Caribbean Flamingo   © Denise Etienne

You may remember that I recently took a trip to the Emperor Valley zoo. They have a beautiful exhibit of the Caribbean Flamingos, if you haven’t seen it as yet you should go check it out!

These birds are quite striking with their long legs and necks, with a height of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall. Occasionally because of their unique bright pink plumage, they are easily confused with the Scarlet Ibis, but as you can see they are much bigger birds.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Blooming Immortelles

Immortelles blooming   © Denise Etienne

Presently  in the northern range there are countless amounts of Immortelle trees in full bloom. Their bright orange flowers attract numerous species of birds including: hummingbirds, honeycreepers, orioles, one can even observe Parrots and Oropendolas feeding. This tree was especially grown to shade Cocoa and Coffee.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Hummingbird Feeders

Recently I got two hummingbirds feeders which I anxiously hung this morning. I think hummingbirds are like small jewels, here one minute and gone the next.

When placing these feeders in your yard or garden make sure to put them among flowers, this makes it easier for the birds to find. It is important that you use only white sugar, because other sugars—such as raw and brown— contain iron and other impurities that can poison hummingbirds. The mixture should be one part sugar to four parts water.

I wonder who will be the first at my feeders, I’ll keep you posted!