West Mexico June 2025

Thu June 19 –  Thu June 26 

Military Macaw
Golden-cheeked Woodpecker

West Mexico is an area with a variety of microhabitats making it home to a large number of endemic plants and animals.  This June we are offering an opportunity to visit the area and have fun photographing some of the beautiful birds of the region.  This trip will start and end in Puerto Vallarta (Airport Code PVR) and birding will be conducted around Puerto Vallarta and San Blas.  

Rufous-backed Robin
Yellow Grosbeak

In the Puerto Vallarta area we hope to photograph birds including the Black-throated Magpie-Jay, Military Macaw, San Blas Jay, Yellow Grosbeak, Plain-capped Starthroat, Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow, Gray-crowned Woodpecker, Golden Vireo, Sinaloa Wren, Blue Mockingbird, Citreoline Trogon, West Mexican Chachalaca, Russet-crowned Motmot, Blue Bunting, Orange-breasted Bunting, Red-breasted Chat,  Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Rosy Thrush-Tanager and many more.

San Blas Jay
Tropical Parula

In the Puerto Vallarta area we hope to photograph birds including the Black-throated Magpie-Jay, Military Macaw, San Blas Jay, Yellow Grosbeak, Plain-capped Starthroat, Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow, Gray-crowned Woodpecker, Golden Vireo, Sinaloa Wren, Blue Mockingbird, Citreoline Trogon, West Mexican Chachalaca, Russet-crowned Motmot, Blue Bunting, Orange-breasted Bunting, Red-breasted Chat,  Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Rosy Thrush-Tanager and many more.

Blue Mockingbird
Elegant Quail

In the San Blas area we will do a boat trip into the mangroves to search for the Rufous-necked Wood-Rail and many other aquatic birds.  From land we will look for species including the Mexican Parrotlet, Rufous-bellied Chachalaca, Rusty-crowned Ground Sparrow, West Mexican Euphonia, Happy Wren, Elegant Quail and many others.

Black-throated Magpie-Jay
Berylline Hummingbird

The trip is suitable for photographers of all skill levels and does not require a high level of exertion.  There are no long hikes or other strenuous activities involved.  Our goal is to have fun working on getting a nice collection of photos of birds and other natural subjects from the region.  It should also be a good opportunity to work on building your photography skills.  While our primary goal is not to see every single species of the area we will make a reasonable effort to see as much as possible while still allowing plenty of time to make great photos.

Streak-backed Oriole
Gray-crowned Woodpecker

This trip will be limited to three photographers plus Greg Lavaty.  The cost per person is $2350 for a shared room.  If you prefer a private room there will be an additional fee of $480.  This includes all ground transportation, the boat ride, guiding fees, entrance fees and lodging.  Meals and international airfare are not included.

Mottled Owl
Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow