Cabo San Lucas
Endemism is that aspect of evolution whereupon a new species develops and is restricted to a given region; it is not found elsewhere. Genetic isolation and gene mutation are the triggers to endemism. Endemic species often occur on isolated islands and peninsulas, but may also be found within artificial boundaries such as those defining countries, states and provinces. Here in Baja California Sur, the southern province of Baja California, Mexico, our birding enthusiasts joined the plant enthusiasts this morning for a casual walk through a small pocket of Sonoran desert near the tip of the peninsula. With the exponential development that has occurred here in the past two decades, including tourist resorts, condominiums and golf courses, small relic habitats such as this are real gems. The birders were seeking three species of endemics: the gray thrasher, Belding’s yellowthroat and Xantus’s hummingbird, but would be satisfied with good looks at any and all birds. The morning air and lighting were perfect. Twenty-three species were seen, including the gray thrasher. One out of three endemics is not bad, but in addition, exceptional scope views of Costa’s hummingbird, cactus wren, gila woodpecker and lesser goldfinch thrilled us. These are four species that are resident to this southern desert. Among the migratory visitors seen – those that were here to enjoy the warm winter weather – were Black-headed grosbeaks, western tanagers and lark sparrows.
Botanists and snorkelers also smiled through the morning, as did those who chose to walk the streets and test the shops of a bustling Cabo San Lucas. Along its harbour edge, pelicans, gulls and heron species, including this elegant great egret, waited patiently for unsuspecting fish or intertidal invertebrates.
Humpback whales and Thurston’s devil rays, the latter a smaller version of the massive manta ray, were the attraction for the afternoon. The warm, southern waters of the Gulf of California are the winter home of the humpbacks that spend their summer months off California, Oregon and Washington. Their explosive surface behaviours never fail to excite and please those who are given the opportunity to watch them in their natural environment.
Endemism is that aspect of evolution whereupon a new species develops and is restricted to a given region; it is not found elsewhere. Genetic isolation and gene mutation are the triggers to endemism. Endemic species often occur on isolated islands and peninsulas, but may also be found within artificial boundaries such as those defining countries, states and provinces. Here in Baja California Sur, the southern province of Baja California, Mexico, our birding enthusiasts joined the plant enthusiasts this morning for a casual walk through a small pocket of Sonoran desert near the tip of the peninsula. With the exponential development that has occurred here in the past two decades, including tourist resorts, condominiums and golf courses, small relic habitats such as this are real gems. The birders were seeking three species of endemics: the gray thrasher, Belding’s yellowthroat and Xantus’s hummingbird, but would be satisfied with good looks at any and all birds. The morning air and lighting were perfect. Twenty-three species were seen, including the gray thrasher. One out of three endemics is not bad, but in addition, exceptional scope views of Costa’s hummingbird, cactus wren, gila woodpecker and lesser goldfinch thrilled us. These are four species that are resident to this southern desert. Among the migratory visitors seen – those that were here to enjoy the warm winter weather – were Black-headed grosbeaks, western tanagers and lark sparrows.
Botanists and snorkelers also smiled through the morning, as did those who chose to walk the streets and test the shops of a bustling Cabo San Lucas. Along its harbour edge, pelicans, gulls and heron species, including this elegant great egret, waited patiently for unsuspecting fish or intertidal invertebrates.
Humpback whales and Thurston’s devil rays, the latter a smaller version of the massive manta ray, were the attraction for the afternoon. The warm, southern waters of the Gulf of California are the winter home of the humpbacks that spend their summer months off California, Oregon and Washington. Their explosive surface behaviours never fail to excite and please those who are given the opportunity to watch them in their natural environment.
