Tags
andean coots, art museo portoviejo, chevron, cinnamon teal, deforestation, donziger, Lisa Brunetti art, slate-colored coots, step into my world, yellow-billed pintail
Portoviejo /Manabi/Ecuador –
Another artist spending time near The Friendship Tree of Life. (Acrylic)
The show, Step into My World, is going well. We discussed having a basket for people to discard their problems before they stepped into the world of art, photography and Augmented Reality. I never dreamed that visitors would take it so seriously. Some paused and touched their heads, closed their eyes and then placed their invisible burdens into the basket. Others paused at the guest book and scribbled -sometimes for five or more minutes – on sheets of paper, folded those sheets and placed them in the basket. What trust! Each day I take the folded papers home and – as promised – dispose those private worries.
My staple gun ran out of staples, and I took the empty package to the store to be sure I bought the right replacement. 
What a surprise to find that the new ones did not fit the staple gun! The old package is to the right; the new one on the left. Do you know the reason?
I had no idea that ‘Heavy Duty’ staples were different from Light-duty ones. Alas, so far here in Portoviejo I have not been able to find light duty ones. It’s almost easier to buy a new staple gun!
I think that every single person in an hour’s radius of Portoviejo knows the man in the photo. Antonio Pico, who lives near Ayacucho, stopped in to view the show.
Sometimes one person arrives, other times a cluster of three or four. An archaeologist here – an artist there – a friend to stop in and ask, ‘How’s it going?’
Since I would be at the museo most every day, I volunteered to be their first volunteer, after a thought-provoking visit with Alexandra Cevallos and her friends who drove over from Cruzita. “Is there a ‘Friends of the Museum’ group here?” they asked.
Hmmm. With budget cuts, the museum could use all the friends it can get! The directors seemed relieved that I would be upstairs to receive any visitors, which allows them to stay focused on their daily tasks. They set up a corner desk at the entrance to the show, and when no one is visiting, I work on art. Today, however I’m working on this post!
Time for a brief ‘serious’ note. This interactive map should show a timelapse view of tree loss for the past ten years. It’s set for Ecuador, but it can easily expand to cover the entire world – or maybe it already does that when someone opens the link. It’s sobering: GlobalForestWatch.
Gathering nesting material (Andean Coot/Slate-colored Coot)
In July and August I made many half-hour drives to observe a pair of Slate-colored (Andean) Coots raising a family near Portoviejo. Their presence is abnormal, and with three half-grown young ones, they nested again in a small cattail lined pond.
July 9, 2021
Since little is known about their behavior on the western side of the country (they normally live in the Andes) I visited the site often and parked – with the owner’s permission’- on a small empty lot that overlooked the nesting site.
The adults were extremely brava while sharing the nest building tasks, and were equally brava while sharing incubation sessions. Their behavior amused me, and I soon learned by their behavior when they were about to chase any potential threat to their young ones!
This slideshow captures a lot of that behavior:
July 25 – one by one the hatchlings appeared over a ten-day period.
When the new chicks began to hatch, the adults became less protective, and by the time the youngest one foraged on its own, the adults had basically abandoned all duties of protecting them. One by one they vanished.
Aug 15 – one baby coot and lots of whistling ducks
A bit too late for my comfort for driving alone – yet the perfect hour for observing the change of shifts at the little pond, I sometimes found it hard to estimate how many birds of each species was present.
How many pintails and cormorants?! Sometimes at home and working on the computer, I place dots and count each bird!
I try not to delete any images until I check each one on the computer. There are often surprise species waiting to be discovered! Comb Duck!
What’s there with all of those whistling ducks? Yellow-billed Pintails! The Coots must have sent a message to the birds of the Sierra, “Hey! Fly west for your vacation this year!”
The handsome Cinnamon Teal are also populating the area. Almost always one can find a few or a few dozen – much like finding a four-leaf clover – a treat for the eyes:
Toss in some Roseate Spoonbills, an Anhinga here and there, and one can understand why I commuted to this area so often!
The prize for me was observing and documenting that newest generation of Slate-colored Coots.
The last baby coot – Aug 27 – and then there were none…
The ‘middle’ generation seemed to make it to almost adult size, and as the pond dried into smaller and smaller area, the coots relocated.
I realized that I negated my past year’s eco footprint of almost zero fuel consumption in the truck. How does one deal with ‘resuming life as normal’ when our planet is no longer normal. We cannot just shrug and say, ‘Yes, it’s bad,’ and not change our own behaviors.
I decided that for every fill up, I will plant a tree for every gallon used. I am presently in the red for 70 trees – and when I take an international flight, I’d best prepare to plant a small forest! The landscape continues to lose trees, and viewing that tree-loss map reminds us in easy-to-grasp visuals.
A blank canvas – one of hundreds of pastures in a fragmented area along Rio Portoviejo and Poza Honda.
There are many pastures, barren of most everything except invasive grasses, and I have a lot of experience at eradicating that pest by hand. Clearing grasses one chunk at a time and planting native trees – some short lived and others to outlive all of us – will remind me that we all play roles in the planet’s health – even many who are sensitive to nature’s needs.
Images from the past: Barbara helped construct these mountains of grasses – which eventually became rich compost!
I will be updating when planting starts – at the beginning of the rainy season.
Very good news arrived today via a post from EcoMingo… Mining Vs. Nature – Landmark Case Decided Today…
and a link they provided: Reuters
As I’ve recently stated about this growing number of positive activists in this area – and also about the support that is slowly rising to support Steven Donziger, the Davids are finding each other, and hopefully will defeat the Goliaths. Free Donziger
It surprises me that the ‘big names’ in the press are not giving this daily attention. Sigh, the Goliaths probably have something to do with that!
(Is is a swallow? ) It seems to be exclaiming, ‘Yippee! What a difference a year makes!’
Back to good news – the Eastern Kingbirds have probably helped spread the word about Manabi vacation options. Although they left last year with memories of a declining habitat, they returned to find a very healthy ecosytem at Parque las Vegas. While most Eastern Kingbirds flock to the Amazon area, there are some who prefer to chart their own vacation itineraries. The administrators and jefes for the parks have done an amazing job of restoring the essential habitat, and in time those ‘lost’ species will find their way back. Will the Soras be next?
What a difference a year makes! The trees have a healthy supply of limbs and seeds and fruit, and the birds were ‘everywhere.’ I as about to ‘stumble upon’ a migratory species’ return.
The Eastern Kingbirds gave me a private show last week – not only eating seeds of the Tierra Espina and sallying for insects – but they were also doing ‘touch-and-go’ flights over the pond, and sometimes splashing like frigates or swallows or kingfishers! I continue to be Blessed by Birds.
There’s good news from Cornell about a huge colony of Whimbrels – with interesting video about migratory bird habits.
Whimbrel
When the birds do take a break from their aerial marathons, one can hope that wherever they land, they find ample habitat for shelter and nourishment.
The Green Kingfisher enjoys the return of its healthy habitat.
As always, thank you for your support; most every day new positive people appear – some in person, some via online connections – but all represent ‘hope- esperanza’ in this fast changing world.
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
That basket is such a great idea, Miss Z. Every place of arts should have one. And it would fit in fine in places of worship. I don’t know how staplers I bought just so I had staples that fit. Those coots are hoots. LOL.
Love the tree planting to redeem the use of gas consumption.
Another fine post.
Yes, Don, when the directora and I first saw the folded paper in the basket, we exchanged looks of surprise – and were equally touched by the trust. I said, ‘Santo.. this is like treating these worries with the seriousness of a sacred ceremony…’ We both agreed it’s best I take them home and burn them – as promised – so that no one ever reads their worries.
And yes, if I must fill up the tank, then I should compensate in some way.. it’s my best option for my own circumstances… I’ve read your ‘no holiday for blizzards’ post = and you’re right – always prepare. In Mississippi if the forecast was for a front to roll through, and lows in the mid 30’s, I prepared for an ice storm. I cannot imagine having to prepare for a blizzard!.
Since today’s post was published, the museo has been busy until just now, and I’m heading home soon! Thank you , as always! Lisa
I am mentally sending you via star satellite a few worries I would like to shed, you will know them when they arrive. The photos of the gallery with your work gives me so much joy! We need more Lisas. love .
I will catch them with a net woven of spider silk and place them in the basket and then properly discard them with Palo Santo… There have been visitors since I selected ‘publish,’ and now it’s time to go home. Thank you, Hope! We need more Hopes as well!
Thanks Lisa. Love the birds. As for the staples, best wishes.
Cindy Ricksgers just provided an explanation and tutorial about staple guns. Wow.. Color coded.. I bought ‘blue’ and should have been looking for a box with green…. Thank you!
I’ll read this more thoroughly later, and comment on the troubles basket (wonderful idea!) and art…but I (hardware girl) can answer your staples question!
You, I’m sure, were matching the length of the staples, packaging, etc. You need, instead. to match the color on the box. Stanley color codes their staples, so that you match the color on the box to the type of staple gun you have, and then within that color, can choose whichever length will work best for the job you are doing.. Your old box, on the right, has a green square which – if memory serves – indicates that they are for a JT 21 staple gun. The new box has a blue square, which means those staples are for a T50 staple gun. That information should be etched into the metal on the side of the staple gun, and SHOULD also be somewhere on the box of staples…though it seems they are relying more and more on their color-coding, and not making necessary information as visible as it should be.
Cindy! You triggered a grand chuckle – of course you would know the solution and provide a tutorial! I considered taking the staple gun to the hardware stores, but thought that the metal detectors might cause problems – but then again they would understand if they saw the staple gun! Most placed don’t have any staples of that size, but now I have extra info instead of holding the box in hand. Yes.. green.. blue… Thank you!
Lisa, you pack so much into a post that I’ll have to save it and explore more deeply later. I love the idea of leaving your worries at the door and having them burned. We could do that at least metaphorically every day, so an excellent reminder. I especially love the shot of the coot behind the downed tree/log. Perhaps the spoonbill from the Preserve came down to visit you during the “winter.” Since we don’t really have winter as such, it’s just a lovely thought but who knows? I haven’t been to the Preserve for months due mostly to trying to help my parents as much as possible, which often means every day to fix a main meal. But I need to get back there to see what’s been happening while I’ve been gone and what birds are around in November.
I really like your tree-planting idea which seems to me much more useful and realistic than people paying a carbon tax and then getting on their private jets and so forth. 😦 Whatever the reason, planting trees is a wonderful thing to be doing.
I’m off to bed shortly and speaking of shortly, the days are much too short now. Of course it could be worse if we lived in Scandinavia or northern Canada or some such place. It’s getting beautifully cool at night but still into the 80’s during the day, although I see 70’s in next week’s forecast. I’m looking forward to being able to get out a few of my cold weather clothes at some point. 🙂
Sending hugs,
janet
Yes, our days are strange when compared to the northern or southern hemisphere ranges… year round the sun sets between 6 and 6:30 and is totally dark by 7. I never fully adjusted but after ‘darkness’ I am usually grateful to be able to throw on the brakes and rest. My body does well with lots of sun and light, and it shuts down in cold. 70s and 80s is perfect – which is how it often is here year round (only in specific areas)…
Your time with your parents is so very special, and they are surely grateful that you are nearby to dote on them. An angel in real life. Even angels need immersion in nature, and sometimes when removed from nature, the senses reallly drink in everything whenever the opportunity appears. As always, thank you! I’m late for the museo, but wanted to thank you! Lisa
It’s funny that you say that about being an angel. One day as I was loading the walker in the van and getting ready to help Mom in if needed, a man came out from the offices and just said, “You’re an angel.” That made my day. I’m glad we can be here to help.
Sunset now in our part of Arizona is at about 5:30 p and sunrise at almost 7. But our temperatures are still in the upper 80’s at least for now. I’m looking forward to them dropping into the 70’s later next week and low’s into the 50’s. 🙂
Some of us are servers by nature; your mother surely treasures your presence, and others sometimes give comfort and assurance by offering their observations.
I loved that photo of the stream/rocks, but also the frog- and that yellow-themed thanksgiving greeting!
Thanks for enjoying my photos,, Lisa. My parents are thrilled that we moved here. 🙂
Of course they’re thrilled, and it’s such a beautiful example you set for others. And yes, I love your photos and the good vibes you manage to send – always uplifting others.
Such a busy, caring life you lead, Lisa.
And carefully balanced on the other side of the Atlantic (even though I’m on the eastern Pacific) there you are, always the tour guide but offering so much more than just a glimpse of lovely vistas and ancient cultures. The stork post is really special, but my favorite of recent posts is the walk through ancient relics of Milreu. I went ‘backwards’ to see it just now, and I am told that my ‘server is doing maintenance. please come back later.’
grrrr! it’s past time to go to the museo – I am running late but glad to announce that I now have internet in the apartment – or wherever I travel – via a little portable box. Slowly I’ll be catching up! Yay. Thank you Amiga – but I’m finding myself hungry for sweets whenever I spend time with you! Love, Lisa
Would you believe, a Portuguese lesson then lunch with friends. NO dessert! 🤔💕 Bless you, hon. You’re lovely company.
i’ve not pondered portuguese, except that it’s a beautiful language to hear…. hope you had fun!
😍
Dear Lisa,
thanks a lot for all these infos. We were amazed that most of the birds you mention are living here as well.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Buenos dias from this side of the world! Yes, it’s amazing how the birds have populated the planet. eBird’s world map for specific species often gives thought-provoking data. Their ‘abundance animation’ maps are always interesting, though I don’t see any maps that show the larger world view. Here’s data for two species that cover a huge range – the Peregrine Falcon and the Osprey – both amazing raptors: https://ebird.org/species/osprey
https://ebird.org/species/perfal
Dear Lisa,
thanks a lot for the ebird-links.
Have a wonderful week
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
What wonderful insights into the water wildlife. Regarding the staples… sometimes it is crazy what a difference one single word can make.
Hi Erika – you are amazing how you always have time to brighten corners and entire rooms with your positive energy! Thank you. Yes, one word – and I thought that presenting the empty box would solve the dilemma of selecting the right option. I suppose I can use that worthless box for a weight on a mobile – or a paperweight!
You know, your words have done the same to me, Lisa. So lovely, thank you!
LOL, yes, where there is a will, there is a way 😂
Lisa, your basket of discarded problems is brilliant. I’d like to see that go viral!
We have a spoonbill living in Central Arizona outs side of Phoenix, amazingly. Just one. It’s been there for over a year and a small series of ponds. On Facebook I am part of a few birding groups and people go there and post photos. The bird has been named, not surprisingly, Rosie.
Last year I went up there for four days with the goal of seeing Rosie. I never did find her. My friend went up a week later and saw her within five minutes.
Someone (hmmm, I wonder who) should write a story about Rosie. The last Spoonbill.
I hope that your next attempt to see Rosie will be successful. Thanks, Emilie!
Rosie the Lonesome Spoonbill. Has a good ring to it.
I know there’s some bad news in there but this is such a rich post for good news! Thank you! All those birds, and the outcome of the mining court case, and the tree planting. It all makes me happy.
And so lovely that your show is going well.
Alison
We have to have hope, although new deforested areas leave me feeling quite off balanced – what to do/how to do something/where to start, and I’ve almost come to the conclusion to start at the very worst part – it can’t get worse so why not start there…. usually I just let it ‘simmer’ on the back burner, and eventually the right choice will percolate into clarity.
A lovely show. Must be a delight for the eyes and feelings to experience.
Thank you; I thought of you recently when working on photos — a little surprise orb where I didn’t expect it. hmmm, I’ll try to find it – one in particular…. it might be another day or two before I can lasso it from the files..
I would love to see it, Lisa. When you have time.
Lisa:
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to seeing Hank and Marie this weekend.
Stephen
On Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 2:10 PM Zeebra Designs & Destinations wrote:
> Playamart – Zeebra Designs posted: “Portoviejo /Manabi/Ecuador – The show, > Step into My World, is going well. We discussed having a basket for people > to discard their problems before they stepped into the world of art, > photography and Augmented Reality. I never dreamed that visitor” >
Thanks Stephen! Not sure if you’re in CR or if they’re back in th USA, but hope you have a good visit. Happy Thanksgiving!
Such a lovely look into your museum and your exhibit. I was especially surprised to see you linking to the Whimbrels. The island where they were reported is very near to a friend’s home in Charleston, and we had been talking about them just last week. The small world strikes again!
Our coots are beginning to show up now, so it was interesting to see your coots, too. If I’d only seen photos, I might have mistaken them for our species. I do love them and their antics; they can provide amusement for hours.
Speaking of migration patterns and ‘odd ducks,’ this past week I heard a ruckus at work, and finally spotted two huge birds atop a palapa. They weren’t hard to identify, given their size, their pink legs and bills, and that incredible noise. They were Egyptian geese! They were around for three days, but I haven’t seen them since. Native to Egypt, there were introduced here for ponds and such, and have spread through Florida and now Texas. They showed up in Austin and San Antonio about 2011.
The good news is that their combative personalities are capable of keeping Canada geese and other non-native species at bay, while they co-exist with the native ducks fairly well. I’ll say this: if you see one, you know you’re looking at something special!
When |I read, ‘Egyptian Geese!’ I paused. Egyptian Geese? and combed through my memory and produced a blank.. Then you mentioned the approx date of their arrival, and I didn’t feel like I had been on another planet! It’s good that they’re not hogging the food of other species. Lovely image – and very different.
Yes, the first time I saw a coot here, I misidentified it as the American Coot which is no longer found in this country. From afar, it’s very difficult to note the differences.
Whimbrels have always been a favorite – so handsome… it must be an amazing experience to witness that huge gathering – lucky friend!
Congratulations once more on the show. It’s great that you were able to observe the Andean coots while they were nesting. I like your idea of planting a tree for every fill-up. We don’t live in big cities; we need our vehicles and electric ones aren’t yet practical so your solution seems to be a good one. I’ll think about something like that At least a donation to the local land trust that preserves important landscapes here.
It’s good to hear about the Whimbrels – that was a wished-for bird back in the 60s and 70s when I visited my grandparents during spring vacation in coastal GA. Your Green kingfisher is wonderful! Have a good week, amiga, and let’s hope for no aftershocks.
Hi, and thanks, my kindred companion for loving those Whimbrels! They are handsome birds, and I’ve always admired them. In the past year I’ve gotten some better reference photos, so hopefully a new pencil portrait will happen soon.
Last night I perused the hundreds of images of the coots – they are such funny birds, the round body which morphs into a ball of a torpedo when attacking any bird that ventures too close to the nest! So true about no aftershocks; so far today I’ve felt zero, strange after the one that seemed to rattle the northern half of the continent!