Over the years, our yard became a crazy place - our dogs destroyed some planting areas, some areas became overgrown and we ended up mowing the grass in portions and letting the rest do what it would. Eventually, certain types of weedy trees were taking over and we decided to clear the brush and come up with a plan. We do not have a plan for the yard yet, but we noticed one thing right away - we made the hunting easier.
This big pile of rocks has been in one spot since we moved in.
It ended up covered over with tall grass and
wild tamarind and it was evidently a great place for lizards to hang their hats. We took away some of their security measures when we cleared the brush.
Sorry lizard dude.
Daisy and Scratchy (the dogs) were not the only ones to notice this interesting development. Every morning since we cleared the brush, we have four or five visitors in our yard, perched on the wall or the rock pile and surveying the land.
I think that these are cattle egrets. They are loving the new and improved access to insects and lizards in our yard.
Of course I got my ID from the
Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin, which also
mentions that these birds are more successful at hunting when near a large animal. Do dogs count?
My dogs would certainly like to hunt these birds - I am glad to say that so far they are having no luck at all.
"Whatever. I've still got the head. Best part."
I think these rocky coastline areas are favored by certain types of birds - I'll have to remember to have my camera handy next time I go back there to see if I can spot more.
See? There is a pelican. OK wait, here is a zoomed in picture:
That brown bird is a brown booby. This was the first time I have seen one in St. Maarten.
I wanted to have a pep rally for this guy. Live and thrive brown booby! I hope to see lots more like you!
