It looked ragged, tired, and stooped over in the early morning light, like an old man shuffling about. Perhaps that is why the smooth-billed ani is called “Old Arnold” in the Cayman Islands. Indeed, this one even tottered about on the edge of the patio step, nearly falling off a couple of times. Fortunately, a flip of his wings and tail brought him back into balance.
Then, it flew to another part of the yard and began to nimbly chase down insects for its breakfast. It no longer appeared tired or old as he flitted about, upending my initial impression, like a of a lot of people that I know.
#smoothbilledani #oldarnold #bird #caymanislands
Eskildoodle Photos and Feelings 