Lago de Tortugas

This is one of my favorite sites for bird photography.  The Lago de Tortugas hotspot (informally named after the nearby Tortugas Snorkel Center and Beach Bar) hosts a variety of wading and shorebirds set against rich reflected colors and textures in the morning light.  It was only recently established (Aug 2022), so don't be misled by the relatively few checklists and species at this site.  I expect the numbers of species to grow as others discover this hotspot, and greater varieties of migrants are on the island (e.g., Sept-Apr).  This hotspot is also one of the few easily accessible sites with good water during the dry season (Nov-Apr).  Located just a few kilometers south of town along the old coastal highway (Carreterra Costera Sur), the site consists of a small lake in a relatively undeveloped section of low tropical forest.  Regular sightings at this hotspot include diverse shorebirds and waders, waterfowl, songbirds, doves, herons, hummingbirds, parrots, swifts, and woodpeckers.  Cozumel endemic species and subspecies that are frequently observed at this site include the Black Catbird, Cozumel Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Cozumel I.) and Bananaquit (Cozumel I.).

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

This is a relatively small site so it can be easily birded for 20-60 minutes (or longer if you are into bird photography!).  It is also well located to combine with several other hotspots on the west side of the island (e.g., Subdivision Abandonados, PN Chankanaab, El Cedral).

This section of the old coastal highway is one-way (south), so the site must be approached from the north.  The return route to the main highway (Q. Roo C-1) is just to the south by the short road opposite Chankanaab Park. There is ample space for parking a car near the north end access trail (POI#1). During the dry season one can easily traverse clockwise around the east side of the lake (POI #2, #3, and #4 are on "higher ground" and offer nice views of the entire lake).  When water levels are higher, boots will likely be preferred.  The access trail to the south end of the lake (POI #5) is less obvious, and the final approach to the lake is through mangroves, but is still worth the effort as it affords closer views of the south end of the lake.  

There are no facilities at this site.  Biting insects can occasionally be a nuisance at this site, especially during the wet season.  I have never seen any (yet), but I suppose that since there is water that there could be crocodiles.