Northward along the western coast of Mexico, the city of Mazatlan lies due east of the tip of Baja California, marking the southern edge of the Sea of Cortez.
The spectacular setting features outcrops of volcanic & metamorphic rocks both on land & offshore.
On the Malecon
On the waterfront promenade, the longest Malecon in the world, many of the outcrops have been transformed into lookout points.
Dos Hermanas
The islands offshore are roosting colonies with birds soaring continually above. Onshore, a few oystercatchers explored the tide pools.
On the way to El Faro
When the lighthouse was built it was famous for being the highest in the world. The top is a popular hiking destination.
Harbour View
The Sinaloa region is drier than the Riviera Nayarit, and cacti are now part of the landscape. These prickly pear cactus are called nopal in Spanish.
White-winged Doves
Several species of doves have been frequent in both the rural & urban environments, here perched among the cacti.
Mazatlan Panorama
The amazing setting of the city is revealed from the top of the lighthouse hill.
Peregrine Falcon
Among the frigatebirds riding the thermals above the hill, there was the occasional raptor.
Orange-crowned Warbler
A few warblers flitted around the shrubs at the top- we assumed this was an Orange-crowned Warbler having heard their trill on the way up.
Grey-breasted Martins
Below in the old town residential areas, urban birds are prevalent.
Lesser Goldfinch
These goldfinches are the hesperophila subspecies, with a greenish back & partial black cap.
Orange-fronted Parakeets
In the shrub & garden areas we heard parakeets & finally caught a glimpse of these wild ones among the larger trees.
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