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NoMa

The Birds

by Nola Dyck published July 2010
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Mazatlán’s Estero del Yugo

The northern area of Mazatlán is a dynamic place; new businesses, hotels and massive condominium developments are a fact of life in the ever-changing landscape. Amid this bustle, a piece of Mother Nature exists for us all to enjoy. The Estero del Yugo is settled neatly and quietly along Av. Sábalo-Cerritos near the Maz-Agua water park.

Since 1977, the Nature Interpretation Center Estero del Yugo has been dedicated to conservation through environmental education. Its 11 hectares (27 acres) of tropical deciduous forest are teeming with all sorts of flora and fauna, and it’s common to find cactus, ebony, cotton, parasitic plants and many others. (Parasitic plants are those that live off the nutrients of a host plant.) Wildlife has a powerful presence with sightings of pygmy owls, white-tail deer, fox, ocelot and lynx.

To better view all of the birds, wooden boardwalks with birding blinds and an observation tower connect the lagoons.

For instance, these spoonbills get their pink feathers from the food they eat, like crustaceans and shrimp. Once in danger of extinction, areas such as the Estero del Yugo have combined to re-establish the population worldwide. The bird has a white head and chest and light pink wings with a darker pink fringe and very long pink legs. The Roseate Spoonbill is about two and a half feet in length with a wingspan of about four and a half feet. They fly in large flocks with their legs and neck stretched out. If you’re ever lucky enough to see one of these ‘pink clouds’ drifting through Mazatlán’s clear blue sky, it’s something you’ll long remember. Be sure to have your binoculars and camera at the ready! To better view all of the birds, wooden boardwalks with birding blinds and an observation tower connect the lagoons; a narrow levee separates them. A resident crocodile, often spotted near the levee, and an abundance of turtles round out the population. There are also 1.6 miles of easy walking trails to explore.

IF YOU GO:
Estero del Yugo & Nature Interpretation Center is on Avenida Sábalo-Cerritos in Cerritos. Drive or take the Sábalo-Cerritos bus to Cerritos. Just north of the fountain and lifeguard station, on the inland side of the road, you’ll see the sign for CIAD at the entrance to the center.
Cost: Day Pass: $5 US; Weekly $15US; Monthly $30US or equivalent in pesos.
Info: 989-8700.
Guided Tours: Call Eunice Murua at 669-989-8700, ext. 260. Eunice speaks English and will be glad to answer any questions you have.

Gabriela del Valle, who holds a PhD in Fish Genetics and Breeding Service from Ehime University in Japan, explained the center is run by CIAD, a federal institution offering postgraduate studies on Aquaculture and Environmental Management. In its on-site laboratories, scientists work to maintain a balance between nutrition, aquaculture chemistry and environmental management by monitoring the health of the ocean, inland waterways and coastal area. This allows for alternative solutions of production in the future should the need arise. The Center is dependent upon monies generated by visitors.

“The birding is always excellent here,” said Professor Valle. “We have passes for visitors; a daily pass is $5 US, weekly $15US and monthly $30US. This allows the nature enthusiast to enjoy the wildlife and hear the sounds of nature whenever they feel like visiting. It’s perfect for an early morning walk!”

The Center also offers guided tours, to discover and understand the local eco-systems and learn about the traditional use of native plants. This oasis from concrete, asphalt and everyday living is very accessible, via your own vehicle or the Sábalo-Cerritos bus. It’s a trip worth taking and fun for all ages!

Nola Dyck and her husband have lived in Mazatlán since 1995. She spends her days creating things, tending her beach condo and acting, and has been known to run the Pacifico Marathon. Nola’s been writing the El Delfin Condo newsletter for six years. Email tips, comments to her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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