160 R. H. Masure—The Birds of a Carribean Cruise


end of the trail we saw a large tree inhabited by a chattering

flock of Petz’s Conures (Eupsittula canicularis) or “ Parakeetas ” in

the Spanish vernacular. As we retraced our steps we saw a magnificent

pair of Macaws (Am macao or A. chloroptera) screeching as they flew

across the sky, a thrill which I will never forget. Then we had the

good fortune to see some Toucans at close range and a small flock

of Euphonia Tanagers (Tanagra crassirostris). It was very difficult

to observe the details of birds’ plumage because the vegetation was

very thick, and the light quite dim, and the birds were usually flying

about or perched high in the large trees, some of which were about as

high as a six or seven story building. About noon when we were nearing

our landing place we encountered a light shower. As it was hot and

damp we hardly minded the additional moisure, until it made observing

through glasses impossible, when I decided to cut a large banana

leaf which made a wonderful umbrella balanced on my head. For

the sake of variety I cut a huge palm leaf and carried it above my

head to ward ofl the rain. Coming up to a large coco-nut palm our

guide asked us if we would like some fresh coco-nut milk. As I seemed

enthusiastic he proceeded to knock down a large coco-nut with a

long branch of a tree, and chopped the end ofl with his macheta, the

native knife and implement of all work. I drank the cool milk and

really felt just a little primitive. Contrary to the popular “ South

Seas ” notion the natives in Central American do not ascend the tall

trees to gather the coco-nuts but use a large stick to “ poke ” them down.


Soon after this we left the jungle trail in our little boat bound for

Santa Tomas, a small primitive Indian settlement between our first

landing and Puerto Barrios. Santa Tomas was originally a Belgian

colony and a flourishing one until Barrios was built. It was interesting

to see people in this settlement, which resembled a cow pasture with

rambling frame shacks, that were very light and quite European looking,

probably descendants of the original Belgian settlers. The sun was

very hot and the air dry but we were fairly comfortable as we proceeded

from hut to hut inquiring for “ monos y pacheros ”, monkeys and birds.

On inquiring about a ripe and lucious papaya we saw on a roof, I dis¬

covered a beautiful Yellow-cheeked Amazon Parrot (Amazona autum-

nalis) perched in a small tree in front of the house. Peter inquired



