Yunuen Island - Egret Rookery

On 25 October 2008, we were invited to visit Yunuén on Lake Pátzcuaro, to meet a Purhepecha family and visit the island. We set out driving through Tzurumútaro, passed Ucazanáztacua (how's that for a mouthful?), and were met at the Pacanda Muelle for our motor-canoe visit to Yunuén.

Although this was not ostensibly a birding trip we, of course, went armed with our Howell book and binoculars. We were told that Yunén has the only egret rookery of the lake. Trees, bushes, flowers and orchids cover the island--good bird habitat. We didn't see any new or endemic species with the time we sandwiched in to birdwatch, but certainly enjoyed birds to include Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, an American Bittern in flight, Vermilion Flycatcher, Curve-Billed Thrasher, Finches, Warblers and more.

We will definitely schedule a full day birding trip with fellow birders. Alma Arias Navarrete, the Patzcuaro friend who took us, can also arrange with the Purhépecha family for overnights in nice cabins with kitchens--this is another target trip.

For an online visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracyzeye/sets/72157608404149031/

Live in Patzcuaro: http://novinger.com/patz-homes.htm