Jama Ecuador – This sweet token of affection was perched on my balcony this morning, and the Valentine’s Rabbit was still in sight on the grounds of Hostal Palo Santo!
She and her dear mother worked yesterday on arrangements for this special day. They set up in a little space near the center of town and graciouslly allowed me to take photos.
Nieve is now downtown and will be selling their floral arrangements. After a quick check on the VIP bird in a nearby marsh, I’ll keep her company for a while.
Thanks to all of you for your amazing support of my art, photos and stories. May the day smile on everyone!
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About that VIP bird: It’s an Andean Coot, which is way way way out of its normal range! And yes, it’s presence has been noted on eBird!
Z
Such a wonderful post; thank you.
Valentine’s Day has sure spread around! Lovely flowers.
The Andean Coot is lovely! From what I read the bird is primarily found up in the highland lakes, but is also found down on the Santa Elena Peninsula (down by Salinas or La Libertad). This guy must have flown a bit north from that area. Great find!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Such a beautiful world you live in — and such happy people.
The ladies are adorable! Their smile comes straight from the heart. Thank you for all the lovely photos and the song. Happy Valentine’s Day 💖
Languages have a wonderful way of conveying ideas, emotions, thoughts. When we say “I love you,” in English, the emphasis is on the first word, which is “I”. In Spanish and Italian the word is “ti or te” which places the emphasis on “You.” A subtle but extraordinary different. Happy Valentine’s Day my friend. Hugs coming across the miles.
Happy Valentines Lisa, I’m glad your burrito is still working! 🙂
Grrrrrrrrracias! I’m learning a few tricks to nudge it forward when it balks.. if there are 8 or more ‘circle orbs’ along the biggest crack, they are not easily swiped away… however— a brief sleep period restores its heath.. for five or ten minutes …..
note to self, type fast type fast!
Happy Valentines to you as well, though it’s probably more like, ‘sleep well’ for you!
Here I have been getting many greetings – Feliz Dia de la Amistad. It was explained that Valentines Day is for everyone you love, family, friends, your dog, everyone not just romantic love. I love it, so inclusive. Feliz Dia de la Amistad amiga!
I enjoyed your ebird submission! As always, I’m envious of the abundance of long-legged shorebirds in your area – the stilts and various herons and egrets. It’s so funny that the coot should make the day special! They are super common around here – but not the Andean of course! I wish you more good finds!
The American coot once ventured as far south as Ecuador and Colombia but is now considered ‘extinct’ here in Ecuador. The two have onlly subtle differences. This past week that same pond had an osprey flying overhead, common and purple galinules foraging in the grassy areas, and yesterday I was treated to watching a pied-billed grebe with five little ones swimming in the shallows. Like you, those immersions in nature are as important or maybe more important than medicine!
I had to go looking to find the differences between the Andean coot and ours. Two stood out immediately — the yellow/white bill, and the chestnut shield. I just realized today that the coots that had been hanging out in the marinas seem to have disappeared. It’s another sure sign of spring, although it seems early for them to be traveling. They may be hanging out somewhere else, but I need to see if I can scare some up for a photo session.
si.. the ‘american coot’ is on the bird fieldbook but has not been seen ‘in modern times.’ it can be found in colombia, and looks very similar to th Andean coot…
i told someone yesterday that it’s been two years since i’ve seen th vermillion flycatcher in the jama area.. it was often flitting in th branches of the algarrobo tree, which is a cousin to the mesquite… quothe the raven, never more.. or rarely more..
you can FEEL the LOVE here Lisa.. Thank YOU.. for sharing this special day xx
you are so welcome, and than you for your great support! i hope that your day was a special one!
It was and Thank YOU.. ❤
Lovely Lisa!
thank you!