The Hour on the Tower was rained out, but that didn't stop me from looking out the window with a spotting scope.
I expected to get some Mallards and Canada Geese to go along with gulls -- got a Belted Kingfisher, Hooded Mergs, Common Mergs and a Ringed-Neck Duck instead.
Can't win 'em all.
On Monday I wrote:
Near Pigeon Park in Old San Juan, came across this medium-sized lizard. Can anyone help with an ID?
(Same photo, wider angle below.) We saw all sorts of lizards of various sizes during our stay.
Julie McCall replied:
Green iguana (iguana iguana). I had two of those, too.
I believe it's an introduced species in PR, much like the ones that can be found in Florida - escapees that then established a feral population because the climate is suitable.
"Ginnybean61" wrote:
Have been hearing Red-winged Blackbirds when I open the window, and I heard a gaggle of Canada Geese early this morning.
A friend near New Paltz reports that bluebirds are checking out the bluebird box that Stiles Thomas installed for her.
What signs of spring are you seeing (or smelling or hearing)?
The talk is free and open to the public.
I will talk about my favorite avian neighbors -- including winter, summer and year-round residents -- and how to attract them. I’ll also offer some bird-feeding dos and don’ts, and explain why.
As a bonus, I'll talk about the Bald Eagles now incubating an egg at Duke Farms.
I'm the author of several books on birds and nature. I’m celebrating my 10th year writing the popular "Bird Watcher" column for The Record.
Ribs, don't fail me now!
Laura Jannett, who lives in Pensylvania, saw yesterday's column and wrote:
Just wanted to say I enjoyed your article about the pileated woodpecker.
I have no idea how to pronounce it so when I see them, (I have 3 that come to my suet) I say there’s Woody!
Thanks for the note and the photo -- your triple suet feeder is impressive!
Iguanas are dubbed the Puerto Rican squirrels. I just Googled them and see that people hunt them and eat them ...
(Thanks, Ginny. A practical approach to invasive species. I just read where they are also called tree chickens there. Makin' me hungry.)