Welcome!
Colima, the second smallest Mexican State (5,191 km²) after Tlaxcala, has
perhaps the greatest diversity in landscapes and habitats and thus incredible
biological richness. Where else in the World can you lie on a tropical beach
soaking up the sun's rays and then within a day's drive be at 3,000 meters above
the snowline? It is this incredible variation in elevation, temperature and
humidity, that has contributed to the evolution of Colima's unique habitats and
corresponding biodiversity. Here at Colima Birds & Butterflies we aim to take you
to each of these unique habitats to undisturbed sites that we have been able to
locate during 10 years of fieldwork within the State of Colima. Your guides Dr.
Manuel Balcázar and Dr.
Andrew
Burton
are Professional Biological Scientists with a strong interest in Natural
History. Between them they have studied everything from
Mountain Lions and Bobcats on the
Colima Volcanoes to the endemic butterflies and
moths of the
Coastal Thorn Scrub forests.
Spotting Colima Pygmy Owl at La Cumbre, Colima.
We offer one day birdwatching and/or butterfly watching trips for people already in Manzanillo or Colima who wish to enjoy and discover tropical biodiversity.
Minimum 2 persons, maximum 12 persons.
Birders: We offer dedicated 7 day birdwatching expeditions!
Minimum 2 persons, maximum 12.
Our standard bird watching trips are of an easy going, relaxed nature. If you are interested in searching for specific species, we can accommodate that request, which may require hiking, 4WD vehicles, and more physical effort.
What Sets Us Apart
First of all, we are based
in Mexico! That means we are constantly searching for new sites and are up to
date on where the species are at any particular time. Burton has travelled
extensively in Mexico and spent 4 years searching for neotropical forest eagles
in the tropical forests of Campeche, Chiapas, and Quintana Roo. Balcazar has
extensive knowledge of the pine forests of his home state of Michoacan, and
recently undertook detailed fieldwork in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Sinaloa
and Nayarit. Both of us are qualified active professional scientists.
Security
Because of Colima's small size and extensive road network, Colima is considered one of the safest states in Mexico, and Colima City is currently ranked as one of the most desirable and safest of Mexican Cities.
