Welcome to Bird Watching Mazatlán, we focus on birding tours, environmental education, and biological bird monitoring in Mazatlán. Our agency was founded four years ago with a mission to transform Mazatlán into a bird-friendly city. Since then, we’ve worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality.
Our professionalism and expert knowledge of local bird habitats set us apart. Safety is our priority, supported by years of bird monitoring experience and a deep understanding of our regional birds.
While our activities are centered in Mazatlán, we explore beyond the coast, covering central and southern Sinaloa, from coastal areas to mountain ranges and neighboring states. Focused on bird conservation, our educational programs inspire future generations, fostering a love for birds and contributing to their long-term protection.
Our biological monitoring is key to understanding the species diversity and behavior in our region. We employ methods like net monitoring and count points to gather precise data guiding our conservation actions.
We also support local communities, working toward sustainable development and environmental protection. Join us in this exciting adventure to conserve birds and protect our planet.
Our team
Our team consists of passionate professionals with years of experience in bird monitoring. Each member brings extensive knowledge of local birds, providing unique insights into their behavior and natural habitats. Besides being skilled bird monitors, our team has guided birding tours for four years, offering educational and memorable experiences for our guests. We are proud of our team's dedication to conservation and environmental outreach. Their passion for birds shines through in every interaction with clients and in each biological monitoring project we undertake.
Gisela Cabanillas
M.C.
A biologist with a Master’s in Science, Gisela has spent the last 14 years studying birds, focusing her research on the Grasshopper Sparrow and Baird’s Sparrow and their winter habitat selection in Chihuahua.
She has worked on numerous bird monitoring projects nationwide and played a key role in the MoSI bird banding station at the Nuestra Señora de Cosalá Reserve from 2019 to 2022.
As the co-founder of Bird Watching Mazatlán since 2021, Gisela shares her passion and expertise through birding tours, contributing to the conservation of birds and their habitats.
José Ramón Avalos
M.V.Z.
José Ramón Avalos holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from UAM-Xochimilco and is a wildlife conservation professional with a passion for birds. With over eight years of experience in bird banding, identification, and field study, he has mastered techniques for monitoring bird behavior, abundance, and habitat use, emphasizing the critical role birds play in environmental health.
As co-founder of Bird Watching Mazatlán, he leads specialized birdwatching ecotours across Sinaloa and promotes environmental education through workshops and activities for the public, including those with visual, mobility, and hearing impairments. His dedication to conservation and education has a lasting impact on both wildlife and the community.
Testimonials
What our customers write about us
We greatly appreciate their feedback and the opportunity to guide them on their birding adventures.
Jose' Ramon took us to a couple of off the road places and showed us many birds! The first was a purplish backed jay right outside our condo! I saw that bird more times while waiting for the bus. We ended our journey at an ancient church where a bat falcon pair were nesting:) It was a memorable day and lots of fun!
We enjoyed a wetland (lake) and a dry area in the hills and a small stream with numerous shore birds. Excellent day and Ramon was quite knowledgable
Jose was a great guide and very knowledgeable about the local birds and birding spots. Excellent experience I saw several lifers.
I went out yesterday with José Ramon to bird watch. First of all, he is very knowledgeable and experienced. He knows what he’s seeing and is great at spotting birds. He picked me up at the hotel and delivered me back at the end. He had water and snacks and best of all binoculars for me to use. We saw 76 birds — 62 were lifers for me! What a great trip. I would book again without hesitation!
Next Tour
From February 7 to 15, 2025 we’ll be birding in the Northwest of Mexico, including Nayarit and Sinaloa, to watch over 300 bird species, including more than 30 endemics that can be found in this region.
Some top birds:
Tufted Jay, Red Warbler Eared Quetzal, Black-throated Magpie-Jay, Purplish-backed Jay, San Blas Jay, Trogon, Cinereous Owl, Stygian Owl, Colima Pygmy-Owl, White-naped Swift, Bumblebee Hummingbird, Aztec Thrush, Red-headed Tanager, Elegant Trogon, Russet-crowned Motmot, Elegant Quail, Citreoline Trogon, Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Golden Vireo, West Mexican Euphonia, Red-breasted Chat.