Reflections of the Natural World

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Lifer 678 – Cozumel Vireo

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Jim Gain

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Chronicles of a Birders Life List

Over the past 40 years I have had the good fortune to photographically document 85% of the bird species added to my “Life List.” This blog series showcases the images and anecdotal accounts that document those “Lifer” sightings and a little about the environment and culture of the area. This Lifer blog series begins with the first LIFER outside of the US, Lifer #624 and proceeds chronologically forward from there.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

Lifer bird @ El Cedral, Cozumel Island, MX

Cozumel Vireo (Vireo bairdi) > Vireonidae > Passeriformes

IDENTIFICATION: Only on Cozumel Island, Mexico, where no similar species occur. Uncommon; has declined thanks to predation by non-native boa constrictor snakes released on the island. Occurs in scrubby woodland, overgrown fields and thickets. Usually sluggish, like most vireos, and easily overlooked. Readily identified by its ‘cute’ face with a white patch between the eyes and bill; white wingbars; and unique, pinkish-tawny plumage tones. Voice similar to Mangrove Vireo of the mainland.

CONSERVATION STATUS WARNING: The IUCN considers Cozumel Vireo to be in the Near Threatened Red List Category. The species has a very small range, however it is uncertain whether it is being affected by habitat loss. It is therefore listed as Near Threatened.

FIRST “LIFER” OBSERVATION:
Birding with: Miguel Amar Uribe from Mexico Kan Tours and my wife Maria
Date: 10 Dec 2021 @ El Cedral, Cozumel Island, MX
El Cedral (Pueblo) | MX-ROO

SPECIES GLOBAL eBIRD DISTRIBUTION MAP
Yellow Star indications the location of my Lifer sighting

DETAILS ABOUT SIGHTING: Miguel Amar Uribe and our driver Raymundo Martinez both got on this bird right after we had walked away from the hummingbird feeder house in El Cedral. I was only able to get a couple of quick shots of it, but it was pretty distinctive with its brownish/tan coloring.

PHOTOS TAKEN: All images are of the same Lifer bird @ El Cedral, Cozumel Island, MX

Previous 3 posts in my LIFER Blog Series.

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ABOUT THE SITE

With a primary focus on birds, each blog series has it’s own unique look at the wildlife and wild places encountered at different locations that I have visited around the world.

ABOUT ME

I earned my college degree in biology, a foundation that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I’ve spent my life sharing it with others. For more than 40 years, I taught and led in public education, helping students discover the wonder woven into every corner of the natural world. That same drive has carried me through decades of citizen science and conservation work. As an active member of the Modesto Camera Club, I’ve developed a photographic practice that blends natural history with visual artistry, and my award‑winning images have been featured across the Internet on dozens of sites and field‑oriented platforms. This blog brings together my passions for birding, conservation, and storytelling.

~ Jim Gain

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