Blue Saki (Thraupis episcopus)

The blue saki or blue-gray tanager (Thraupis episcopusis) a well-known and common bird in Guyana. They inhabit a range from Mexico South to Bolivia and in Northern Brazil. The bird is called blue jean in Trinidad and Tobago.

Blue saki

It primary diet consists of fruits (frugivore). For this reason, they are considered as very effective seed dispersers; however they may also feed on nectar and insects. The bird measures about six to seven (6-7) inches in length, which includes its two inch long tail. The sexes are similar, but the immature is much duller in plumage. They are extremely social birds and usually seen in pairs or small groups. Pairs remain together year-round and often accompanied by adult offspring, as well as other foraging flocks containing unrelated individuals (Dmitri Allicock).

The Blue Saki was especially popularized in the 1970’s by Guyanese Legend, Dave Martins who wrote an inspirational song called “Not a blade of grass” during the border conflict with Guyana and Venezuela (check the video below). Over the last year, this song has once again resurfaced in its popularity due to the renewed border conflict between Guyana and its western neighbour.

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Guyana 50th anniversary

Today marks 50 years since British colony of Guiana became Guyana. "The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free." (Former President, Burnham)

Rare Full Moon on Christmas day

A full moon coinciding with Christmas does not happen often — usually, once every 19 years. But this time, it is different, because a full moon on Christmas hasn't happened in nearly four decades. The last one was in 1977, and that's because of the vagaries of our calendar and a lunar cycle known for almost 2,500 years ( Space.com )

Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)

The Kiskadee ( Pitangus sulphuratus ) bird is arguably the most popular and well known birds in Guyana. The great kiskadee-as it is also known as- is a large member of the flycatcher family. It is about ten inches in length. It has black and white stripes on the crown and sides of its head. The kiskadee feeds on insects like beetles, grasshoppers and bees. However, it also feeds on berries, seeds, mice, frogs, fish and lizards. It also will dive straight into the water to catch fish. The kiskadee can be found from extreme southern Texas south to Argentina. The great kiskadee is named for its loud "kis-ka-dee " call. They travel in pairs and aggressively protect their nesting territory. Kiskadees are known to be monogamous. A male will mate with only one female. Mating season begins in late March. References 1. http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/greatkiskadee.htm 2. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Kiskadee/id

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