Birds of Cayo Coco (some of them anyway)

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Submitted by lizneil on Mon, 11/04/2011 - 15:06

Cayo Coco is part of a chain of islands off Cuba called Jardines del Rey, it was used as a hideout by pirates then as a settlement of fishermen and charcoal producers until 1955 when the freshwater supply was exhausted.
In 1988 a causeway was built to the mainland and it is now a tourist destination.

The 27km causeway to Cayo Coco

These Laughing gulls arrived at our pool daily for a drink.

Greater Antillean Grackles were everywhere - enjoyed bathing in the hotel pool and scavenged off the tables.

Also beside the pool was this little heron, he fished here every day and was fiercely territorial.

Spotted this West Indian woodpecker on the tree next to my sun bed, can think of worse ways to get a photo!

Another heron who wandered around the edges of the pool - was chased off by the smaller one if it came too close.

Loads to see down on the beach too. Lots of cormorants

One of my favourites to watch was the Brown Pelican - very impressive fisherman.

This young guy was spotted on way to breakfast one morning and was getting harrassed by a hummingbird. None of the hotel staff could tell me what it was but I think its a young Great Lizard Cuckoo.

Thses Northern Mockingbirds were the noisiest of the local birds, oh except for the heron when it gets into a strop!

These small flycatchers were easy to spot but really difficult to photograph.

My personal challenge on this holiday ( apart from not arguing with hubby!) was to get a shot of the Cuban Bee Hummingbird and out of dozens of photos got this one in focus.

There are large flocks of flamingos in the sea beside the causeway but was too far away to get a photo so here is Daisy at a local conservation site.

High in the sky you could see eagles, turkey vultures, frigate birds, terns and kestrels. Will need to get a better zoom set up and go back.
Thanks for looking.

lizneil's blog
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Submitted by Mike L.

Date Mon, 11/04/2011 - 15:32

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Liz a great blog and some fantastic looking birds thanks for sharing it with us.

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Submitted by David Twitty

Date Mon, 11/04/2011 - 15:34

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Smashing blog Liz!!

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Dave!!

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Submitted by Welsh Jen

Date Mon, 11/04/2011 - 15:34

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Brilliant Lizzie, what a time you must have had!

There are some lovely, well composed pictures here. Three Pelicans in flight is no mean fete.

It does look very hot, I can tell cause there is white sand!

Well done.

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Submitted by Elaine

Date Mon, 11/04/2011 - 16:24

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Great blog and wonderful bird pics.

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Submitted by Alison Bruce-Stone

Date Mon, 11/04/2011 - 17:54

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Wonderful photoblog Liz with beautiful colourful photography. What a difference the sun makes in brightening images. Love the Brown Pelican, Daisy and the Cuban Bee Hummingbird. Thanks for compiling and sharing.

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Submitted by Bird Woman - Chris

Date Mon, 11/04/2011 - 18:37

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Good job you cannot see my face~ it is GREEN with envy!

Seriously this is a superblog, wonderful bird photos, you must be so proud of all your images.

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Submitted by Angie D

Date Mon, 11/04/2011 - 18:53

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Superb - love those birds - absolutely stunning. Cuba must have something special - I have a friend who is always going there. Loved the blog Liz - hope the fluey thing is better.

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