Today marks the beginning of a new/old series for us. It’s old in the sense that we have done a similar series in the past, but not for a long time. We are going to select a specific subject for each post. Today, for example, is on iguanas. Our next post will be on elephant seals, and the time after on pelicans. We chose these three to kick off the series because we find them wonderfully weird. They also represent reptiles, mammals and birds.
Given that we have 100,000 (plus or minus) photos in our photo library that we’ve gathered over 25 years of wandering the world, there will be no lack of subjects for future posts. We will, of course, continue to do posts on our ongoing adventures as they take place. As always, photos appearing on our blogs have been taken by either Peggy or me unless otherwise noted.
I am also going to do a new series titled Ut-Oh, which is how I pronounced uh-oh as a child. But more on that in the next few weeks.
Let’s imagine for a second that you look through a peephole in your door and see this eye staring back at you. I don’t know about you, but my reaction would be to follow the bartender’s advice and “Run!” Or at least bar the door with anything available! “Oh, Peggy, could you lend a shoulder here…” I’ve named the photo The Eye of the Iguana in honor of the classic 1964 movie, The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, and Deborah Kerr. Like Burton’s iguana, ours was hanging out in Puerto Vallarta. As the peep hole scenario suggests, it wanted in. He wasn’t pounding on our door, however…It was scratching loudly on our frosted window. Other than big and possibly scary, we didn’t have a clue what it was. I opened our door just far enough so I could see out— and close it immediately necessary. Just in case, you know.Here’s what I saw: a huge male iguana. But what did it want? Had it come by demanding arugula? I took a photo from another angle and found the answer.it was staring at its image. I don’t think he was thinking, “My, what an handsome guy you are.” It was more like “Who are you and what are you doing in my territory. Get out now!” He was obviously trying to get at his competition. Peggy came out and sat on our doorstep to watch him. “Hey, Curt,” she asked, “what if we leave our door open? Do you think he will come in?” That’s Peggy, for you. Okay…“Hola, amigo. ¿Estás abrigando a un invasor?” (Hello friend. Are you harboring an invader?) I’d say it took him about three minutes to poke his head through the door and look around…..And a few seconds to invite himself in. Check out those claws! No wonder his scratching was so loud. That’s his tail coming along behind. Like his smaller cousins (normal size lizards), he can detach it if something grabs it thinking about dinner, like a very large snake or puma.He did a thorough search, pausing to look around. We kept our feet up off the floor.And then sat down, as if he wanted to chat with us about where the other iguana went. Like was there a reason we had closed our bedroom door? Grin. Actually, the answer was yes. Can you imagine this fellow sleeping under your bed? Talk about childhood nightmares!He truly was a handsome fellow. He wandered around for about 20 minutes and then, satisfied that he was still the biggest iguana in the neighborhood, went back outside.
These large representatives of the reptile class are herbivores and relatively peaceful. People even keep them as pets. It’s said that they enjoy being petted and eating arugula.
Two of their prominent characteristics are dewlaps and spines. Dewlaps are the large flap of skin hanging down from their chins. They are used for thermoregulation, communication, and courtship, i.e. gaining or losing heat, scaring off competition or predators, and attracting females— the larger the dewlap, the greater the attraction. Size matters. Females also have dewlaps, but they are smaller.
A couple of other interesting facts: One, they are great swimmers. They often jump from trees into water when a predator is after them. Two, they can jump from great heights without harm, up to 50 feet. It isn’t always a jump, however. When the temperature drops to 50° F or below, their bodies ‘freeze’ up and they come cashing down. Every once in a while when Florida suffers from a cold spell, headlines warn, “Watch out for falling iguanas.” They aren’t kidding.
A huge one fell out of a tree and landed about a foot away from our two-year-old daughter Tasha when she was sleeping outside in Panama. Needless to say, she was quickly moved.
We also found this much smaller green iguana running around in our yard gobbling down plants. There are some 35 different species of iguanas. Check out the tongue.A closer look. The now missing plant is being swallowed. Is the iguana licking its chops? Yum.
There is a small, narrow island, La Isla del Rio Cuale, on the Cuale River that runs through the heart of Puerto Vallarta where iguanas like to hang out. Open air restaurants along the river provide a front row seat for watching them and the birds. Peggy and I always try to grab a seat right next to the river.
My grandson, Ethan, grabbed our camera and took this photo when he was 9. The iguana was on the ground checking us out.Our grandsons Ethan and Cody having fun with the art in Puerto Vallarta, 2013.Another iguana climbing down a tree. Their long claws are what enable them to climb. The also use them to slow their falls when jumping down, which can lead to injured toes like this guy displays on his right foot.I’ll close with this youngster who was looking down at us from the roof.Next up: Elephant seals. We found this big guy at Point Reyes National Seashore, California.
24 thoughts on “An Iguana, an Elephant Seal, and a Pelican Walked into a Bar… Run, the Bartender Screamed!”
I’ve had squirrels and anoles come in to chat (and no doubt to look for food), but that iguana would give me pause. On the other hand, I probably would have left the door open for it too, just to find out what would happen. In this case, what happened was pure delight.
Interesting critters! Reflected image – reminds me of the year we had a pheasant in our neighbourhood that attacked the image of itself that it saw in my chrome car bumper. Sometimes it would chase my car if I drove away.
We had turkeys when we lived in Oregon that did the same thing. Funnier than heck to watch them. I’m sure you were equally amused with your pheasant. Especially when it was running down the road. We once had a cardinal that insisted on breeding with the one he saw in our van’s mirror. That was pretty funny too. I think he was really pleased that she was still waiting each time he came back.
Such prehistoric critters! Not sure I would invite one in but so interesting to observe! And the grandchildren are so sweet! They must be very grown up now. Hope your Thanksgiving was fun! The weather here is very Decemberish and cold at night. Snow on the passes but I really enjoy December. I look forward to more adventures with you two next year while I sit in my cozy little apartment and look out across the rooftops of Olympia! Love you two!
Cold here as well, Wendy. Supposed to snow tonight. Peggy and I have to really bundle up when we head out for our walks. The days of heading our in a short sleeve shirt in 40° weather have long since past! Stay warm my friend and enjoy your view. –Curt
They’re so Jurassic! Really handsome, though, with those colors and patterns on their skin. I’d be right there with Peggy, seeing what happened if we opened the door. Great photos, Curt. I’m looking forward to the series – always entertaining. Happy holidays to you both. 😀
One of my favorite creatures for sure, D. And its visit was such a treat. Thanks. I’m going to have fun with the new series. Happy Holidays to you and your family as well.
Well, this was entertaining, Curt, because I’ve always been fascinated with reptiles as long as there’s a barrier between the reptile and me. 🙂 Your visitor in the beginning is huge! And those claws! Wow! I can’t imagine having one as a pet, but I suppose it’s what we get used to. They’re definitely prehistoric, and you had me laughing at loud from your humor. Back to the iguana, It makes you wonder what he wanted if he just looked around inside, then walked back out. Oh, and falling iguanas. Yikes! The boys are adorable! I look forward to the elephant seals, and Point Reyes is one of our favorite destinations. Thanks for this great post! 🦎
He was one big boy, Lauren. The way he was going after his reflection in our frosted window, he had come in to run his competition out of the neighborhood! One of my followers, Crystal Trulove had one as a pet for a while. It was 5 1/2 feet long. Her only problem she told me above, was that it’s tail was like a wrecking ball! Pt. Reyes is one of my all time favorites as well! When I lived in Sacramento and the mountains were snowed in, it was my favorite escape. Thanks.
I can’t imagine his tail because Copper’s tail used to have the same effect! 🙂 Cheers to Pt. Reyes!
That peep hold photo is awesome, Curt and the detail is exquisite. I always love seeing the iguana’s in Mexico!. Have you seen the Komodo Dragons in Bali? They are something else too. Looks like you could have had a new pet! Yikes a flying fallen one on your little one had to be a little scary, even for you. lol. The boys were adorable. Loving the series so far and glad you’re having fun!!! ❣️
I went to Bali once when I had taken a few months off to wander through the South Pacific back in the 70s. I didn’t see any but understand that Bali is the main departure point for going to where they are! Also that their zoo has a great display of them. Guess I’ll find out. We are committed to taking our 20 year old grandson there in May. 😀
Oh that’s sooo awesome. Make sure you see the Komodo Dragons! 🐉 I LOVE Bali and would go every year but don’t love the time change. You’ll have the best time! We went for 3 weeks twice… I miss it!! ❤️
Oh, so you draw the line at the bedroom?! I don’t know why that cracked me up; I do understand not wanting to lose a large iguana under the bed, but I guess I thought losing it in the main part of the house might not be ideal either!
He behaved like a true gentleman, Lexi, a good houseguest. Had he caught up with the iguana he thought was in our house, I suspect things would have been different…
Ethan was a pretty great photographer – does he still use a camera? I just adore iguanas, and loved these fabulous photos. I must have told you I had one as a pet for a few years. He was a rescue, so I got him at 4 feet long and he was soon 5 1/2 feet long. We had some good times, and they are amazing climbers! But as a house pet, the tails are wrecking balls, ha ha!
I remembered the story about your pet iguana, Crystal, once you mentioned it. What an adventure that must have been! 5 1/2 feet of iguana would have been quite a lizard! I bet that tail could do a bit of damage. I had a basset hound once who I think could have qualified as a wrecking ball as well once his tail got wiggling. We always had to make sure nothing was near the edge of our coffee table.
Other things than iguanas occupy Ethan’s time now: job, college, girl, laser printing, jiu jitsu, making ice cream, etc. Grin. We are taking him with us to Bali in May.
Wandering through Time and Place 
I’ve had squirrels and anoles come in to chat (and no doubt to look for food), but that iguana would give me pause. On the other hand, I probably would have left the door open for it too, just to find out what would happen. In this case, what happened was pure delight.
Delight is a good word for it Linda.
Interesting critters! Reflected image – reminds me of the year we had a pheasant in our neighbourhood that attacked the image of itself that it saw in my chrome car bumper. Sometimes it would chase my car if I drove away.
We had turkeys when we lived in Oregon that did the same thing. Funnier than heck to watch them. I’m sure you were equally amused with your pheasant. Especially when it was running down the road. We once had a cardinal that insisted on breeding with the one he saw in our van’s mirror. That was pretty funny too. I think he was really pleased that she was still waiting each time he came back.
Such prehistoric critters! Not sure I would invite one in but so interesting to observe! And the grandchildren are so sweet! They must be very grown up now. Hope your Thanksgiving was fun! The weather here is very Decemberish and cold at night. Snow on the passes but I really enjoy December. I look forward to more adventures with you two next year while I sit in my cozy little apartment and look out across the rooftops of Olympia! Love you two!
Cold here as well, Wendy. Supposed to snow tonight. Peggy and I have to really bundle up when we head out for our walks. The days of heading our in a short sleeve shirt in 40° weather have long since past! Stay warm my friend and enjoy your view. –Curt
I have friends living in Puerto Vallarta. I wonder if your iguana has called on them too.
I would hope so. Grin.
Iguanas, such amazing colorful beings!
Indeed they are!
They’re so Jurassic! Really handsome, though, with those colors and patterns on their skin. I’d be right there with Peggy, seeing what happened if we opened the door. Great photos, Curt. I’m looking forward to the series – always entertaining. Happy holidays to you both. 😀
One of my favorite creatures for sure, D. And its visit was such a treat. Thanks. I’m going to have fun with the new series. Happy Holidays to you and your family as well.
❄️🎅🏼🎁🎄
Well, this was entertaining, Curt, because I’ve always been fascinated with reptiles as long as there’s a barrier between the reptile and me. 🙂 Your visitor in the beginning is huge! And those claws! Wow! I can’t imagine having one as a pet, but I suppose it’s what we get used to. They’re definitely prehistoric, and you had me laughing at loud from your humor. Back to the iguana, It makes you wonder what he wanted if he just looked around inside, then walked back out. Oh, and falling iguanas. Yikes! The boys are adorable! I look forward to the elephant seals, and Point Reyes is one of our favorite destinations. Thanks for this great post! 🦎
He was one big boy, Lauren. The way he was going after his reflection in our frosted window, he had come in to run his competition out of the neighborhood! One of my followers, Crystal Trulove had one as a pet for a while. It was 5 1/2 feet long. Her only problem she told me above, was that it’s tail was like a wrecking ball! Pt. Reyes is one of my all time favorites as well! When I lived in Sacramento and the mountains were snowed in, it was my favorite escape. Thanks.
I can’t imagine his tail because Copper’s tail used to have the same effect! 🙂 Cheers to Pt. Reyes!
That peep hold photo is awesome, Curt and the detail is exquisite. I always love seeing the iguana’s in Mexico!. Have you seen the Komodo Dragons in Bali? They are something else too. Looks like you could have had a new pet! Yikes a flying fallen one on your little one had to be a little scary, even for you. lol. The boys were adorable. Loving the series so far and glad you’re having fun!!! ❣️
I went to Bali once when I had taken a few months off to wander through the South Pacific back in the 70s. I didn’t see any but understand that Bali is the main departure point for going to where they are! Also that their zoo has a great display of them. Guess I’ll find out. We are committed to taking our 20 year old grandson there in May. 😀
Oh that’s sooo awesome. Make sure you see the Komodo Dragons! 🐉 I LOVE Bali and would go every year but don’t love the time change. You’ll have the best time! We went for 3 weeks twice… I miss it!! ❤️
Oh, so you draw the line at the bedroom?! I don’t know why that cracked me up; I do understand not wanting to lose a large iguana under the bed, but I guess I thought losing it in the main part of the house might not be ideal either!
He behaved like a true gentleman, Lexi, a good houseguest. Had he caught up with the iguana he thought was in our house, I suspect things would have been different…
Ethan was a pretty great photographer – does he still use a camera? I just adore iguanas, and loved these fabulous photos. I must have told you I had one as a pet for a few years. He was a rescue, so I got him at 4 feet long and he was soon 5 1/2 feet long. We had some good times, and they are amazing climbers! But as a house pet, the tails are wrecking balls, ha ha!
I remembered the story about your pet iguana, Crystal, once you mentioned it. What an adventure that must have been! 5 1/2 feet of iguana would have been quite a lizard! I bet that tail could do a bit of damage. I had a basset hound once who I think could have qualified as a wrecking ball as well once his tail got wiggling. We always had to make sure nothing was near the edge of our coffee table.
Other things than iguanas occupy Ethan’s time now: job, college, girl, laser printing, jiu jitsu, making ice cream, etc. Grin. We are taking him with us to Bali in May.
Ooooh!! Take me too! ha ha