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Archive for the ‘Cuba’ Category

Zapata Swamp

Posted in Cuba, My Paintings, tagged , on May 2, 2019| 1 Comment »

The Zapata swamp in Cuba is home to the Zapata Wren who sings his melodious song in this 1600 square mile wetland. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000 this astonishing place has swamp prairies, tidal pools, and mangroves. Going into the swamp on a small boat, poled silently thru the waterways, is like returning to a primeval world. With over 1000 plants species and 23 of the endemic birds of Cuba found here it is a rich treasure. That rare thing, silence, can also be found here deep in the heart of the wetlands Sanctuary … shelter for the soul.

Zapata Swamp
Zapata Wren

These two paintings reflect my memory of the few hours we spent in the swamp.

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Shabby Exteriors Maybe, but Lovely Interiors …

Posted in Cuba on April 11, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Don’t judge a book by its covers … this applies to the entire country of Cuba.Walking down the gray streets of stone in Trinidad, I thought how cold stone is visually. Suddenly, like magic, it was time for the cafe owners, the shop keepers, and people in general to open their shuttered tall windows and doors, and color appeared. Before I took a photo of an interior I asked the person there if it was permitted to do so. They all gave me a “go ahead” smile and here are the results: a living room, an art gallery, a hat shop, a restaurant … and this was only one block! Some are sumptuous, some are restrained, but all show a great deal of thought has been put into form and color. Enjoy the ebullient feel of Cuba!

 

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Red Legged Thrush

Posted in Birding, Cuba, tagged , on March 26, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Walking through the landscaped grounds of a resort we see a robin-sized bird hopping around the corner of a building. Snapping to ALERT we begin sneaking slowly toward the corner. Carrina and I put our heads around the edge and a Red-legged Thrush comes into focus.

Red Legged Thrush

Red-Legged Thrush

Our Cuban guide said he is hard to see as he is usually lurking in underbrush. Here he is in an open area with the sun shining on his red legs. They are neon red!  His matching red eye is clearly outlined. We high five and glance around … there are three chambermaids, loaded with sheets, standing still with their mouths open and their eyes wide in concern looking at us. We wave and gesture at our cameras and try to reassure them we are harmless. They relax, smile, and scurry on to their jobs. Our sneaking must have been convincing!

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The Cuban Tody

Posted in Birding, Cuba, tagged , on March 17, 2019| 1 Comment »

The Cuban Tody

The Cuban Tody

In contrast to the Bee Hummingbird, the Tody weighs 2 ounces. It is approx 4.3 inches long. This elusive little beauty hangs out high in trees … at least he did when we tried to get a photo of him. They are difficult to see but patient waiting will pay off handsomely when you spot this vibrantly colored bird.  He is endemic (native and restricted to a certain place) to Cuba and a few islands around Cuba.

The Cuban Tody
The Cuban Tody

 

 

 

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Bee Hummingbird … Smallest in the World

Posted in Birding, Cuba, tagged , on February 25, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Bee HummingbirdBee Hummingbird

Bee Hummingbird

Having seen this minute bird for myself it is still hard to believe that it weighs from 0.056 to 0.071 ounces.

Less than an ounce and still it zooms thru the air sipping nectar from flowers with abandon. His name in Cuba is Zunzun or better yet Zunzuncito. He sports iridescent feathers called a gorget hanging from his throat.

Sr. Bernabe

Sr. Bernabe

I am at the house of Sr. Bernabe who hosts the international visitors who come to visit the Zunzun and to watch them sip from the flowering tree in his back garden.

Bee Hummingbird

Bee Hummingbird

He graciously fills a feeder and holds it up so the Bee Hummingbird comes to eat and is available for photos. A mesmerizing hour is gone in a flash and we must leave. What a treat!  Gracias!

 

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