Guatemala - August - October 1997

Published by Martin Birch (martinandtiffany AT aol.com)

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Introduction:

I visited Guatemala from late August 1997 through to the end of October 1997 to undertake a short period of Spanish language instruction before carrying out an assignment with a development agency in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. A large proportion of the time was based in Quetzaltenango, a city in the west of Guatemala with a large indigenous Mayan population and also many Spanish language schools.The timing and period of the visit also provided an opportunity to visit many of the recognised birding sights in Guatemala.

This report details the species seen plus some of the most important information for any birder planning a trip to the country.

During my stay, I saw just over 250 species (30 of these were seen only in neighbouring El Salvador and Honduras). Although the list represents only a fraction of the species recorded in Guatemala, it will, hopefully, give other birders some idea of the most easily encountered species on any trip.

Guatemala's avifauna is no match for South American countries or even Central American countries such as Costa Rica further south. Indeed the country has no endemics to entice world listers (although, the Peten region in the north of the country surely has many birding treasures still to discover). Moreover Guatemala's recent fixation with destroying itself has done little to encourage birders or tourists to explore its many hidden delights. The recent peace accords should increase the flow of tourists to this fascinating country, although the assassination of a prominent Bishop in April 1998 (following publication of 'Guatemala Nunca Mas'; a report on the unexplained killings of thousands of indigenous Mayan citizens) is an indicator of the power struggles that may yet still undermine the peaceful transition to a democratic humanitarian society.

Getting to Guatemala:

British birders visiting Guatemala will almost certainly fly via one of the US hub cities (usually Miami or Los Angeles). There are very few direct flights. Visiting birders already in the region, perhaps tempted by the delights of Costa Rica or Mexico, will find reasonably priced 'internal' flights and cheap and comfortable long distance buses running between Guatemala City and the other major Central American cities.

Flying to Tikal (in the north of Guatemala), as opposed to travelling overland, is definitely recommended to save time and ensure personal safety. In any case it is very cheap. What you may have missed on the way will soon be forgotten as you explore the birding delights of Tikal amongst the ruins of Mayan civilisations dating back to the time of Christ. In my mind Tikal is a top ten world best birding site without doubt.

Sample fares during September/October 1997 were as follows:

Return Los Angeles - Guatemala City (with American Airlines £447); Single Managua (Nicaragua) - Guatemala City (with Aviateca £117); Return Guatemala City - Flores (for Tikal) (with Aviateca £35);
'Luxury' bus fares were Single Guatemala - San Salvador (El Salvador) £14; Single San Salvador - Managua (Nicaragua) £22. There are a variety of bus companies operating on the major routes.

UK citizens do not require a visa to visit Guatemala. Guatemala is six hours behind GMT. Some basic Spanish is essential.

Currency:

The local currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal. As at end-October 1997 there were approximately 10.33 Quetzals to the pound. Finding a bank should not be a problem - they are everywhere. Every wealthy Guatemalan family seems to own one. How such a bankrupt economy is able to sustain so many private banks is probably best not to dwell on too long.

Medical requirements:

There are no vaccination requirements (except if you enter from an area infected with Yellow Fever). Since any birding trip to Guatemala will almost certainly take in one or other of Tikal, the East Coast or the Pacific slopes, anti-malarial drugs will be necessary. (Note if you only intend to visit the Central Highlands, this area is considered to be malarial free.) Dengue fever is more likely though. This usually passes after a few days without serious effects in a healthy person. Bed bugs and lice are a problem in cheaper accommodation.

If you intend to climb some of the higher volcanoes, watch out for symptoms of altitude sickness coupled with the extreme cold. I never quite made it to the top of Tajamulco - the highest volcano in Central America - but I like to think that the 'Goldmans' Yellow-rumped Warblers on the lower slopes of the summit played a part in that !

Make sure you have full medical cover within your travel insurance.

When to go:

Undoubtedly the best time to visit is in the autumn or spring when North American migrants pass through the region in large numbers. Many overwinter making the winter months good too.

Altitudinal, geographic and habitat differences make trying to define a climate pattern at the country level somewhat simplistic. The west typically receives much more rain than the east concentrated into the summer months from May through to September. Watch out for the El Nino years (*1). Yet at the same time temperatures can drop to near freezing on the tops of the mountains/volcanoes. The vast forested region of the Peten is generally hot throughout the year with high humidity during the summer months. Weather-wise therefore, the best time to visit is from October through to April. This coincides with the best birding seasons.

(*1) It rained every day, in Quetzaltenango, from about 2pm. So get your birding done in the morning if you find yourself in the Western part of the country during the El Nino!

Personal safety:

Personal safety is a definite issue for birders visiting Guatemala. Your desire to 'get off the beaten' track could well lead you into the danger zones. The saying 'there are bandits in them there hills' really is true in Guatemala. The best advice is not to travel alone, not to travel at night and for the latest information on 'no go areas' try contacting one of the many hundreds of Spanish language schools. Most independent travellers passing through Guatemala stop off for some language instruction at one or other of these schools, so they tend to have much more up-to-date information than the government offices. Avoid all contact with the army and avoid dressing (as birders often do) in a manner that may raise suspicions in the minds of local communities as to whether you might be in the army or not ! If you hire a car, try to avoid a make and model that draws attention to yourself. Ironically, you may be safest on the local buses, although watch out for pickpockets. Having said all this, we spent nine weeks in Central America and never had any trouble.

Required reading:

The best field guide covering Guatemala is Howell and Webb’s ‘A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America’. Read the sections on geography, climate and habitat, particularly the descriptions of the various forest types. Since the guide assumes that you know the plumages of all the North American migrants, British birders will need to also take along their favourite North American field guide. Guatemala 'teems' with North American 'fall' migrants from September, so the latter could be more thumbed than the former after an autumn visit. Also consider purchasing Jon Hornbuckle's April 1993 trip report (for a contrast with this one) and La Ruta Maya by Dennis W.Rogers for further information about six Guatemalan sites and likely sightings.

Finally make sure you take a copy of the latest edition of the Lonely Planet Guide to Central America.
The 'best sites':

There are a large number of recognised 'biotopas' in Guatemala which generally offer the best locations for birding. They benefit from being safe, often offer accommodation and preserve some of the best tracts of native forest. Details on five of the better birding locations visited during my visit are given below.

a) Tikal and El Peten:

Visiting and birding Tikal is a must on any Guatemalan itinerary. Situated in the vast north-eastern region of the Peten, you enter another world - a world of all-enveloping rain forest punctuated by the towering temples of the ancient Mayan civilisations. Its birding reputation was recognised a long time ago. Indeed the first archaeologists seemed just as effective at putting together a bird list as in removing the layers of undergrowth that had enveloped these ruins over the centuries. Accommodation in the park is not cheap (£20 per night (double) at the Tikal Inn or Jungle Lodge) by Guatemalan standards.

Tikal is accessible by bus from Flores. Accommodation can be arranged at the airport in which case transport is provided. ‘Bird’ the hotel grounds (particularly good for American warblers) and then head into the maze of forest trails that connect the various temples. Try a raptor watch from the top of Temple IV.

Favourite birds were a Bare-throated Tiger Heron (around the pond below the exhibition centre), various Trogons, Toucans and Motmots. Amongst the migrants, Kentucky, Hooded, Blue-winged, Black-throated Green and a corker of a Swainson’s Warbler were seen only at Tikal. Black-and-white Warblers were everywhere. Lots of Wood Thrushes, Northern Waterthrushes, occasional Ovenbirds and one Louisiana Waterthrush. Four species of Parrot, various species of Woodcreeper and Flycatcher were common.

There are other Mayan sites in the Peten being opened up to visitors on an almost daily basis. Birding at these sites is likely to be as good as anywhere else. Mosquitoes are a real nuisance at Tikal. This is made worse by the humidity which necessitates minimal clothing. Make sure you carry repellent.

b) Lago de Atitlan:

Lake Atitlan, once famous for the Atitlan Pied-billed Grebe (a larger version of its North American counterpart - now considered extinct), is worth a stopover. Your first port of call will almost certainly be Panajachel, where you can refuel with banana pancakes and chocolate milkshakes! Panajachel is also a good base from which to access Chichicastenango on market day.

Check the Lake Atitlan hotel grounds and surrounding vegetation for American migrants. The gardens adjoining the lake are a good spot for Prevost’s Ground Sparrow and for the gorgeous Sparkling-tailed Woodstar. Catch up on some of the controversy over whether the Atitlan Pied-billed Grebe ever existed and, if so, what caused its demise.

Birding on the lake appears pretty difficult without access to a boat, but you might have better luck on the opposite shore from Santiago Atitlan where an inlet is more accessible. There was at least one Pied-billed (?) Grebe along the reed fringed edges of this inlet. Otherwise, on a clear day, just enjoy the backdrop of Volcan San Pedro and Volcan Toleman rising from the lakeside.

c) Rio Dulce:

If you dream of seeing a manatee, then the Rio Dulce should be on your itinerary, except that you will almost certainly still be dreaming of seeing manatee when you leave! It has been many years since there have been reliable sightings of manatee - there are just too many boats on the river now to ever encourage manatees to return on a permanent basis. Nevertheless the Guatemalan authorities seem ever hopeful and have established the Biotopo Chocon Machacas, from which run a network of water and land trails. Birding wise though, the Rio Dulce is superb. All along the river's edge the tangle of mangroves and forest provide a haven for migrants stopping over on their journeys north/south.

The various riverside bars in Rio Dulce are a good place to stay and from which to explore. They should be able to arrange a boat and boatman for you. The owner of the bar on the opposite side of the river from the main jetty also has a fairly up-to-date birding list and a private trail through part of the mangroves. This produced the only Worm-eating Warbler and Prothonotary Warblers of the trip. It’s also a good place to see Bat Falcon.

The Rio Dulce is accessible from Guatemala City by bus - journey time five hours.

If the Spanish/Mayan cultural mix is getting too much take a boat down to Livingstone, home of black caribs. You can also guarantee seeing Royal Terns and a few Magnificent Frigatebirds.

d) Quetzaltenango and Fuentes Georginas:

Quetzaltenango, situated 200kms to the west of Guatemala City is a good base from which to explore the Pacific Slope for some of the high altitude Central American specialities.

Quetzaltenango is the commercial centre of south-western Guatemala. The old and the new rub face to face with each other in this lively city. Unfortunately, there are very few green areas within the city itself, although the surrounding volcanoes make a stunning and enticing backdrop. The best birding can be found in the cemetery or on the outskirts of the city, although you should consult with locals before heading too far out of the city. Certain parks and volcanoes are definitely off limits.

Fuentes Georginas is a safe and easily accessible birding spot. To reach Fuentes Georginas, take the road from Quetzaltenango to Zunil. The spa almost certainly guarantees Pink Headed Warbler (surely the greatest warbler ever!) and Ruddy-capped Nightingale-thrush. When it is not raining or the mist hasn't reduced visibility to a few feet, the warbler flocks can be very rewarding.

Birding on the Pacific Slope is not well documented. There are clearly very good sites still waiting to be discovered. Personal safety would appear to be a risk in this part of the country though.

e) Biotopo de Quetzal and Coban:

This reserve includes probably the best site in Guatemala to see the national bird - the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal. The reserve is a stunning cloud forest reserve easily accessible from either Guatemala City (3 hours) or the small town of Coban (1 hour) to the north. There are good trails and the nearby accommodation (Pension Los Ranchitos) is the best place to see the Quetzal. Ask the owners if the bird is still visiting the trees above the restaurant - if not, try around the entrance to the reserve.

Coban is a beautiful town to the north, full of parks and gardens. All the birds listed under Coban were sighted within a few hundred metres of the centre. Visit the Orchid Rescue Centre.

Species Lists

Fuentes Georginas, Central Highlands, Guatemala 31st August 1997
Black Vulture (30) Golden-browed Warbler (2) Slate-throated Redstart (1)
Garnet-throated Hummingbird (1) Black-and-white Warbler (1) Common Bush-tanager (6)
(Southern) House Wren (2) Grace's Warbler (1) Chestnut-capped Brushfinch (5)
Black Phoebe (1) Crescent-chested Warbler (4) Yellow-throated Brushfinch (2)
Ruddy-capped Nightingale Thrush (1) Pink-headed Warbler (1)

Tajamulco Volcano, Central Highlands, Guatemala 7th-8th September 1997
Turkey Vulture (4) Eastern Bluebird (2) Townsend's Warbler (3)
Vaux's Swift (60) Rufous-collared Thrush (1) Goldman's (Yellow-rumped) Warbler (3)
Broad-tailed Hummingbird (2) Red-faced Warbler (1) Yellow-eyed Junco (10)
Steller's Jay (subsp. coronata) (3) Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer (2) Black-capped Siskin (2)
Rock Wren (1)

Quetzeltenango Cemetery, Central Highlands, Guatemala 11th September 1997
Black Vulture (4) Rufous-collared Sparrow (8) Great-tailed Grackle (6)
Vaux's Swift (30) Eastern Bluebird (3) Nashville Warbler (2)
White-eared Hummingbird (2) Townsend's Warbler (2) Canada Warbler (2)
Bushtit (8) [Eastern or Western Pewee (4)] Northern Waterthrush (1)
(Southern) House Wren (1)

Rio Dulce, Guatemala 12-13th September 1997
Brown Pelican (10) Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (2) Lesser Greenlet (1)
Neotropic/(Olivaceous) Cormorant (100) Black-headed Trogon (1) Grey-crowned Yellowthroat (3)
Magnificent Frigatebird (3) Green Kingfisher (1) Yellow Warbler (8)
Green-backed Heron (4) Golden-fronted Woodpecker (6) Yellow-throated Warbler (2)
Great White Egret (100) Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (2) Worm-eating Warbler (1)
Snowy Egret (2) Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (1) Prothonotary Warbler (2)
Cattle Egret (4) Common Tody-flycatcher (2) Northern Waterthrush (2)
Little Blue Heron (1) Yellow-olive Flycatcher (4) Blue-grey Tanager (3)
Turkey Vulture (4) Great Kiskadee (3) Yellow-winged Tanager (1)
Grey Hawk (1) Social Flycatcher (5) Buff-throated Saltator (1)
Bat Falcon (1) Tropical Kingbird (4) Orange-billed Sparrow (1)
Royal Tern (30) Eastern Kingbird (4) Blue-black Grasquit (20)
Pale-vented Pigeon (1) Mangrove Swallow (6) White-collared Seedeater (30)
Plain-breasted Ground Dove (2) Brown Jay (2) Thick-billed Seedfinch (6)
Aztec Parakeet (2) (Southern) House Wren (2) Melodious Blackbird (8)
Groove-billed Ani (8) Clay-coloured Thrush (3) Spot-breasted Oriole (2)
Green-breasted Mango (3) Yellow-green Vireo (1)

Quetzeltenango, Guatemala 20th September 1997
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (1) Buff-breasted Flycatcher (1) Wilson's Warbler (1)
Common Ground Dove (1) Western Pewee (1) Grey Silky-flycatcher (15)
Rufous-collared Thrush (6) Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer (1) Lesser Goldfinch (2)
Eastern Bluebird (8) Townsend's Warbler (3) Rofous-collared Sparrow (10)
Tropical Mockingbird (1) Tennesee Warbler (1)

Quetzeltenango, Guatemala 22nd September 1997
Common Ground Dove (4) Townsend's Warbler (2) Pine Siskin (5)
Northern Flicker (1) Tennesee Warbler (3) Rofous-collared Sparrow (4)
Rufous-collared Thrush (6) Wilson's Warbler (1) Rufous-sided Towhee (1)
Eastern Bluebird (10) Grey Silky-flycatcher (20) Yellow-throated Brushfinch (2)
Buff-breasted Flycatcher (1) Lesser Goldfinch (3) Chestnut-collared Swift (500)
Orchard Oriole (2)

Quetzeltenango, Guatemala 23rd-25th September 1997
Northern Flicker (2) Eastern Bluebird (6) Yellow-breasted Chat (1)
Common Ground Dove (3) Rufous-collared Thrush (4) Grey Silky-flycatcher (30)
Rufous Sabrewing (female) Grey Silky-flycatcher (30) Rusty Sparrow (2)
Green Violetear (1) Wilson's Warbler (4) Hermit Warbler (1)
White-eared Hummingbird (1) Townsend's Warbler (2) Nashville Warbler (1)

Quetzeltenango, La Pedrera community 24th/25th September 1997
Acorn Woodpecker (1) Eastern Bluebird (3) Wilson's Warbler (5)
Black-capped Swallow (12) Rufous-collared Thrush (3) Townsend's Warbler (4)
Green Violetear (2) Hutton's Vireo (1) White-eared Hummingbird (2)
Buff-breasted Flycatcher (2) Band-backed Wren (5) Greater Pewee (1)

Lake Atitlan (Panajachel and Santiago) 27th September 1997
Pied-billed Grebe (1) Grey-breasted Martin (2) Yellow Warbler (1)
Ruddy Duck (10) Vaux's Swift (10) Northern Oriole (2)
American Coot (3) Golden-fronted Woodpecker (1) Blue-black Gr

Chichicastenango, Guatemala 28th September 1997
Azure-crowned Hummingbird (1) Yellow Warbler (1) Wilson's Warbler (1)
Townsend's Warbler (1) Tenessee Warbler (2)

Panajachel, Guatemala 29th September 1997
Turkey Vulture (2) Black Phoebe (2) Tenessee Warbler (4)
Green-backed Heron (1) Northern Rough-winged Swallow (4) Wilson's Warbler (3)
Rufous Sabrewing (2) Band-backed Wren (5) Northern Waterthrush (1)
White-eared Hummingbird (5) House Wren (2) Red-legged Honeycreeper (1)
Green Violetear (1) Eastern Bluebird (2) Blue-grey Tanager (3)
Azure-crowned Hummingbird (4) Clay-coloured Thrush (12) Yellow-winged Tanager (1)
Sparkling-tailed Woodstar (2) Swainson's Thrush (1) Lesser Goldfinch (8)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2) Tropical Mockingbird (2) Prevost's Ground Sparrow (1)
Golden-fronted Woodpecker (2) Blue-and-white Mockingbird (1) Blue-black Grasquit (2)
Acorn Woodpecker (12) Rufous-browed Peppershrike (1) White-collared Seedeater (10)
Northern Flicker (1) Warbling Vireo (1) Rusty Sparrow (3)
[Eastern or Western Pewee (3)] Rufous-capped Warbler (3) Black-vented Oriole (5)
Greater Pewee (4) Mourning Warbler (1) Northern Oriole (2)
Least Flycatcher (2) Yellow-breasted Chat (1) Orchard Oriole (2)
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (2) Townsend's Warbler (1)
Social Flycatcher (1) Yellow Warbler (1) osbeak (6)
Barn Swallow (8) Blue-grey Tanager (2)

Antigua, Guatemala 30th September 1997
Yellow-winged Tanager (1) Azure-crowned Hummingbird (1)

Biotopa de Quetzal, Guatemala 4th October 1997
Resplendent Quetzal (male) Green-throated Mountain-gem (1) Wilson's Warbler (3)
Emerald Toucanet (20) Rufous-browed Wren (1) Slate-throated Redstart (3)
Spectacled Foliage-gleaner (2) House Wren (1) Blue-crowned Chlorophonia (2)
Yellowish Flycatcher (1) Slate-coloured Solitaire (1) Common Bush-tanager (10)
Azure-hooded Jay (6) Golden-browed Warbler (1) Northern Waterthrush (1)
Snowy/(Little) Egret (1) Wilson's Warbler (1) Hermit Warbler (1)
Great White Egret (2) Tenessee Warbler (2)

Coban, Guatemala 4th October 1997
Red-billed Pigeon (7) Clay-coloured Thrush (3) Northern Waterthrush (1)
Golden-fronted Woodpecker (1) Eastern Pewee (1) Bushy-crested Jay (2)
Azure-crowned Hummingbird (3) Wilson's Warbler (2) Lesser Gold

Coban, Guatemala 5th October 1997
Acorn Woodpecker (2) Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1) Northern Oriole (10)
Golden-fronted Woodpecker (2) Black Phoebe (1) Orchard Oriole (4)
Cliff Swallow (2) Social Flycatcher (8) Summer Tanager (2)
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (2) Tropical Kingbird (3) Blue-black Grosbeak (1)
Barn Swallow (4) Yellow-green Vireo (1) Buff-throated Saltator (2)
Clay-coloured Thrush (8) Red-eyed Vireo (1) Chestnut-headed Oropendola (12)
Azure-crowned Hummingbird (2) Yellow Warbler (3) Red Crossbill (7)
(Southern) House Wren (2) Tenessee Warbler (3) Lesser Goldfinch (2)
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (3) American Redstart (1)
[Eastern/Western Pewee (1)] Wilson's Warbler (1)

La Palma, El Salvador 11th October 1997
Turkey/Black Vultures (many) Townsend's Warbler (1) Altamira Oriole (male)
Cinnamon Hummingbird (female) Yellow-winged Tanager (1) Stripe-headed Sparrow (4)
Groove-billed Ani (6) Northern Oriole (1)

Balboa Parque, San Salvador, El Salvador 8th-14th October 1997
White-winged Dove (2) Inca Dove (1) Great Kiskadee (2)
Ruddy Ground-dove (6) Social Flycatcher (1) Tropical Kingbird (1)
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (6) Grey-breasted Martin (2) Rufous-naped Wren (8)
Cinnamon Hummingbird (male) Wilson's Warbler (3) Black-headed Saltator (5)
White-throated Magpie-jay (5) Chestnut-capped Warbler (subsp of Rufous-capped) (1) Blue-black Grasquit (male)
Social Flycatcher (1) American Redstart (female) Rusty Sparrow (2)
Squirrel Cuckoo (1) Tenessee Warbler (1) Black-and-white Warbler (2)
Torquoise-browed Motmot (1) Clay-coloured Thrush (8) Scrub Euphonia (2)
Golden-fronted Woodpecker (3) Northern Oriole (2) Lesser Goldfinch (5)
Melodious Blackbird (1) finch (1)
Cliff Swallow (20) American Redstart (1)

Drive from El Salvador through Honduras to Nicaragua 15th October 1997
Cattle Egret (500+) Inca Dove (1) Tropical Kingbird (1)
Osprey (1)

Hotel Gardens, Managua 16th-17th October 1997
Grey-breasted Martin (4) Hoffman's Woodpecker (subsp. of Golden-fronted) (1) Social Flycatcher (1)
Lesser Nighthawk (3) Yellow Warbler (2) Blue-grey Tanager (1)
Cinnamon Hummingbird (1)

Granada, Nicaragua 18th October 1997
Cattle Egret (4) Ruddy Ground-dove (8) Cinnamon Hummingbird (1)
Snowy/(Little) Egret (12) Barn Swallow (20) Yellow Warbler (2)
Great (White) Egret (4) Mangrove Swallow (6) Tenessee Warbler (2)
Tricoloured Heron (8) Cliff Swallow (2) Great Kiskadee (2)
Green-backed Heron (2) Sand Martin (8+) Tropical Kingbird (2)
Olivaceous Cormorant (8) Grey-breasted Martin (14) Blue-grey Tanager (6)
Collared Plover (4) Groove-billed Ani (6) Clay-coloured Thrush (6)
Spotted Sandpiper (8) Hoffman's Woodpecker (subsp. of Golden-fronted) (1)

Volcano Masaya, Nicaragua 19th October 1997
American Kestrel (female) Common Ground-dove (5) White-throated Magpie-jay (2)
Pacific Parakeet (2) Nutting's Flycatcher (1) Barn Swallow (8)
Vaux's Swift (2) Great Kiskadee (1)

Granada, Nicaragua 19th October 1997
Snowy/(Little) Egret (40) Black-shouldered Kite (1) White-throated Magpie-jay (5)
Great (White) Egret (2) Collared Plover (2) Blue-grey Tanager (4)
Tricoloured Heron (1) Spotted Sandpiper (1) Clay-coloured Thrush (2)
Olivaceous Cormorant (1) Yellow Warbler (1)

Bluefields and Pearl Lagoon, Nicaragua 20th-23rd October 1997
Snowy/(Little) Egret (6) Royal Tern (2) Gray Kingbird (1)
Great (White) Egret (4) Black Tern (1) Fork-tailed Flycatcher (15)
Cattle Egret (6) Forster's Tern (3) (Southern) House Wren (2)
Little Blue Heron (2) Northern Jacana (2) Yellow Warbler (20)
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (1) Spotted Sandpiper (2) Red-eyed Vireo (1)
Green-backed Heron (1) Groove-billed Ani (1) Common Yellowthroat (3)
Crested Caracara (3) Barn Swallow (10) Blue-grey Tanager (1)
Turkey/Black Vultures (many) Mangrove Swallow (2) Summer Tanager (3)
Osprey (4) Grey-breasted Martin (20) Northern Oriole (male)
Roadside Hawk (1) Vaux's Swift (3) Blue-black Grassquit (5)
Anhinga (1) Eastern Pewee (2) Grassland Yellow Finch (10+)
Olivaceous Cormorant (100) Great Kiskadee (2) Black-striped Sparrow (4)
Magnificent Frigatebird (1) Social Flycatcher (1)
Brown Pelican (3) Tropical Kingbird (4)

Tikal, The Peten, Guatemala 25th October 1997 (afternoon)
Cattle Egret (20) Keel-billed Toucan (1) Magnolia Warbler (2)
Limpkin (1) Collared Aracari (3) Black-and-white Warbler (6)
Bare-throated Tiger-heron (male) Golden-fronted Woodpecker (1) Tenessee Warbler (2)
Little Blue Heron (1) Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker (1) American Redstart (2 females, 1 male)
Turkey Vulture (many) Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (1) Yellow-throated Euphonia (male)
Black Vulture (many) Social Flycatcher (2) Red-throated Ant-tanager (male)
Plain Chachalaca (1) Masked Tityra (1) Grey-headed Tanager (1)
Ocellated Turkey (4) Red-eyed Vireo (1) Green-backed Sparrow (1)
Northern Jacana (2) Lesser Greenlet (1) White-collared Seedeater (5)
Grey-necked Wood-rail (1) Tawny-crowned Greenlet (1) Melodious Blackbird (2)
Common Moorhen (1) Yellow Warbler (1) Montezuma Oropendola (2)
Red-lored Parrot (1) Blue-winged Warbler (1)
Violaceous Trogon (1) Kentucky Warbler (1)

Tikal, The Peten, Guatemala 26th October 1997 (morning)
Great Blue Heron (1) Plain Antvireo (male+female) Yellow Warbler (2)
Plain Chachalaca (1) Eye-ringed Flatbill (1) Hooded Warbler (1)
Great Currasow (female) Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (1) Magnolia Warbler (3)
Red-lored Parrot (4) Sepia-capped Flycatcher (1) Kentucky Warbler (1)
Aztec Parakeet (6) Social Flycatcher (4) Black-and-white Warbler (3)
Slaty-tailed Trogon (2) Great Kiskadee (2) Black-throated Green Warbler (1)
Keel-billed Toucan (1) Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (1) American Redstart (1 male)
Blue-crowned Motmot (1) Swainson's Thrush (1) Yellow-throated Euphonia (male)
Golden-fronted Woodpecker (2) Wood Thrush (1) Yellow-winged Tanager (2)
Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker (1) Brown Jay (5) Melodious Blackbird (10)
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (1) Red-eyed Vireo (2) Black-cowled Oriole (2)
Purple-crowned Fairy (1) White-eyed Vireo (1)
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (1) Lesser Greenlet (1)

Tikal, The Peten, Guatemala 26th October 1997 (afternoon)
Crested Guan (2) Wood Thrush (2) Bright-rumped Attila (3)
Great Currasow (1 male, 2 females) Brown Jay (2) Cliff Swallow (20)
Mealy Parrot (1) Lesser Greenlet (1) Kentucky Warbler (2)
Aztec Parakeet (4) Stub-tailed Spadebill (1) Black-throated Green Warbler (1)
Plain Xenops (1) Yellow-olive Flycatcher (1) Yellow-throated Euphonia (male)
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (1) Brown-crested Flycatcher (1) Scrub Euphonia (1)
Squirrel Cuckoo (1)

Tikal, The Peten, Guatemala 27th October 1997 (morning)
Great Currasow (2 females) Tawny-winged Woodcreeper (2) Yellow Warbler (1)
Great Tinnamou (1) Ruddy Woodcreeper (2) Hooded Warbler (2)
Roadside Hawk (2) Long-tailed Hermit (1) Magnolia Warbler (3)
Red-lored Parrot (8) Little Hermit (2) Kentucky Warbler (3)
White-crowned Parrot (4) Wedge-tailed Sabrewing (1) Chestnut-sided Warbler (1)
White-fronted Parrot (4) Dotwinged Antwren (1) Black-and-white Warbler (4)
Brown-hooded Parrot (20) Plain Xenops (4) Black-throated Green Warbler (1)
Slaty-tailed Trogon (female) Least Flycatcher (3) American Redstart (2 males, 1 female)
Black-headed Trogon (1) Swainson's Thrush (1) Common Yellowthroat (male)
Keel-billed Toucan (3) Wood Thrush (4) Ovenbird (2)
Collared Aracari (5) Red-eyed Vireo (3) Northern Waterthrush (1)
Masked Tityra (1) Warbling Vireo (1) Louisiana Waterthrush (1)
Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker (2) White-eyed Vireo (1) Yellow-throated Euphonia (male)
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (2) Yellow-throated Vireo (1) Olive-backed Euphonia (6)
Olivaceous Woodcreeper (1) Lesser Greenlet (4) Yellow-winged Tanager (2)
Barred Woodcreeper (1) Tawny-crowned Greenlet (2)

Tikal, The Peten, Guatemala 27th October 1997 (afternoon)
Broad-winged Hawk (1) Violaceous Trogon (1) Olive-backed Euphonia (1)
Roadside Hawk (2)

Tikal, The Peten, Guatemala 28th October 1997 (morning)
Slaty-breasted Tinnamou (1) Blue-crowned Motmot (2) Yellow Warbler (2)
Ocellated Turkey (2) Plain Antvireo (2) Hooded Warbler (1)
Plain Characara (8) Dot-winged Antwren (2) Magnolia Warbler (4)
Bat Falcon (2) Plain Xenops (4) Blue-winged Warbler (2)
Brown-hooded Parrot (3) White-browed [Carolina] Wren (1) Black-and-white Warbler (4)
Aztec Parakeet (3) Royal Flycatcher (2) Black-throated Green Warbler (1)
Squirrel Cuckoo (1) Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (1) Wilson's Warbler (male)
Keel-billed Toucan (2) Sepia-capped Flycatcher (1) Swainson's Warbler (1)
Violaceous Trogon (2) Least Flycatcher (1) American Redstart (1 male)
Ringed Kingfisher (1) Tropical Kingbird (2) Common Yellowthroat (female + male)
Grey-necked Wood-rail (2) Stub-tailed Spadebill (1) Ovenbird (2)
Bare-throated Tiger-heron (male) Wood Thrush (2) Northern Waterthrush (2)
Little Blue Heron (1) Clay-coloured Thrush (2) White-collared Mannikin (male)
Ruddy Quail-dove (1) Grey Catbird (1) Red-throated Ant-tanager (4)
Masked Tityra (1) Red-eyed Vireo (1) Yellow-throated Euphonia (male)
Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker (1) White-eyed Vireo (2) Olive-backed Euphonia (2)
Ruddy Woodcreeper (1) Mangrove Vireo (1) White-collared Seedeater (2)
Long-tailed Hermit (1) Lesser Greenlet (2) Green-backed Sparrow (1)
Little Hermit (3) Tawny-crowned Greenlet (1) Black-headed Saltator (3)
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (3) Montezuma Oropendola (2)

Flores and the Cerro Cahui Biotopa, The Peten, Guatemala 29th October 1997 (morning)
Great Egret (6) Hook-billed Kite (2) Tropical Gnatcatcher (male)
Green-backed Heron (4) Squirrel Cuckoo (1) Lesser Greenlet (2)
Tricoloured Heron (1) Violaceous Trogon (1) Yellow Warbler (3)
Olivaceous Cormorant (8) Ringed Kingfisher (1) Magnolia Warbler (4)
Pied-billed Grebe (7) Belted Kingfisher (1) Chestnut-sided Warbler (1)
Moorhen (3) Ruddy Ground-dove (3) Black-headed Saltator (2)
Northern Jacana (3) Royal Flycatcher (1) Yellow-throated Euphonia (male)
Limpkin (1) Eye-ringed Flatbill (1) Summer Tanager (1)
Spotted Sandpiper (1) Great-crested Flycatcher (1)

USEFULWEBSITES FOR GUATEMALA:

Wildlife of Guatemala - http://www.travelvantage.com/gua_nat.html

Lonely Planet (click on Guatemala) - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/

American Airlines - http://www.aa.com