Isla San Jose
Morning sunrise. Those of us venturing out at dawn to explore the island’s unique mangrove stands were well rewarded for our early rising. Framed by stark volcanic rock formations and the austere vegetation that defines the Baja Peninsula, the mangroves were literally an oasis in the desert, shining green in the early morning light. From the moment our Zodiacs arrived, birds were everywhere. Within only a few minutes we had seen six species of herons and egrets. As we followed the winding channels, the mangroves’ secrets were revealed—White Ibis, Whimbrel, and Willet shared fishing with Brown Pelicans and Osprey; Kingfishers stalked their prey from leafy perches; Mangrove Warblers chipped from their shadowy haunts making fleeting appearances before diving for cover. Fish stalked the shadows seemingly everywhere in the crystal water and we understood why there were so many fish-eating birds! It was a magical place perhaps because of the contrasts, but also because of the abundance of life in so ephemeral an environment.South End/Isla San Jose
Following the sunrise adventure in the mangroves, hikers set out on the south end of Isla San Jose, which although flanked by the mangroves, presented a strikingly different habitat. Cactus and other spiny plants dominated, presenting a stark beauty all their own. Here we saw Gray Vireo, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Northern Mockingbird, several Costa’s Hummingbirds and Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. Isla San Jose/Encantada Bay
Afternoon found us on the north end of the island, at Encantada Bay. Here is where we would make our search for the elusive Xantus’ Hummingbird, a Baja California endemic. An immediate sighting of a Verdin, and Costa’s Hummingbird hinted that this could be a rewarding venture, but when we saw the Golden Eagle we knew the place was indeed “enchanted!” We hardly dared hope we would find our quarry after such immediate gratification, but only a short distance up the trail, there it was--a flying jewel, adorned in shimmering green and purple—the Xantus’ Hummingbird. We could hardly believe our good fortune as the bird calmly went about its business, seemingly unmindful of our presence. After affording everyone maximum opportunities for admiration, it moved on, but returned later to allow a “photo op.” It was indeed a magical day from start to finish!
Morning sunrise. Those of us venturing out at dawn to explore the island’s unique mangrove stands were well rewarded for our early rising. Framed by stark volcanic rock formations and the austere vegetation that defines the Baja Peninsula, the mangroves were literally an oasis in the desert, shining green in the early morning light. From the moment our Zodiacs arrived, birds were everywhere. Within only a few minutes we had seen six species of herons and egrets. As we followed the winding channels, the mangroves’ secrets were revealed—White Ibis, Whimbrel, and Willet shared fishing with Brown Pelicans and Osprey; Kingfishers stalked their prey from leafy perches; Mangrove Warblers chipped from their shadowy haunts making fleeting appearances before diving for cover. Fish stalked the shadows seemingly everywhere in the crystal water and we understood why there were so many fish-eating birds! It was a magical place perhaps because of the contrasts, but also because of the abundance of life in so ephemeral an environment.South End/Isla San Jose
Following the sunrise adventure in the mangroves, hikers set out on the south end of Isla San Jose, which although flanked by the mangroves, presented a strikingly different habitat. Cactus and other spiny plants dominated, presenting a stark beauty all their own. Here we saw Gray Vireo, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Northern Mockingbird, several Costa’s Hummingbirds and Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. Isla San Jose/Encantada Bay
Afternoon found us on the north end of the island, at Encantada Bay. Here is where we would make our search for the elusive Xantus’ Hummingbird, a Baja California endemic. An immediate sighting of a Verdin, and Costa’s Hummingbird hinted that this could be a rewarding venture, but when we saw the Golden Eagle we knew the place was indeed “enchanted!” We hardly dared hope we would find our quarry after such immediate gratification, but only a short distance up the trail, there it was--a flying jewel, adorned in shimmering green and purple—the Xantus’ Hummingbird. We could hardly believe our good fortune as the bird calmly went about its business, seemingly unmindful of our presence. After affording everyone maximum opportunities for admiration, it moved on, but returned later to allow a “photo op.” It was indeed a magical day from start to finish!
