OUR PACIFIC COAST BIRD AMIGOS IN MEXICO

This posting is about my favorite birds who share their environment with us and which I have become more than somewhat fascinated with. My husband is known locally as the "Fish Man" because of his amazing photographs of, you guessed it, the local marine fish life.

Not to be outdone by his amazing reputation, however, I have been referred to more than once as the "Bird Lady." Maybe not the most complimentary of terms, but probably very appropriate because of my interest with our feathered amigos.  Consequently, I have decided to create this blog posting on my favorite local birds and hope you find them as interesting as I do. Here are my favorites with some information about each breed.





PELICANS

Pelicans without doubt are my favorite of the bird species which I find endlessly fascinating. I can watch them everyday taking off from the rocks below and then soaring high into the sky before diving for their fish catch of the day.  It is wonderful entertainment and never disappoints.

The Pelican family is at least thirty million years old. The earliest pelican fossil on record is a 30 million year old skull that was found in the Oligocene deposits of France. Paleontologists have also uncovered younger evidence of pelicans from places like Germany, India, Kenya, Peru, Australia, and North Carolina.
Today there are eight living species and you can find some combination of them dwelling on every continent except Antarctica.

Most pelicans do not dive bomb their prey, but scoop it up while cruising along on the water’s surface. To increase their chances of success pelicans occasionally form hunting parties by gathering in a U-shape and then beating their wings on the water to corral the fish into a tight cluster or drive them into the shallows.

 

Pelicans have numerous adaptations which keep them from injuring themselves when they dive into the water. To keep their neck vertebrae from getting broken pelicans stiffen the surrounding muscles as they dive and by throwing their wings straight backwards pelicans can avoid fracturing any of the bones in the appendages on the unforgiving waves.

Water birds tend to have four toes on each foot along with some degree of webbing. Pelicans, however, are different. They have totipalmate feet which means that on each foot there is webbing that connects all four toes. Other birds with this kind of trait include cormorants, gannets, and boobies.  My good amiga Pamela and I definitely have a very strong fondness for pelicans and this particular pelican was not camera shy in the slightest!





Although pelicans specialize in eating fish they also prey on crustaceans, amphibians, turtles, and, yes, other birds. If it can fit down their throats it seems to be fair game to the pelican.

As you no doubt realize by now I think pelicans are totally awesome and I enjoy watching the pelican "locals" who have learned that hanging out with the small panga fisherman boats is a great and easy way to get their breakfast without the bother of diving.  I say that is one smart bird!






CHACHALACAS 


I call our local Chachalacas the "screechers" because of the raucous and loud sound they make, but I find them particularly lovely because of how they seem to be very family oriented and caring of their offspring. They like to stroll around our gardens as if they are the masters of the domain and are particularly fond of the starfruit which falls from our trees and which I feed them.

Chachalacas are largely arboreal which means they spend most of their time living and foraging in trees. They are often observed feeding in precarious positions including upside down. It is a furtive and wary bird and prefers to escape from danger by running swiftly on the ground or leaping and gliding through bushy tangles.

Almost always heard before it is seen our Chachalaca is sort of a long-tailed tropical chicken that lives in the treetops. These sandy brown and gray birds walk along tree branches to eat flowers, buds, fruits, and insects. Though their plumage is subtle, their raucous morning chorus is anything but. 

Their young can cling to branches with both wings and feet as soon as they are dry after hatching. Pairs of Plain Chachalacas give their loud calls in the early morning and early evening. Chachalacas also call when a storm is approaching or there is some other change in the weather.  

Chachalacas have been known to live up to eight years in the wild. The Plain Chachalaca family contains approximately fifty species ranging from Mexico to southern South America many of which are endangered because of hunting.





FRIGATES 


I refer to Frigates as our "Stealth Bombers" because of their black color, sleek bodies, and their ability to fly on air currents.  Another bird which I think is totally awesome. The wings of the Frigate are long, pointed, and can span up to seven and one-half feet which is the largest wing area to body weight ratio of any bird. 

On their wandering flights frigatebirds can stay aloft for up to two months without touching down on land or water! Europeans named the birds "frigate" for their resemblance to the swift frigate warships of long ago. Frigates can ascend to altitudes of 2,000 feet and drop back down to sea level again with just a single flap of their wings. Frigatebirds spend most of the day in flight hunting for food and only come to roost in trees or cliffs at night.

Though the Frigate feeds exclusively on fish it cannot swim. Instead they fly for weeks, even months, across the oceans of the tropics in search of fish that swims close enough to the surface for them to snatch out of the water. Frigatebirds are the only seabirds that lack waterproof feathers. If they dive into the ocean or even land on its surface the water will soak their plumage and prevent them from taking flight again.






RAVENS 

Ravens in Spanish translates to "cuervos"  and they have the honor of being the Jose Cuervo Tequila emblem in Mexico. I call these Ravens the "Tres Amigos" because they always seem to show up together on our balcony. They are the most prolific of our local bird species and seem to be everywhere.

Common Ravens are entirely black with a beautiful dark blue sheen right down to the legs, eyes, and beak. Common Ravens aren't as social as crows and you tend to see them alone or in pairs except at food sources like landfills. Ravens are confident and inquisitive birds that strut around with light two-footed hops.





With their deep voice ravens can mimic human speech and singing and can imitate other bird sounds. They call to inform their mate to join them when food is found. These clever and cunning birds often work as a pair to acquire food. Our local favorite raven which we call Cuervo for obvious reasons is especially fond of corn chips which we put out for him.   

Teams of ravens have been known to hunt down game too large for a single bird. They also prey on eggs of other birds as well as rodents, grains, worms, and insects. Ravens are believed to mate for life and despite their mischievous nature ravens seem capable of feeling empathy. When a raven's friend loses in a fight they will seem to console the losing bird. Really?





When tortilla chips are not offered "Cuervo" he will settle for stale bread, the drier the better. And now it's time to meet our beautiful Great Kiskadees!






GREAT KISKADEES


I think Great Kiskadees with their striking yellow, white, and black feathers are the loveliest of our local bird amigos. I call them the "clean up crew" since they clean up after the messy ravens (cuervos) who leave crumbs everywhere after they visit us for their breakfast.  Great Kiskadees do not seem to have any issue consuming leftover eats which I sincerely appreciate.






The Great Kiskadee is a common and noisy bird and is almost omnivorous with the ability to eat both plant and animal material. It hunts like a flycatcher waiting on a high perch in a tree to catch insects in flight or to pounce upon rodents and similar small vertebrates.  Such opportunistic feeding behavior makes it one of the most common birds found in urban areas in Latin America and they certainly find our Puerto Vallarta location to their liking.

This alert and aggressive bird has a strong and maneuverable flight which it uses to good effect when it feels annoyed by raptors. Even much larger birds are attacked by the Great Kiskadee usually by them diving down or zooming straight at them while they are in mid-air. Their high-pitched screaming calls are often given during these attacks alerting all potential prey in the area of their presence.

Great Kiskadees are monogamous and defend a territory. But most importantly in my humble opinion, I think the Great Kiskadee is the best nest builder in our bird community. Both sexes build large domed nests that have a side entrance. It is chiefly composed of grasses and small twigs, but can also incorporate lichen, string, and plastic. Great Kiskadees will steal material from other nests.  They are little thieves, but aren't they lovely! 

This Great Kiskadee appears to know he is beautiful and was happy to pose for a photo opportunity.

The Great Kiskadee is not only a lovely bird, but also a talented nest builder. They build their nest in a wide range of locations including high up in a tree and also man-made structures as evidenced by the following images.  Pretty awesome, si!

So if you are ready, let's meet the last of my favorite local bird species which is the heron.

HERONS 


I call white herons "white beauties" because of their gorgeous sleek bodies and stunning white feathers. The heron symbolizes stillness and tranquility. It prefers to hunt alone rather than with a mate or a group, but it can also flourish when in a crowd.





Native Americans appreciate the inherent patience, wisdom, and good judgment of the heron. This is something that is highly valued in their culture and consequently the white heron has evolved into a symbol of good fortune and successful journeys.

Heron exist on all continents except Antarctica and are present in most habitats except the coldest extremes of the Arctic, extremely high mountains, and the driest deserts. Almost all species of the heron are associated with water, but they essentially are a non-swimming bird that feed on the margins of lakes, rivers, swamps, ponds, and the sea.

Herons are generally quite social, but some species are more so than others. All species of heron typically nest in colonies which may number in the hundreds often containing multiple species. While the herons exhibit a wide range of breeding habits, they are generally are monogamous.

Thank you for joining me in my introduction to our local bird amigos. Until next time, wishing you well wherever your travels take you and please don't be shy in contacting me with any questions or suggestions you might have.  Saludos, Laura

FIESTAS IN OAXACA AND MERIDA, MEXICO

The NOBEL PRIZE winning Mexican writer Octavio Paz said, "The art of the fiesta has been debased almost everywhere else, but not in Mexico." And the following popular Mexican expression "Hay mas tiempo que vida" translates to “Life is short, seize the moment."  I believe the majority of the people of Mexico embrace this feeling and I certainly agree. And what better way to do that than participate in the many wonderful fiestas and celebrations that occur on a regular basis.

After I had published my two postings entitled  

MEXICO: ITS FIESTAS,CELEBRATIONS AND PARADES and

MEXICO: CULTURES, TRADITIONS & CELEBRATIONS PART 2

I realized that there was so much more to share. Consequently this posting includes more of the special fiestas and celebrations which were not included in my first two blog postings and which are dear to all of us who make Mexico our home. I have chosen four very unique fiestas which are found in Oaxaca and Merida.  So if you are rested and ready we have much more fiesta fun ahead.


THE GUELAGUETZA FESTIVAL IN OAXACA

A Zapotec word meaning offering, the Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca City showcases regional folkloric dance and music keeping alive a tradition that has been handed down for centuries. La Guelaguetza originated from the Mexica-Aztec conquest of Oaxaca where the native Oaxacan worshiped the goddess of corn called Xilonen. Today La Guelaguetza is a holiday that revolves around dance and brings together the eight regions of Oaxaca.

Held in July the Guelaguetza and most of the related events take place at a large amphitheater above the city although many also take place in nearby villages. Each year the Guelaguetza is celebrated on the two Mondays following July 16. The word Guelaguetza translates to Los Lunes del Corro in Spanish (Mondays on the Hill). The celebration centers around traditional costumed dancing in gender separated groups and it also includes parades complete with indigenous bands, native food, and statewide artisan crafts such as Pre-Hispanic style textiles.

The eight regions of Oaxaca that gather to celebrate La Guelaguetza are Costa, Canada, Mixteca, Isthmus, Papaloapan Basin, the Central Valley, Sierra Norte, and Sierra Sur. Through their music, songs, dances, and traditional attire each region presents a fabulous testimony of their rich traditions and cultural heritage. Although the Guelaguetza celebration has become a large tourist attraction it still retains deep cultural importance for the peoples of the state of Oaxaca which is important for the survival of these cultures.

DANCE OF THE FEATHERS IN OAXACA

Danza de la Plumas (Dance of the Feathers) commemorates the conquest battles between the Spaniards and the Aztecs and is performed as a series of dances in the Zapotec communities of Teotitlan del Valle, Cuilapan de Guerrero, and Zaachila in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. The dance is performed by dancers wearing elaborate headdresses fashioned from painted feathers which gives the event its name.

It is believed that originally the Dance of the Feathers was an Aztec ritual to communicate with their gods for rain, sun, and corn. It later became an annual ritual of remembrance of the physical conquest of Mexico by the Spanish who conquered the Zapotec of the central valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico almost 500 years ago. Such change and catastrophe, however, resulted in one of the world’s most beautiful and unique dances: the Dance of the Feathers.

It is believed that the current dance originated in the town of Cuilpan de Guerrero where Martin Cortes (son of the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes) celebrated the baptism of his child. Martin played the role of his father and the locals played the roles of the conquered indigenous peoples.

At least 10 villages in the Oaxaca Valley have their own version of the Danza de la Plumas which is held during the week honoring the particular village’s patron saint. Each village uses similar dance patterns with the  costumes of Teotitlan del Valle being the most elaborate.


NIGHT OF THE RADISHES FESTIVAL IN OAXACA

Native to China radishes were introduced to Mexico by the Spanish. The legend as to how the Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes) festival began states that one year in the mid 18th century the radish crop was so abundant in and around Oaxaca City that a section lay unharvested for months. In December two local Spanish friars pulled up some of these forgotten radishes. The size and shapes were amusing and the friars took them as curiosities to the market.

In the colonial period the radishes began to be carved with religious themes in conjunction with the annual Christmas market held in the city of Oaxaca on December 23. The carvings were a marketing gimmick with farmers using them to attract the attention of shoppers in the market. Eventually people began buying the radishes not only to eat, but to create centerpieces for Christmas dinners.

The Radish Festival has become a very popular annual event in Oaxaca City attracting over 100 contestants and thousands of visitors. Most entries are scenes that use multiple radishes with the most traditional being nativity scenes.  However, over the years there has been a significant diversification in the entries and not all of them relate to a Christmas theme.

Eventually corn husks and dried flowers were added to the carved radishes to give the festival even more diversity and amusement. In December of 1897 the city of Oaxaca created the formal competition and as the saying goes, the rest is history! I personally like the corn husk creations, not that the carved radishes aren't special.

FESTIVAL OF THE VIRGIN OF SOLITUDE IN OAXACA

Our Lady of Solitude is the patroness of Oaxaca City and she is celebrated and honored every December 18th by the residents of the city. In its origins the cult of the Virgin de la Soledad (Virgin of Solitude) was modest, but little by little it reached the hearts of Oaxacans to such a degree that in all of the towns of the state of Oaxaca there is a replica her image. The Virgin of Solitude wears a purple velvet cape and her vestments are encrusted with pearls, 600 diamonds, and topped by a four-pound gold crown.

There are several minor variations to her story, but there is no doubt that in the State of Oaxaca the Virgin of Solitude is adored and worshiped in a manner similar to the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico.  She became the patron of not only the city of Oaxaca, but the entire state as well as of the mariners who sailed to and from her ports.

Viewing the dancing and celebration in memory and in honor of the Virgen of Soledad was cirtainly a unique and memorable experience while living in Oaxaca City.

The Virgin's "home" is the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (Basilica de la Virgin de la Soledad) which is a large 17th century church in the center of Oaxaca and only six blocks from the zocalo (main square).

The The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude which is more commonly referred to as "La Soledad" is the home to a statue of the "Virgin of Solitude." The construction of "La Soledad" started in 1682 and was completed in 1689 and officially consecrated in 1697. The Basilica de la Soledad is part of the Historic Center of Oaxaca City and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. I think the Virgin would be very pleased with her eternal home and resting place.


CARNIVAL IN MERIDA, MEXICO

Carnival is an official Mexican holiday and festival that was brought to Mexico by the conquistadors from Spain in the sixteenth century. Carnival was originally a food festival because it was the last time to eat abundantly before the 40 days of Lent a period of frugality starting on Ash Wednesday.

Carnival is a significant event in about 225 communities in Mexico many of which, especially in the smaller communities, maintain elements from Mexico’s religious and indigenous heritage. These celebrations vary widely often with traditional dance, regional music, and ceremonies of both pagan and Christian origins. They may also contain modern elements such as floats as well as local sports and cultural events including bullfighting, fishing tournaments, and rodeos.

Since the 20th century the Carnival of Merida in the state of Yucatan, Mexico has been celebrated annually according to the lunar calendar (from the end of January to the beginning of March, depending on the year). Celebrations are happy and colorful parades on the streets of Merida where you can listen to and dance to musical genres including mamba, cha-cha-cha, cumbia, and salsa. There are also representations of the Yucatan and Mayan cultures such as the traditional Battles of Flowers and the typical regional dance.

While doing research for this posting I found the following on the Internet which I loosely translates as follows: "In Merida, Carnival has moved for the most part out of town. Previously it was celebrated in its entirety downtown, but local businesses and residents got annoyed with the noise and overcrowding and consequently the city government decided to move it just outside of town to its own location in Plaza Carnival in Xmatkuil."

Which makes me sad, but at least I still have my photographs to keep my fond and happy memories alive and which I can now share. As we say in Mexico "asi es la vida," which translates to "such is life."

Thank you for joining Mexico and Beyond: Laura's Photo Journey. I hope you have enjoyed this posting and I look forward to seeing you again in the near future. Until then, I wish you well with wonderful adventures wherever your travels take you. Saludos, Laura

And a final farewell from Oaxaca!