Almost every day here in San Clemente, Ecuador we do something or another that we never did back in Ohio. For example, about a week ago Mary went into our guest bedroom to get some items packed for our trip when she noticed a two to two and a half feet long iguana on the window ledge inside the room. We are not sure how the little guy got into the house, but he was desperately trying to get out through a screened window. Our friend Javier was at our home and helped us and the iguana out by picking up the uninvited guest and escorting him outside.
Iguanas outside are fascinating creatures, but inside the house they are quite scary unwanted pests!
Not to worry – iguana sightings are a part of our life here in San Clemente. Mary and I saw a huge iguana of a different species than the normal green iguanas in our front yard a week or two ago. That iguana was perhaps five feet long with dark black coloring. I was working sanding some wood slats and did not get pictures of that odd iguana though.
A few days ago I was resting beneath our maracuyá vine arbor when I heard the sound of something moving overhead. I got up and spotted this tale-tell clue as to what was moving about on the maracuyá.
I went inside to get my camera and then began the process of trying to spot the rest of the iguana in the deep green leaves. The top of the arbor is about seven feet tall, so I went around and got up on the water cistern tank for a better vantage.
Aha! There he is trying not to move to allow his camouflage to hide him from view. Look a bit closer.
I crept closer to see if I could get a full picture of the green lizard hiding in our green arbor. Mary stepped out onto the deck and asked what I was doing. After I explained she searched for the iguana too and said, “I see it, but it is over on this end now.” I looked over by where she was pointing and indeed did discover a second iguana closer to the house.
I moved over to that side and got some closer pictures of that iguana too.
While I was watching the iguanas they nonchalantly began eating our maracuyá plant leaves and I decided it was time to prompt the rascals out of the vines and into the trees where they would do less damage. I got the garden hose and sprayed the water directly on the lizards only to learn that they love water and seemed to bask in the free shower.
They are leery of humans though and when I moved closer and prodded the leaves near them they both hustled down to the ground and scurried toward the security of the trees.
Before this one left he tried to intimidate me with the flared neck skin and bobbing head motion we have observed aggressive iguanas use to warn off potential threats.
But, I just moved closer to get more pictures.
He eventually took the hint and jumped to the ground before running to the wall.
We do not really think the iguana will do too much damage to the maracuyá as the plants grow wild all around this area and our fruit seem to be coming along nicely.
It is a battle at times though. Maybe soon we will document the ongoing battle we are having with Ecuadorian ground doves trying to roost directly over our patio and deck area.
There is always an adventure waiting for us in our yard (and occasionally inside the house) here where…
Life is good in Ecuador!
Great close ups and I agree …better to see these outside. 😀
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Thank you, Eileen. Iguana are pretty good subjects for photography because they will let you get to a point without moving choosing instead to rely on camouflage, but as soon as you get a bit too close they shoot off in a blur. I was very happy with that shot I put first with the clarity of the eyes and scales. Fascinating (outdoor only) creatures!
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As always John, great pics. The place is looking awesome.
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Thank you, Lyndell. I wish I had taken a moment to photograph the one in the house or the big black one in the yard.
Good to hear from you. JandM
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Friends in Costa Rica always warned me,”Lisa.. be careful of that tail…” Apparently the larger iguanas use their tails for self defense….
I love how well the iguana merges with the foliage… Nature’s ability to adapt and hide in plain sight is amazing…
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True! It is amazing. I will see the iguana for a minute and then look down to adjust my camera and look up and swear that the thing has moved only to see it sitting still right where I left it. I have been on several boat trips up the river from the boca in San Jacinto and the boat operator, Pasqual always calls out iguanas in the trees long before I see them. It is unbelievable how well they blend into the foliage.
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The same with spotting birds! The locals are amazing with their ability to see what we don’t!
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I remember being so proud of myself when I spotted a nest from an hornero bird. I pointed it out to Ramon and he promptly pointed to three or four more. Ooops! Missed those.
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