What is your favorite bird species?
Maroon-fronted Parrots are the best. We love them.
What is your name, and where do you live?
We are Marilyn and Leonardo from Kingfisher Birdwatching Nuevo León. We live in Monterrey (capital of Nuevo León state) in northeastern México.
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
Our main area for birding is Nuevo León, but we also lead tours in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (Tamaulipas).
How long have you been bird guides?
Since 2017.
Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush
How did you get into bird guiding?
We got into birding when we were still biology students in the final year at university. Years later we started a project to promote birdwatching in Monterrey for locals and then we received our first group of tourists. It was then that we decided to dedicate ourselves to bird-watching tourism in our region.
Elegant Trogon
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?
We really enjoy taking tourists to stunning places in Nuevo León and showing them not only their target species but also the landscapes and culture. I, Marilyn, get very excited when I find the birds we are looking for – it feels like I see them for the first time. I enjoy sharing this passion and love for birds with people.
What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that you think are the most interesting for visiting birders?
- Maroon-fronted Parrot
- Worthen’s Sparrow
- Tawny-collared Nightjar
- Crimson-collared Grosbeak
- Blue-capped Motmot
- Blue-throated Mountain-gem
- Long-billed Thrasher
- Black-crested Titmouse
- Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl
- Altamira Yellowthroat
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip
We offer different kinds of tours, from half days to multi-day tours. Half-day tours include visits to one or two spots in Monterrey city and surroundings:
- La Estanzuela Natural Park
- La Silla River Park
- Cumbres de Monterrey National Park
- San Ignacio Natural Preserve
- El Manzano Park
- Valley of Solitude
We suggest a minimum stay of 4 days to observe a large number of species, including the most important species of Nuevo León. Our tours can be customized by combining them with the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, extending it to a 6 to 8-day adventure.
Grey-collared Becard
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
Bring comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, and insect repellent. The best season to visit the Northeastern region is from September to April, as during this time we have most of the migrants plus all of the year-round species.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
Feel free to contact us at
- info@birdingmonterrey.com
- WA +52 81 3469 2006
- Facebook: Kingfisher Birdwatching Nuevo León
- Instagram: birdwatching.nl
Leave a Comment