Some Locals...

These local birds make living on St. Croix wonderful. Throughout the day, the bright little Bananaquits - sometimes called "sugar birds"- come perch on one of our feeders to drink some sugar water. When we run out, they make sure to yell at us non-stop, until it's filled. These wonderful yellow-breasted beauties are also the official bird of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and can be seen taking nectar from flowers with their curved bills. Waking up to their chatter used to drive me insane when I first moved here, and now it is one of my favorite sounds.

The island is also abundant with various pigeons and doves. The Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) can be seen roosting on the ledges of our grocery stores, or hanging out in small flocks by any food establishment.  Zenaida Doves  occasionally fly up to our railing, puffing out their breasts while calling out for a mate. Another of my favorite, calming sounds. It's wonderful to see a pair perched on a branch close together.

Little Blue Herons and Cattle Egrets are also a common sight - the Herons usually are seen near the shore or by ponds, and Cattle Egrets love to hang around when the lawn is being mowed. The shots below were taken when  more than a dozen were standing on top of a building waiting for the landscaper to stir up some insects.

I know I already included a few shorebirds, but this Ruddy Turnstone was taking a bath near the Frederiksted Pier yesterday - how cute!!