Crabs, Hummingbirds, Bats and Sand Flies

We are communing with the water faunae on Utila and also the land and air creatures. As Murray mentioned previously, we tread delicately going to supper each evening so as not to step on hermit crabs wandering on the sand pathway. Twice we have to sidestep a moving bottle cap, which on closer inspection proves to be a temporary home for a hermit crab.

Hermit Crab

Susan hangs feeders with sugared water on the balcony outside the dining room. During the day the hummingbirds enjoy a treat. We cannot tell how many there are but by the number of visits there has to be 20 different birds at any one time. They flit and hover and sip and flit away.

Hummingbird

After dark, the fruit bats replace the hummingbirds at the feeders. They swoop in, hover, sip and swoop away. They only hover for a second or two. Sometimes there are at least 30 bats taking turns at the feeders.

Fruit Bat

And then there are the sand flies.  These critters do not bite the locals, just the tourists.  Fresh blood.  All 11 of us have numerous bites on our legs and arms. Those of us who like to scratch, have spots that are much redder than the others. Although it is disruptive to our diving we pray for wind in the mornings and evenings to keep the sand flies away.

There are hundreds of geckos running around eating as many sandflies as they can possible. They are mostly outside but yesterday C discovered one in L’s bed. That didn’t go over so good because L isn’t too crazy about lizards.

We are told there are salt water crocs around and the word is there are a few snakes. We cannot confirm either but I think we will believe the rumours and leave it at that. Some animals are best not to commune with.