Wildlife Tracking Workshop in the Sierra los Ajos
I just returned from a five day excursion into the Sierra los Ajos, in Sonora, Mexico. I was hosting a Sky Island Alliance wildlife tracking and camera monitoring workshop for biologists from at least 5 different park reserves in Mexico, and 2 from the U.S. as part of an international sister-park effort. Despite the heavy monsoon rains (which were magnificent), we discovered tracks and sign from Cous' deer, javalina, coati, black bear, ringtail, opossum, gray fox, mountain lion and many more. Everything was in bloom, and the creeks were running - a naturalist's paradise! Rare native orchids, Elegant Trogon, Tarahumara salamander larvae, and even a twin spotted rattlesnake and ridgenose rattlesnake made an appearance. The borderlands of Mexico and the U.S. are a beautiful and diverse place to visit and live, and the Sierra los Ajos are no exception. I am looking forward to my next trip, and am thinking of hosting a Cybertracker Evaluation at the Ajos-Bavipse Reserve here in the next year or so! I already miss the mimosa studded green hills, maple trees and aspens. The people I will miss as well. A great group of folks to work with, carne asada on the grill and the milky way above the trees... I have an amazing job!