We have been concerned with recent reports that there has been a precipitous decline in birds in our area.  We can certainly attest to that reality.  There are far fewer birds, either permanent residents or migratory, in the trees behind The Little Hacienda since we’ve been here. We have a couple of doves now, but nothing else.  Usually we have a huge influx of Gackles this time of year, but none yet.  Hoping our Cardinals return in February, but who knows.

Same on the beach.  In the winter months we usually see huge flocks of migratory birds- Willets, Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy Turnstones, other Plover, large colonies of different gulls. and my favorite, Black Skimmers- I was bemoaning the lack of birds this morning on my beach walk, when I saw a small flight of Skimmers.  Maybe they’re just late in arriving.  Skimmers are so cool, a medium-bodied bird with an enormous wing-span and a beautiful, long beak and an underbite.  They fly low over the surf and scoop micro-food from the water with their lower beak.  Very impressive.

But there is interesting news.

Some of our walking friends found this on the beach recently, and were unsure what it was.  On first look it appears to be plastic trash, but on closer examination you can see it is bone.

I thought it might be something turtle, and sure enough, with a little research, it appears to us to be a Loggerhead turtle rib! See below.  You can see the sets of ribs matching this piece.  Who knew Loggerheads had ribs?

Save the turtles, and the birds!