Seagull observes the conditions at Paradise Cove, Malibu, California, USA.
Nikon F5, Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8G, Kodak TriX400.
Fiddler Crab, Aruba
This fiddler crab showed up next to my shack in Aruba.
Fiddler crab as seen in Aruba.
Kind of crazy looking creature, with that one giant claw and the smaller other one. Good size this one was. No doubt he finds plenty to eat in the environs close to the sea here in Savaneta. Biggest danger to him are cars passing on the road.
Iguana Harry, Aruba
Harry the Iguana lives at the Paradera Park Apartments, located as you would expect in the Paradera neighborhood on the island of Aruba. Debby de Weerd, the manager at PPA took this photo of him.
Brilliant photograph of Harry, eh? There are tons of Iguanas on this island, most of them not very large. However, from time to time, you come across one that is three feet long. Just one of the many types of wildlife, like those owls I posted about a while ago, that can be found here.
More important, if you’re looking for a different place to stay for your island retreat, give the Paradera Park Apartments a try. They are located inland, away from the crowds of the high-rise area. Yet, the beaches, restaurants, and sights are only a short drive away. The rates are more reasonable, which allows for a longer stay on the same budget. Furthermore, you’ll meet interesting people who like to get off the beaten path, explore, and experience a culture from the inside out. This year, I had the good fortune of meeting Judith, who introduced me to her friend Will, and so on and so on and so on. This is an aspect of Aruba that makes it the cross-cultural mecca that it is, thanks to places like the Paradera Park Apartments.
So, if you see Harry, say, “Bon dia,” and if you’d like check out the Paradera Park Apartments, give this link a try: http://www.paraderapark-aruba.com/. It’s a good place to start your travel planning.
Bon dia from Aruba.
Aruba’s Burrowing Owls
Aruba’s burrowing owls are fascinating creatures. They nest in the ground as opposed to in trees. They’re well adapted to the environment as their coloring and marking makes them difficult to spot in the landscape. I made the following video when I happened upon a pair nesting at the base of a sand pile. No doubt this was easier to dig than the usual burrows. Take a look.
As you can see, their movements are rather snappy. One stands guard from his perch atop the sand pile, while the other minds the next below. I never disturb these owls. Instead, I use the maximum zoom on my video camera which enables me to stand off a good distance.
Bon dia from Aruba.
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