Iguana claims his turf

There have been several very large orange male iguanas in the backyard for the last few weeks.  And yesterday one that was about 5 feet long started walking slowly from east to west across the backyard.  I saw a smaller green iguana resting on the dock and this big one did not want him around.  So he slowly got closer to the smaller one and the smaller one moved a little to the west.  Then he moved closer again and the smaller one retreated  little more.  It was done slowly but before you knew it, the smaller iguana was nudged out of the backyard to my neighbor's yard.  The large one then parked himself on my property line to guard it.  I'm not thrilled that such a big guy has claimed my backyard as his turf.  I think he is actually the smaller of the two that staged a low speed chase here a few days ago.  This is actually the loser of that chase but he's clearly making a comeback.  Today he was back sitting on the western property line to ward off others.  So my backyard male iguanas are very territorial but non-violent about it.  At least that...

Just so you know, this is my backyard!

There was another interesting critter in the backyard today.  I've seen one before on my car but this time a giant katydid was on my pool screen.  It's a really big bug, at least 4 inches long.  I wasn't too happy that it was on the inside of the pool screen and I wonder how it got in. What are screens good for if they can't even keep out giant things?  How is it ever going to keep mosquitoes out!

Slightly ragged looking katydid is inside the pool screen!

While I was cleaning up some trash in the backyard yesterday, mostly discarded feathers and clippings, I suddenly heard a commotion behind me.  I turned to see that a hawk had attacked two collared doves grazing on the ground.  They flew off in a panic, bouncing off the pool screen to get away.  The hawk clung to the pool screen for a few seconds before flying off.  I couldn't have been 20 feet away so even the close presence of a human didn't deter a hungry hawk.  I believe it was a Cooper's hawk.

The Egyptian geese were here for the last two days.  Yesterday, the female didn't come to the food but was standing to the side on one foot, holding the other off the ground.  She must be hurt.  Poor thing didn't look happy.  Today she was not favoring the leg so I guess it just needed a little rest.  Leg injuries are so common among the ducks and other birds.

The great egret was on the dock post for a while today and then went across the canal to fish in the shallows.  The egrets really look bright white on sunny days.

I see some nice fishies here

The Muscovies have been around regularly in the morning and evening.  Cutie2 usually shows up in the morning along with Chirpie, Cutie Tips and some of the harem girls who like to sleep under the ficus.  Males Black Foot, Lazlo, Big Boy, Freckles and a few others were around but Blanco missed dinner yesterday and breakfast this morning, only coming by late in the afternoon.  Mom and the 3 juveniles were here both days.  The fourth youngster, the male, has not returned so I guess he's gone or just not coming any more.  I suspect the former.

The new Muscovy male has been around regularly for the last few days.  We'll have to see what role he takes in the backyard Muscovy society.

There's good food here.  I'm glad I found this backyard! 

The Muscovy nest, from which I rescued all but the one egg that had been outside the nest, was attacked again last night.  The last egg, which I had replaced in the nest, was broken and the contents eaten.  I wish I knew what does that.  But I'm glad I rescued the others.  I will check them in a few days to see if any are alive.

Little Colson the call duck is still coming around with about 14 of his best mottled duck friends.  He seems to have integrated into their society.

Our chubby pigeon has was around mixing it up with the big ducks but getting his portion of the food.  He seemed a little annoyed with me.

I'm eating here.  Back off.

There were quite a few dragonflies over the canal today, stopping on the bushes by the bank.  It was mostly Eastern amberwings and a four-spot pennant.

It was a really pretty afternoon in the backyard with the reflections in the canal of the bushes and trees toward the west.  It makes you feel relaxed just to look at it.

Peaceful afternoon in the backyard