Our
journey in sound is set in northern Mexico at the
foot of the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Madre
Oriental Mountains. The trek from the lowlands to
the highlands, promises an experience of natural sounds
few other places in the world can orchestrate.
The music of John Hunter sets a dramatic mood for
our journey and enhances the natural sounds. The stains
of a classical Spanish guitar play as we walk above
the river's edge. It helps us visualize the Bumblebee
Hummingbirds in their courtship flights.
In the lowlands, we hear in the background the Clay-colored
Robin and as we press onward, the Long-billed Thrasher
accompanies a White-tipped Dove. Chachalacas create
a fuss. We follow the river populated by Green Kingfishers
calling and fishing. A Red-crowned Parrot is disturbed
from its perch along the river and circles overhead
as it investigates our presence. Along the river we
hear the Grayish Saltator and Elegant Trogon among
the cascades created after a tumultuous thunderstorm.
The Collared Forest-Falcon stakes out its territory.
In the mountain, high-above the river's cascades we
enter the moist cloud forest. The Black-headed Oriole,
Mountain Trogon and others sing late into the afternoon.
As night approaches, the insects take over where the
birds leave off and in the distance we hear an owl
calling as we set up camp and get our tent and sleeping
bags ready for the night. It is the rainy season,
so it is important to hurry.
In the distance, the thunder heralds the arrival of
another one of the many thunderstorms so common in
the cloud forest. |
It's
dry and warm inside our tent, while outside, the rain
keeps coming down and one wonders "Will it ever
stop?"
By morning the rain has cleared. The dawn chorus begins
at first light. A multitude of birds begin to sing,
including the Blue-crowned Motmot and the Blue Mockingbird.
The journey continues up the mountain toward our ultimate
goal... the steep cliff of the Macaw canyon known
as "La Encantada".
Along the way, the tiny Bumblebee Hummingbird provides
a thrilling sight with its brilliant magenta gorget.
We hear the drone of the male's wings during its courtship
rituals.
We continue on our way... listening to the White-collared
Seedeater and House Wren.
The Trail passes a small isolated farm nestled in
a forest clearing. Then, for a short time the trail
is blocked by a deadly rattlesnake. As we reach our
destination near the top of the mountain range, the
wind through the pine needles provides a soothing
respite... a respite soon to be broken by the raucous
calls of the Military Macaw. The view over the canyon
is spectacular. To the west, rank on rank of mountain
ranges fade into the distance.
Soon the Macaws fly up the canyon, their calls reverberating
off the canyon walls. Our journey is complete.
There is something special in El Cielo. The spirit
of the enchanted mountain is ours forever.
El Cielo serves as a success story of conservation...its
treasures will be held in trust for future generations. |
