Bahia Magdalena, off the Pacific Coast of Central Baja California Sur, Mexico
What is happening here in Baja?
Some of the best bird watching you will find is here in the Hull Canal of Bahia Magdalena. We sighted 28 species in a little over two hours in the mangroves lining Hull Canal. The herons and cranes were fantastic, with seven separate species sighted. We passed large groups of shorebirds, and then witnessed Magnificent Frigatebirds harassing gulls for a free meal. We saw impressive Dome and Barchan sand dunes.
Oh, Yes – Why we are here? Whales!
The canal opened into a wide bay and soon after, the first of the gray whales were sighted. This shallow end of the bay is the nursery of the gray whales. Our marine mammals specialist discussed the finer points of these marine cetaceans, including the milk that is described as having a consistency similar to cottage cheese or toothpaste. The morning ended with a slide presentation on the birds of Baja California. After such a fine morning of birding we were able to identify quite a few of the birds in the slide show.
Afternoon found us anchored in the North end of Magdalena near Boca de Soledad. The “Boca” is a wide opening to the ocean that whales can navigate easily, but is closed to shipping of any type. After lunch all guests boarded the Zodiacs to seek gray whales. We saw most of the major behavior patterns of the whales up close. These were spouting, spy hopping, breaching, rolling, and turning right next to the boat. Twenty-five feet from a 40-foot whale is considered up close. It is only truly appreciated by actually being there. The baby whales stayed close to the mother’s side or slid across her back. Guests had the option of a second round of whale watching from the Zodiac. The other alternative was going to shore for either a long dunes walk or a short leisurely stroll along the very “shelly’ beach.
Our Mexican fiesta created by a local restaurant was welcome. We enjoyed singing and playing by four of our local Puerto Lopez Mateos musicians and one of our staff members. And we proceed on to “Tomorrow’s Adventure”.
What is happening here in Baja?
Some of the best bird watching you will find is here in the Hull Canal of Bahia Magdalena. We sighted 28 species in a little over two hours in the mangroves lining Hull Canal. The herons and cranes were fantastic, with seven separate species sighted. We passed large groups of shorebirds, and then witnessed Magnificent Frigatebirds harassing gulls for a free meal. We saw impressive Dome and Barchan sand dunes.
Oh, Yes – Why we are here? Whales!
The canal opened into a wide bay and soon after, the first of the gray whales were sighted. This shallow end of the bay is the nursery of the gray whales. Our marine mammals specialist discussed the finer points of these marine cetaceans, including the milk that is described as having a consistency similar to cottage cheese or toothpaste. The morning ended with a slide presentation on the birds of Baja California. After such a fine morning of birding we were able to identify quite a few of the birds in the slide show.
Afternoon found us anchored in the North end of Magdalena near Boca de Soledad. The “Boca” is a wide opening to the ocean that whales can navigate easily, but is closed to shipping of any type. After lunch all guests boarded the Zodiacs to seek gray whales. We saw most of the major behavior patterns of the whales up close. These were spouting, spy hopping, breaching, rolling, and turning right next to the boat. Twenty-five feet from a 40-foot whale is considered up close. It is only truly appreciated by actually being there. The baby whales stayed close to the mother’s side or slid across her back. Guests had the option of a second round of whale watching from the Zodiac. The other alternative was going to shore for either a long dunes walk or a short leisurely stroll along the very “shelly’ beach.
Our Mexican fiesta created by a local restaurant was welcome. We enjoyed singing and playing by four of our local Puerto Lopez Mateos musicians and one of our staff members. And we proceed on to “Tomorrow’s Adventure”.
