Birding the Mexicali Valley

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03-06 Jan 2003

Our trip started around noon on Friday as we entered Mexico via Algondones. We birded several agricultural fields from Algondones to Mexicali via hwy 2. On Saturday 4 Jan we birded agricultural fields and parks south of Mexicali and also Cerro Prieto. On Sunday we again birded agricultural fields in route to Algodones via hwy 8. We crossed the border around 3:00pm.

Noteworthy Sightings

Pacific Loon One found dead at Cerro Prieto

White-faced Ibis we estimated @ 20,000 at Cerro Prieto. At dusk the sky was filled with flocks of Ibis flying in from all directions. The numbers were so vast it was impossible to count or keep track of the birds.

Mallard 10 at Cerro Prieto

Northern Pintail 300 + at Cerro Prieto

Cinnamon Teal 8 at Cerro Prieto

Northern Shoveler 100 + Cerro Prieto

Eurasian Wigeon 1 male Cerro Prieto Cinnamon head, gray sides. Nothing to indicate hybrid

American Wigeon we estimated @ 2500-3000 birds. I stopped counting at 1000

Redhead 300 + Cerro Prieto

Greater Scaup @ 15 South of Algodones on canal. Rounded crown, steep forehead head and white primary bar noted on several individuals.

White-tailed Kite 3 at various fields

Red-shouldered Hawk one juvenile noted at Borquez 32 38' 30 N 114 59' 28 W

Swainson Hawk one adult noted at Borquez

Ferruginous Hawk 2 Dark Morph birds at Borquez

Ring-necked Pheasant @ 30 noted in various fields through out

Willet 6 at Cerro Prieto

Gulls we estimated @ 50,000 + gulls flying in to roost at Cerro Prieto. About 70% RBGU, 25% CAGU and 5% HEGU. The sky was literally dotted with flocks of gulls as far as the eye could see in all directions. Spectacular

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 just south of Algodones along the river at 32 37' 31 N 114 47' 54 W. Bird did not call.

Mountain Bluebird 2 south of Mexicali at 32 32' 32 N 115 25' 09 W

Plumbeous Vireo 1 at a park in Mexicali

Fox Sparrow 5 Slate-colored types 3 at 32 37' 31 N 114 47' 54 W and 2 at Borquez 32 38' 30 N 114 59' 28 W

Golden-crowned Sparrow 1 imm just south of Algodones along the river at 32 37' 31 N 114 47' 54 W