Saturday, February 16, 2019

Saturday's Critters #270

Welcome to Saturday's Critters !


If you love all God's creatures like I do and also like to blog about them and take critter photos this is where you can share your critter post. Link up your post and share your critters, join in with my critter party ! You can share any kind of critters the real ones, pretend ones, statues and paintings, a new or old post!

I am amazed at the breeding colors of the Green Iguana. We saw these Iguanas in the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Delray Beach Florida. I would say the breeding male colors are beautiful. 

These Green Iguanas can get as long as 6.6 ft.




These iguanas are not native to Florida and they are not protected.


They feed off of plants, insects and tree snails and can be known to eat bird eggs. 





I assume this Great Blue Heron was watching over it's eggs or chicks with this male Green Iguana nearby. 


The Green Iguana has spikes going down it's neck, back and tail. 



This Iguana can climb up to 50 ft. we saw them mostly in the plants and bushes next to the boardwalk at the nature center. 


The males throat fan is amazing to me, a pretty orange breeding color.


Two Great Blue Heron chicks seen in a nest at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. 



I read these iguanas are out of control in this area of Palm Beach County and other areas in South Florida. They are native lizards usually found in the Caribbean, Central and South America. 


I appreciate and thank everyone who links up their post and for all the wonderful comments !




Here is a list of my linky parties;

Also visit:  I'd-Rather-B-Birdin. Thanks to the gracious host: Anni.

Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

128 comments:

Tomoko said...

Amazing photos!
I like those iguanas,they are so cute.
Have a good weekend,Eileen.

Shiju Sugunan said...

Beautiful! It looks so prehistoric!

Marit said...

Hello,
Beautiful images. The Iguana is very special.
Happy Weekend!

Tom said...

..Iguanas sure are interesting critters, thanks for hosting.

Small City Scenes said...

Wow! I never knew Iguanas got that long. Very interesting though. Baby Heron are a bit of a mess--LOL
MB

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great shots I loved seeing these critters when I was in Csta Rica. Thanks for hosting Eileen. Have a wonderful weekend

italiafinlandia said...

The iguana is truly amazing and your shots are great! Thanks for sharing such a weird but somehow pretty critter.
Have a nice weekend!

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
What a beautiful series of photos.
The last photo is my favorite.
Do you want to place my link, I can not.
Best regards Irma

chica said...

Perfeitas as fotos.Conseguistes poses lindas da iguana! Parabéns! beijos,tudo de bom,chica

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Those iguanas are really big! My current blog has a photo of one in the stork rookery. I watched one have a confrontation with a Tricolored Heron at the edge of the lake. The iguana ran towards the heron and with an open mouth, a very impressive threat. The heron backed off a bit but continued foraging. We lost so many during a cold spell several years ago. Most of the biggest ones must have died off in our neighborhood as there were mostly small ones at first. Now they are getting pretty big and decorating our lawn. They love to eat flowers, especially impatiens.

biebkriebels said...

You made some wonderful photos of the Iguana, have never seen it so close and well.

Nancy Chan said...

The only time I saw these big iquana is at the pet shop. I think the orange colour is very attractive.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Having just returned from Costa Rica where Green Iguanas are native I was astounded to see them proliferating over south Florida. In Costa Rica they are eaten by humans at times, especially in rural areas, and I am sure you will not be surprised that they are said to taste like chicken!

MadSnapper said...

they are absolutely beautiful.. the last shot is my favorite, what a FACE! i did not know they changed colors when breeding. nothing i want to pet but i really love them

William Kendall said...

Quite a beast!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

They look downright prehistoric! While we were vacationing on St John years ago - a family of them lived in the trees around the house we rented. Sometimes they fell out!.. so we walked cautiously

Jenn Jilks said...

It's a shame when they invade an ecosystem.
They are beautiful, though. My son had an iguana when he was a kid. We sold it to someone, as he didn't have the motivation to make a salad and feed it every day.
Thanks for hosting. Have a good weekend!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

What an amazing creature, Eileen! Your photos are great.

Jeevan said...

Wow! It looks truly amazing in multi colours and spectacular shots from you on the Iguana!

Anne (cornucopia) said...

I'm not a fan of these types of creatures. They look prehistoric to me, and scary. I hope the Heron eggs and chics remain safe, with those things stalking around the nests. Ugh.

Aditya Narayan Mohanty said...

Wow shot . I hope you too like my photo blog.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
I rather like reptiles and these are mighty fine specimens! I am always interested (with ironyt) when humans say a species is 'out of control' when they mean that the species has found a way to establish and flourish in territory not originally its own... YAM xx

NatureFootstep said...

lol, both the Iguana and the young herons looks all wild. Totally wild! I would have loved seeing this :)

Brian King said...

Beautiful photos of a very cool Iguana! I like the spikes on their backs and tails.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I've never seen one of them but they are UGGGGlY! heehee! Oh my! I have hubby looking at your photos right now. What a neat place to go. Of course the baby Heron's are precious! How neat to get to see them! Weekend hugs, Diane

Lea said...

It is a pretty color, but that is one ugly lizard!
Have a great weekend!
Our forecast has about ten days of rain expressed in different ways - light rain, showers, rain, thunderstorms, misty rain, heavy rain etc. etc. etc!

Barbara Rogers said...

Good collection of Iguana photos. I wonder what it might be like walking through the woods to suddenly see one of those. I'd be pretty sure to turn around and go the other way!

Phil Slade said...

This iguanas are rather nice Eileen. But as they are non-native I can't help but think that their size and hence their appetite, makes them serious predators of native Florida birds. I hope I'm wrong.

Thanks for the Saturday hosting once again. Much appreciated.

Jeanie said...

I've never seen heron chicks and always wonder if Harry has any hanging out or if he flies solo. Wonderful photos. Can't say I'd much like to meet up with that iguana!

Debbie said...

awesome captures of the Iguana!!! they are very interesting, prehistoric looking, the colors were not what i expected. i assume their breeding color is much different than their non breeding color. your pictures are quite beautiful, showing lots of detail!!

many thanks for hosting, 270 times, wow!!!

Red said...

What a weird looking critter. they sound very invasive and that something might have to be done to control them.

Carol Blackburn said...

Well, my son would love living where these iguanas are. He has a bearded dragon at home. He used to have big, big snakes. Needless-to-say this gal doesn't visit him very often.

HappyK said...

Interesting looking creatures those iguanas.
Great capture of the baby herons.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

I always enjoy seeing the Iguana's when I visit our daughter in Florida. I am always in search of the largest ones and seeing their different colourations. Great share of them Eileen. Have a HAPPY week~

Out on the prairie said...

The iguanas must not have a lot of predators , they look so primitive.Love the heron chicks

Linda said...

I love seeing the heron chicks. Awesome iguana photos.

Bob Bushell said...

Fabulous Iguana in most photos, beautiful Eileen.

Marie Smith said...

It is good they are not bigger!

21 Wits said...

Good morning Eileen, What a fun (snow-free) post. These (I should call them handsome) iguana photos are such a delight in so many ways. I miss these lovely days of sun and grass and any and everything that isn't winter related! But it's making us stronger everyday and soon (I'm a hoping and wishing) spring will be here! Enjoy your weekend.

ellen b. said...

Wow, such an interesting creature, the green Iguana. Thanks for all the great photos. Nice captures of the young Herons, too. Happy Saturday to you!

Nancy J said...

the Iguana is not the prettiest, but so interesting to see .fascinating with the heron so close by. The baby herons, so different with not so many feathers, but still tall and regal like their mums and dads.

Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira said...

Muito belas estas iguanas e aproveito para desejar um bom fim-de-semana.

Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados

Louca por porcelana said...

Stunning pictures.Hugs.

RedPat said...

It is amazing to think such a large creature is running around free. Great pics today, Eileen!

eileeninmd said...

I would think some of these larger iguanas would be a feast if used for food. Thanks for the comment!

Jeanna said...

Wonderful and special photos, Eileen. I don't know if I've ever seen an iguana up close, I wonder what they're doing to the South Florida ecosystem. Very cool heron shots I've only seen the adults guarding the nests way up high but never a baby. They do look a little crazy though don't they?

Our photos said...

Wow, beautiful creature !

R's Rue said...

Love it so much. Blessings.

KB said...

The Iguanas are so cool

Rose said...

I would love to see the young herons in real life! The Iguana is interesting....

Linda said...

Heron chicks! How exciting. Well, Florida has some troublesome invasive species. I'd rather see an iguana than those huge snakes they have!

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Eileen; Oh, I am amazed by Green Iguana's spikes which going down it's neck, back and tail p;-) And I've noticed your reply for the comment you got; and surprised to know that they eat them in Costa Rica. Nature sometimes hard for survive, kind of sympathetic for the Heron(*^.^*)
Thank you SO much for hosting and thoughtful comments.
Sorry for my late comment; I was away from home for a couple of days.
Wishing you all a wonderful new week♫♫♫
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend, xoxo Miyako*

Hootin Anni said...

Awesome iguanas & SWEET baby herons.

rupam sarma said...

Wonderful pics.
Greetings

Sussi said...

wow! Never seen them in live, Exotic!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you so much Sussi! Enjoy your day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Rupam! Have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Anni, thanks so much for the comment. Have a happy day!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Miyako, thanks so much for the comment. Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you, I always appreciate your visits and comments. Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Regine, thanks so much! Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks KB! Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Rose, it is neat seeing the young herons. Thanks for the comment.
Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Linda, I agree about the snakes. They are worse than these iguanas. Thanks for the comment! Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks, Pat! I worried more about the gators roaming free. Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Jeanna! The heron chicks do look a little crazy, but still cute. Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you! Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the visit and comment! Have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jean,
I really loved seeing the baby herons.
I thought it was a little early to see herons chicks. The iguanas are really cool up close.
Thanks so much for the visit and comment.
I hope your day and new week are great!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Ellen, I was happy to see the young herons. Thanks so much for the comment. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Karen, I do enjoy a warm sunny day. I am looking forward to spring. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Marie! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much Bob! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks, Linda! The heron chicks are cute! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I think the gators could be a predator. The heron chicks were cute! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Mary! These colorful iguanas were neat to see. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Karen! I enjoyed seeing the heron chicks. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Carol! The pet lizards are popular. I do not care for pet snakes. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Red! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks always for linking up, Debbie! The iguanas are neat critters. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Jeanie! You could have a rookery nearby. The chicks are cute. Thanks for the comment. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Phil, I hope the Florida birds are safe from these iguanas. Thanks and enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Barbara! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Lea! I am hoping for some warmer spring weather to arrive. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hi Diane, thanks for the comment and visit. The iguanas are kind of neat to see. The heron chicks were adorable. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Brian! The Iguana's spikes were neat. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks, you should plan a trip to Florida! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Yam! These iguanas do seem to flourish in southern Florida. I think they are kind of neat looking. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Nick! I appreciate your comments and visits. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank You Jeevan! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Anne! I love all the critters. The herons seem to be very good at protecting their eggs and young. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Sandra, their colors were pretty, almost neon. Thanks and enjoy your day. Have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks William! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Karen Ann! I have seen them in the Caribbean too. I would not want one falling out of a tree onto me, lol.
Thank you! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello and thank you Jen! They are beautiful! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Nancy! Their colors are pretty. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the visit and comment. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks, Ken! I would not want these iguanas in my yard eating my plants and flowers. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Chica! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Irma! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Margaret, I remember seeing them in Costa Rica too. We saw tree filled with them. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Dee! Thank for visiting. The non native snakes in Florida are much scarier. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you! The baby herons were cute. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Tom! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Marit! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Shiju! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

Sandi said...

It took me days to scroll down to the end of the comments... ;-)

I was watching a special about Dangerous Animals (72 Most Dangerous Animals, Latin America) and they said these guys are dangerous because their bite causes infections.

Lowcarb team member said...

Lovely seeing all of your photographs.
6.6 ft. does seem long for the Green Iguanas …

All the best Jan

Bill said...

Wow, a great collection of Iguana photos. I have never seen one before, they are an interesting critter to see.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful day and new week.

Klara S said...

Hello, Eileen. It's always cool to watch pictures of Florida animals. They are so exotic to me.
Thank you for hosting.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Sandi! Thanks for the info and comment. I will make sure to keep my distance. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Jan! I appreciate your visit and comment. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Bill, they are interesting critters. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Klara! They do look exotic. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Oh, these are amazing photos, Eileen! I'm not sure I could get used to having these lurking around my gardens, though. My in-laws used to live in Del-Ray Beach, but I never saw these on our visits. So strangely beautiful. Hope you have a good week ahead. x Karen

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

It’s hard not to get excited about these interesting creatures even though we know they are invasive. We saw them in their native habitat on our Panama Canal cruise , but had already seen them where you show them here. Everything invasive seems to thrive in Florida!

carol l mckenna said...

Fantastic photos of the intriguing iguanas!

Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

eileeninmd said...

Hello Karen, thanks for the visit and for linking up this week. The iguanas were neat to see, I was amazed at how many we saw. Wishing you a happy day and new week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Sallie
I am glad everything thrives in Florida. Thanks for the comment! Enjoy your day!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Carol! Wishing you a happy day and new week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Linda! Wishing you a happy day and new week ahead.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Wow - amazing photos - I'd never heard of that lizard, and never ever seen Heron chicks - what a thrill to see them. Thanks for sharing and have a great week.

eileeninmd said...

Hello JoAnn, thanks so much for the comment and visit. Enjoy your day and have a great week ahead!

Meulen said...

Esa iguana se ve fenomenal, no se me dan algo de yuyo los lagartos grandes...
se ve hermosa si y parece que la pasa regio ahí comiéndose todo :))

MadSnapper said...

Excellent photos of the Iquanas, I do love to look at them, but they are taking over in South Florida and real pest. it is a shame. they are beautiful. I did not know they change colors when breeding.

Happy Monday!

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