swainson Hawk
11) Schaldach,
Jr., W.J. 1997.
Geotrygon Carrikeri, Purplish – Backed Quail Dove
12) Schaldach,
Jr., W.J. 1997.
Psaracolins Montezuma – Moctezuma Oropendola.
13) Schaldach,
Jr., W.J. 1997.
Psilohinus Morio Brown Jay.
14)And
Quiscalus Mexicanus Great – Tailed Grackle pp. 558 – 566 “Life History
Studies”.
15)Schaldach,
Jr., W.J. 1997, Leticia Huidobro Campos
and Hector Espinoza Pérez.
Los Peces Marinos pp. 463 – 471
16)Schaldach,
Jr., W.J. 1997 and Patricia Escalante Pliego
pp. 572 – 588 Lista de Aves
(Historia Natural de Los Tuxtlas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico
1997).
17)Schaldach,
Jr., W.J. 1998, P. Escalante P, and K. Winkes
Further Notes on the Avifauna of Oaxaca.
Anales del Instituto de Biología, U.N.A.M. Mexico, D.F.
Additionally: four major works in
manuscript to be published.
Birding Books Dedicated to W. J. S. Jr.
1) Wauer, Roland 1992.
A Naturalist’s Mexico
2) Howell, Steve and Sophie Webb 1995.
A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America
(Oxford University Press)
New Forms of Mammals (described by W.J.S., Jr. With Charles McClaughlin)
Musonycteris harrisoni New genus of nectar – feeding bat from Colima, Mexico
(1960).
New
Genus and Species
Notiosorex (xenosorex) phillipsi. A shrew from the Oaxaca Mountains (1966)
Two New Subspecies (1966)
1) Orthogeomys grandis alvarezi
A large pocket gopher from the Oaxacan Mountains.
2) Tylomys nudicaudus villai
An arboreal rat from the cloud forest of the Oaxacan Mountains
Species Discovered by W.J.S., Jr. But Named By Others
Mammals
1) Peromyscus Ochraventer Baker 1951.
A large deer mouse from Tamaulipas, Mexico.
2) Neotama angusta palata Baker 1951.
A wood rat from Tamaulipas, Mexico.
New
Subspecies of Tropical Bird
A Foliage Gleaner (Amabacerthia variegaticeps
shaldachi named for William J. Schaldach, Jr. By Dr. Kevin Winker (1997) a
disjunct population in the cloud forest of central Guerrero.
Personal History
William J. Schaldach, Jr., has achieved world
recognition as the “Dean of Mexican Ornithology”. He was born in New England
in 1924, the son of the renowned watercolor artist and fishing editor for
Field and Stream Magazine from 1923 – 1933, William J. Schaldach, Sr.
William J. Schaldach, Jr.'s publications and discoveries are numerous (See
Publications and Discoveries). In addition to other references, ‘A Guide to
the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America’ Howell and Webb
1995. (the guide book used by most birders today) is dedicated to Mr.
Schaldach, Jr., as was Roland H. Wauers "A Naturalists
Mexico",(1992- Texas A.M. Univ. Press)
Mr.
Schaldach, Jr. has appeared on television nine times, including the
Discovery Channel and MTV Afuera
Tour
Price: $ 1675.00
Includes:
1) All Ground and water transport (from and return to
Veracruz City and tour excursions).
2) All hotel accommodations, double occupancy. If a person
wishes a private room, add $ 230 U.S. to tour price.
3) All meals and tips for services.
4) Open bar in the evenings plus beer, soft drinks
and purified water while traveling.
5) The Welcome and Farewell Fiestas.
6) All bird guide expenses.
Does not include:
1) Air fares to and from Veracruz Airport.
2) Hotel accommodations (if any) in Veracruz City, before
or after tours commence or terminate.
3) Hotel room maid service tips.
Guests will arrange their own Mexican tourist papers. We recommend
any reputable travel/tourist agency. For American Travel Insurance
(purchased in the U.S.) we recommend Sanborn’s. Guests must sign waivers
of liability!
Reservations
Reservations for tours require a deposit of $ 300 U.S. per person, of
which $ 75 is nonrefundable upon receipt.
Reservations with deposits are accepted in order of their receipt.
Faxed reservations are accepted provided the appropriate deposit
follows them within 10 days. Our telephone number is 011-52-(294)31286. Our
fax number is 01152-294-30199. Our email address is [email protected] or [email protected] The
phone is available 24 hrs. every day of the week. However, there are many
occasions where personnel will not be available, so please leave a brief
message with a name and way to contact you, and someone will respond as
quickly as humanly possible. Messages for reservations will be taken in the
order received.
Payment and Refunds
Invoices for the balance of the trip costs will be mailed about 8 weeks
before departure date. Payment is due upon receipt of invoice and is to be
transfered via bank transferer to: Operador
Turistica “La Cotinga” Banco Internacional S.A. Acct.
#609180073-0 Bank I.D:# BI ME MX MM send confirmation with Name
(client) Bank I.D. # along with payment order # to our
fax line 011-52-294 30199
. Refunds for tours are made
accordingly: if notice of cancellation is received more than 6 weeks before
departure the deposit, less 75, and any payments are refundable. If notice
of cancellation is received 5 weeks before departure, the deposit is not
refundable, but any payment covering the balance of the trip costs will be
returned. If notice of cancellation is received 4 weeks or fewer, we will
refund separate costs insofar as the providers of services return monies to
us. Persons for whom medical cancellations are a possibility, but who
nonetheless wish to schedule a trip, are urged to purchase some form of
trip insurance. Information about such insurance is available from any
travel agency.
Unforeseen changes in itinerary may occur even though we have gone to great
detail in our preparations. If major changes occur before the trip begins,
guests may withdraw without penalty if they choose. If a change of
itinerary occurs during the trip such as Acts of God (earthquake, bad
weather, etc.); additional costs, if any, are the responsibility of the
guests.
If you have a health problem or any physical limitation, please advise us
in detail in writing and we will provide you or your doctor with any
pertinent information that will aid you in judging your capacity to
participate. Guests will be required to be able to complete gentle to
medium walks and undergo transport conditions such as riding in lake and
river launches and in vehicle transport including covered pick – up trucks
on cushioned benches. We reserve the right to terminate the tour for any
person (s) who is unwilling to observe these guidelines, or who, in any
other fashion, disrupts our conduct of these tours.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip within
six weeks before the departure date.
In case of cancellation all deposits and payments will be refunded. Minimum
requirement for standard tours is 6 persons. Our custom tours are designed
for 1-5 persons. Prices and details of custom tours available upon request.
General
information documents will be sent to guests upon confirmation.
Responsibility Waiver
We are offering these trips with the
understanding that Operadora Turistica "La Cotinga"will be in no
way liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident,or act of god or
irregularity that may be occasioned by default on the part of
conveyance vehicules, hotel operadors or tour personnel or thier
agents. Consent to participate in these tours automatically excludes
liabilities from being incurred by Operadora Turistica "La
Cotinga", its agents or personnel and as such constitutes
a contract between participants, Operadora Turistica "La
Cotinga", its agents or personnel, accordingly.
Reservation Form
TYPE OF PACKAGE:
qPreplanned 8 Day Tours
(min.6 pax)
qCustom Tours (1-5
persons)
qGroup Tours, Birding
Clubs, ect. (19- 26 pax) ask for price.
Starting Date:
___________________________________________________
Name and Address of
Registrant:
Name: ________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Telephone: Home
(___________)___________Work (_____) _____________
Fax(________________)_____________________________________
E-mail:_________________________________________________________
q I want a single room where available.
A supplemental charge will be assessed. (Price will be indicated on the
information package).
q I want to share a room. If a roomate
is unavailable, a supplemental charge will be assessed.
q I
smoke
q I do
not smoke:
I
plan to share accommodations with: _____________________________
Passport or BirthCert. or
Voters Reg. Card will be required for entery into Mexico.
Please advise us of any
special requirements:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Deposit Amount Enclosed: $
___________________________
($300 / person / tour)
By signing this form you are
acknowledging that you have read and understand this material ,thus
agreeing to the conditions of sale outlined above.
Signature:
______________________________
Date:
__________________________________
Operadora
Turistica "La Cotinga"
Apartado Postal # 68
Catemaco Codigo Postal 95870
Veracruz,Mexico
e-mail:[email protected] or [email protected]
For all cards and letters: MUST SEND BY FEDERAL
EXPREES
as postal service is well over 30 days for delivery
All tours are START Saturday DAY 1 thru Sunday Day 8 ANY
WEEK
STARTING ON APRIL 1 2000
For purposes of Preference our " OLD TIMERS
CLUB" Coincides with Flock Migracion in First Week of April
"ANNUALLY" !
-----> READJUST FOR ALL CALENDER YEARS,
REFERENCE FOR 1ST SATURDAY IN APRIL.
ALL TOURS MAY COMMENCE ON FIRST OR THIRD SATURDAYS.
SUBJECT TO FINAL SCHEDULING.
CUSTOM TOURS WELCOMED
WE APPRICIATE CHALLANGES AND WE ADORE LOCATING LONGED-FOR
SPECIES AND OF COURSE LIFERS!!!
BIENVENIDOS A LOS TUXTLAS Y SUS AVES MAGNIFICOS!!
WILLIAM J. SCHALDACH JR.
|
