Hi Chatters,

I have two requests for information, one about Mexico, and one about the
far North (Ellesmere and Baffin Islands, and Greenland). Please reply
directly to me, I'll post a summary.

I am considering going to Mexico (Chiapas or Yucatan) over Christmas and
was hoping for some advice. I have never been to Mexico before so I
don't know what to expect. In light of the recent rebellion in Chiapas,
I am concerned about safety in that region, is this silly on my part, or
should I bird elsewhere? How about the Yucatan, it seems like it might
be safer, but maybe less birdy? Again, I am ignorant of these areas, and
would appreciate any advice.

Another place I'd like to visit (slightly more remote) are the northern
islands in Canada, specifically Baffin and Ellesmere. And maybe take a
jaunt over to Greenland. Any Chatters familiar with these areas? I
suppose what I'm looking for here is logistical advice, how expensive
and difficult is it to get out there. I don't really have any desire to
go to Churchill, unless it's a stopoff for one of those other spots. I
have spent a good deal of time in the Arctic in Alaska, so I know what to
expect in terms of climate and birds, but I'm not sure about how one
would get to these areas. I would most appreciate hearing from any
Chatters who have ever been to any of these spots.

Thanks in advance

Mike Smith
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
whimbrel at u.washington.edu