Birdsong from a Hammock in Zipolite 🌿🦜
Sometimes the best travel experiences aren’t big adventures.
Sometimes they are the quiet moments when you stop doing… and just listen.
The last few mornings here in Zipolite I’ve been lying in my hammock, half awake, when suddenly I hear it…
Gobble… gobble… gobble. 🦃
Yes, someone nearby has a turkey. I’ve been hearing it for days now, and every time it makes me laugh. Honestly, I will take turkey noises over ambulance sirens any day.
And the turkey isn’t alone.
The mornings here come with a whole orchestra of birds.
First, of course, the roosters. Roosters in Mexico believe it is their sacred duty to announce the sunrise to the entire universe. Sometimes they even start long before the sun gets the message. 🐓🌅
Then there are the loud jungle birds that sound like they are having a dramatic conversation in the treetops. I’m pretty sure these are the Plain Chachalaca, which locals often pronounce something like chacalaca. Their calls echo through the trees like laughter and excitement all at once. 🌳
But the birds that truly run the neighborhood are the ZANATES — the brilliant, shiny black birds officially known as the Great-tailed Grackle. 🖤✨
Zanates are everywhere.
They strut across roads like they own the place.
They perch on rooftops like watchful supervisors.
They whistle, chirp, chatter, and sometimes sound like tiny robots or squeaky gates.
Honestly, I’m convinced the zanates are running the local government meetings. 😄
Every once in a while, a flash of bright yellow appears in the trees. That could be the beautiful Altamira Oriole, glowing like a piece of sunshine with black wings and a lovely, musical call. 💛
And the other day I had a magical moment.
I was painting quietly when I suddenly felt like something was watching me. When I stood up, one bird flew from the tree… then another… then another… then another.
Four of them.
They were White-throated Magpie-Jay, elegant birds with long tails and striking crests, like tiny tropical royalty. Seeing one is special, but seeing a whole little group felt like a small blessing from the forest. 🪶
It made me think about something.
Zipolite is famous for its beach, its sunsets, and its wonderfully relaxed spirit. But what many visitors might not realize is that the surrounding hills, gardens, and trees are full of incredible birdlife.
This part of the Oaxaca coast could easily attract nature lovers and bird enthusiasts from around the world. The key would simply be exploring the lush hills, quiet gardens, and jungle paths just beyond the beach. 🌿
For now, though, I’m perfectly happy right here in my hammock.
Turkey gobbling. 🦃
Roosters announcing the sunrise. 🐓
Chachalacas calling from the jungle. 🌳
And the ever-present ZANATES holding their daily neighborhood meetings. 🖤
Sometimes travel isn’t about going somewhere.
Sometimes it’s about listening to where you already are. 🌿