Page 13 - AHATA

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local Monday 9 June 2025

Soaring through the blue skies

Birds of Aruba

(Oranjestad)—Aruba’s na- ing songbird whose bright
ture is very diverse and is orange feathers can be Prikichi (parakeet)
home to several beautiful spotted from a far distance. The Brown-throated Prikichi
and majestic wildlife. Among Known to be the first bird to (Aratinga pertinax) became
these is the bright Trupial, sing at the first sign of sunrise, the national bird of Aruba
whose angelic voice is al- this beloved songbird likes back in 2015, at the request
ways heard with the rising to wake up with a tune. But of Aruba Birdlife Conserva-
sun; the cuddly parakeet, don’t let their angelic songs tion. The bright green, ador-
always in company of an- fools you; the Trupial can be able parakeet usually flies in
other, and the majestic War- a bit aggressive towards any flock of 30 or more, but its
awara, a mighty bird that threat, protective over their population has been declin- bird of prey mostly feeds can do our part in protecting
can be seen soaring in the nesting spots—nesting spots ing since the 2010s. Prikichis on dead animals. Its coat is our sacred nature.q
clear blue skies. they most likely stole from are a shier breed than the dark brown, with a cream-
other birds. Trupials can be trupial, often flying away at colored neck, orange face, Photo Credit: Aruba Birdlife
Trupial seen regularly, often in trees the sign of any threat. They thick beak and long legs. Conservation
Icterus icterus, or known lo- or on top of a cactus. use termite nests for breed- The Warawara prefers to
cally as the Venezuelan or Photo Credit: Daniel Ruben ing spots and feed mostly on build its nest in the middle
Orange Troupial, is a strik- Gonzalez seeds from the Kwihi tree, Divi of tall cacti and produces
Divi tree and fruits. a rattling, screaming sound,
Photo Credit: Daniel Ruben throwing its head back onto
Gonzalez its back while calling.

Warawara While these birds are a beau-
The Warawara or Caracara tiful sight to behold, it is very
is one of the biggest birds important to keep your dis-
found in the Aruban mondi. tance and respect their habi-
At a heigh of 41 to 60 cm, tats. This is how we protect
their wingspan can mea- our wildlife. By admiring the
sure up to 125 cm. Known beauty of Aruba in a safe
as the “garbage man”, this and respectful manner, we

Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 miles Flow of history 19th-century barbershop, just to you walk around, the streets are si-
southeast from Oranjestad you if you are looking for history San name a few of the items of old-time lent but the walls are loud, filled with
will enter the city San Nicolas, also Nicolas has it. Here you will find Aruba that has been preserved. A bright, colorful murals painted by a
known as Sunrise City or Chocolate three amazing museums, The Mu- collection of artifacts and other ob- collection of artists from around the
City. A city that is rich in authentic seum of Industry, the Community jects of artistic, cultural, historical, or world. Thanks to the efforts of vari-
culture and island charm. San Nico- Museum and the Carnival Eupho- scientific importance can be found ous art organizations in Aruba, such
las is Aruba’s second largest city ria, all within walking distance from here for the purpose of education as Art Rules Aruba and Aruba Art
and was once a bustling company one another. or enjoyment. Fair, San Nicolas has had quite the
town dominated by the oil industry The Museum of Industry is situated Carnival Euphoria is showcasing aesthetic makeover with regards to
since the early 1930’s. in the Water Tower in San Nicolas Aruba’s Carnival. See how are Car- vibrant street art. Each year more
and narrates Aruba's industrial his- nival has developed over the past and more stunning murals are re-
Over the course of four decades, tory which began in the 19th cen- 65 years. placing broken down buildings with
its demographics had changed im- tury. Here you will learn about gold, colorful art pieces that keep bright-
mensely due to a stream of Afro- aloe, phosphate, oil and the tourism The new San Nicolas ening up SunriseCity.
Caribbean and South American industries which made San Nicolas In the shadow of the refinery, an
workers who came to fill the jobs in once a bustling business center. art capital is quietly beginning to Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
the oil refinery between the 1920’s Experience the touching stories of grow. This is the new San Nicolas, A little bit of everything can be
until the 1960’s. To this day traces of those who were part of this history. a place that is starting to become found in the main street. Stores
the multicultural influences in culi- Nicolaas Store built in 1940 and ren- a magnet for all that is young, cool selling shoes, clothing, jewelry you
nary offerings and customs, housing ovated in 2014 is the home of the and hip in Aruba. Indeed, San Nico- name it. Don’t miss out on trying the
and population are clearly visible in Community Museum. The collection las has all of the ingredients of an exquisite food offered by the ca-
San Nicolas - more than anywhere is remarkable and spans millennia. emerging cultural hub — varied his- fes and restaurants or just enjoy a
else on the island. Ancient fossils stand next to tab- tory, interesting architecture, and, peaceful walk admiring the murals,
leaus of an authentically recreated perhaps most importantly, an urban mosaic benches and all the history
colonial kitchen and bedroom and layout that makes it walkable. As San Nicolas has to offer.q