Petatan

Petatan is a small town located on the south shore of Lake Chapala.  It is an hour and a half drive from the Lakeside area.  Every year, for the last 30 years, American White Pelicans winter here.  They fly 2,500 miles from habitats in central Canada.  There are thousands and thousands of these snow birds.

Debbi at one of the smallest Malecons you will ever see.   

The El Pescador doesn't look like much, but it's great for viewing the Pelicans. 

The fish are cleaned and prepared for Mercado Del Mar in Guadalajara.  The leftovers are fed to the Pelicans.

The feedings are very orderly.  No fighting.  Everyone gets something to eat. 

Coming in with the days catch. 

Most of the fish are 6-8 inches long.   

A tranquil setting in Petatan. 

These Pelicans have a 3-4 foot wingspan.  They slap a lot of water before they  become airborne.  

On Sundays, you will not see any birds in Petatan.  That is the one day a week that there are no workers cleaning fish.   The Pelicans must have an internal clock that tells them not to come. 

J. C. and Debbi walking on the one street in the small village of Petatan.