Barry,

Have a good trip. I'll be going there in July on a research project that
will last something over a year. I'm not too well versed on places to
stay but one that is reasonable, not inconvenient, and friendly is the
Casa de Huespedes Arnel; it's near the first class bus station. A car is
helpful but not essential. The famous ruins of Monte Alban are also
excellent for birds of the drier scrub forest, but you can't get in too
early or stay too late at the site. Buses & taxis can take you there.
Perhaps the best birding nearby is Mexican Highway 175 northeast of the
city. Head east towards Mitla and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, then hang a
left (north) at the east edge of town. This highway continues up and over
the mountains to the coast plain near Veracruz. The first 10 miles climbs
steeply up a narrow, rather lush canyon, then up into the oaks and pines
to a pass ("La Cumbre") at 9000 feet. A dirt road leads south from here
to a microwave relay tower and beyond. Stops all along the road up are
rewarding and the pine-oak forest at the summit is quite lush, epiphyte
laden misty trees... I don't know where to start for listing the birds.

Gene Hunn.

On Mon, 8 Apr 1996, Barry Levine wrote:

> Tweeters,
> I'll be heading to Oaxaca this Saturday. If anyone is familiar with this
> area I'd be much obliged if they could point me in the right direction
> while I'm down there. If you know of some good birding spots, places to
> stay (quaint and reasonable of course),whether a car is a necessity and
> interesting villages,ruins to see, then please respond . Thank you for
> any and all help.
> Barry Levine Seattle
>