While Garza Blanca Preserve is named after the beautiful white herons that bless the south shore and the beach at the resort in particular, garzas are not the only birds honored at Garza Blanca Signature Residences. The beloved brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), which calls our sandy front-yard home, holds a special place in our hearts. Watching pelicans as they dive for fish or bob up and down on the water’s surface enjoying the year round sunshine becomes a daily meditation for many Garza Blanca homeowners and hotel guests, with some residents actively involved in their conservation.
- There are only eight pelican species in the world.
- The brown pelicans are native to the Americas, breeding from Anacapa Island, California to Chile and from Maryland to Venezuela and Trinidad. They can also been seen after the breeding season as far north as Columbia and Nova Scotia.
- Of all the species, the brown pelican is the only one whose habitat is strictly marine. They tend to prefer shallow inshore waters such as estuaries and bays, which is why Banderas Bay is a haven for this species.
- Their wingspan can reach more than 2 meters wide, which allows them to glide gracefully over the water as well as maintain stability at great heights.
- Brown Pelicans hunt for their fish by diving impressively then scooping the fish into their pouch beneath their beak that acts as a dip net.
- Their favorite food includes smaller fish like sardines and anchovies, which is why they can be found in large numbers hanging around on piers like Los Muertos and Los Peines, feeding on scraps from fishing boats too.
- Their pouch can hold up to 3 gallons of water and their stomach a gallon.
- In general, pelicans live for between 15 to 25 years in the wild, although there have been reports of a pelican reaching the age of 54 in captivity.
- The best pelican sighting spots in and around Garza Blanca Preserve are: Boca de Tomatlán, Mismaloya, Los Muertos Pier and Beach and the Puerto Vallarta Malecon.
- If you want to join Puerto Vallarta’s ever-growing pelican loving community, click and share your pelican experiences. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1498994073752110/