Photo ABCs

Virgin of Izamal

Pilgrims come by the thousands to Izamal, Yucatan, especially on December 8, the day of the Festival of the Virgin of Izamal. Here, hundreds of candles are left in front of a picture of the virgin.

Jaguar and popsicles

A souvenir jaguar carving awaits a buyer in front of a popsicle advertisement, near the ruins of Cobá, Yucatan.

Social Flycatcher?

I believe this is a social flycatcher (it could be a great kiskadee) posing on ruins at Uxmal, in the Yucatan.

Rescued Parrot

Iona Chamberlin has restored a lovely hacienda on the outskirts of Merida, Yucatan, the Hacienda San Pedro Nohpat, and converted it to a bed and breakfast. She also rescues injured parrots. Here is one named Chicky. It may be a yellow-lored parrot.

Squirrel Cuckoo

A squirrel cuckoo, photographed near Merida, Yucatan:

Canivet's Emerald Hummingbird

Canivet's Emerald Hummingbird, photographed near Merida, Yucatan.

Turquoise-browed Motmot

One of the most fascinating and beautiful birds with one of the coolest names!

This motmot was photographed at the Dzibilchatún Mayan ruins, not far from Merida, Yucatan. 

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Alexander Dzib Chay is a professional bird guide living in Celestun, Yucatan. I hired Alex for 1 1/2 days while visiting Merida, in the Yucatan. 

While I am not an experienced birder, I consider myself rather good at spotting birds. Well, without Alex, I would have seen very few birds during these 1 1/2 days. Alex was able to attract with birdcalls, and spot countless birds, including this normally shy and reclusive ferruginous pygmy-owl.

When visiting a foreign area for a short time, it is money well spent hiring a guide like Alex, who knows the area and the bird life. His knowledge of birds, not just of the Yucatan, is encyclopedic, and he's a great guy!

This ferruginous pygmy-owl was photographed at the Dzibilchatún Mayan ruins, not far from Merida.

Merida dancers

Traditional Yucatecan musicians and dancers perform in Merida, Yucatan.

Merida dancers

Traditional Yucatecan dancers perform, as others look on, in the old central square of Merida, Yucatan.