Mirador Puerto de Abrigo Hotspot
(Environments: Beach, Forest, Mangroves, Urban, Wetland)
This nice little site is close to the downtown area and can be visited on a short schedule. It also makes a nice add-on with other sites to the north (e.g., Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas). Located at the north end of the urbanized area of San Miguel, this coastal site is adjacent to semi-tropical deciduous forest that surrounds the airport. The small harbor makes a picturesque stop, and a variety of birds can typically be observed from the harbor overlook. A short walk around the perimeter of the harbor takes you through wooded areas that host a large number of migrants during Sept-May.
Additional information on species and sighting frequencies can be found on the eBird Overview, Bar Chart, and Illustrated Checklist pages for this site.
Altamira Oriole
Bananaquit (Cozumel I.)
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Ground Dove
Great Kiskadee
Great-tailed Grackle
Prothonotary Warbler
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Summer Tanager
Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Warbler
Great-tailed Grackle
Annotated Google Earth image of Mirador Puerto de Abrigo de Cozumel hotspot. Points of interest (POI) are indicated with numbered pins. A possible route through the hotspot is indicated with a red line.
Plaza Overlooking Harbor
Street to North of Lighthouse (looking S)
Avenida Rafael E. Melgar along East side
Seawall looking South-Southwest
Tips for Birding this Site
The overlook itself is quite small and can be birded relatively quickly. There, you will likely observe Bananaquit (Cozumel I), doves, Great Kiskadee, Great-tailed Grackle, hummingbirds, Magnificent Frigatebird, Tropical Mockingbird, Vaux's Swift, and vultures. With a bit more time, you can also take the trail (from the west end of the entrance road) down to the seawall along the west side of the overlook. During Sept-Apr, the trees below the overlook often contain migrant songbirds. On a short walk around the south loop (see map above), or a longer walk north around the harbor, you will likely also observe Black Catbird, flycatchers, orioles, kingbirds, parrots or parakeet, and woodpeckers. In particular, the forested area at the north end of the harbor property seems to be popular with warblers when they are present (Oct-Apr).
Parking is readily available at the harbor overlook. There is a small stand that sells snacks, but there are no restroom facilities. Parking is also available on the residential street at the north end of the harbor property. The harbor itself is not generally accessible to the public, but I have managed to gain access on several occasions to photograph warblers feeding on fruits from a large tree at the south end of the harbor; ask at the gate to gain entry.