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Faces of Mexico - Celestún

by Dot & Bill Bell

 The only flamingoes in the North America reside on the northern and gulf shores of the Yucatan Peninsula near a town called Celestún – a 4 ½ hour drive East from Merida. Here you can arrange a boat trip to see these amazing birds in a nearby lagoon and sanctuary.

The Pink Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) flock’s current population is approximately 18,000, and you will be absolutely amazed when you see them on your tour. The flamingoes huddle together in huge flocks as they eat shrimp and other small organisms from the muddy lagoon bottom. They require salty lagoon water about 1/2 a meter or less in depth to wade and feed – this lagoon has perfect conditions.

Thousands of flamingoes huddle together as they eat in the shallow lagoon waters. Mature flamingoes are 3 years and older. They are a brighter red and pink than their immature cousins. Only registered tour guides can explore the lagoon; each trained not to charge these birds. If forced to fly too often they will not feed and will abandon their nests and colonies.

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