Isla Holbox (pronunciation hall-bosh) is the opposite of the popular Cancun, Mexico which is relatively close. Holbox has no cars; local transport on sandy roads is by golf carts only. There are not many tourists on this island; all the buildings are lower than the surrounding palm trees, and this amazingly calm, endless coast.
The shallow lagoon is home to hundreds of flamingos. It was an unforgettable experience for us walking many kilometers along the sandbar in the water at the knee level. Watching flamingo colonies from a short distance is a great attraction. They are so beautiful. With long legs and slender necks, these birds look very dignified. They look equally dignified while sleeping, standing on one leg, with the head under the wing.
Why exactly are flamingos pink? You might think it is their natural color. This is not true. Flamingos are born white. Their color depends on their diet. These birds eat algae and shrimp containing pigments called carotenoids. Pigment molecules are absorbed and deposited in the feathers, changing their color.
