Birding in Cuba - November, 2023 - Part 8

 27 November, 2023

Cayo Coco and Surrounding Cays

     Following the removal of the Berlin Wall, both physically and geopolitically, Russian presence and influence in Cuba waned. It has been revived of late; some claim that Putin is seeking cannon fodder for his unbridled aggression against Ukraine.

     Whatever the reason, there were several Russians staying at the resort, characterized universally by their seeming inability to smile, their reluctance to utter the simple words "please" or "thank you" (in any language), and for their prodigious capacity for alcohol.

     They were not the life and soul of any party, except their own perhaps.

     We left early to check out the local sewage lagoons (only birders can relish the ambiance of such places), and we were delighted with the range of species there.

      In addition to Tania, Odey was our proficient guide, always helpful, always charming and filled with knowledge.

     It's a source of great pleasure to come across Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus). They are delicate, elegant and preposterous all at the same time.

     Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was our near constant companion.

     A small group of American Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) served to fuel our enthusiasm.

     Maybe we should have taken a couple of those Russians to see a flamingo; then they might have cracked a smile!

     Perhaps a Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) might have done it.

     We returned to the resort to have breakfast.

     After breakfast, we left to visit different sections of Cayo Coco and some of the surrounding small cays.

     Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) was seen throughout; common, but special for us since it does not occur in Ontario.

       Brian took a gob-smacking picture of an American Flamingo.

      We quite often saw Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja) but never really close.

     I am not sure whether these birds are subject to illegal hunting, but they seemed more nervous than I remember them from past encounters.

     We were successful in finding Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor) in an area where the sole mission in life for the local mosquitos was to torment visiting birders! Thank goodness for insect repellent!

     We saw Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra) quite often, but none was quite as obliging as this juvenile.

     At one point we were all very excited, thinking we had found a rare Thick-billed Vireo (Vireo crassirostris). This bird has probably been extirpated in The Bahamas following habitat destruction as a consequence of fierce and devastating hurricanes, and maintains a precarious hold in coastal vegetation on Cayo Coco and other islands. 

     Fortunately, Stewart managed to take several first rate pictures, and following discussions with Tania, Ernesto and Odey, we concluded (reluctantly) that it was a White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus). I guess we have to save something for next time!

     We returned to the resort for lunch, following which we went to a nearby beach where several interesting species awaited.

     Karl always had a keen eye for the unusual and the beautiful and wielded his camera to great advantage.

     Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) is endangered throughout its range, and occurs sparsely in Ontario. It was good to see them scampering along Cuban beaches - unfortunately no one was able to get a picture!

     It was quite a different story with Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola).

     A Great Egret (Ardea alba) was perhaps trying to dissipate some of the heat on a very hot day.

     Laughing Gulls and Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) were content to keep company with each other.

     A Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus), like many tourists, was content to loaf on the beach.

     

     It was very agreeable indeed to be visited by two American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus), a species I had not seen in a very long time; I find oystercatchers exceptionally appealing.

     There were a couple of familiar plants in the ornamental gardens at the resort.

Ocean Blue Morning Glory (Ipomoea indica)

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

     Where there are flowers, there are butterflies. Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae) is a cosmopolitan species and we saw it quite often.

     We returned to the resort around 16h:30 with time to relax until dinner at 19h:00.

     Some went to the pool.

     Others went to the beach.

     Then there were those like me who took a nap, did a little laundry and read for a while. 

     We all met in the dining room as usual and everyone enjoyed dinner.

     Dessert was an irresistible temptation for some.

     It had been another great day. 

Thanks to Andrew, Brian, Karl, Lorraine, Stewart and Tania for us of their photographs.