Site Report: San Blas - Fort

The San Blas Fort is on a hillside overlooking the town of San Blas. I visited this site on two afternoons: January 6, 2008 and January 2002. From the top, there is an excellent view of the entire area. The habitat consists of weedy fields, rocky outcroppings, a few scattered trees, and the convergence of an updraft. The bird highlight of the fort would have to be the close-flying Turkey and Black Vultures which can be seen on the very top. In addition, I was able to get close looks at a Short-tailed Hawk and a Zone-tailed Hawk. A final highlight was a good view of a flying Roseate Spoonbill. In the weedy area, I was able to get some great looks at Variable Buntings, Collared Seedeaters, Blue Grosbeak, and Yellow Chat. The trees held Black-throated Magpie Jay, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Ruddy Ground Dove, Inca Dove, Great Kiskadee, Tropical Kingbird, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Overall, I would recommend a visit to the fort. It is possible to walk to the fort from town (look for the sign to the constabalario). Up top, there is about 50 cents entry fee.