Of Lizards and Ducks

I've always had a fondness for lizards, both large and small.

The most common lizard in the Virgin Islands is hard to find  because it's quite small and lives amid the leaf litter that covers just about everything. Appropriately it's called a leaf lizard. Isn't it a lovely little creature? Those two white spots on it's back look like eyes.

Then there is a larger ground lizard which, as far as I know, never climbs trees. They are very fast and difficult to get a picture of. This guy is about as long as the flamboyant seedpod which is a good 22 inches.

Some years ago I rescued a baby iguana from the sea. He stayed on my hand until he had warmed up at which time I hid him away among the trees and bushes on the shoreline.

I hope that he will grow up to become an old man, like this guy, who had little fear of me as I got to within about a foot and half of his head-bobbing self. He was probably three and half feet long. Maybe more.



Then there was the duck. I was down at Lindquist Beach one morning and this lovely little duck showed up. It's a White Cheeked Pintail.



They are also known as Bahama Pintails or Summer Ducks and are native to the islands. They're considered a threatened species because of habitat destruction and over hunting. Because they nest on the ground they're also susceptible to non-native predators like cats and mongooses.

I feel kind of special to have had this wild duck eat out of my hand.

Ever have a wild critter eat out of your hand?