Anguilla Backyard Birding - Part 1
Bird Feeders
When we built our home in 1995, the yard was left barren. The question was what to do with it. We met with several companies with grand ideas of 20-foot palm trees and instant landscaping. The price tag for such luxury was astronomical.
Ultimately, we decided on a more hands-on approach that involved sifting dirt and acquiring native starter plants from small local garden companies. I have enjoyed watching my little seedlings grow into mature plants that provide shade and a welcoming home for birds.
Thus far, I have recorded over 40 species of birds on the property, including all five of the Lesser Antilles Restricted Range Species. My proximity to the ocean means a wide variety of seabirds are included in the total.
Over the years, I have incorporated feeders to assist the terrestrial birds during our long periods of drought. Traditional hummingbird feeders work great using the standard ratio of water to sugar.
Hummingbird Nectar Mix
1 Part Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
4 Parts Boiling Water
Mix and cool to room temperature. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Be sure to thoroughly clean your feeders with warm soapy water at least every other day.
Seed feeders do not work. I find that even the seed-eating birds here have no interest in the bird food mix we are used to putting out.
Sugar feeders are a big hit with several local species. Bananaquits, Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, and Yellow Warblers are attracted to them. I purchase bulk bags of raw sugar, and they devour it.
The most gregarious birds at both types of feeders are Bananaquits. They also significantly outnumber all other bird species in the yard. They are so aggressive that the hummingbirds often fight for a chance at their feeder!
Found from the Antilles and Mexico and as far south as northern Argentina, this tiny ball of energy has a long down-curved bill, yellow belly, black upper parts, and a white eye line. In different regions, this species presents with color variations.
Their diet consists of nectar and fruit, and they are attracted to flowering trees. White Cedar, Cordia, and Red Hibiscus are favorites here.
The peak breeding season in the Caribbean occurs from March to June. The globe-like nest is comprised of grasses and plant fibers. The circular entry hole points downward. As you can see, this one included some of the cotton from plants in the yard. The adult also used leaf litter.
The female incubates 2 to 4 dull-white eggs with brown spots over 12 to 14 days. Both parents feed the chicks in the nest for 17 to 19 days. Chicks may use abandoned nests until they attain adult plumage.
Fledglings are monitored by their parents for several days. Negotiating the feeders is part of the life lessons imparted by the adults.
I find the constant chatter of Bananaquits to be an essential part of living in Anguilla.
If you are visiting the island, a saucer of raw sugar on your railing will attract these cuties providing hours of enjoyment.
To view the antics of this fun species, visit our YouTube companion reel at the following link:
Breaking Sandhill Crane News
For those living in the Chicago area, check out the exciting news of Sandhill Crane activity. It just came across in my feed today on a Substack page I follow by
. His page gives excellent insight into what is happening there.Wild Side Recommendation
Recently, I have been enjoying The Flyer by Flying Colors - makers of premium organic wild bird food. Their bi-monthly newsletter covers a variety of birding topics. I find it a fun and informative read.
I ordered a box of their “Pine Plains Original” seed on Amazon and sent it to my niece in Rochester to try with my 2-year-old nephew. Just as it arrived, the snow and bitter cold arrived in Upstate New York. I will provide an update in a future issue.
Here is what they have to say about their products and a great promotion on Amazon:
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Closing Thoughts of Gratitude
I would be remiss if I did not conclude this Thanksgiving Week edition with gratitude. I feel blessed to have so many amazing birds here to enjoy in Anguilla.
I am also blessed by my subscribers here on Substack. Your likes and comments inspire me to keep writing. May you and yours have a happy and healthy holiday!
Very interesting, thank you Jackie.
I am always amazed at your photography and the closeup shots of these wonderful little birds. Thank you for sharing!