Flamingos on Flamingo Lake

I glanced off our deck and spotted three specks in the lake and when I grabbed the binoculars.......sure enough there were three flamingos.

I glanced off our deck and spotted three specks in the lake and when I grabbed the binoculars.......sure enough there were three flamingos.

Today there were three West Indian or Greater Flamingos out in the lake and that’s something we don’t often see. Usually they are further down and more in Juba Salina. I grabbed my camera and ran down to take some photos. It was interesting watching the flamingos feed as they would do a little stomping dance and then put their heads in the water. Apparently they feed on small organisms which they strain out of the mud by filtering it through their unusual, upside-down beaks.

One flamingo was quite a bright pink and the other much paler.

One flamingo was quite a bright pink and the other much paler.

North Caicos has a large flock of flamingos with as many as 1000 birds inhabiting Pumpkin Bluff Pond better known as Flamingo Pond.

The last time I took photos of Flamingos near our villas was just after Hurricane Ike

The last time I took photos of Flamingos near our villas was just after Hurricane Ike

If you’re a bird watcher or birder, come and see the large variety of birds in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Hopefully you’ll catch a glimpse of these beautiful flamingos.

See you soon on Provo,

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Blue Hills and Pelicans

What fun this little guy was having as he ran in and out of the water.

What fun this little guy was having as he ran in and out of the water.

This little guy was having so much fun on the beach by the pier out at Blue Hills.  The pier is a favourite perch for numerous brown pelicans and terns. Birdwatching is fun down in Blue Hills.

This handsome pelican was perched on one of the pillars on the pier at Blue Hills

This handsome pelican was perched on one of the pillars on the pier at Blue Hills

We often see Brown Pelicans and a good place for birdwatchers and birders to see them is down in Blue Hills. They glide along the water’s edge looking for fish and plummet from above down into the water as they dive for fish. 

This pelican was not too worried as I took his photo.
This pelican was not too worried as I took his photo.

Blue Hills is one of our local communities right on the ocean and one of my favourite spots for taking photos. Visitors are encouraged to take some time to enjoy the beauty of this part of Providenciales.

See you in Blue Hills!
Marta

Green Heron

Doesn't look like there's any fish here!!!

Doesn't look like there's any fish here!!!

The Green Heron is one of the smallest herons in the Turks and Caicos Islands and this one keeps coming back to our pool. He has made himself at home and complains loudly when guests disturb him. It’s local name is the “Kow Kow” because of the loud call he makes. Birdwatchers and birders enjoy the variety of birds they can see around Harbour Club Villas.

Birdwatching is great in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Turk’s Head Cactus

This Turk's Head Cactus with both flowers and pink fruit grows wild in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This Turk's Head Cactus with both flowers and pink fruit grows wild in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Turk’s Head Cactus is one of the national emblems of the Turks and Caicos Islands where it loves the dry climate and thrives in exposed areas. It is named after the distinctive reddish cap that sits on top of the green cactus and looks like a Turkish fez (cap).

Turk's Head Cactus blooms throughout the year in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Turk's Head Cactus blooms throughout the year in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turk’s Head Cactus produces small spikey looking pink flowers and as they die, they form the fruit which grows inside the white spongey cap. The rosey pink fruit contains the seeds and are much loved by our lizards and birds, iguanas too.  The locals also will eat them as they apparently are sweet and juicy. I haven’t tasted one yet but will do so one of these days.

Turk's Head Cactus with pretty pink flowers
Turk’s Head Cactus with pretty pink flowers

I’ve had some success in growing Turk’s Head Cactus and have lots started

at Harbour Club Villas. They take forever to grow though!!!!
Cheers,
Marta