A note on the wildlife in Tortola

(Tortola is the island we live on)

10.01.2011

There are two species of “wildlife” here that try their best to ensure that we do not settle in well on this island – Roosters and Mosquitoes!

TORTOLA'S ALARM CLOCKS

The streets are filled with the sleep-depriving roosters who roam around like they own the place – they are everywhere and they crow all day, beginning as early as 3am! Our sleep is often interrupted by these little pests and although we both consider ourselves to be animal lovers we often dream about performing some hit and runs to lower the population! The locals refer to them as “Tortola’s Alarm clocks” and assure us that we’ll get used to it. A week into our stay and this has still not happened! At least they ensure that we’re not late for work!

NEXT WEEKS DINNER!!

The mosquitoes are also adding to our sleep disruption – we are covered in bites even though we sleep with fans on and have those machines you can plug into the wall to keep them away. It’s really not pleasant (especially when you’re sunburnt and have been bitten! The locals assure us we won’t get used to them, sigh….

The birds here are pretty cool – there are lots seagulls and pelicans in the sea that dive in to catch fish and then sit with their heads in the water looking for more. Quite scary sometimes as they dive quite close to you when you’re swimming!

Other than that we’ve seen a goat, some more chickens and although we haven’t seen them we’re convinced we have rats in our roof! Not really in the same league as the big 5!!

POTENTIAL HIT AND RUN VICTIM