Wildlife Wild Thoughts

Hi everyone! I'm back again with part two of my active imaginations assumption of the personalities found among Barbados' wildlife. I will admit first, that these three I may have beef with. Before you say I am petty for beefing with these creatures, you need to hear my side first, which is...they started it.

The Chatty Socialite: This avian creature isn't the worst of the three. In fact it is quite cute in its mannerisms and beautiful to look at. Bajans call them Green Parrots, but they are also known as Rose- Winged Parakeets. They are believed to once have been escaped pets who thrived in the wild and today are rarely seen by themselves, often spotted in pairs or flocks. Appearing in the wild since the 1980s, these green beauties are fond of holding a gossip session over food.

Rose Ringed Parakeet-(Google Image)

They enjoy eating fruits and can often be heard before you see them. These birds are good at voice mimicry and often times you might mistake their chirps for someone hailing you on the road with a loud "Hey!". And this is why I have beef with these little chatty socialites. Imagine, I was outside watering the garden and heard an "ahem" sound. I looked up and saw no one. I thought it was just a mishap, but then it happened again! I started to say hello to the wind, when I suddenly heard the lively chirps of the two green parrots sitting in our tree. They were laughing at me! I was fooled by them and I'm sure they returned to their flock with great gossip about me.

The Stealthy Ninja- The African House Gecko is the most similar to a ninja in their natural mannerisms. Why, because they are practically invisible as they love to hide behind objects or paintings on the walls of your home. They are quick and graceful when they leap, hardy ever making a sound. I have beef with these sneaky creatures only due to the fact that I am always surprised by them darting out from behind an object when I clean. I may have broken a picture frame because of this (but if anyone in my family asks, the frame was always like that).

African House Gecko(Google image)

Like ninjas, they are very efficient hunters- sneaking up on their prey and using their tongue to secure it. They hunt many small prey such as flies, mosquitoes or moths. They are the silent killers, patient in their movements- often managing to sneak up close to their prey before they even notice.

This gecko, now native to the island, were once an invasive species introduced between the 15th -17th century. They are believed to have stowed away on enslaved ships during the African to Caribbean leg of the triangular slave trade route. As a result they are found on many other Caribbean islands including Jamaica and Guyana. While harmless to humans, these creatures do live up to their title of invasive species. Their population number is high, and while they prefer prey they can easily take out, they are also known to fight and eat other species of gecko.

The Petite Bully- Ok, I admit. For the first two on the list, I might-just might- be petty for the beef. But this one? The Black Bird? Our beef will be forever!! The Black Bird is a common bird to the island. Their official species name is Carib Grackle. I think they are very beautiful. Their feathers are not jet black but a myriad of dark color hues that give the illusion of black. But, in the right light you can see the undertones of green and dark violet.

They are bold birds, unafraid in any action they take. Usually they forage in open spaces for food, but anything left behind by humans is considered fair game. They may be small but if morsels of food are left, they will push aside any other birds or take it from their mouths. They often use their loud voices to bully the other birds such as doves or pigeons. These birds are also flock birds- preferring to travel with others than to be by themselves . And this gives them the confidence to be aggressive. Admittedly they are protective of their nest and getting close to one may result in them flying directly at you in an attack.

And that is what happened to me...except I was not near a nest.

While leading a group tour , with around 25 persons in a courtyard, I paused to share some information about Barbados Mahogany. Suddenly, I felt a slap on my face! In the middle of speaking, a Black Bird swooped down and hit me on the cheek with its wing! At first I thought I was imagining things, but a member of the group was quick to point out that the bird had hit me with a sneak attack. And what's worst, as I regained my composure, it came again and flew at me! I was bullied by a bird - in front of 25 people! For the rest of the tour, everyone would randomly giggle at the thought. 😣I will never live that down. This beef will rage to the end of time.

The Enemy.

Have you had to fight this bird too? If so, lets start a support group.

Until next time...Peace & Love

Kle✌️❤️