21/6/17

I have been meaning to tell you about the flora and fauna around this area.

Huanacaxtle, the name of the town, comes from the tree that grows here, 'Enterolobium cyclocarpum'or commonly known as guanacaste, caro caro or elephants ear. We found the weird shaped pods on the ground and couldn't resist picking one up as they are such an unusual shape, just like an elephants ear.

The back of our house overlooks a street with another type of tree that we don't know the name of, but is the home of a group of Mexican Iguana, a giant lizard. I was quite amazed when someone pointed them out to me, they are enormous, up to 1.3 metres, and climb about the tree all day. There is a big one we call 'grandad' that likes to try to get the juicy young leaves at the tip of the branch but is too heavy. We are waiting to see him drop off which sometimes happens! In the marina they have signs warning people to look out for them when driving, because they wander from tree to tree walking across the road.

Another delight are the fascinating hummingbirds that drink from the feeder filled with sugar water. They look so delicate as they flit about, but have a very loud chatter . We managed to get quite close to one which seemed very cross as it was making so much noise, giving us an angry burst of tweets, turned its back on us, pooped and flew off! Quite a lot of attitude for such a tiny thing.

Our house has an amazing colourful courtyard and pool area around which housemartins are building their nests. They spend the day divebombing the pool and skimming the water. Two of the nests have baby chicks and the third is still under construction, we are hoping it will be finished before we leave.

26/6/17
You'll be pleased to know that the new nest is nearly finished and the chicks in the other two nests are gradually leaving home.