Audio
Biosphere Birds
Driven by a desire to capture Mexico’s native birds on film and tape, one photographer treks to the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve and hits the jackpot.
Photography and audio produced by Greg R. Homel

Golden-fronted woodpecker. This species, which also occurs in Texas, is common within Sierra Gorda at many elevation levels.

After learning that Sierra Gorda, Mexico, holds a fairly large, relatively recently discovered population of bearded wood-partridges, photographer Greg R. Homel ventured to the region in an attempt to fulfill his long-held dream of seeing and documenting (on digital still and HD video media) all of Mexico’s spectacular endemic birds.

While there, he encountered not just one but four bearded wood-partridges (including one seen in the open at less than 32 feet) and recorded vocalizations of them in the vicinities of La Trinidad and San Juan de los Duran. Obtaining a photograph eluded him, though—and he plans to return for that special shot.

Photo Gallery

Click on the images above to see larger versions.

Audio

Brown-backed solitaire

This thrush's long complex song is a distinctive sound in the high forests of Mexico's Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.

To hear the brown-backed solitaire, click here.

Bronze-winged woodpecker

This striking Mexican endemic species has a limited range, but it’s common in the largely intact middle elevation encinal (pine-oak woodlands) of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.

To hear the bronze-winged woodpecker, click here.

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Related links: “Meet Me at the Oasis”