We got up early and drove through the tropical forests from Villahermosa to a former mission turned hotel in Palenque. On the way, we spotted two new life birds, the Rufous Mourner (Rhutipterna Holerythra) and the Black Catbird (Melanoptila Glabrirostris). The Rufous Mourner, a member of the tyrant flycatcher family, and typical of most flycatchers was sitting on a twig waiting to fly out and catch an insect in mid-flight. The Black Catbird is secretive and elusive. He was in the deep underbrush and we felt lucky to see him.
We arrived at "Mission Palenque" early in the afternoon. High in a tree at the front of the building was a mother and baby monkey, playing with each other. In a field beside the mission, we saw a small fox. We enjoy seeing lots of wildlife while birding.
Because we arrived early in the afternoon, we had time to explore the ruins of the Palenque Palace in the area. While doing that, we saw a Scarlet Rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus Passerinii), formerly known as a Passerini's Tanager. This bird is jet black all over, except for its bright scarlet rump and his white bill and white feet.
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We plan to stay here in Palenque for three nights while we visit this significant ancient Mayan administrative area, deep in the jungles of the Yucatan.
Berry
photo courtesy of fireflyforest
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