Aguadas al Sureste Hotspot

This is easily one of my favorite hotspots in Cozumel.  Located on the scenic and wild SE coast, it is easily accessible via the circum-island road.  The site includes a variety of habitats, ranging from beach, dunes, rocky shoreline, wetlands, and low tropical forest.  Regular sightings at this hotspot include diverse seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds, cuckoos, doves, grebes, herons, hummingbirds, kingfishers, parrots, pelicans & frigatebirds, swifts, and woodpeckers.  Cozumel endemic species and subspecies that are frequently observed at this site include the Black Catbird, Cozumel Vireo, Cozumel Emerald, Western Spindallis (Cozumel I.), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Cozumel I.) and Bananaquit (Cozumel I.).   Deer, wild pigs, and the Cozumel Coati are also frequently observed.

Additional information on species and sighting frequencies can be found on the eBird Overview, Bar Chart, and Illustrated Checklist pages for this site.

Tips for Birding this Site

While the North Marsh can be birded out the car window, you will see a lot more in most parts of this hotspot if you get out of the car and walk around a bit; I typically spend 2-4 hours here.  The north and south marshes (POI #1 & 5, respectively) generally have similar species in them, but the south marsh typically has greater numbers of birds and the north marsh is easier to view.  The thickets between the road and the little marsh (POI #2) are typically good for migrants when they are present (Sept-Apr).  Look among the sand, boulders, and outcrops along the coastline (POI #3-4) for shorebirds.  Watch the sky for fly-overs; it is common to see gulls and terns, herons, and seabirds flying along the shoreline or shifting between lagoonal areas.  Water levels can become quite low during the dry season (Dec-Apr), and it is sometimes possible to walk out onto the floor of the south marsh for closer viewing. Beware the crocodiles, especially during the wet season; some are quite large (>12 ft long)!

Several pull-offs are available for parking a vehicle.  The "old coastal highway" is now a dedicated bike path (motorized vehicles are not permitted) that parallels the new highway, and is an ideal place to walk and observe the shoreline.  The site is quite exposed so it can be windy during periods of strong SE wind.  Bring sun protection as there is little shade available.  Biting insects are generally not an issue.