Cayman: Butterflies, Frigate, Iguanas

We saw quite a bit of wildlife before we even got in the water! On the way to the hotel I spotted an iguana up in a tree, trying to pass itself off as a fallen palm frond. While lounging on the beach, we spotted these iguanas on the rocks, the frigate, and the butterfly. There were always a few butterflies around, we saw 4 different kinds but only got pictures of these and one other. These are milkweed butterflies.

Bufflehead duck and Canada goose

While walking around the reservoir, we saw several Canada Geese. I love this picture, with the light and the pretty reflection.

We also saw this beautiful Bufflehead Duck. He did not spend much time on the surface, he dove a lot, and stayed down for a long time each dive.

Mallards and Turtles at Central Park

I went to the duck pond and was there during what I call the Time of Magical Light. For just a few minutes on very special days, the light hits the pond and whatever is on it and gives it a feeling of magic.

The first picture shows the magical light on drops of water the duck just stirred up in a splash fest.

The second picture is a male mallard with the magical light shining on the leaves on the pond around him, and on his trail in the water, giving him a silvery wake.

The third picture is a close up of a female mallard enjoying the sun.

The fourth picture is of a turtle catching the precious magical light.

Hawk Eating Squirrel in Central Park

I went to the turtle pond in Central Park, and on the way out, saw a crowd of people looking at something. Being quite a good bird spotter, I stood looking in the direction they were all looking for quite some time, then eventually noticed this beautiful hawk. With a squirrel. In the last picture, the hawk is just hopping from one part of the branch to another, apparently more choice, part. Amazing!

Blue Heron in Central Park

Walking around the duck pond after visiting the zoo, we spotted this juvenile Blue Heron. What a beauty!

Double Crested Cormorant at Duck Pond

We spotted this double crested cormorant at the duck pond, we had never seen him before and we haven't seen him again. The pictures are not great but I'm glad they exist! :-) The pale breast and throat indicate that this is a juvenile.

Great White Egret at Duck Pond

Walking around the duck pond we saw this Great White Egret. We've seen him several times, but this time decided to take a few pictures. I'm glad we did, we didn't see him much after this! Hopefully he'll be back.

The first shot is him on our side of the pond, the middle shot is him him on the far side, the third shot is him crossing (taken with my iPhone).