Subdivisión Abandonados

This site is in the top ten hotspots for species diversity in Cozumel.  Located entirely within a tropical semi-deciduous forest, this "abandoned subdivision" offers an opportunity to walk along paved roads through the dense vegetation of the islands interior.  With the loss of power lines from Hurricane Wilma (2005), further development in this community was all but abandoned.  Today, the once wide streets are so overgrown that they are barely single-lane.  The roughly seventeen residents  that consider Pueblo Nuevo home are proud of the ecological reserve that has been formed.   This hotspot is a favorite for birders wishing a glimpse of a Common Pauraque.  It is also a good place to observe bananaquits, catbirds, cuckoos, gnatcatchers, grassquits, hummingbirds, parrots and parakeets, flycatchers, vireos, tanagers, spindalis, warblers, and woodpeckers.

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 site can be driven or walked.  However, the dense vegetation makes it more difficult to see birds, so walking is recommended.  To observe the Common Pauraque, it is recommended that you go before sunrise or after sunset.  Watch for glowing eyes illuminated by your approaching headlights along the side of the road.  The roads from POI #1 to #2 and #3 are often very productive.  Watch for hummingbirds at #1, bananquit, cuckoo, flycatchers, spindalis, and warblers near #2, and warblers and wrens from #2 to #3.  The partially cleared area at #4 offers good opportunities to see a variety of birds.  The dead-end road leading to POI #5 has generally been good for warblers when they are on the island (Sep-Apr).  A short distance west of the Pueblo there are a few dirt roads that lead north and south of the entrance road, and these can be hiked for an even more wilderness experience; the road to the south goes a short distance into an overgrown quarry.

To reach this site, turn east on the narrow paved road opposite the entrance to the Caleta (the oldest, and only natural harbor on Cozumel).  There are many places to park a car, but I like to park on the relatively quiet and wide road that heads NE from the entrance road, just after the fork (POI #1).  Most areas are densely vegetated with tall trees, so well shaded.  Biting insects can sometimes be a nuisance, especially during the rainy season (May-Oct).  There are a number of loose dogs within the subdivision, but all that I have encountered seemed desperate for attention (despite all the ferocious-sounding barking).  There are no shops or facilities available.