Mezcalitos Hotspot

This hotspot, named after the popular restaurant and beach bar at the end of the transversal, is located on the "wild" east shore and is the first part of the island to greet the sun each morning.  It offers an opportunity to explore a section of undeveloped sandy and rocky coastline with dunes and mangrove forested lagoons.  Depending on which way your turn (east or west), you see very different species.  The beach side is rich with sandpipers, plovers, terns, gulls, and other seabirds.  On the lagoonal side, you get all variety of egrets, herons, and songbirds.  Unless you have a dune buggy or four-wheel drive, this is a walking site.

Additional information on species and sighting frequencies can be found on the eBird Overview, Bar Chart, and Illustrated Checklist pages for this site.

Tips for Birding this Site

This hotspot is best birded on foot along the unimproved road that goes from Mezcalitos to the lighthouse at the north end; there is very little traffic on the road, mostly the only the occasional local going fishing.  As you walk north, there are numerous breaks in the vegetation that allow you to access the dunes and beach.  There are also several places where you can access the lagoons (POI #2 & 3) without having to go through too much vegetation.  Watch the sky for osprey, anhinga, cormorant, frigatebirds, heron and egret.   If you continue further north than POI #4 (about 2 km), you should probably start another checklist (I typically name it Playa Lirios) after the small concession in the middle of the long sandy beach (good shade here, but no operating facilities).  The rocky point even further to the north, marks the start of Punta Ixbalbarco and can be yet another checklist.  Punta Ixbalbarco is well-worth the hike, but be sure to carry lots of water and sun protection.

You can park your car on the the side of the transversal, or at the start of the unimproved track heading north (POI #1).  Typically, the prevailing easterly winds ensure that biting insects are not a problem at this site.  However, on calm days, or days with north winds, especially during summer and after rains, there can be a few insects.  I generally just wear long sleeves and pants.  A hat is critical for the un-shaded sections of the route, especially during the midday sun.  Beware of the crocodiles in the lagoons; some of them aFood, refreshments, and souvenirs can be found in several small restaurants and shops at the corner of the Transversal and the coastal highway; an ice cold lemonade at Mezcalitos is pretty refreshing after the long walk!