Our new home also offers more opportunities for birding and wildlife sightings. There are so many edges here on the peninsula, this narrow strip of beach, between the sea and the estuary. We are surrounded by one of the largest contiguous mangrove estuaries in Central America and small-scale farms, so we get regular visits from many species of birds. The squirrel cuckoo, orange-chinned and orange-crowned parakeets, white-fronted parrots, white ibis, great kiskadee, groove-billed ani, magpie jays, (and many more species) all make regular appearances. On the water, willets, curlews, herons, egrets, pelicans, terns, and skimmers are busy with their days.
We also enjoy visits from international travelers, local fishermen, kids, and friends in this intimate community. Contact Ibis if you'd like more information about visiting this piece of the world.
One of my favorite birding moments so far in Nicaragua was at a table in my home. White-collared seedeaters, painted buntings, three species of orioles, blue-grey tanagers, vermilion flycatchers, and my daughter were all twittering about, as I sat and enjoyed a cup of local, organic, shade-grown coffee.
For the rest of the day, we picked fruit from the trees, swam in the warm Pacific, and lazed in the hammocks together. As night was falling, nighthawks leapt into the air just one meter from us, feeding and ticking with acrobatics. The sounds and activities were all distinctly "Nicaraguensis". Huge fishing bats left their roosts in the coconuts to find their fill for the night. And yellow-crowned night herons squawked at it all, wondering where they would feast in this tropical paradise.
