Birding in Cabo San Lucas--Hooded Oriole Day

No nature oriented shore excursions were offered, so we elected just to walk around town. It would be possible to hire a taxi or boat to take you anywhere you would like--there were certainly enough men offering you those services when you get off the tender. Interestingly, the life boats from the ship were used as tenders at Cabo. It is reassuring that they actually function, although the lifeboat we boarded had a water pump malfunction, and after waiting for several minutes for the high temperature alarm to be investigated, we disembarked and walked across the ship to another lifeboat. The weather was sunny and warm, but not overly hot. Cactus Wrens could be heard as soon as we got into more residential areas, as could Gila Woodpeckers. Hooded Orioles were numerous throughout our explorations. On first inspection I was surprised at how slender and decurved their bill was, and I read later that the Hooded has the most slender and decurved bill of the oriole family. They were frequently seen feeding in trees with large red flowers--sorry don’t know the name of those trees. White-winged and Common Ground Doves were seen. A white intermediate sized heron at the marina was initially thought to be a Snowy Egret, but was an immature Little Blue. A huge male California Sea Lion was seen in the marina eating some kind of meat--perhaps part of a discarded large fish, perhaps one he caught. Immature California Gulls were flocking right at his mouth hoping to get snacks--I wonder how often they become a Sea Lion snack! Overall we were not impressed with downtown Cabo San Lucas--very commercialized, not many native species of birds. However, it was an excellent opportunity to become better acquainted with the Hooded Oriole. Total species for the day 15.   We had stops in San Diego and Victoria on our way to Seattle, but since just "normal" birds live in these areas, I have not included them.  It was nice to see Western Bluebirds in San Diego's Balboa Park.  A juvenile was being fed by an adult, presumptive evidence of breeding there or nearby. 

 

               Hooded Orioles

Bird List for Cabo San Lucas: 

Brown Pelican

Cactus Wren--Several heard. One seen, on a palm.

California Gull Many around the harbor--all immature birds.

Common Ground Dove

Cormorant Distant views as we left the harbor in the late afternoon.

Gila Woodpecker Many--Most associated with palms and cactus.

Hooded Oriole They seemed to be almost everywhere, especially in the red-flowered trees.

House Finch

House Sparrow

 Little Blue Heron A single immature in the marina.

Magnificent Frigatebird

Northern Mockingbird Pat saw one.

Rock Pigeon

Turkey Vulture

White-winged Dove                                           Back to Home