The Birds of Las Barras de Piaxtla Near Mazatlan
Mexican Village Offers Outstanding Birding in Meseta de Cacaxtla
Aug 29, 2009
Las Barras de Piaxtla is a coastal fishing village on the Pacific ocean 30 miles north of the tourist resort of Mazatlan. Las Barras lies within one of Mexico's largest protected areas, La Meseta de Cacaxtla, and offers bird enthusiasts shoreline, estuary, freshwater and tropical deciduous forest habitat. Probably more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds could be counted here.
La Meseta de Cacaxtla North of Mazatlan, Mexico
Cacaxtla was declared a natural reserve in November, 2000. The preserve is just north of the Tropic of Cancer, and consists of more than 125,600 acres of diverse ecosystem. The reserve borders the Pacific ocean, has saltwater lagoons, mixed-water estuaries, fresh water streams and ponds and the tropical deciduous forest characteristic of this part of Sinaloa.
This habitat diversity draws a large mixture of resident and migratory birds throughout the year, including shore birds, orioles, buntings and prized endemics. Access to the reserve is via a 3 mile dirt road which connects to the Maxpista (toll road) between Culiacan and Mazatlan. In addition to birds, the reserve offers other wildlife, and is home to thousand-year-old volcanic rock petroglyphs along the beach at Las Labradas.
Just 5 miles north of the Cacaxtla road, a dirt road connecting with the Maxpista leads to the small fishing village of Las Barras de Piaxtla. Both of these locations should be visited together.
The Fishing Village of Las Barras de Piaxtla in Sinaloa, Mexico
Las Barras is not easy to find, but is worth the effort. Near Kilometer 59 north of Mazatlan, a narrow dirt road winds some 3 miles to the coast. The population of Las Barras is less than 500, but some supplies are available, and there is a full service restaurant, El Mirador, overlooking the ocean. First class accommodations are also available, at La Rosa de Las Barras, consisting of a beach house, a 2-story unit and 4 fully furnished and air-conditioned casitas.
The village sits along a curved stretch of golden sand beach, and the red-and-white Punta Piaxtla lighthouse overlooks the village's north end. Fishing boats are moored in the small harbor, which connects with inland preserve estuaries.
Birding in and Around Las Barras de Piaxtla
The village's beach is an obvious place to look for ocean and shore birds, including Brown Pelican, Caspian and Forster's Terns, various plovers, as well as gulls and sandpipers.
La Rosa's lodge provides kayaks for guests, and an easy access point to the estuaries can be found 2 miles from the village entrance on the dirt road that leads back to the highway. Look to the left near some "no dumping" signs ("no basura") for another dirt road heading north. This road leads a short distance north to a rudimentary boat launch area, where there is a place to park, as well. The stream flows fairly well here, but by staying close to the mangrove banks, one can paddle upstream as well as down. Common Yellowthroat are found along the shoreline and at the launch point, and the mangroves contain many birds including night herons, Great Blue and Little Blue Herons, Reddish Egrets, Belted and Green Kingfishers, White Ibis and Roseate Spoonbills. The estuary waters also show multiple grebes, ducks and teals.
The third premier birding area near Las Barras is the dirt road connecting the village with the highway, which is particularly productive in early morning. It is easy to pull onto the narrow shoulder of the little-traveled road, providing the opportunity to stop and look for birds all along the 3 miles. There are small farms on both sides of the road, and Purplish-backed Jays are common throughout. Trees along the road are also good places to find Black-throated Magpie Jays, Grayish Saltators, Vermillion Flycatchers and Crested Caracaras. A small fruited glen just before the road turns north is often filled with birds, including Streak-backed, Hooded and Orchard Orioles, Indigo, Varied and Painted Buntings, Tropical Parulas, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers. Orange-fronted Parakeets and White-fronted Parrots are also in the area. A winter day's birding around Las Barras likely will yield close to 100 species.
Getting to Las Barras de Piaxtla in Sinaloa, Mexico
At an overpass at Kilometer 59 on the Mazatlan/Culiacan toll road (highway 15), turn east onto a wide shoulder just north of the overpass. Cross a cattle guard next to the emergency telephone, and follow the dirt road back over the overpass, heading west toward the ocean. Follow signs to Las Barras and El Mirador restaurant, about 3 miles distant.
Birding Around the Resort City of Mazatlan
Mazatlan is a well-known tourist destination for its sunny beaches and party atmosphere. It's also a great destination for visitors who would like to spend some time bird-watching. The north part of the city, around Cerritos Beach and the Estero del Yugo offers great urban birding. For birders willing to drive another 30 miles north, Cacaxtla preserve and the village of Las Barras should not be missed.
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