Birding Rancho Primavera & Cabo Corrientes

Birding on the Ranch

Four Seasons of World-class Birding

More than 300 bird species have been reported on our 200-ac. (80 ha) property, making this truly a world-class birding destination. Endemics abound. Western Mexico and its Pacific Slope boast 22 endemic species and 36 subspecies, most of which occur on the ranch. The eBird* statistics for the ranch are impressive. With 334 species reported (as of 24 Sep 2024), the property ranks 1st in Jalisco and 7th in all of Mexico!

WINTER - Most folks visit Rancho Primavera between November and March. Species numbers are highest in this season, when the ranch is home to many Neotropical migrants. On a full morning, birders can find more than 100 species among the ranch’s varied habitats.

SPRING - Spring is short here, basically comprising April and early May. Bird species are still abundant in April, but numbers drop sharply in May, when migrants have left for their breeding grounds. The weather is dry throughout this period, but it starts to get hot in May.

SUMMER - The period between late May and August is all about breeding birds. Beside the dozens of Yellow-green Vireos that nest on the property, we have “confirmed” breeding for dozens more species, with many more categorized as “probable” breeders. NOTE: July is the beginning of the rainy season, and a river crossing is required to enter the property. When the river is high, entering or leaving the ranch may be restricted.

FALL - Fall migration begins in September and runs through November. The rain continues through September and into October. The bird list doubles by November, as the ranch starts to dry out and migration peaks.

Click here for the eBird overview page for Rancho Primavera.

Click here for a custom printable checklist for the property.

Hiring our resident naturalists

Steve and Lizzy lead private guided walks on the ranch. They have their fingers on the pulse of bird activity all over the property. Their rates for ranch guiding are as follows and are subject to change; prices are in Mexican Pesos, and the exchange rate ranges from 16:1 to 20:1.

• Half-day birding on the ranch:    $2,000 for 1-4 people

• Full-day birding on the ranch:     $3,500 for 1-4 people

Exploring Cabo Corrientes

Pine Forest to Seashore

The semi-deciduous forest at Rancho Primavera sits between the pine-oak forest of the southern Sierra Madre and the coastal thorn forest and seashore of the Costalegre. As a region, Cabo Corrientes boasts 34 eBird hotspots and an amazing 488 species reported. This figure represents nearly 45% of the species reported for all of Mexico! This map features just a handful of the region’s best birding spots, and the best way to explore these rugged backroads is with seasoned local birders. See the guiding info below, and let us show you the best of Cabo Corrientes!

Hiring Rancho Primavera’s resident naturalists

Lizzy Martinez and Steve Shunk offer private guiding throughout Cabo Corrientes. They are very familiar with all the local travel routes as well as the birds, the geography, and the local culture of the region. Rates for guiding are as follows and are subject to change; all prices are in Mexican Pesos, and the exchange rate ranges from 16:1 to 20:1.

• Half-day birding, limited locations:    $2,500 for 1-3 people

• Full-day birding, farther afield:     $4,000, not including meals for your guides

• Multi-day guiding:  Contact us to discuss your options