SAN SEBASTIAN DEL OESTE, A PUEBLO "MAGICO" IN MEXICO

One of the many reasons for my ongoing love affair with Mexico is the wonderful diversity of this vast and beautiful country. I am continually amazed that one can be swimming and snorkeling in beautiful blue ocean waters and a few hours later exploring a lovely colonial city in the highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. It almost seems as though you have been transported to a completely different world and time and I call this simply magical!
                          

One of our favorite destinations when it is time for an escape and change of pace from our lives in Puerto Vallarta is the lovely town of San Sebastián del Oeste in Mexico. San Sebastian may only be a few hours away, but in ambiance, climate, charm, and history it could not be more different.

The drive up to San Sebastian is incredibly scenic with the road wandering up to San Sebastian through countryside rich in pine forests, lakes, rivers, and streams which are set off by canyons, cliffs, and the wonderful Sierra Madre mountain range of Mexico. The drive up to San Sebastian definitely sets you up for something very magical.

San Sebastian del Oeste was founded as a mining community by the Spanish Conquistadors over 400 years ago. It was one the main mining centers in New Spain (now known as Mexico) during the Colonial period. Ten haciendas and nearly thirty mines had been established there by 1785.

                

The small town of San Sebastian became a city in 1812 and reached its full maturity around 1830. At its peak in the early 20th century more than twenty five mines and a number of foundries were operating and the town’s population swelled to approximately 20,000 with miners in search of lead, zinc, silver, and gold.

San San Sebastian productivity was halted, however, by the Mexican Revolution (1910-1820) and soon thereafter the foreign companies in charge of mining works moved to other areas. The last mine was abandoned 1921 and San Sebastian fell into near oblivion.

Today’s current population of the municipality including the town of San Sebastian is a little over 6,000 and the main economic activities involve agriculture, stock breeding, increasing tourism, and to a lesser degree, forestry.

The town’s unspoiled character which includes pretty cobblestone streets and adobe buildings make it a charming location for visitors from around the surrounding area including Puerto Vallarta and the Nayarit area.

To visit San Sebastian is to go back in time. Its churches, ranches, and old mines have endured despite the passage of time. And although most of its inhabitants left when the mines closed down those who stayed guarded what was left and kept the town’s history alive.

San Sebastian del Oeste is surrounded by lush fruit trees, pines, and oaks which shelter the former mansions of a bygone era, the old ranch haciendas, and the small casitas (houses) in the town. Some of the old haciendas in the surrounding area have also been restored and there are a number of small hotels, guest houses, and restaurants to attract overnight guests.

Some of the attractions in San Sebastian include the impressive 17th century church, Dona Conchita’s Museum, a mine tour, the Hacienda Jalisco Museum and Tour, and a number of stores selling local handcrafts, sweets, jewelry, silver and souvenirs. And for more action there are also horses and ATV’s for hire.

The Church of Saint Sebastian whose original construction was in 1608 was designed in the Colonial Spanish Baroque style. It has notable architectural details including Corinthian columns and ceiling vault frescoes.

"Taking a time out" with Frida Kahlo in San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco, Mexico.

San Sebastian is also known for its holiday fiestas including the following:

* Feast of San Sebastian: On January 20 the inhabitants of San Sebastian celebrate their patron saint with charreadas (rodeos) and a traditional fair.

* Feast of the Virgin of the Assumption: On August 15 religious processions and rites are held to honor the Virgin.

* Independence Day: On September 15th and a parade on the l6th which is the most patriotic of the Mexican holidays.

* December 12th in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the small town of Los Reyes near San Sebastian del Oeste.

* Christmas festivities: The celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus are quite a treat in San Sebastian because they are in the form of pastorelas (or plays).

Whew!  I don't know about you, but I have developed a thirst just thinking about the celebrations in San Sebastian del Oeste.

Although San Sebastian del Oeste is known for its fine coffee it doesn't mean that other locally made libations are not available!

And I couldn't help but include this photo which is one of my favorites from San Sebastian. Limes anyone?

San Sebastian has been honored to become a member of the prestigious
PUEBLOS MAGICOS MEXICO program developed by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism for the promotion of towns throughout Mexico.

These specially recognized towns are chosen based on the criteria that they offer visitors a “magical” experience by reason of their natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, folklore, historical relevance, cuisine, arts and crafts, and great hospitality.  I say bravo and congratulations, San Sebastian!

San Sebastian del Oeste is certainly MAGICAL in my opinion and I look forward to a return in the near future. And my closing reminder from San Sebastian:  Memories are only a click away!  

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