Three Point Tour

We went on a three-hour boat tour of points of interest around Isle Holbox. A local fellow who spoke no English and his Italian(!) interpreter were our guides. Timosh, a knowledgeable birder, was thrilled when we showed an interest. He kept borrowing our binoculars then excitedly pointing out what he had found. Ele, our happy interpreter, also expressed surprise that we were actually interested in the birds! I guess most people just like the adventure of the boat ride. Mazzy nuzzled her Mum as we sped across the bumpy water, didn't complain once, and only fell asleep on our return.  We headed first to the lagoon on the west side but found nothing but a flock of resident pelicans. Our trip to the east was more successful. A few straggling flamingoes appeared to be walking on water amongst the pelicans. Nesting egrets sat close to walkways. Timosh was most excited about spotting a rare lineated woodpecker (as compared to pileated). It disappeared before our cameras were focused but we were able to take in the proud red punk hairdo. A beautiful Yucatan woodpecker also announced its presence at a natural pool of spring water we visited. It was an oasis in the middle of a savannah and ancient location of a Mayan settlement.  Bill and Kevin swam in the cool water, trying to dive to the three bubbling openings at the bottom of the pool.