Bahamian Yard Chickens

 

"Bahamian Yard Chickens" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Bahamian Yard Chickens

In the heart of Bahamian neighborhoods, where the sea breeze blows,
A curious enigma unfolds, a mystery no one truly knows.
Free roaming chickens, with feathers bright and eyes keen,
Appear around the islands, yet where they came from remains unseen.

They wander through urban streets, a part of island life,
With roosters crowing at dawn, cutting through morning's quiet strife.
As the first light glimmers, one crows to greet the day,
Another far away replies, with a call that's here to stay.
Each rooster’s voice distinct, a song in the island's air,
Creating a symphony of nature, echoing everywhere.

The Land Crabbing Industry in The Bahamas: An In-Depth Report

 

"Black Land Crab"

(Gecarcinus ruricola)

©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Land Crabbing Industry in The Bahamas: An In-Depth Report

 
Introduction

The land crabbing industry in The Bahamas is a unique and culturally significant sector of the country's economy. This industry revolves around the harvesting of land crabs, primarily the blue land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) and the black land crab (Gecarcinus ruricola). These crabs are considered a delicacy in Bahamian cuisine and play an essential role in local traditions and livelihoods. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the land crabbing industry in The Bahamas, covering its history, economic importance, ecological aspects, harvesting practices, challenges, and future prospects.

Urban Wildlife

 

"Urban Wildlife" - Bahamas video

©A. Derek Catalano

Green Iguanas

 

"Green Iguana" - AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 

"Green Iguana" - AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Green Iguana is not native to The Bahamas. It is invasive and destructive. The Rock Iguana is a native species of The Bahamas.

 

Related article: Iguana on the Park

Father's Day Crabs

 

"Father's Day Crabs" ©A. Derek Catalano

Land crabs. We catch 'em by hand. Thousand are caught in the rainy season May - June. Put them in a pen and purge them for a week or two with vegetables and fruit before eating. Steamed crabs, crab soup, crab 'n' rice, and stuffed crab - shells with crab meat baked.

Creepy Crabs

 

Crab season comes in May and June in The Bahamas. That is the beginning of the rainy season and land crabs exit their flooded burrows and are caught by hand by the thousands. Then they are shipped to Nassau from the Family islands to be sold.

When you purchase them it is best to keep them in a caged pen with fresh water and vegetables to purge them for a week. Then we boil 'em alive and eat 'em like that or make crab soup or crab and rice. Yummy.

My Grammy taught me how to catch a crab and how to hold it way back when I was about 12. You gotta be very careful or they'll snap you hard with those big, powerful claws.

Sound effects from www.free-stock-music.com

Bahama Reef Life

 

"Bahama Reef Life" ⒸA. Derek Catalano

A reef scene I did some time ago in ink and pencils. I also did another digital reef scene in Microsoft Paint.

Getcha Crabs Here!

 

"Getcha Crabs Here!" ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Ross Corner, Nassau, Bahamas. Crabs galore. Crab season comes in May and June in The Bahamas. This is the beginning of the rainy season and land crabs exit their flooded burrows and are caught by hand by the thousands on many of our family islands with Andros being the main supplier. Then they are shipped to Nassau aboard mail boats to be sold. My Grammy taught me how to catch a crab and how to hold it way back when I was about 12.

Cornered

 

"Cornered" ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Little crab on the porch in Inagua.

Here Fishy Fishy

 

 

"Here Fishy Fishy" ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Found by a park warden in the mangrove swamps at Union Creek, Inagua, Bahamas.