Iguana Blues

We're having a cold snap here in southern Florida and everyone is complaining about the 50 & 60 degree temperatures. I know, I know that seems downright balmy to those of you who have been suffering through severe snowstorms and freezing temperatures. Year round residents are shivering and trying to remember how to turn on furnaces, if they have one, but the tourists who have paid big bucks for a week or two of sun and fun are huddled on the beach in winter coats and gloves bravely baring their faces to the sunny but cold skies. After all at $400 a day you need a little sunburn to show for it. Farmers are hustling to save their crops and volunteers are handing out blankets to the homeless. Although the humans are grumbling it's the animals who are suffering.

Southern Florida is home to hundreds of tropical birds, reptiles, insects and mammals and these are having a tough time during prolonged cold spells. Zoo's handed out blankets to primates and manatees rushed to the warm waters coming out of cooling vents at the electric plants. Butterfly World gathered up 100's of their exotic flutterers and turned them loose in a heated room. but I can't do the same for the ones who brighten my back yard. I'm afraid that they will perish. One exoctic member of the landscape that might not survive a prolonged cold snap is the iguana which has made itself persona non grata. They are vegetarians and can denude your carefully cultivated landscape in nothing flat and leave only their excrement as thanks. Unlike many of my neighbors I would miss them. A few hibiscus plants is a small price to pay to see these gentle prehistoric creatures browsing in your backyard. I'd gladly cover each and everyone with a blanket but unfortunately they roost in trees.
I'm very happy to be in South Florida and wish you were, too.
I hope you have a Happy, Healthy and prosperous New Year.