If Anguilla's Birds Participated in the Carnival Parade of Troupes

Carnival returns to Anguilla in all of its glory for the first time since 2019. Since then, the Covid-19 pandemic has put a damper on festivities of all kinds on Anguilla. Many activities were scaled back and others were cancelled, including most Carnival events. All that changes in 2022.

While Boat Race will always be my favorite part of the Carnival Season, a close second is the Parade of Troupes. It’s the moment when young and old share a side of themselves you don’t normally see. Bedecked in the most amazing colorful costumes and dancing behind their favorite band, it is truly a site to behold.

(Pro Tip: Bring earplugs if you plan on hearing a conversation for at least a day after. You’re welcome.)

With the big event scheduled for Friday August 5th, it got me thinking about Anguilla’s amazing bird species and how they would represent the island in the parade. Seriously, check out the color of the feathers on these ladies. I think they are channelling their inner American Flamingo.

Although many of our species tend toward drab colors to provide suitable cover in our local habitats, many have a natural beauty that might just fit into this colorful event.

With over 130 species to choose from, I narrowed it down to five that i think might fit the bill (pun intended). Read about each one below and tell me in the poll at the end, which you one you think should represent our amazing birds in the Parade of Troupes 2022.

Bananaquit - this voiciferous bird may be small but displays some bright and sassy colors. This little powerhouse is sure to give the bands some competition along the route as it shares a soca tune all its own!

Green-throated Carib - as one of Anguilla’s Lesser Antilles Restricted Range Species, this hummingbird displays a brillant green gorget bordered by metallic blue and a black belly. As an agile flyer, it is bound to be a crowd pleaser!

Royal Tern - they don’t call this bird Royal for nothing. Look at that amazing black head crown and orange bill. The spectacular mating dance is sure to earn a perfect 10 from the judges at the review stand!

White-cheeked Pintail - The colorful headdress alone is something to behold. When it wiggles its adorable tail, the crowd will go wild!

Common Gallinule - A brilliant red face shield and yellow bill make this bird stand out. But those feet are a real show stopper!

This poll is available for the next 3 days. I will announce the winner on Friday morning. I can’t wait to hear what you think.