Growing Muscovy babies and big iguanas

The Muscovy babies are back to visiting at least once a day and often more.  A few days ago they came in the morning and waited under the bougainvillea for food which we provided by their little pool under the neighbor's bushes.  Then they came out again a few hours later, walking across the backyard and hoping for more food.  So we fed them again and afterwards they rested in the yard out in the open which doesn't seem to be such a good idea to me.

Family photo

Yesterday they again came in the morning and rested in the deep shade of the bushes by their pool after eating.

Chillin in the shade

And again today they came and waited for food and then sat down to rest in the side yard.  Here are some closer views of all 4 of the little guys.  Check out the new tail feathers starting to come in.

This little brownie is chatty.

Two sleepy guys

Resting but watchful

As for the other Muscovies, females Cutie2, Smiley, Blackie2 and Pretty Girl were here this morning with males Lazlo, Big Boy, Black Foot, Blanco and a few others.  Most of them seem to get the idea that I don't want them to go over by where the babies are eating though they eventually drift over there.

A day doesn't go by that we don't have several iguanas, often large ones, visit the backyard.  A big ugly iguana has made daily visits along with a bunch of little ones that scurry away when I feed the ducks.  The most recent large iguana has been a little wary of me and tends to move away if it thinks I am getting closer.

This big guy was a little wary of me

The tricolor heron has been visiting occasionally and in different parts of the backyard, sometimes by the water and sometimes on the dock.  He was on the dock post this morning.

Down by the canal I saw a pretty 1-inch long Eastern amberwing dragonfly stopping on the twigs and algae in the water.

You have to have a strong grip to hold on with most of your weight hanging out back.

We have had several collared doves contending for food at the tray feeder lately.  Most of them find it hard to balance on the feeder perch, which is narrow, while eating from the tray.  Their attempts to eat and not fall off the perch result in a lot of tail waving which is funny to watch.

Keeping your balance can get embarrassing

The millet plants down by the water are continuing to grow and flower and go to seed.  Some is ripe for the picking for any birds that want it.  Millet is their least favorite type of seeds but you would think that the fresh-off-the-plant variety would be better than the bagged kind.

Come and get it!

Finally, today I was happy to see a bright yellow butterfly flitting around the backyard.  It didn't stop on the penta plants but hopefully it will some day.