I was able to confirm today that the White-eyed Vireo (Vireo grisens) located recently by James and Laetitia Hart in San Rafael de Santa Cruz is still present at more or less the same location. I did NOT see the bird but I heard it call very clearly twice, at close range and from a height of about 20 feet in a small copse. I am very familiar with its call because a White-eyed Vireo stayed in my garden for more than two months last year. The bird at Santa Cruz is most likely the same individual, I believe.

It was with a small mixed flock that included two other migrant vireo species, Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) and Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons), a Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias sulphurescens), a Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala), and a male Olive-backed Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi). The exact location this time was in a wooded patch opposite the gate of Finca Las Flores, just after the turn-off to Rancho Antokitos.

Here’s the White-eyed Vireo in my garden last year, courtesy of Arnoldo García

Birders visiting the area should continue downhill to enjoy more good birding, especially near the small, permanently flooded finca at La Ceiba, which may turn out to contain some surprise species. Access to La Ceiba is over a rickety gate, but there are dogs beyond and the owner seems never to be present. For those who like a circular route: If you continue walking after La Ceiba there is a way to cross through potreros to a path that can clearly be seen and that leads to Verbena.

My eBird list for today’s visit can be found at the following link: http://ebird.org/ebird/camerica/view/checklist/S34209958