June is nesting season for noddies in the Bahamas. Along the cliffs
and uplifted coral outcrops, the noddies tend their nests.
These birds are from Thunderball Island where segments of the James Bond
movie, Thunderball, were filmed. Although I enjoyed snorkeling in
Thunderball Cave, for me the real treat was seeing the island's noddies
while they were nesting
I don't speak noddie language, so I don't know what the noddies are saying,
but based on their body language, it appears that these birds really do care
for each other. It looks like these birds are snuggling. What do
you think? Do birds snuggle?
This noddie has opted for a simple nest on the ground, and this spot should
work just fine. It's inaccesible to predators and has elevated sides
so the egg won't roll out and the noddie young won't fall out either.
It also has a good view of Thunderball Cave. What more could you ask
from a nest?
This noddie is giving me a tongue lashing. He is not happy that I am
inside his bubble, and he is squawking out his displeasure. Although
he's not sticking his orange tongue out at me, he's giving it quite a work
out. Although I don't know exactly what he said, I got the message and
backed off.
These two noddies are discussing where they will build their nest.
Fortunately, in Noddie Land, you don't need a realtor, lawyers, a down
payment, or a thirty year mortgage to make your nest. You can satisfy
your nesting instinct with a simple bush, nook, or cranny anywhere in the
coral outcrops.
This curious noddie let me approach within two feet of his perch. He
remained silent as he quizzically examined the alien invader with a camera
floating by on the gray Avon dingy. This bird is not tame, but he also
is not afraid. Imagine what the world would be like if all the animals
could trust us to not harm them. They would go about their
business, and we would go about ours, and both of us would live long and
prosper. It would be a wonderful world. Come to think of it, it is a
wonderful world, and life is good.
