Birding in Cuba - February, 2023 - Part 5

14 February, 2023

San Blas-La Cuchilla - Ranchó Los Pintines - Casa Ana Birding

     We finished breakfast and while waiting to depart for another day's adventures a group of Greater Antillean Grackles (Quiscalus niger) took advantage of a puddle to slake their thirst.

     Our bus awaited, our trusty driver was close at hand.

     We were all elated as we embarked on yet another fabulous day in Cuba, surrounded by wonderful people at all times, with birds galore to satisfy even the most demanding birder.

     Don't you think that Barb looks exceptionally energized today?

     A very familiar Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) was the first species to greet us.

     Our target for the day was the enigmatic and highly entertaining Fernandina's Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae), a range-restricted endemic found in areas with abundant palms.

     A pair of birds flew back and forth and spiralled around a tree enabling great views. It was a special moment for everyone. 

     A Great Lizard  Cuckoo (Coccyzus merlini) was always an exciting find.

     The number of old cars in Cuba is astounding, all kept running with parts manufactured in local welding shops, with determination and ingenuity. Some of these vehicles would no doubt command a high price on the antique car market at home. 

     It looks as though a tourist had hired this one and was taking photographs through the windshield.

     Scrubby woodland with extensive understory is usually good for birding.

     I don't think I have ever seen quite as many Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) perched as we did in Cuba.

     You cannot fail to admit that it is a very handsome bird - ah, c'mon, it's an acquired taste!

     I am confident that this butterfly is in the genus Calisto, but eleven species are found in Cuba, and I am not sure of its specific identity.

     The flower below is very beautiful (aren't all flowers?) but I have been unable to identify it.

     Any view of a hummingbird at any time is exciting, and this Cuban Emerald (Riccordia ricordii) was no exception.

     We saw numerous forms of horse-drawn transportation and for convenience I will group the images here.

     Often the carts are improvised as you may see.

     In Canada people pay obscene sums for jeans with holes; in Cuba it is a necessity when one has nothing else to wear. The embargo and its cruel effect on ordinary people is obscene.

     Husbands and wives help each other. 

     Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) was seen quite often, but never in a position or close enough for a decent photograph. This one was caught in flight as it flew by the bus.

     If I am not mistaken this butterfly is a Barred Yellow (Eurema daira), a species found from Argentina north to the southernmost regions of the United States.

     Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a skilled and opportunistic hunter that will eat just about anything it can catch and swallow (and you would be amazed at the size of prey it can get down).

     This individual has perhaps learned that grasslands are rich in rodent prey and makes a good living there.

     We spotted a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron perched quietly in shrubbery.

     I believe that the flower below is Sida acuta, a plant with origins in central America that has become widespread through the pantropics.

     Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a tall, stately bird, common in temperate and tropical wetlands.

     Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is readily indentifed by its diagnostic yellow slippers.

     A Cuban Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium siju) was very cooperative; in fact, it seemed as curious about us as we were about it - much to everyone's delight, especially Jim's, I think.

     It is by any measure an endearing little bird.

     A tree full of egrets is an impressive sight too.

     Tania had planned for us to have lunch at a farm, as a way to give us additional insight into Cuban life, and also to enable her to spread the benefits of tourism to as many people as possible. I was looking forward to the experience, as was everyone else.

     There was a chance to walk around a little while the final preparations for lunch were made, and a Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina) stayed a few steps ahead of us.

     Let me confess that my knowledge of wasps is pretty scant, but I enjoy the challenge of trying to identify them. I believe the species below is a type of Potter Wasp (family Vespidae); my principal reference in arriving at this conclusion is Eric Eaton's great book reviewed here. I stand to be corrected, however!

     The flower appears to be Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milli), a species introduced in many warm regions of the world.

     Lunch was an absolutely splendid affair, the fish having been grilled to perfection, and was enjoyed immensely by all.

     We had a chance to chat to the farmer about his operation and before we left he gave us a very enjoyable and informative tour.

      Charcoal is made on the farm and added to the soil to enrich it. 

     It almost made my mouth water to see so many papayas growing on a tree.

     The garden contained a variety of vegetables, all of which were thriving, no doubt as a result of hard work and careful tending.

     The bananas will soon be ready for picking.

     Miriam spotted a Ruddy Daggerwing (Marpesia petreus) as we left and pointed it out to me.

     It had been a thoroughly agreeable visit, topped by a first class lunch eaten outdoors - an event to remember.

     We returned to our accommodations and relaxed for a while, following which we sauntered down to Ana's house to witness the goings-on. I could happily sit there for hours.

    The main attraction is Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga hellenae), a species that will cause your jaw to drop each time you see it.

Bee Hummingbird ♂

Bee Hummingbird ♀

     How about a few more pictures?

     The Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) was still at its favourite resting place across the way.

     Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) was a frequent visitor.

     Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) no less so.

     A Cuban Blackbird (Ptiloxena atroviolacea) is not as colourful as the warblers, but is glossy and sleek, and in the right light has a purple tint to its feathers.

     Try as I might, I have been unable to identify this lizard.

     Black and yellow is an attractive colour combination and Cuban Oriole (Icterus melanopsis) displays them to great advantage.

     Bee Hummingbird takes pride of place in Ana's garden, but Cuban Emerald is a very appealing hummingbird also.

     When we left the garden I returned to our casa, but Miriam walked down to the beach with Jim and Barb.

     It's sobering to think that this tranquil spot was the site of a failed invasion.

     The old cars of Cuba are always eye-catching.

     Imagine! We all used to drive barges like that!

     The riot of flowers in every Cuban town and hamlet, every village and city is simply breathtaking.

          The beaches attracted a few people but were certainly not crowded.

     Most people from northern climates associate palm trees with tropical islands, perhaps remembering childhood tales of pirates being marooned. 

     This one has a lot of fruit that looks ready to fall.

     Most mornings we awoke to hear the sound of a rooster crowing, this handsome fellow perchance.

     I have no doubt that he is a great hit with the ladies!

     Another Cuban car.

     A different form of transportation, but the enterprising fellow below was hoping for a sale or two.

     The water towers for the hospital were adjacent to our casa.

     We think that the Barn Owls (Tyto furcata) roosted in a gap in the masonry, possibly the entry to a cavity, but we were never able to establish it for a fact.

     A Great Lizard Cuckoo was a great last bird of the day before we assembled for our usual fine dinner.

     Just another great day in paradise!