It’s that time of year again, limpkin mating season! In Austin we walked the neighborhood every morning with nary a peep or a tweet from our feathered friends. Fast forward and we are back in our beloved home in the Mexican jungle and OMG it’s limpkin mating season.
Limpkins are large wading birds, kin to cranes, that hang out in fresh water wetlands aka Bacalar and the large tree on our waterfront. We’ve seen them everywhere since our return, even running in our driveway.
Last night I was awakened at 2am to their blood curdling screams. They are loud, piercing and continuous. It makes me want to go outside with a rock. Not that it would do any good.
With my trusty phone I learned more than I cared to know about limpkins.
The anatomy of their windpipes is responsible for the piercing screeches.
It’s a territorial defense mechanism, especially during breeding season, aka NOW.
Mated pairs often call to each other to locate across distances.
Predator alarm system.
Can last for months!
https://youtu.be/wa9SXVt-zbE?si=Kp0Q7csEN_vP4P3t
Imagine that sound all night outside your window! Living in the jungle is not always quiet and peaceful. Actually it’s almost never quiet but I prefer the birds in Bacalar to Amazon delivery trucks in Austin any day.
DOS TORTAS
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