Today we had a simple day. We started by birding near Sierra Chincua and managed to snag a couple of lifers (meaning we saw two new species that none of us had seen before). One was the Red warbler and the other a Mexican Chickadee. However, to be honest, I have been disappointed with the lack of wildlife, birds in particular. Hawks are nearly nonexistent yet there is plenty of habitat to support them. We have seen no mammals species with the lone exception of a single squirrel at the Indian mound of Los Alzati. What there are plenty of however, are lots and lots of dogs. They are everywhere, walking the streets or lazing around on sidewalks and in the doorways of shops.
After a half day of birding we revisited Magic Town to walk its cobbled streets, absorb the flavor of its people and the surroundings as well to learn about its history. One stop was a large 18th century Franciscan cathedral with a beautiful gothic facade and ornate interior. Next to stood an even older church built in the 1600’s.
With our tour over we headed back to our home base of Angangueo but along the way we were able to see where the local , but abandoned, gold and silver mine that played such a crucial role in the town’s history and development. Word has it that a new mine will open soon but its impact economically and environmentally is unsure.
It was a luxury to return to the motel early and after such an easy day. Tomorrow we head out to Alternare, an organization that teaches sustainability practices to the locals and to school groups, after that we revisit El Rosario for a final farewell visit to the monarchs.