THE SYMBOL OF A RESILIENT BAHAMAS
THE BAHAMA PARROT
Hurricane Dorian makes landfall on Abaco later today. The island has been in an unwavering direct line for several days, gaining force to Cat. 4** while slowing down as it approaches. The skies have darkened, the seas are turbulent, danger to humans, wildlife, property, landscape is imminent.
** UPDATE just before landfall today, Dorian strengthened to a rare and very dangerous Cat. 5 hurricane. This is when not just property and land is threatened, but life itself. Early reports are of flooding and structural damage. Now is not the moment to pick through the information filtering through. Better to assess the impact after the storm has passed on to the north-west, where it is currently headed via Grand Bahama.
When we first became involved with Abaco, the parrot numbers were believed to be fewer than 1000, a barely sustainable population. An intensive, continuing conservation program over several years has seen the numbers treble or more. This recovery is as much due to the resilience of the species as to human intervention.
The parrots will be lying low in the National Park, some in the limestone caves they nest in during the breeding season. As humans take equivalent protective measures we are watching from a thankfully safe distance. We wish the very best of luck to our friends, and to all on the island and its cays during the next 48 hours.
Each Bahamian, every living creature, remains in our thoughts and prayers. Glad to know you were a safe distance away. We live in an area demolished by Hurricane Katrina so many years ago. Many are still recovering but remain strong and hopeful. It’s a long road back but people are so amazingly resilient. Our hearts go out to you all!
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Hi Jody, thanks so much for your thoughts and concern. A very tough time for the people of the islands, all of them. Are you still blogging? And how is Alana and her music (have I remembered right?)
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Well it’s good news to hear from you! The reports and images of the island we’ve seen showed the awful devastation which is seriously distressing.
The storm is here now. It arrived during the early morning hours with heavy wind and rain even though it wasn’t supposed to start until noon. A tornado has already hit land.
We are hoping to ride it out today as best we can. Still have power at the moment which means I have coffee and AC.
Keep us updated if you can on your situation. Still keeping a good thought for you and hope things improve.
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Soon after I sent my msj I heard the Dorian news for Carolina. The very best of luck weathering the storm – and May your A/C, comms, and coffee last the duration. Take care.
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Woe for the West Indian Woodpeckers and our Abaco Parrots. Events like this could push them toward extinction. Island species are especially vulnerable.
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Let’s hope the parrots are in their caves and that these don’t flood… And woe for the Kirtland’s (if any). And the PIPL and my 8-month annual project that was going so well (10 banded, 8 returners, all ID’d). I saw Susan S D’s posts about you both. Are you OK? And do you have TC news? There’s very little coming out of there right now. Best, K
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Praying for your safety and for the well-being of all those affected by this catastrophic hurricane!
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Much appreciated! Thanks for your concern.
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Stay safe!!
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Thoughts and prayers continuing for the Bahamas…. 🙏
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Scary time.
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My heart is with all Bahamians as you endure Dorian. May you safely weather this historic hurricane!!
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Thank you for your thoughts
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I have been thinking of.you and yours in the face of the hurricane and hoping for the best possible outcome. Wishing for resilience for all creatures there in the days to come. Best, Babsje
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Kind thoughts, and much appreciated. A very big hit for northern Baha. Within 48 hours or so we’ll know the extent of it…
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Praying you all stay safe in the Bahamas #HurricaneDorian 🙏
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Beautiful parrots and I hope they manage to find shelter as the storm moves through.
I also hope you and yours also emerged unscathed from this dangerous storm.
I’ve been thinking about you as I follow the reports and we await what looks to be a direct hit on the Carolinas later in the week.
Best wishes and good luck to you all.
Phil
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Hi Phil, thanks for your kind thoughts and concern. I am lucky – I’m not on Abaco now. But many friends are there, and I am on the island (online) every day. The devastation is near total, esp. the main (= only) town. Grand Bahama took its share. I’ve stopped looking at tracking but I’m hoping the storm didn’t get to Carolinas, or at least not with significant force. Kind of you to get in touch, appreciated.
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