Page 12 - AHATA

Friday 8 July 2022 locAl
A10

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

Bubali Magic
This beautiful close-up im-
age of the pink bird is cour-
tesy of Michiel Overstee-
gen of the Aruba Birdlife
Conservation. This impor-
tant foundation showcases
and builds awareness of
Aruba’s birds and other na-
tive flora and fauna. You
may have seen a ‘pink
cloud’ lately at the Bubali
ST. CRUZ — The national ucational and informative or Spanish Lagoon Wet-
park Arikok comprises al- programs and fun activities lands areas? It’s most likely
most 18 % of the island. Its is available. to be Roseate Spoonbills
rugged terrain, desert-like (Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon
hills filled with tall cacti, Did you know that four of Cora’ as they are known in
breathtaking coastline and the in total seven species Papiamento. This unusual
protected local flora and of sea turtle lay their eggs looking bird forages in shal-
fauna welcome you to be on Aruba's beaches? In low muddy water while
explored. There is numer- the national park, a Least sweeping its flattened bill
ous wildlife to discover like Tern (Sternula antillarum) from side to side to catch
for example the sea turtle keeps a strict eye on a very small fish, crustaeceans
who lays his eggs on the special event taking place and other aquatic inverte-
park’s beaches. There are below on the beach: a brates. The Roseate Spoon-
more places on the island majestic Leatherback (Der- bill remains an uncommon
that are a preserved area mochelys coriacea) heads sight as they are vulnerable
like the Bubali Plas which is back to sea after laying to degradation of feeding to go beyond this and get sequences to flora and fau-
a bird sanctuary. her eggs, while another and nesting habitats (Wet- an idea of our entire island. na. Motorized vehicles are
nest laid 2 months ago by lands). (Source: arikok na- Lately there is a discussion forbidden to drive on the
The national park Arikok the same female hatches. tional park) going on about the effect sand dunes in the Northern
takes you on a memorable A very rare occurrence certain activities have on part of the island and all
journey of the islands past of daytime nesting and The aforementioned is just our nature, for example the beaches in Aruba are for-
offering unique geological, hatching. Sea turtles pre- a part of what Aruba’s na- ATV vehicles cause a lot of bidden for any motorized
cultural and historical sites. fer nesting in the cool and ture has to offer. We can- dust, noise and leave tire vehicle. Treasure our island
These can all be enjoyed dark hours of the night. And not stress enough to go, see tracks. Animals live in these to enjoy it like you do: as a
and explored either on hatchlings usually wait for for yourself. The island has areas where the vehicles tropical and natural para-
your own or during guided the cue of cooling surface the most beautiful beach- run, often with high speed dise. We truly appreciate
tours. A wide variety of ed- sand before emerging. es but it is also worthwhile and with detrimental con- it!q

Birds of Aruba

ORANJESTAD — On May 11th, 2010, the Aruba Facebook page.
Birdlife Conservation was founded with the aim
of protecting the biodiversity in general and The Great Egret
birds in and around Aruba in particular. Serenity in Aruba’s National Park, a Great Egret
flying in peace. When it is peaceful and quite,
Among other things, the foundation will focus beautiful things start happening in nature.
on increasing the survival chances of species
of wild birds by promoting their preservation Canadian in the house
and conservation. The foundation publishes The breeding season is over and it’s getting
the most beautiful pictures of local birds on pretty cold in North America. Shore birds have
their social media that show us the beauty of started moving southwards as early as July. This
Aruba’s birds and nature in general. Aruba To- wetland beauty wants to keep its toes warm.
day gives you a little peek with the following Our Canadian friends know exactly where
pictures and descriptions from the foundations they can do so best. A Greater Yellowlegs re-

discovering Aruba’s Bubali Wetlands.

Cabochon
In its living form of so much more value than
any gemstone. Aruba’s smallest and most
master of flight. A top pollinator. A hovering
Blenchi inspecting the human who just en-
tered his territory.
English: Blue-tailed Emerald (male) Dutch:
Blauwstaartsmaragdkolibrie (mannetje).

Aruba’s to enjoy. Aruba’s to protect.q